Step one: land in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Step two: take in your surroundings (snow-capped mountains? Check. Reminiscent Olympic vibe? Check. Church of Latter Day Saints? Undetected, which is unfortunate because they make the best commercials ever).
Step three: make the winding, 30-minute drive up to the Deer Valley ski resort area and check in at Black Bear Lodge.
And thanks to Resorts West and the fine folks of Park City, I made the Black Bear Lodge home for a few days — the perfect spot to explore local skiing, shopping, restaurants and watering holes.
THE GOOD
Sitting firmly at 7,200′ elevation, midway up the mountain, Black Bear Lodge is right in the heart of the Deer Valley resort. It’s steps from one of the most established rental shops in the state (go out the front doors, turn left, stay on the same side of the road and walk about one minute) and only a few steps more to a chair lift.
You’ll feel nestled into a cozy, little ski village. With lovely views both up and down the windy road that leads you to the Lodge.
The condos here are what I call rustic-luxe. They have that whole cowboy-goes-to-Hollywood-and-buys-a-ROLEX thing happening — which is fitting since this is where Robert Redford’s famous Sundance Film Festival is held each year (Park City, that is; not the Black Bear Lodge itself). It’s not hard to get comfortable in these condos, and the luxury feels relaxed and understated, but it’s definitely high-end.
Each condo has a balcony with a hot tub, which is refilled daily and heated by 4 p.m., ready for all your après needs. If you have a room with a great view, you’ll love tubbing at night with all of Deer Valley’s lights in the distance. It’s ridiculously pretty.

Your condo’s also fully equipped with a kitchen and dining room. A full-sized fridge, oven/stove, double sink and enough pots, pans, plates, glassware and cutlery for even the biggest family. OK, maybe not The Duggars or anything, but you get my drift.
Black Bear Lodge beds are very comfortable. And huge. I had a king bed all to myself (glorious!), and it was perched so high that I had to jump up to get into it. There were so many covers that I actually got too warm some nights, which is unusual for me because I’m that girl with perpetually cold feet.
Each room will also have its own ensuite, and then there was a communal third bathroom in our two-bedroom condo as well. The toiletries provided were nice, too.
I loved the decor. As I mentioned, Black Bear Lodge Deer Valley has a very rustic look and feel. I’m talking horns on the walls, wheat sheaf art, a stone hearth and bedframes made out of actual logs. It’s got high-end, back-country cabin written all over it.
You can bring your ski gear right into the condo and keep it in the front hall. No storage lockers necessary. And I much prefer this — so much more convenient than traipsing a family’s worth of skis and poles to and from a locker.
So. Much. Space. This is definitely one of the biggest condos I’ve stayed in. Between the two bedrooms and living room pullout sofa, you could sleep seven people. Then there are the three bathrooms I mentioned, plus the living room, dining room and kitchen. And two huge balconies. You won’t be tripping over yourselves or be hard-pressed to find space to unpack at Black Bear Lodge. It also means you’ll really be able to relax here. I know I did.
It’s a little thing, but I need to note how good the elevator is. It mostly seemed to open the second I pushed the button or was there in less than a minute otherwise.
There was a beautiful heated outdoor pool not 10 paces from our condo door:
Even the lobby was a nice spot to sit and read a magazine or newspaper, have a coffee and generally just plunk oneself in front of a roaring fire.
THE GAFFE
Get ready to spend. This is not econo-lodging. Black Bear Lodge’s rustic luxe-ness doesn’t come cheap. Your budget will need to handle anywhere from US$800 to $2,300 per night for one of these condos. And while I don’t ordinarily consider price a gaffe just because it’s on the higher-than-average side, I do believe that you should get premium service and experiences for a premium price tag. For an average nightly stay of US$1,500, I would expect a set of robes and slippers in each bathroom along with daily housekeeping. Without robes, it made it much colder trying to get to the pool across the hall or to après with friends on another floor. The absence of daily housekeeping meant beds weren’t made when we came back from skiing nor did we have fresh dishes to use when we wanted to eat in the condo.
The bathrooms could use a design update. But more important is the hot water situation. I was having a shower one day, and not five minutes in, I lost all the hot water. It was sudden, and IT WAS COLD. I stepped out and left it the water running for several more minutes in hope of it being just a fluctuation, but I didn’t get any hot water back. Strangely, I turned on the tap and got hot water immediately.
Black Bear Lodge is not a ski-in and -out property, though it comes close. However, with small kids in tow, you will have to carry all of your gear to the chair lift.
