When I was young, I visited Deer Valley with my parents and siblings. We only went once, but I still remember specific things about the Park City area resort.

We woke up early enough to have breakfast at one of the resort’s many fine dining establishments and I apparently had the best French toast I’ve ever tasted. Of course, I don’t remember anything about the restaurant, or what the French toast tasted like, only that my dad ranted about the French toast for days — years — afterward so it had to have been good.

“First Class” was a well-established feeling throughout the resort. That feeling could be because Deer Valley is one of three resorts in the country that is a skiers-only resort (sorry, boarders). I remember thinking as a child that because I had visited Deer Valley, I had made it. The only other thing I remember — I was quite young — was that it was unbelievably cold and windy and my parents were unbelievably excited to be at Deer Valley.

Ten years later …

I now realize I didn’t quite understand the true significance of the Deer Valley experience at a young age, especially after re-visiting the resort in the prime of its spring skiing season.

Going in, I knew the bare minimum about Deer Valley. I knew it was in Park City, that it was a world-renowned resort, and was generally known as one of the more expensive ski resorts in Utah. But, as I met fellow Deer Valley enthusiasts, I realized the Deer Valley experience was something more than I could have imagined.

As my ski buddy and I traveled down the mountain, we ran into local Utah Valley residents skiing down to Ruby Express.

The Kimballs, local Provo-ites, were skiing Deer Valley as a family. Their youngest, 4-year-old Harry, didn’t put up a fuss as he skied down the beginner hill in his bright green jumpsuit. Harry made sure we understood exactly why he was on the hill that day. “I like to ski because I get medals. I have nine gold medals,” he said.

As we made our way to the top of the Empire lift, the only lift from which you can see Park City Mountain Resort, we hitched a ride with two Oklahoma fellows, exploring the great outdoors. They complimented Utah on its extreme beauty. But, though they loved the mountains and the perfect snow, they were quite concerned about the food fare in Park City. Lucky for them, Deer Valley, in my humble opinion, has the best food on-hill for a Utah ski resort.

As we reached the top of the Empire lift, the tallest peak in Deer Valley, a group of women were gathered on the edge of the double-black moguls run, smiling for a picture. I looked closer and spied a small veil atop one of the women’s helmets.

Laughing, they told us they had journeyed to Deer Valley for a bachelorette party. Sara Dewey, the bride, told me she came “for the Deer Valley experience!” Her friends later popped in and added, “And because it’s her favorite place to ski.”

As we headed down the run, slicing through the fresh, cold powder, we met a few Chicagoans who had traveled quite the distance to ski.

Gabby, 12, told me about her ski day. “My favorite part about skiing at Deer Valley is having fun and being with my family.”

Sydney, 11, also explained why she liked skiing at Deer Valley. “I like being with my family and I like doing all the fun little runs, doing jumps and all that stuff. The snow is fresh and I’m loving it!”

After interacting with people from all over the country, and hearing many different accents and languages, I conceded. Deer Valley had completely raised my expectations for any ski resort in Utah. And I ended up agreeing, wholeheartedly, with my new ski acquaintances from the day: I came for the Deer Valley experience, and left never wanting to quit experiencing Deer Valley.

Hopefully I won’t have to wait another 10 years to ski the resort, but until then: Stay classy, Deer Valley.

If you go:

Deer Valley

Where: 2250 Deer Valley Drive South, Park City

Lift prices: $108 for an adult full-day pass, $77 for seniors, $68 for children ages 4-12, $22 for tots ages 3 and under. $90 for an afternoon adult pass, $65 for seniors, $56 for children and $19 for tots.

Info: (800) 424-3337, DeerValley.com