INTRODUCTION

Empire Pass sits at the top of Deer Valley — the highest-elevation residential community in Park City and one of the most consistently in-demand luxury addresses in the West. True ski-in/ski-out access, walkable village amenities, and integration with the Talisker Club make it the answer for buyers who want skiing as the primary use case at one of America's premier ski mountains.

It's also a community with real complexity: club membership decisions, building-by-building HOA differences, altitude and snowload realities, and price points that span from approximately $3.5M starter condos to $30M+ trophy estates. Here's the complete picture.

WHERE IS EMPIRE PASS?

Empire Pass occupies the upper portion of Deer Valley Resort, sitting at elevations between roughly 8,500 and 9,000+ feet. It's accessed via Marsac Avenue from Old Town or via the Empire Pass road from Park Meadows. The community is built around the Silver Strike, Empire, and Northside Express lifts, with the Empire Canyon Lodge as the social anchor.

WHAT YOU CAN BUY

Condominiums

• Arrowleaf: Mid-large condos, strong ski access
• Flagstaff: True ski-in/ski-out condos at the upper village
• One Empire Pass: Branded luxury condos with premium services
• Crescent on Empire Pass: Larger luxury condos
• Lookout at Empire Pass: Newer luxury delivery
• Silver Strike Lodge: Ski-in/ski-out at the lift
• Belles at Empire Pass: Mid-luxury condos
• Shooting Star: Larger residences

Single-family

Custom estates along Red Cloud, Banner Way, and other Empire Pass streets. Typical sizes 5,000–12,000+ sq ft with significant lots and direct ski access.

PRICE RANGES (2026 SNAPSHOT)

• Starter condos: ~$3M–$5M for 2BR ski-in
• Mid-tier condos: ~$5M–$10M for 3–4BR luxury units
• Premium condos and penthouses: ~$10M–$18M
• Single-family homes: ~$10M–$30M+ depending on size, finish, and ski-in quality

Verify against current MLS data — these ranges move with the market.

THE TALISKER CLUB

Talisker Club is the private club integrated with Empire Pass. Membership is largely opt-in but heavily embedded in the community lifestyle. Talisker Club facilities span Empire Pass and the broader Park City area:

• Empire Lodge: The ski-day social and dining hub at the top of Empire Pass
• The Outpost: Mountain-side dining
• Tower Club at the Town: In-town social club
• Tuhaye Golf and amenities: The Talisker golf course in Tuhaye
• Fitness, spa, kid's programs, and concierge services

Initiation fees and annual dues are substantial — verify current numbers directly with the club. Talisker membership materially shapes daily life at Empire Pass for many residents.

WHAT MAKES EMPIRE PASS DIFFERENT

• True ski-in/ski-out at the majority of addresses (verify each property)
• Walkable village amenities at Empire Canyon Lodge
• Highest-elevation community = consistently strong snow
• Architectural standards produce a cohesive, high-end aesthetic
• Direct connection to Talisker Club for those who join
• Strong resale liquidity at most price points

THE TRADE-OFFS BUYERS SHOULD KNOW

• Altitude effects: 8,500+ feet affects sleep and exertion for some guests
• Weather: More snow, more weather, more snow management
• Drive: Empire Pass road is steep and winding; not for nervous winter drivers
• HOA dues at branded buildings can run $30K–$70K+ per year
• Club initiation and dues add another layer of carry
• Limited summer foot traffic vs. lower-mountain neighborhoods

WHO EMPIRE PASS IS RIGHT FOR

• Buyers whose primary use is skiing (20+ ski days per year)
• Families wanting kids to ski to and from a private club lodge
• Buyers who value walkable village living combined with ski-in access
• Long-term holders who want one of Park City's blue-chip addresses

WHO MIGHT LOOK ELSEWHERE

• Light skiers (under 10 days per year) — the carry doesn't pencil
• Buyers prioritizing summer activity (Promontory may fit better)
• Buyers wanting nightly rental cash flow as primary thesis (resort condos in Canyons Village may yield better)
• Buyers sensitive to altitude

VERIFICATION CHECKLIST BEFORE OFFERING

• Walk the actual ski-in/ski-out path in summer
• Review the building's HOA financials and reserve study
• Understand the building's ski room, ski valet, and storage arrangements
• If considering Talisker Club, meet with membership directly to understand current initiation, dues, and waitlist
• Verify nightly rental status if rental income is part of the thesis (Empire Pass buildings vary — some permit, some don't)
• Confirm snowmaking coverage on the ski path

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where is Empire Pass in Park City?

Empire Pass is the upper-elevation community of Deer Valley Resort, accessed via Marsac Avenue from Old Town or from Park Meadows.

Do you have to join Talisker Club to buy at Empire Pass?

No, Talisker membership is generally optional. Many residents join because the club is woven into Empire Pass lifestyle, but it's not a requirement of ownership at most buildings.

How much does an Empire Pass home cost?

Range is wide: roughly $3M for starter ski-in condos up to $30M+ for premier single-family estates.

Is Empire Pass true ski-in/ski-out?

Most addresses are, but "most" isn't "all." Verify the specific property's ski-in path in summer before assuming.

Can you Airbnb a condo at Empire Pass?

Some Empire Pass buildings permit nightly rentals; others don't. HOA rules vary building-by-building — always verify the specific property.

What's the elevation at Empire Pass?

Empire Pass sits between approximately 8,500 and 9,000+ feet, making it the highest residential community in Park City.