For visitors arriving “after hours,” you need to know that Black Bear Lodge is operated by two property management companies: Wyndham Vacation Rentals and Resorts West. Because it’s not a hotel per se, there isn’t someone at the front desk 24/7. So if you aren’t planning to arrive between, say, 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., be sure you get the check-in details from whomever you’ve booked the condo. Not exactly ideal but if you arrive knowing your check-in will differ slightly, it won’t be as much of a pain.
THE GEARS
4/5
loucheryl says
Oh my goodness! I just love the stone fireplace and the hot tub outside! This would be an amazing getaway for me and my hubby!
loucheryl says
Oh my goodness! I just love the stone fireplace and the hot tub outside! This would be an amazing getaway for me and my hubby!
Caryn Coates says
Wow, this place looks absolutely beautiful. That fireplace and hot tub Ohhhh My
Caryn Coates says
Wow, this place looks absolutely beautiful. That fireplace and hot tub Ohhhh My
cottagebunny says
That stone fireplace and THAT hot tub! Wow! This place is a dream to stay at.
cottagebunny says
That stone fireplace and THAT hot tub! Wow! This place is a dream to stay at.
The Minimalist Mama says
What a beautiful lodge This is definitely up our alley. We would love to check it out some day.
The Minimalist Mama says
What a beautiful lodge This is definitely up our alley. We would love to check it out some day.
Jenny (@jnylala) says
I love the cozy vibe of this place! It seems perfect being that it is cozy but also luxurious. And that king bed? Nothing is better than a homey place with a big king sized bed to come “home” to after a long day out in the snow.
Jenny (@jnylala) says
I love the cozy vibe of this place! It seems perfect being that it is cozy but also luxurious. And that king bed? Nothing is better than a homey place with a big king sized bed to come “home” to after a long day out in the snow.
Brad Kinchen says
I have never been here but I have been to Jackson Hole in Wyoming and talk about fun! Too bad the exchange rate is a killer right now.
Brad Kinchen says
I have never been here but I have been to Jackson Hole in Wyoming and talk about fun! Too bad the exchange rate is a killer right now.
andrea amy (@mommy2fiveboys) says
It looks beautiful but the Gaffes are pretty important! No daily housekeeping? For that price? That’s crazy talk!
andrea amy (@mommy2fiveboys) says
It looks beautiful but the Gaffes are pretty important! No daily housekeeping? For that price? That’s crazy talk!
Angela Mitchell says
Yowza that’s quite the price!! It looks beautiful and cozy though.
Angela Mitchell says
Yowza that’s quite the price!! It looks beautiful and cozy though.
Lisa (@lisaleesaa) says
I love how you described this lodge as “rustic-luxe”. I’d love to stay at a place like this… especially one that has a personal hot tub.
Lisa (@lisaleesaa) says
I love how you described this lodge as “rustic-luxe”. I’d love to stay at a place like this… especially one that has a personal hot tub.
vinci777 says
Great outdoor pics and the fireplace is so cozy looking. Yes, the price is high. but worth it
vinci777 says
Great outdoor pics and the fireplace is so cozy looking. Yes, the price is high. but worth it
Jenn Erin says
Good to hear that the condo is huge! It’s a must for a family with a lot of snow equipment. I have yet to stay in a place that has a hot tub on the balcony! I would be in there everyday!
Jenn Erin says
Good to hear that the condo is huge! It’s a must for a family with a lot of snow equipment. I have yet to stay in a place that has a hot tub on the balcony! I would be in there everyday!
Carolyn says
The Annual National Sweepstakes Convention was in Salt Lake in 2013. This looks so much more inviting. Looks like I am due to make another trip to Utah!
Carolyn says
The Annual National Sweepstakes Convention was in Salt Lake in 2013. This looks so much more inviting. Looks like I am due to make another trip to Utah!
Debbie Paisley says
Love the pictures. Looks like an awesome lodge. The hot tub look very inviting.
Debbie Paisley says
Love the pictures. Looks like an awesome lodge. The hot tub look very inviting.
christinetopley says
I wouldn’t visit to go skiiing. It would be just a quiet retreat to regroup and refresh the batteries. Love the cabin, just my style! Ohhhh and the pool, my gosh, I’d be in heaven. Now only to win the lotto -lol-
christinetopley says
I wouldn’t visit to go skiiing. It would be just a quiet retreat to regroup and refresh the batteries. Love the cabin, just my style! Ohhhh and the pool, my gosh, I’d be in heaven. Now only to win the lotto -lol-
Soozle (Suzanne K) says
I am not much of a skier but this sounds lovely! The hot tub on the balcony would be where I situated myself lol 🙂
Soozle (Suzanne K) says
I am not much of a skier but this sounds lovely! The hot tub on the balcony would be where I situated myself lol 🙂
Tricia Cooper says
Your pics are great! Those rooms look really nice with the hot tub and the pool not too far away. I agree with you about the cost of the room and what you get for it — it seems like there should have been more amenities included in the price.
