Ski Magazine moved its No. 1 ranking a few miles from Powder Mountain to Snowbasin this year. But the real news for us is how far Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain have fallen in the magazine’s estimation.Make that Ski Magazine’s readers’ rankings, ouch. Deer Valley once was a reliable No. 1, while Park City Mountain has risen and sunk over the years.Still, both remain among the top 30 in North America, at least.The article about the rankings, published Wednesday, acknowledged the variety of ski hills out there, and that perfection for one skier is something not so much for another.“Let’s face it: Rankings are by nature an imperfect science,” as author Samantha Berman put it. “Comparing places like ski resorts — each with their own unique terrain offerings, services, and local vibes — doesn’t always make sense. Yet we persist, because we know that choosing the right ski vacation isn’t exactly clear-cut. Some resorts really are better for families, others have precious little lodging and amenities, and a few have the kind of extreme terrain that attracts our sport’s most hardcore athletes.”Deer Valley dropped from No. 9 to No. 14, and Park City Mountain fell from No. 15 to No. 29.  Solitude rose from not making the ranking last year to No. 8, and Alta rose from No. 7 to No. 5. Snowbird went from No. 13 to No. 12.Park City Mountain celebrated their 60th anniversary season at their opening day on Nov. 17, 2023. Opening day this year is Nov. 22.Park City Mountain was touted for access and lodging, and took hits for value and its lifts.“Readers were frustrated with the lift network and the ensuing crowds at various choke points around the mountain,” Ski said. “This isn’t surprising given the drama that took place last year, when a group of locals successfully quashed a couple of planned lift replacements.”But also: “Vibrant Park City, with its excellent dining, après, and nightlife, is lauded by even the crankiest skiers. There’s lodging for all budgets, restaurants for all tastes, and plenty to do off the slopes, from shopping and gallery-browsing to tubing and even bobsledding. ‘You couldn’t ask for a better location and town — the old mining town aesthetic is so cool.’”Deer Valley’s legendary hospitality earned its usual high marks, but value and challenge served as Achilles’ heels.Bad news for snowboarders, too: “Deer Valley skiers are unabashedly in favor of the resort’s no-snowboarders rule, and is a big reason why some hardcore DV fans return year after year.”“The upscale amenities and ambience can be pricey, and most feel that Deer Valley has gotten more crowded since coming on board with Ikon in 2018. That said, an additional base village is in the works, with portions of the new terrain opening this season. When complete, the expansion will double the resort’s skiable acres, every single one of which will remain snowboard-free.”New No. 1 Snowbasin was praised for access and lifts. Unsurprisingly, it took hits for nightlife and lodging, since there isn’t any.“The resort combines easy access, a fast lift network, and reliable snow coverage with great customer service that’s focused on the quality of the ski experience. In an age where crowded slopes and long lift lines dominate the conversation every winter, this effort didn’t go unnoticed,” Ski noted.But what happened to Powder Mountain? Was it the mountain or the magazine rankings themselves? How did it go from No. 1 last year to nowhere, unranked this year?As the magazine says, this is an imperfect science, at best. Well, not science at all, really. Still fun.Meantime, Conde Nast Traveler readers ranked Deer Valley No. 2, squeezed between Snowmass at No. 1 and Aspen Mountain at No. 2. Park City weighed in at No. 15. The only other Utah ski mountain in these rankings was Snowbird, at No. 30. The post Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain drop in Ski Magazine rankings; Snowbasin No. 1 appeared first on Park Record.