PARK CITY, Utah — Deer Valley Resort has officially revealed its 2025–26 ski trail map, and it’s not just a stunning work of art — it’s also a glimpse into the mountain’s ambitious future.
The map, painted by renowned ski-map artist Rad Smith, showcases Deer Valley’s largest-ever expansion, featuring seven new lifts, more than 80 new trails, and a sprawling 4,300-acre footprint that nearly doubles the resort’s size. But eagle-eyed skiers will also notice a subtle “Easter egg” — a shaded area hinting at what’s to come for the 2026–27 season.
The Artist Behind the Map
For Smith, who grew up watching Bob Ross paint “happy trees,” painting thousands of tiny pine trees for Deer Valley’s vast new layout became both an artistic triumph and a test of patience.
“Painting trees is my nemesis at this point,” Smith joked.
Smith, who lives in Montana, is known for carrying on the legacy of legendary ski-cartographer James Niehues, his mentor. Smith previously painted the 2024–25 Park City Mountain map and collaborated on Deer Valley’s 2024 East Village updates, which introduced three new lifts and about 20 runs.
Creating the new map was far more complex. “When I saw Deer Valley’s master plan, I thought, ‘I’ll have to go 30,000 feet up just to fit it all in,’” he said.
A New Era for Deer Valley
The expansion adds over 2,000 acres of new terrain, including Utah’s new longest run, Green Monster, stretching 4.8 miles. The updated map includes the new East Village Gondola, which connects to Park Peak, the site of a future lodge and ski school.
Resort officials praised Smith’s work for balancing artistry and functionality:
“Smith’s artistry preserves the timeless character of ski maps while incorporating modern details that help guests easily navigate the expanded resort footprint.”
To maintain accuracy, Smith studied hundreds of drone photos, satellite images, and topographical data. The challenge wasn’t just the scale — it was ensuring the massive terrain still looked natural and could fit into a standard, foldable ski map.
A Hidden Hint for 2026–27
Skiers exploring the new map may notice a shaded area labeled “Hail Peak” on the far left. Smith confirmed that it’s not a mistake — it’s a subtle preview of another major expansion planned for the 2026–27 season.
“It’s kind of like an Easter egg,” Smith said with a grin. “In the back of my mind, it feels like job security a little bit — they’ll need another map.”
When the Season Begins
Deer Valley will open to season passholders on November 29, with the public opening on December 1, 2025. The expanded resort promises to redefine the ski experience in Utah — offering more runs, new lodges, and terrain that blends advanced alpine adventure with family-friendly options.
For both art enthusiasts and powder hounds, Rad Smith’s new map is more than just a guide — it’s a preview of Deer Valley’s next chapter.
