Staff

Lessing Stern

Lessing Stern serves as the Chairman, CEO and President of Royal Street Corporation, General Partner to Deer Valley Ski Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort. Stern, the youngest son of Edgar and Polly Stern, has continued his parents’ business philosophy in being an active participant in Deer Valley Resort’s planning and development: paying attention to its history, details of excellent service, and looking to the future of the ski industry.

Stern has worked at Deer Valley Resort in a number of capacities, including as a ski patroller from 1981-1985 and a host/ busser at The Mariposa during the 1984 – 85 season. He spent several years as an Emergency Medical Technician for Park City Ambulance, and a part-time helicopter ski guide with Utah Powderbird Guides. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from University of Denver in Pre-Med Chemistry, with Minors in Business, Computer Science, and Geology, in 1987.

From 1988 to 2003 Stern founded and served as the President of Hops! Bistro and Brewery (eventually SuperHops!), a microbrewery restaurant that grew into a chain of seven with locations in Arizona and California. In August of 1988 Stern also became the Vice President of Royal Street Corporation. In 1990 he was made President, COO & Director of Royal Street Corporation, roles he served through 1995. In 1995 Stern became Vice Chairman of Royal Street Corporation until he was named Chairman and CEO in 2007, a role he still serves in today. Stern is also the Royal Street Corporation’s representative on Deer Valley Resort’s Executive Committee.

Stern diversified the interests of Royal Street in 2010 by creating Royal Street Innovation and Investment Corporation, an angel/venture capital fund which has a portfolio of over 20 companies. In 2015, Stern acquired Solitude Mountain Resort, making it the second ski resort in the Deer Valley Resort company portfolio, and has launched Royal Street Ventures, an investment fund.

Stern also serves as a Trustee and Director of the Waterkeeper Alliance, one of the worlds most effective and respected water protection organizations. Additionally, Stern serves on the board of the local Park City Hospital and is and advisor for HeroX GoFlyUp challenge to create a personal flying device.

In addition to his passion for the ski industry, Lessing Stern is an avid pilot with over 30 years of experience. He has earned several ratings, including Airline Transport Pilot, Single and Multi-engine as well as several jet type ratings, seaplane and helicopter. Stern co-founded and has served on the Board of Visitors for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation since 2001, which protects the interests of General Aviation.

Stern lives in Park City, UT.