A VISIT TO UTAH should end with something sweet and this one didn’t disappoint! During prior visits, it was an afternoon at Robert Redford’s Sundance, while this time it was a stop at the Stein Eriksen Lodge at Deer Valley. A quick three-mile drive up the mountain from Park City and you find this award-winning Lodge nestled into the ski slopes.
The ski season wrapped up mid-April when the Lodge closes for refurbishment before beginning their busy summer and autumn seasons. Lucky me, they had opened only a few days prior to my stop which gave me some extraordinary and uncrowded views of this stunning Lodge surrounded by what remained of the winter snows.
Nostalgia abounds as Jim and I skied here many times. I fondly recall beautiful morning ‘corduroy’, a skier’s delight, when hitting the slopes and the perfectly groomed runs before the crowds cut loose on the mountain. My most cherished memory of the Lodge, however, was heading in for a late morning hot cocoa years ago and who did I spy chatting near the abundantly-filled trophy case but Mr. Eriksen himself…and Warren Miller, both icons in the ski industry. Eriksen for his Olympic wins representing Norway in the 1950s; and Miller for his always-amazing annual ski films. These daredevil films always got us excited and ready to hit the slopes come winter. Jaw-dropping to see these legends in person, to say the least, and way before easily accessible iPhones and cameras, the memory is warmly embedded in my mind. ps – pack your skis but leave the snowboard at home as this privately owned resort remains skis-only.
My afternoon savoring the fluffiest-foam-topped cappuccino this side of the Mississippi along with a lemon creme brulee’ capped off a beautiful stay in Utah. Looking for an RV park in the area? Be sure to check out Mountain Valley RV in nearby Heber City with its large lots and welcoming staff!
Camp Dawg 