Deer Valley is synonymous with quality, and the legendary velvet-smooth corduroy contributes to the resort’s global notoriety. The Slope Grooming Manager, Laura Sexton, ensures that around 80 runs are combed to perfection daily. “Grooming is one of our brand pillars and part of our legacy here at Deer Valley,” she says.
Sexton’s journey with Deer Valley began immediately after she joined the Navy. “I wasn’t going to boot camp until the next spring, so I was looking for something to do for the winter,” she explains, recalling that she spoke to a Deer Valley scout in her home state of Iowa and received a job offer for the winter two weeks later. “I came out here for one winter 35 years ago, and I never went back home.”
Her 26.5-year career in the Navy grew in tandem with her responsibilities at Deer Valley. “When I started Deer Valley, I was just starting my career in the Navy and learning to be a Hospital Corpsman and a sailor.” During her tenure in the Navy, she earned the rank of Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman and the job title of Senior Enlisted Leader at Naval Hospital Bremerton, where she oversaw 500 sailors across nine states. She had a natural capacity to balance the two vastly different occupations and viewed her work at Deer Valley as a type of play. “Deer Valley has always worked with me on my scheduling so that I could accomplish all of that,” she continues.
After completing her active military service, Sexton redirected her focus and skills to Deer Valley. “When I retired from the military, I finally had the time to take on the role of manager for the slope grooming department.” She started as a lift operator at Deer Valley, advancing to lead lift supervisor, and eventually working with snowcats during her first five years of employment.
“It takes years to become a good snowcat operator,” she remarks. “You have to push yourself.” That’s precisely what she did. Over 25 years, she refined her snowcat skills during her time off from military duties. When she took on the role of slope grooming manager in 2020, she brought all her military expertise with her. “My leadership experience in the military has helped me here at Deer Valley,” she explains. “I push my people outside their comfort zone. I encourage them to take on more responsibility and develop their capabilities.”
Sexton oversees a team of 65 snowcat operators and supervisors. She has established training programs to ensure every groomer meets Deer Valley standards. The 50-plus hour workweeks and constant problem-solving in her role only amplify her enthusiasm. With a hearty laugh, she shares how the night before our call, she worked until 11:30 pm because she wanted to be present when the graveyard shift arrived. She returned to work at 8 am with breakfast sandwiches and treats to celebrate employee appreciation week at Deer Valley. Unsurprisingly, her employees consistently maintain the legendary Deer Valley grooming standards. “They’re very meticulous, and attention to detail is super important,” she says about her team. “People need to understand how hard they work to make it perfect and ensure guests have a great ski experience.”
