Deer Valley, Utah, is giving skiers and summer visitors a rare chance to watch big-mountain construction in real time this month. On July 19, spectators can ride the Sterling Express to the top of Bald Mountain to see helicopters fly in and install towers for two new lifts — part of the resort’s massive expansion plans.

Tickets for the scenic lift ride, which include summit access for the tower show, are $30, and kids ride for free. After the aerial show, visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, and local beer on the Silver Lake Lawn.

The helicopters will be flying in towers for the East Village Express Gondola, which features ten-person cabins connecting the new East Village to Park Peak, and the Pinyon Express, which extends the resort’s original terrain boundary.

Deer Valley President and COO Todd Bennett called the event a milestone for the resort’s future. “We encourage the community to be part of this momentous day,” he said.

Both lifts are part of Expanded Excellence, an ambitious project that will add seven new lifts and increase Deer Valley’s total skiable acreage from about 2,000 acres to 5,276 acres, making it one of North America’s ten largest ski resorts.

Last season, Deer Valley opened three new lifts — the Keetley Express, Hoodoo Express, and Aurora — serving more than 300 acres of new terrain.

When the full expansion wraps up, the resort aims to combine its signature luxury service with enough runs and lifts to compete with the continent’s biggest destinations.

This behind-the-scenes glimpse is a rare treat for ski fans who don’t often see the scale of summer construction that shapes their winter playgrounds. Resort officials say the Expanded Excellence plan is not just about adding terrain but also about elevating the guest experience with faster lifts, new connections, and expanded terrain for every skill level.

The new East Village base area will feature dining, lodging, and amenities, transforming Deer Valley’s arrival experience. Meanwhile, the resort’s summer operations — from lift rides to hiking, mountain biking, and concerts — continue to draw visitors long after the snow melts.

The lift tower installation is one of several milestones this summer as Deer Valley ramps up work to hit its goal of opening all seven new ropeways by the coming winter.

Skiers, snowboarders, and summer adventurers alike can follow updates through the resort’s social channels or plan a scenic day to watch the helicopters in action — a perfect blend of mountain engineering and Utah’s alpine beauty.

Originally reported by Ian Greenwood in Powder.