Stein Eriksen Lodge is the first luxury hotel in Utah’s ski mecca Deer Valley — and the 33-year-old mainstay is working hard to maintain its bragging rights amidst newish competitors like the St. Regis and Montage.
Located mid-mountain and about a five-minute drive from Park City’s historic Main Street, the lodge was awarded World’s Best Ski Hotel at the 2014 World Ski Awards and celebrities including Alec Baldwin continue to flock to the legendary digs.
And since Deer Valley’s spring skiing season lasts until April 12, it means you have plenty of time to get in a few more runs.
Why
Four words: ski-in ski-out.
Plus, the skiing staff couldn’t be kinder getting everyone from novices to black diamond daredevils suited up for the day.
Before hitting the slopes, fuel up at the hotel’s daily “Skier’s Buffet,” an overflowing array of everything from boar to sushi — and don’t forget to leave room for the famous bananas Foster.
Working well
Stein Eriksen’s charm is its old-school, rustic aura with modern additions. The staff brings real wood to heat up your fireplaces (a novelty nowadays, it seems) and some rooms come with hot tubs on the balconies, if the hotel’s heated pool and large outdoor Jacuzzi isn’t quite private enough.
Needs work
Sometimes old-school can look a little run-down. Make sure you request a recently renovated room. Stein Eriksen has embarked on a $8 million project to spruce up 100 of its 180 total units, all of which are individually owned. It is slated to be complete by December 2015.
Must try
The brand-new Gold & Diamond facial at The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge, which, you guessed it, uses real gold and diamond dust to brighten skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and combat signs of dryness and stress.
It’s a $50 add-on to other treatments.
Don’t miss
Have the hotel book you a 30-minute, nighttime horse-drawn sleigh ride which departs from the main lodge. It’s magical for children and romantic for adults. Non-holiday prices are $100 for five people and $25 for each additional person.
Details
From $900; steinlodge.com