The Legend of Stein Eriksen

At only 20 years old, Stein was awarded the honor to represent Norway in the 1948 Olympic Games in Switzerland. Although he did not return home with any Olympic glory, the experience proved an excellent experience for Stein, as it allowed him to learn what it meant to develop into an elite downhill racer, giving him the desire and confidence to work hard towards this goal.

In 1950, Stein's career as an elite ski racer began gaining momentum as he won a bronze medal in the Slalom event at the World Championships in Aspen, Colorado, the first of many awards. 

In 1952, at 24, Stein earned the gold medal in the Giant Slalom at the Olympic Games in his home country of Norway, making him the first male alpine ski racer from outside the European Alps to win a gold medal. Stein also won the silver medal in the Slalom event during the Oslo Winter Games—impressive accomplishments for the Norwegian and two significant steps in his blossoming career.
 
 The next major tournament of Stein's career was the 1954 World Championships in Sweden. Stein took home gold in three events: Giant Slalom, Slalom, and Combined. This performance cemented Stein as one of the best skiers in the world and gave him a celebrity-like status in skiing.

Stein became recognized for his unique, effortless form, earning him the nickname "The Father of Freestyle." He always appeared calm and in control, even while competing. This effortless style, handsome good looks, and endless charisma added to this great athlete's aura. Stein Eriksen was aspirational, both on and off the mountain.

As a person, Stein was warm and welcoming, treating everyone he met like an old friend. His magnetic charm attracted everyone he met. If you knew Stein, you loved him dearly. Stein loved to share his passion for skiing with as many people as possible, often inviting friends and colleagues to join him on the slopes before gracefully speeding past them as only an elite racer could.

In 1981, Stein assisted with opening the brand new Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, as Director of Skiing, where he served for 35 years. Deer Valley's mission was to combine first-class guest service, gourmet dining, and exceptional lodging options, a concept that broke the mold for how resorts operated. Stein was an ideal representative for this new mission thanks to his charisma, warmth, unforgettable charm, and passion for hospitality. 

Stein Eriksen Lodge opened in 1982 as a homage to the man who had given so much to the sport of skiing and Deer Valley itself. Stein was integral to the project, inspiring several elements from his Norwegian heritage into the heart of the lodge. Stein Eriksen Lodge is, first and foremost, a traditional ski lodge. The elegance, beauty, luxury, and charisma are a welcome addition to the core piece of the resort. 

Since opening, the lodge has seen multiple updates and additions to accommodate more modern convenience and luxury, but the original spirit and aesthetic remain in place. Stein Eriksen Lodge is a skier's paradise and, in Stein's words, is widely recognized as "one of the most beautiful, romantic, prestigious destinations anywhere."

For over 30 years, Stein was often found around the resort warmly greeting guests, helping himself to sips of their soup, performing acrobatic flips and tricks on his skis as lunchtime entertainment, and effortlessly racing down the mountain, leaving his ski partners with the impossible track of keeping up. 

Stein Eriksen passed in 2015, but his spirit lives on through the many people he inspired and the grand legacy he left behind. Stein was an innovator, a world champion, and an Olympic Gold Medalist who revolutionized the world of alpine skiing. Stein's pursuit of the best has been infused into all Stein Collection properties and is exemplified in the levels of greatness that the team at Stein Collection continually strives for. Additionally, the Eriksen family, led by Stein's son, Bjorn, is very present and involved in the ski community in Park City and beyond. The family operates Stein Sport, a shop offering ski and mountain bike equipment and rentals, located in Stein Eriksen Lodge.

A celebration in his honor is held yearly on Stein's birthday in the Mountain Lodge, where guests, team members, friends, and family join together in a champagne toast, share stories, and honor the memory of this great man. This year is no different. We welcome you to join this celebration this year, as well as many years to come.