Tricia Cooper says
Your pics are great! Those rooms look really nice with the hot tub and the pool not too far away. I agree with you about the cost of the room and what you get for it — it seems like there should have been more amenities included in the price.
June M says
Each suite with a balcony and a hot tub! So blissful. Plus they ensure the hot tub is heated by 4pm. I am so there
June M says
Each suite with a balcony and a hot tub! So blissful. Plus they ensure the hot tub is heated by 4pm. I am so there
Krista Miller (@MillerKrazy) says
Absolutely gorgeous! A dream come true getaway! But WAY out of my price league.. there’s no way that dream is coming true for me!
Krista Miller (@MillerKrazy) says
Absolutely gorgeous! A dream come true getaway! But WAY out of my price league.. there’s no way that dream is coming true for me!
BeyondtheTech (@BeyondtheTech) says
Really nice lodge. I’d probably spend most of the time in that hot tub and just relax.
BeyondtheTech (@BeyondtheTech) says
Really nice lodge. I’d probably spend most of the time in that hot tub and just relax.
caryn s says
Wow i wish i had more of a budget to travel as this place is beautiful!
caryn s says
Wow i wish i had more of a budget to travel as this place is beautiful!
Nate says
nice place but a bit pricy
Nate says
nice place but a bit pricy
Clair Palmer says
woah that looks so beautiful, I don’t ski but that looks amazing to get away and just take a hike but to sit in that hot tub love it
Clair Palmer says
woah that looks so beautiful, I don’t ski but that looks amazing to get away and just take a hike but to sit in that hot tub love it
akbulbeck says
Looks nice, even for a non skier.
akbulbeck says
Looks nice, even for a non skier.
Doris H says
This looks so serene….would be a fabulous getaway.
Doris H says
This looks so serene….would be a fabulous getaway.
Sande says
Doesn’t this look like a great getaway destination!
Sande says
Doesn’t this look like a great getaway destination!
Emily Hull says
The cost is a bit out of my budget but I would love to stay here if I could. That hot tub with that view! Amazing!
Emily Hull says
The cost is a bit out of my budget but I would love to stay here if I could. That hot tub with that view! Amazing!
Maryanne says
I don’t ski but count in in on that hottub!!
Maryanne says
I don’t ski but count in in on that hottub!!
pinksuzanne says
The views are gorgeous however I am not a skier and I really do not care for snow so I can’t imagine going there.
pinksuzanne says
The views are gorgeous however I am not a skier and I really do not care for snow so I can’t imagine going there.
christina rogers says
thats absolutely heavenly. i would love to be there
christina rogers says
thats absolutely heavenly. i would love to be there
Michelle L says
thank you
Michelle L says
thank you
Allen Durrant says
That looks so beautiful!
Allen Durrant says
That looks so beautiful!
Rachel says
I love your description on the lodge being rustic-luxe.
Rachel says
I love your description on the lodge being rustic-luxe.
aliyadaya says
Love the rustic, western look of the place; and its not too far for us to travel to.
aliyadaya says
Love the rustic, western look of the place; and its not too far for us to travel to.
Beth says
That hot tub! Looks heavenly.
Beth says
That hot tub! Looks heavenly.
Stefany says
That looks absolutely amazing. I would love to go there with my husband!
Stefany says
That looks absolutely amazing. I would love to go there with my husband!
Eliz says
Just looking at the hot tub makes me want to be there NOW…
Eliz says
Just looking at the hot tub makes me want to be there NOW…
ALICIA D MILLETTE says
This looks sooo cozy!!
ALICIA D MILLETTE says
This looks sooo cozy!!
Rosa Cross says
I love the stone fireplace and the hot tub.
Rosa Cross says
I love the stone fireplace and the hot tub.
Karla (@ksceviour) says
oh my goodness,,this has me dreaming of a nice cozy getaway! It looks so relaxing and beautiful!
