The Stein Eriksen Lodge is the definition of posh, grand, and high-class (as well as snobby, arrogant, and glitzy). Lined wall to wall with majestic stone fireplaces, carved wooden beams, and floor to ceiling windows, one would not be surprised to discover that this “humble lodge” is nothing less than a 5-star, 5-diamond resort. This resort is located in Deer Valley, Utah, which, of course, is one of the most coveted ski destinations, especially after being a venue in the 2002 Winter Olympics. So naturally, I couldn’t help feeling like a queen, seated in the furry folds of an elk skin recliner, inhaling the scent of ostentatious men. Spilling hot chocolate and cranberry juice on my pants, ripping one finger hole of my nylon glove, and spending half an hour struggling with giant metal boots made me look a little less queen-like. However, the atmosphere was not one that could be overlooked.
The man that the lodge is named after is even more impressive. Stein Eriksen, born in 1927, is an Olympic champion, with a gold medal in the Giant Slalom and a silver medal in the Slalom during the 1952 Oslo, Norway, games. Eriksen also won a bronze medal in the 1950 Aspen, Colorado, World Championship, as well as three gold medals in the 1954 Are, Sweden, World Championship. Note that world champions are on the same level as Olympians. Eriksen competed for Norway, so the US cannot claim his victory. He received the highest honor for a Norwegian twice. One of the times was when he was awarded the Holmenkollen Medal signaling top placement in international competitions. The other instance was when he was actually knighted by the King of Norway with the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. Eriksen is also credited with the creation of his own event! Using the idea of freestyle skiing, he combined his talent on the mountain with his talent in gymnastics to perform flips, somersaults, and twists on skis, later called aerials. Shortly after winning his medals, Stein Eriksen moved on to another area: teaching. Eriksen continued his career in the US where he took his place as a ski instructor. Currently, Stein Eriksen is the director of skiing and a past instructor in Deer Valley, Utah, where the most prestigious resort in the state is located. This resort is the Stein Eriksen Lodge, named after Stein Eriksen himself. He is considered skiing’s “first superstar” because of his attractiveness and humbleness, despite being a world famous Olympian. I could see the fame and glory reflected in such a magnificent hotel. Gazing around, it was obvious that the inspiration must have come from somewhere.
While I watched a family with a small child struggle to find their equipment, my own family joined me from where they had been waiting outside the lobby. I tried to act queen-like once again as we strolled toward the outdoor fire pit
The Legacy of Stein Eriksen: A Skiing Destination
By Isabelle B.