Approximately 40 miles from the bustle of Salt Lake City lies the hidden gem of Heber Valley. Nestled in the foothills of the impressive Wasatch Mountains and brimming with opportunities for year-round recreation, cozy lodging, and elegant dining, Heber Valley makes the perfect setting for a scenic and luxurious getaway.

Day 1

Whether planning a summer escape or a snowy winter vacation, the St. Regis Hotel at Deer Valley puts visitors within close reach of all that Heber Valley has to offer. With an ideal location in Park City at the base of the Deer Valley Resort, guests can head straight to the ski slopes in the winter, or the mountain biking and hiking trails in the summer. No matter what time of year, the St. Regis is known for its dining, exceptional spa, luxurious rooms and suites, and awe-inspiring mountain views. (For a complete guide to Heber Valley lodging options, click here).

Planning the perfect weekend in Heber Valley is all about tailoring your days around the activities of your choosing. Winter visitors at St. Regis will have ski-in, ski-out access to the slopes of Deer Valley Resort, which boasts 2,026 acres of groomed trails and more chairlifts than any other resort in Utah. Guests looking to mix it up can drive two minutes up the road to Park City Mountain Resort, where both skiers and snowboarders are welcome to enjoy the largest skiable terrain in the United States, featuring more than 300 trails.

Meanwhile, summer in Heber Valley offers opportunities for for many activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, golfing, and simply relaxing by the mountains. Head to Deer Creek State Park for some of the state’s best fishing prospects, as well as boating, sailing, windsurfing, and swimming in the mountain-ringed Deer Creek Reservoir. Jordanelle State Park, situated along the Jordanelle Reservoir outside of Heber City, provides another great option for those looking to take a dip in the water or cast a fishing line.

Golfers will be in paradise in Heber Valley, with five award-winning golf courses to choose from, each boasting incredible mountain scenery. Just north of the town of Midway, Wasatch Mountain State Park features two golf courses: the gentler Lake Course and the more challenging Mountain Course, both carved right into the mountain and marked by pleasantly cool summer temperatures.

The Wasatch Range is also home to two golf courses at Soldier Hollow, where golfers are treated to spectacular views of Heber Valley down below. In the valley itself is another beautiful golf course, Crater Springs, an 18-hole championship course that nestled between the mountains. You’ll also find dining options for the whole family, ranging from casual sandwiches to Simon’s Restaurant, which features classic American fare made with fresh, local ingredients.

After a day spent on the slopes, by the water, or out on the golf course, savor the farm-to-table cuisine and excellent wine selection at St. Regis Deer Valley’s J&G Grill. Sample fresh meats, fish and salads from the menu designed by famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and sip a glass of wine, craft beer, or a specialty cocktail all while taking in the mountain views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. For the true wine aficionado, spend the evening in the St. Regis Wine Vault tasting from its cellar of more than 14,000 bottles.

Day 2

The next day, save time for the most unique experience Heber Valley has to offer: Homestead Crater. Located in the town of Midway, this geothermal spring is enclosed by 55-foot tall limestone walls and stays within a perfect temperature range of 90 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit every day of the year. The crater’s opening brings in fresh air and a stream of sunlight, making Homestead Crater an ideal setting for a mineral-water soak, scuba diving, snorkeling, or a guided paddleboard yoga session.

Visitors enter the crater through the rock tunnel constructed from the ground level of the property, then walk down to the wooden decks alongside the spring for easy access to the water. Bring a bathing suit for a therapeutic soak in the spring, or rent snorkeling equipment to explore beneath the surface. Experienced scuba divers can enjoy the warm waters on their own, while those interested in taking lessons and getting certified can do so in Homestead Crater as well.

After visiting Homestead Crater, indulge in an equally unique dining experience at the Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant in Midway. This one-of-a-kind restaurant has earned an exceptionally high Zagat rating of 26, as well as the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. With an elegant combination of classic European and American styles, the ambiance of the Blue Boar Inn sets the scene for five-star cuisine. Executive Chef Eric May mirrors this European and American fusion with the three-course menu, which changes seasonally to feature the freshest ingredients and herbs from the Inn’s garden. Enjoy your evening in the formal dining room or al fresco on the restaurant’s Hinterhof outdoor patio in the summer.

Looking to create your perfect weekend in Heber Valley? Check out its schedule of events to see just how much there is to do.