Park City Mountain Resort surrendered two places in Ski Magazine’s influential rankings, finishing in 13th place for the 2016-2017 season, an unexpected mark against what was otherwise the historic debut of the largest ski resort in the U.S.

The rankings this year are the first since the merger of PCMR and Canyons Resort into a single property under the ownership of Colorado-based Vail Resorts.

The construction of the Quicksilver Gondola that links the terrain of the two former standalone resorts created unprecedented anticipation for the most recent ski season as the industry, tourism officials and skiers witnessed the opening of a 7,300-acre property that stretches from Main Street to Canyons Village through more than 300 trails and 41 lifts.

Deer Valley Resort retained its No. 3 ranking. It has spent more than a decade at or close to the top of the list.

PCMR did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the rankings.

The magazine said PCMR received high marks for its accessibility, the activities off the hill and its apres ski offerings. The marks were lower in the categories of scenery, service and overall satisfaction, the magazine said.

Mayor Jack Thomas said it was a surprise “to see the ranking drop so much.”

“I saw dramatic improvements to the infrastructure of Park City mountain and The Canyons,” Thomas said, adding, “How did we drop that fast when the resort put so much into the mountain?”

Thomas said the skiing was good last season and PCMR was managed well.

The mayor said he is grateful that Deer Valley’s ranking “held strong.”

“The way our resorts are ranked are a reflection of our community. We know we have a great town,” Thomas said.

High rankings for Deer Valley included No. 1 finishes in categories like grooming, dining and service, while Deer Valley was ranked lower in categories like challenge and value, the magazine said.

A Deer Valley representative said the resort is pleased with the No. 3 finish. Emily Summers, the senior communications manager, said Deer Valley has placed in the top three since 1998.

“We’re thrilled to be in that position,” Summers said, describing that Deer Valley delivers “classic, consistent quality.”

Summers also noted that Solitude Mountain Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon jumped to a ranking of 21, up nine spots. Deer Valley owns and operates Solitude and the 2015-2016 ski season was the first under the umbrella of Deer Valley.