OverHerd at Deer Valley: S3, E6
Inside Deer Valley’s Expansion with Ski Patrol
Published March 10, 2025
The mountain doesn’t open itself—behind every new ski run and chairlift, there’s a dedicated team making it happen. In this episode of OverHerd at Deer Valley, host Kaylin Richardson sits down with Mark Chytka, Deer Valley’s Avalanche Mitigation Supervisor and Mountain Operations Safety Coordinator, to discuss the extensive work Ski Patrol is doing to prepare the resort’s expanded terrain—both for this season and next year’s massive expansion.
Mark takes us behind the scenes of what it takes to make new terrain safe and skiable, from avalanche control to unexpected weather challenges. He also shares his passion for mental health advocacy and his role in The Paradise Paradox documentary, which sheds light on the struggles faced by those living and working in mountain towns.
Tune in for a deep dive into mountain safety, terrain expansion, and the importance of mental well-being in the ski industry. Don't forget to subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights from the people who make Deer Valley one of the best ski resorts in the world.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Short on time? Dive into our podcast highlights at a glance!
BLOWING UP SNOW IS A REAL JOB
As a kid watching Warren Miller ski films, Mark saw a clip of avalanche control and instantly knew what he wanted to do. That dream became reality—he now spends his days throwing explosives, studying snowpacks, and making sure terrain is safe for skiers.
DEER VALLEY’S TERRAIN IS EXPANDING—BIG TIME
Deer Valley recently added 300 acres and three new lifts, and even bigger changes are on the horizon. By the 2025–26 season, the resort will have seven new lifts and over 2,000 acres of new terrain, effectively doubling in size.
AVALANCHE MITIGATION IS A SCIENCE AND AN ART
Mark and his team constantly monitor the snowpack for stability, looking for signs like “faceting,” which weakens snow layers. They dig pits, study slope angles, and even read the trees to identify avalanche-prone areas. It’s not just about explosives—it’s serious science.
NEW TERRAIN MEANS NEW CHALLENGES
The newly added terrain has changed how Deer Valley's Ski Patrol Team operates—from end-of-day sweeps to lift failure responses. They are learning all the nuances of this expanded mountain landscape, and it’s a steep but exciting learning curve.
THE NEW STUFF IS LEGIT—AND ADVANCED
While lower areas still feature the classic blue groomers Deer Valley is known for, the upper terrain is a whole new game. Think steep chutes, big trees, rocks, and cliff bands. Mark compares it to “X-Files times three.” Get ready for Hellcat, Nemesis, and Redemption—names that promise thrills.
YES, THEY THROW BOMBS
The Deer Valley Ski Patrol Team uses two-pound penlight charges, either thrown by hand or deployed with pulley systems called bomb trolleys. And yes, they follow the rule: plug your ears, keep your mouth open. The shockwaves are no joke!
WIND IS THEIR BIGGEST WEATHER NEMESIS
Southwest winds are the most problematic, creating cornices and dangerous snow build-ups. Wind direction often determines which avalanche paths are most at risk during and after a storm.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS—AND IT’S CHANGING THE CULTURE
Mark is a proud mental health champion. After years in a “tough guy” culture, he’s helping shift the narrative. He’s part of a resilience team, encouraging open conversations and emotional check-ins after traumatic calls. Vulnerability, he says, is strength.
IT’S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY
Mark’s advice to anyone struggling: reach out and talk. You don’t need to be a professional to help someone—just listening and saying “that really sucks” can make a difference. Mountain life can be tough, and no one should have to go through it alone.
THERE’S PLENTY OF ADVENTURE WITHOUT LEAVING THE RESORT
With 2,000+ acres of new terrain opening, Mark says there's less reason than ever to go into the backcountry. Stay safe, stay in bounds, and enjoy all the powder, steeps, and trees Deer Valley now has to offer—no hike required.
