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images: STEIN ERIKSEN LODGE DEER VALLEY; Mike Tittel; Eric Schramm |
Clockwise from top left: An Alpenglobe, an outdoor dining experience with panoramic views, at Stein Eriksen Lodge; a guest room at the Lodge; the Vichy treatment room at the Lodge; a chocolate orange sphere at Glitretind Restaurant, Stein Eriksen Lodge |
entrance to the Fest from a chairlift with a world-class view.”
A total of 24 breweries showcase their small-batch beers here, and give visitors the chance to test new blends that haven’ t been widely released yet. Some beers brewed specifically for the festival may be only seven days old. There are two awards up for grabs: Best of Fest, which recognises the best-tasting beer, and Ale Star Award, which honours guest engagement— essentially judging which tent is decorated for maximum fun and has the most magnetic draw.
Families especially love the festival for the kid-centric activities. An oversized sandbox acts as a magnet for children who want to play with trucks, shovels and plastic moulds. It’ s where kids line up to have their faces painted and adorned with flashing adhesive gems and sparkly feathers. Festivities are soundtracked by live music on stage, surrounded by lowslung chairs that invite guests to relax with their beverages or over a hearty cup of chili.
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MEET THE BREWERS
Clint Jones from Heber Valley Brewing Company is a two-time Olympic ski jumper. He and his business partner spent their competition years tasting beer in Japan, the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany.
“ Every year I used to go to Japan and we’ d always make a point of going to the beer garden at the Sapporo Beer Museum in Hokkaido. They have a really cool self-cooking grill-like situation and endless beer. It’ s a super-fun way to spend an afternoon or evening,” he says.
“ My wife is Belgian, and spending time with her family in Belgium and going to their Trappist breweries was a big influence for me. The brewing I try to do honours those classic beer cultures with authentic tastes without making it seem overdone.”
Clint competed in the 2002 and 2006 Olympic Games and then moved into coaching, which is what brought him to Utah.
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