Karla (@ksceviour) says
oh my goodness,,this has me dreaming of a nice cozy getaway! It looks so relaxing and beautiful!
jay nelson says
I love outdoor mountain hot tubs and pools. I enjoy just relaxing and watching the water vapour.
jay nelson says
I love outdoor mountain hot tubs and pools. I enjoy just relaxing and watching the water vapour.
spamgirl says
It looks like an amazing place to stay!
spamgirl says
It looks like an amazing place to stay!
Erin W says
That is an amazing room, but holy pricey! I can’t believe there’s no housekeeping.
Erin W says
That is an amazing room, but holy pricey! I can’t believe there’s no housekeeping.
Ann Demill says
Love that fireplace! This would be a fantastic getaway
Ann Demill says
Love that fireplace! This would be a fantastic getaway
Deborah P. says
Wow it is beautiful I have been interested in Utah with its old west ties and gorgeous wild spaces. It must have been a great experience for you and your family! It reminds me a little of Banff Alberta. Working on getting my passport so I can visit the states. Great photos.!
Deborah P. says
Wow it is beautiful I have been interested in Utah with its old west ties and gorgeous wild spaces. It must have been a great experience for you and your family! It reminds me a little of Banff Alberta. Working on getting my passport so I can visit the states. Great photos.!
sarah alexis says
This looks like a dream vacation!
sarah alexis says
This looks like a dream vacation!
Christy Eldred says
Looks gorgeous – just the kind of space I would want!
Christy Eldred says
Looks gorgeous – just the kind of space I would want!
Carole Dube says
Looks like a great resort, I did cross country skiing years ago, try down hill skying and it scared me…lol
Carole Dube says
Looks like a great resort, I did cross country skiing years ago, try down hill skying and it scared me…lol
Shelley Hickey says
I don’t ski but I could definitely spend some time at this resort!! It looks amamzing!!
Shelley Hickey says
I don’t ski but I could definitely spend some time at this resort!! It looks amamzing!!
Janet M says
The resort look so lovely and would be fun to visit.
Janet M says
The resort look so lovely and would be fun to visit.
Gord says
This lodge is the type of accommodations we would enjoy a lot when we travel. However the prices are too far from our budget to allow a visit.
Gord says
This lodge is the type of accommodations we would enjoy a lot when we travel. However the prices are too far from our budget to allow a visit.
Judy Cowan says
Looks like an amazing place, that hot tub looks so inviting!!!
Judy Cowan says
Looks like an amazing place, that hot tub looks so inviting!!!
Elizabeth Vlug says
Woozers, that is expensive. Maybe if I win the lottery. But that place looks amazing!!! Those views. Would love to visit Utah one day.
Elizabeth Vlug says
Woozers, that is expensive. Maybe if I win the lottery. But that place looks amazing!!! Those views. Would love to visit Utah one day.
Treen Goodwin says
wow this looks like an awesome place , i have never went skiing before , but the place is gorgeous 🙂
Treen Goodwin says
wow this looks like an awesome place , i have never went skiing before , but the place is gorgeous 🙂
Jennifer Alger Morse says
The view from that hot tub though….
Jennifer Alger Morse says
The view from that hot tub though….
Debbie S. says
Oh my goodness that looks inviting. I haven’t skied in years but I could easily relax in front of that fireplace. hubby would love to get some skis on!
Debbie S. says
Oh my goodness that looks inviting. I haven’t skied in years but I could easily relax in front of that fireplace. hubby would love to get some skis on!
Darlene Demell says
Looks like a very nice place for a holiday. I love the bed too.
Darlene Demell says
Looks like a very nice place for a holiday. I love the bed too.
Kam says
Looks really cozy!!!
Kam says
Looks really cozy!!!
LeslieC says
I love skiing but I live in MB!
LeslieC says
I love skiing but I live in MB!
nicole a says
I prefer ski-in/out but love this rustic interior!
nicole a says
I prefer ski-in/out but love this rustic interior!
Josh S says
Looks like a nice place to stay.
Josh S says
Looks like a nice place to stay.
nicolthepickle- Nicole Graham says
Wow, this place looks lovely, especially that heated pool. It would be perfect after a day of skiing.
nicolthepickle- Nicole Graham says
Wow, this place looks lovely, especially that heated pool. It would be perfect after a day of skiing.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
I’m really not a winter person, I don’t ski, skate or participate in any other winter sport activities. This is a gorgeous lodge with wonderful amenities but well above what I’d be willing to spend to be there. 🙂
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
I’m really not a winter person, I don’t ski, skate or participate in any other winter sport activities. This is a gorgeous lodge with wonderful amenities but well above what I’d be willing to spend to be there. 🙂
Lynda Cook says
I don’t ski, but this place looks amazing..except for the cold water in the shower, that would give you a wake up call..lol
Lynda Cook says
I don’t ski, but this place looks amazing..except for the cold water in the shower, that would give you a wake up call..lol
Catherine Robichaud says
Sound like a lovely place to stay although way out of my price range. Maybe someday I’ll win the lottery and be able to check it out.