For real-time updates on Deer Valley's terrain openings and avalanche mitigation, check out the Mountain Report. And if you're interested in avalanche education, visit the Utah Avalanche Center's website and look into their "Know Before You Go" classes.
rich-text, responsive-table
The mountain doesn’t open itself—behind every new ski run and chairlift, there’s a dedicated team making it happen. In this episode of OverHerd at Deer Valley, host Kaylin Richardson sits down with Mark Chytka, Deer Valley’s Avalanche Mitigation Supervisor and Mountain Operations Safety Coordinator, to discuss the extensive work Ski Patrol is doing to prepare the resort’s expanded terrain—both for this season and next year’s massive expansion.
Mark takes us behind the scenes of what it takes to make new terrain safe and skiable, from avalanche control to unexpected weather challenges. He also shares his passion for mental health advocacy and his role in The Paradise Paradox documentary, which sheds light on the struggles faced by those living and working in mountain towns.
Tune in for a deep dive into mountain safety, terrain expansion, and the importance of mental well-being in the ski industry. Don't forget to subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights from the people who make Deer Valley one of the best ski resorts in the world.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Short on time? Dive into our podcast highlights at a glance!
BLOWING UP SNOW IS A REAL JOB
As a kid watching Warren Miller ski films, Mark saw a clip of avalanche control and instantly knew what he wanted to do. That dream became reality—he now spends his days throwing explosives, studying snowpacks, and making sure terrain is safe for skiers.
DEER VALLEY’S TERRAIN IS EXPANDING—BIG TIME
Deer Valley recently added 300 acres and three new lifts, and even bigger changes are on the horizon. By the 2025–26 season, the resort will have seven new lifts and over 2,000 acres of new terrain, effectively doubling in size.
AVALANCHE MITIGATION IS A SCIENCE AND AN ART
Mark and his team constantly monitor the snowpack for stability, looking for signs like “faceting,” which weakens snow layers. They dig pits, study slope angles, and even read the trees to identify avalanche-prone areas. It’s not just about explosives—it’s serious science.
NEW TERRAIN MEANS NEW CHALLENGES
The newly added terrain has changed how Deer Valley's Ski Patrol Team operates—from end-of-day sweeps to lift failure responses. They are learning all the nuances of this expanded mountain landscape, and it’s a steep but exciting learning curve.
THE NEW STUFF IS LEGIT—AND ADVANCED
While lower areas still feature the classic blue groomers Deer Valley is known for, the upper terrain is a whole new game. Think steep chutes, big trees, rocks, and cliff bands. Mark compares it to “X-Files times three.” Get ready for Hellcat, Nemesis, and Redemption—names that promise thrills.
YES, THEY THROW BOMBS
The Deer Valley Ski Patrol Team uses two-pound penlight charges, either thrown by hand or deployed with pulley systems called bomb trolleys. And yes, they follow the rule: plug your ears, keep your mouth open. The shockwaves are no joke!
WIND IS THEIR BIGGEST WEATHER NEMESIS
Southwest winds are the most problematic, creating cornices and dangerous snow build-ups. Wind direction often determines which avalanche paths are most at risk during and after a storm.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS—AND IT’S CHANGING THE CULTURE
Mark is a proud mental health champion. After years in a “tough guy” culture, he’s helping shift the narrative. He’s part of a resilience team, encouraging open conversations and emotional check-ins after traumatic calls. Vulnerability, he says, is strength.
IT’S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY
Mark’s advice to anyone struggling: reach out and talk. You don’t need to be a professional to help someone—just listening and saying “that really sucks” can make a difference. Mountain life can be tough, and no one should have to go through it alone.
THERE’S PLENTY OF ADVENTURE WITHOUT LEAVING THE RESORT
With 2,000+ acres of new terrain opening, Mark says there's less reason than ever to go into the backcountry. Stay safe, stay in bounds, and enjoy all the powder, steeps, and trees Deer Valley now has to offer—no hike required.
For real-time updates on Deer Valley's terrain openings and avalanche mitigation, check out the Mountain Report. And if you're interested in avalanche education, visit the Utah Avalanche Center's website and look into their "Know Before You Go" classes.
rich-text, responsive-table
