Growing up in Utah, I have always been surrounded by the mountain scenery. It’s not until I leave the friendly confines of Utah or ski at Deer Valley Resort until I really appreciate what I get to see every day. Recently I headed out on the slopes with a friend from North Carolina named Cash. All day Cash was raving about the incredible views at Deer Valley.

Cash is a strong skier and you could say that I still have a few things to learn. We stuck to green and easy blue ski runs for most of the day. During lunch at Empire Canyon Grill, where I introduced Cash to the famous Deer Valley Turkey Chili, we started planning new runs we hadn’t skied. Cash assured me I was ready for more difficult terrain.

Using the new Deer Valley Resort App we scouted out the best places to take my skiing to the next level. We started off and took Empire Express chairlift to the Orion ski run. Cash and I were taken aback by the amazing view at the top.

The view made me forget I was about to embark on a double blue ski run, the most difficult run I had ever attempted on skis. When I passed the sign that said Orion I thought it was only appropriate my first double blue to be named Orion, a name so close to mine. Right before I made the turn to totally commit to the ski run I thought to myself “OhhhhRyan what are you doing?” And got a good laugh.

After making it down in one piece my skiing confidence was at an all-time high. Cash and I made our way over to Little Baldy Mountain to take on our next double blue ski run. After taking Ruby and Homestake chairlifts we found ourselves at the base of the Mountaineer Express chairlift after a few runs. We took Mountaineer chairlift to the top of Little Baldy Mountain.Taking a left off the chairlift we made our way down the Jordanelle ski run, our second double blue of the day. The top of the run is lined by homes to skier’s right. Once we passed the homes the view becomes breathtaking. The white snow paired with the Jordanelle Reservoir made for an incredible sight. We were clearly not the only ones who thought the view was incredible. Two sets of skiers were pulled off to the side taking pictures. We couldn’t help but stop and take pictures of our own. One skier offered to take our picture after Cash struck up a quick conversation with the gentleman.

From the views to the terrain, this was the peak of our ski day. According to my Deer Valley app this was also the fastest I skied all day, 39 MPH. What are your favorite views from around Deer Valley? Share your thought with me in the comments below or on social media @RyanMayfield on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.