Catherine Robichaud says
Sound like a lovely place to stay although way out of my price range. Maybe someday I’ll win the lottery and be able to check it out.
Lisa Adriana says
A real sanctuary health and wealth as themes. wish I could afford this.
Lisa Adriana says
A real sanctuary health and wealth as themes. wish I could afford this.
Violet Smith says
I am not a winter person but would love to visit in the spring or summer. It looks absolutely beautiful
Violet Smith says
I am not a winter person but would love to visit in the spring or summer. It looks absolutely beautiful
Jason Kinnin says
Ski and hot tub perfect combo!
Jason Kinnin says
Ski and hot tub perfect combo!
Kristy says
I like rustic-luxe! A hot tub on the patio and heated pool? Sounds great! But I agree, I’m limiting my time in the US until we are post-Trump.
Kristy says
I like rustic-luxe! A hot tub on the patio and heated pool? Sounds great! But I agree, I’m limiting my time in the US until we are post-Trump.
AndreaK says
I’d love to visit Utah someday (maybe when Trump is a distant memory…might just stay in Canada until then, LOL).
AndreaK says
I’d love to visit Utah someday (maybe when Trump is a distant memory…might just stay in Canada until then, LOL).
Matthew says
The balcony with the hot tub looks so inviting!
Matthew says
The balcony with the hot tub looks so inviting!
Tammi L. says
We stayed at a wonderful place in Tofino that each had it’s own hot tub too… LOVE it! There isn’t much better than sitting in wonderful warm water looking out at the pristine snow!
Tammi L. says
We stayed at a wonderful place in Tofino that each had it’s own hot tub too… LOVE it! There isn’t much better than sitting in wonderful warm water looking out at the pristine snow!
Matt Sanchez says
Already planning our trip here for next year thanks to this review 🙂
Matt Sanchez says
Already planning our trip here for next year thanks to this review 🙂
Debbie Bashford says
what a beautiful spot
Debbie Bashford says
what a beautiful spot
Amie says
Wow ! This place sounds great ! A little pricey maybe , but i love my own hot tub , i mean that is fantastic , i don’t always want to soak and relax with other guests , and i love it has a pretty view ! The big rooms with the kitchen and dinning area are a perk to ! I hate a small room on vacation , when i am in my room I want to be just as relaxed as the rest of my vacation ! Looks like a great place over all !
Amie says
Wow ! This place sounds great ! A little pricey maybe , but i love my own hot tub , i mean that is fantastic , i don’t always want to soak and relax with other guests , and i love it has a pretty view ! The big rooms with the kitchen and dinning area are a perk to ! I hate a small room on vacation , when i am in my room I want to be just as relaxed as the rest of my vacation ! Looks like a great place over all !
Doris Calvert says
Now that’s my kid of place, we stay in one just like it in Banff, AB & Jasper, AB every year, I love the log look and in Banff you can stay in your own cabin or the lodge and it’s a duplicate, more money but worth every penny, way cheaper than the US price a cabin runs at $400 pr night but you have to book a year in advance and a min of 3 nights. This place looks and sounds amazing!
Doris Calvert says
Now that’s my kid of place, we stay in one just like it in Banff, AB & Jasper, AB every year, I love the log look and in Banff you can stay in your own cabin or the lodge and it’s a duplicate, more money but worth every penny, way cheaper than the US price a cabin runs at $400 pr night but you have to book a year in advance and a min of 3 nights. This place looks and sounds amazing!
kristen visser says
holy cow now THAT is a lodge!! I would have no problem staying there and probably wouldn’t wanna leave! looks gorgeous and I love the interior <3 so cozy. I am not an outdoorsey person but would totally get out there at a resort such as this
kristen visser says
holy cow now THAT is a lodge!! I would have no problem staying there and probably wouldn’t wanna leave! looks gorgeous and I love the interior <3 so cozy. I am not an outdoorsey person but would totally get out there at a resort such as this
JoKing says
I am not a skier but this looks like a perfect winter hideaway.
JoKing says
I am not a skier but this looks like a perfect winter hideaway.