A distinguished mountain resort nestled in the heart of Park City has secured the prestigious title of global excellence in ski hospitality, marking its second consecutive year at the pinnacle of international winter tourism.
The Stein Eriksen Lodge at Deer Valley Resort claimed the coveted designation of World’s Best Ski Hotel at the 2025 World Ski Awards, triumphing over luxury competitors from 23 countries across multiple continents. The announcement reinforces Utah’s growing reputation as a premier destination for world-class alpine experiences.
Recognition from Industry and Guests
The achievement represents validation from both hospitality professionals and discerning travelers worldwide. Voting for these annual honors combines input from ski industry executives, travel specialists, tour operators, and the general public through the official awards platform.
Russ Olsen, president and CEO of Stein Collection, expressed appreciation for the recognition. The lodge’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences and its dedicated staff contributed significantly to earning this distinction for the second straight year, according to company leadership.
This back-to-back victory follows an impressive track record of national recognition. The property previously earned United States Best Ski Hotel honors consistently from 2014 through 2024, with only brief interruptions in 2017.
Norwegian Heritage Meets Mountain Luxury
Located mid-mountain at Deer Valley Resort, the property opened its doors in December 1982 and honors the legacy of Norwegian Olympic gold medalist Stein Eriksen. The architectural design reflects authentic Scandinavian lodge traditions, featuring custom millwork, regional Norwegian artwork, and natural materials including leather, copper, and stone elements throughout its spaces.
The accommodation experience encompasses 246 uniquely styled rooms and suites. Each space incorporates dark wood furnishings, Nordic-inspired color palettes, and premium bathroom amenities. Select accommodations feature stone fireplaces, while suites offer expansive layouts with mountain-facing balconies and private hot tubs.
Pricing and Amenities
Current rates for December weekends begin at $460 nightly for deluxe king rooms equipped with fireplaces, extending to $3,489 per night for three-bedroom suites. These prices exclude applicable taxes and resort fees.
The lodge maintains Utah’s longest-running Forbes Five-Star ratings for both hotel and spa services. Guests access direct ski-in, ski-out convenience to Deer Valley’s slopes, complemented by a comprehensive 23,000-square-foot spa facility containing 16 treatment rooms. The property also features multiple dining venues, including the acclaimed Glitretind Restaurant showcasing regional American cuisine with Norwegian specialties.
Additional amenities include an outdoor heated pool, fitness center, concierge services, and ski valet operations. The on-site Stein Eriksen Sport shop provides equipment rentals and winter apparel purchases.
Limited US Presence in Global Awards
American ski destinations captured few top positions in this year’s international competition. Hotel Terra at Jackson Hole reached finalist status in the Best Green Ski Hotel category, while Goldener Hirsch in Park City earned recognition among top contenders for Best Boutique Ski Hotel.
Major resort operators Alterra Mountain Company and Vail Resorts both secured positions among the three leading candidates for Best Ski Resort Group, demonstrating the competitive strength of North American ski tourism infrastructure.
World Ski Awards Background
Established in 2013, the World Ski Awards program serves as the ski tourism industry’s equivalent to the Oscars, celebrating excellence across multiple categories including resorts, accommodations, chalets, and tour operators. The initiative operates under the umbrella of World Travel Awards, which has recognized global travel excellence for over three decades.
The 13th annual awards ceremony attracted record voting participation from ski enthusiasts and industry professionals worldwide, according to program organizers. Winners leverage these distinctions to enhance marketing initiatives and reinforce their market positioning throughout the following season.
