Honestly, walking into the Stein Eriksen Lodge Park City for the first time feels a bit like stepping into a time machine that only knows how to travel to the Swiss Alps. Or maybe Norway. It’s got that heavy, mid-mountain gravity that you just don't find in the glass-and-steel boxes popping up all over the Canyons or even down on Main Street.
It’s old. Well, not old old—it opened in 1982—but in Park City years, it’s practically the Godfather.
While newer spots like the Montage or Pendry try to out-modern each other, Stein's stays rooted in this very specific, very intentional European charm. Think massive stone fireplaces, heavy timber beams, and a staff that treats "hospitality" like a competitive sport. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see someone in a $5,000 Bogner ski suit sitting next to a family whose kids are covered in hot cocoa. It shouldn't work, but it does.
What’s the Big Deal with the Stein Eriksen Lodge Park City Anyway?
You’ve probably heard it’s the only Forbes Five-Star hotel and spa in Utah. That’s a fancy way of saying they don’t mess up. If you ask for a humidifier because the 8,000-foot altitude is turning your skin into parchment, it shows up in five minutes.
The location is basically cheating. It sits right at Silver Lake Village, which is mid-mountain at Deer Valley. You aren't taking a shuttle to the lifts. You aren't walking three blocks in plastic boots. You click into your skis, and you’re gone. When you come back, the ski valets are waiting to take your gear before you even have a chance to complain about your quads burning.
The Stein Legend
The place is named after Stein Eriksen, the Norwegian Olympic gold medalist who basically invented the "style" of modern skiing. He was the Director of Skiing here for decades. He was known for doing a daily frontflip on skis well into his 80s. That same "go big or go home" energy is baked into the walls. You’ll see his trophies and photos everywhere. It’s not just a brand; it’s a tribute to a guy who lived for the mountains.
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The Rooms: More Like Mountain Mansions
Let’s talk about the actual living situation. If you book a standard "Deluxe" room, it’s nice—Molton Brown soaps, plush robes, the works. But the real Stein Eriksen Lodge Park City experience is the suites.
Most of them have:
- Private outdoor hot tubs. This is the Holy Grail. There is nothing—and I mean nothing—like sitting in 104-degree water on your own balcony while it’s dumping snow and you have a view of the Empire Express lift.
- Wood-burning fireplaces. A lot of newer hotels have those flickery gas things. Stein’s gives you real wood. The smell of cedar and pine in the room is half the reason people pay the premium.
- Full kitchens. Even if you don't cook, having a Sub-Zero fridge to store your leftover Wagyu hoagie is a win.
The square footage is wild. Some of the luxury suites go up to 4,900 square feet. You could literally lose a toddler in there for twenty minutes.
Eating Your Way Through Silver Lake
If you’re staying here, you’re going to eat. A lot.
The Glitretind
This is the formal spot. It’s famous for the Sunday Brunch, which is less of a meal and more of a religious experience. We're talking massive carving stations, seafood towers, and more desserts than any human should consume before noon. For dinner, it’s regional American stuff—elk, trout, local lamb. It's expensive, yeah, but the wine cellar has over 20,000 bottles. They take their grapes seriously.
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Troll Hallen Lounge
This is where you go for the "Stein’s Burger." It’s an 8-ounce Angus beast with aged white cheddar and crispy fried onions. It’s arguably the most famous burger in Park City. Pro tip: if you’re there during après-ski, get the garlic Asiago fries. Just do it. Don't think about the calories; you’re at 8,000 feet, your metabolism is basically a furnace.
Champions Club & Plaza
They recently added this 3,500-square-foot entertainment center. It’s got a game room with retro stuff like Pac-Man and Skee-ball (which is free for guests, by the way). Outside on the plaza, they’ve got fire pits and these "Alpenglobes"—clear, heated domes where you can eat outside without freezing your nose off. It’s very Instagrammable, if that’s your thing.
The Spa: Why Your Muscles Will Thank You
The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge is the only Five-Star spa in the state. If you’ve spent all day carving corduroy at Deer Valley, you’re going to be sore.
They have this thing called the "High Altitude Relief" treatment. It’s three hours of massage, facials, and hydration. Since the air in Utah is drier than a comedy club in the 90s, your skin will drink this up. They also have Vichy showers and a Himalayan salt sauna. It’s easy to spend four hours here and completely forget that you have a family or a job.
The "New" Expansion: Stein Eriksen Residences
It’s important to distinguish the "Lodge" from the "Residences." The Residences are newer, located a little further up the mountain. They are much more modern—lots of glass, sleek lines, very "L.A. comes to the mountains."
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If you want the classic, cozy, "I'm in a Nordic fairytale" vibe, stick with the Lodge. If you want a private home with a private infinity pool and a minimalist aesthetic, the Residences are your move. Both give you access to the Stein "silver service," which basically means they’ll do almost anything for you as long as it’s legal.
The Reality Check: Is It Worth It?
Let’s be real. It’s not cheap. During the Sundance Film Festival or Christmas week, the prices can make your eyes water. You’re paying for the legacy, the location, and the fact that you don't have to lift a finger once you arrive.
One thing people get wrong: they think it’s only a winter destination. Honestly? Summer at Stein’s is kind of a hidden gem. Park City has 400 miles of mountain biking trails, and the Lodge is a "Gold-Level Ride Center." The hiking is incredible, and the outdoor pool is way less crowded than it is in February. Plus, the rates drop significantly once the snow melts.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Book the Sunday Brunch weeks in advance. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, locals flock to the Glitretind. If you don't have a reservation, you aren't getting in.
- Use the shuttle. Park City parking is a nightmare. The Lodge has a complimentary shuttle that will drop you at Main Street and pick you up. Use it. Save yourself the $40 in parking fees.
- Ask for a room with a wood-burning fireplace. Not all of them have them, but the ones that do are 10x cozier.
- Check the "Start Strong" sales. Every now and then, especially in the shoulder seasons (May/June or October/November), they run 15-20% off deals.
- Pack a humidifier or ask for one immediately. The "Stein itch" from dry skin is real. Don't wait until day three to hydrate.
The Stein Eriksen Lodge Park City isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a specific mood. It’s about leaning into that old-world alpine luxury where the service is formal but the fireplace is warm. Whether you're there to ski the new 100 runs at Deer Valley or just to hide out in the spa, it remains the benchmark for Utah luxury for a reason.
If you're planning a trip, skip the standard hotel search and call the concierge directly. They often have better insights on which specific suite layouts are available than the booking engines do.