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At Stein Eriksen Lodge, we have a dedicated pastry team led by Chef Jeremy Garcia. In addition to creating delicious desserts and pastries for the restaurants and First Tracks Kaffe, the team makes our delicious bonbons. When speaking to Chef Garcia, he told us that each and every chocolate made is something that is carefully crafted through multiple stages. As the chocolate flavors typically only change once a year with a few seasonal exceptions, the team has to be creative and achieve a balance through the flavors to ensure that they are relevant through all four seasons.
Chef Garcia, his sous chef, and the lead line cook all work together to choose the flavors they are interested in or have wanted to when crafting the new chocolates each year. They like to incorporate new and interesting flavors and textures. By experimenting with different shapes and color patterns, the team can give the guest a clue into what the taste of the bonbon might be. Take the Coffee Hazelnut bonbon, for example. It features a coffee bean shape with a gold swirl pattern that represents the first pour of cream into a morning coffee. Or, the Sea Salt Caramel bonbon that has a pale blue color that is airbrushed with gold to represent the ocean meeting the beach. The chocolate used in the bonbons is Valrhona chocolate purchased from a specialty food distributor in Salt Lake. Valrhona is a French chocolate company that produces some of the best chocolates. The ganache filling in each bonbon is made in-house by our talented team. It typically takes one team member to make each batch of chocolates that produces 200-300 bonbons. The five-step process is straightforward. 1. The acrylic molds are prepared with a sprayed pattern of tempered cocoa butter to create the external design of the chocolate. 2. The molds are filled with chocolate then poured out after a few seconds to leave behind a thin shell. 3. The ganache for the bonbon is made by combining cream, milk, purees, infusions, and whatever other flavors are used for each specific chocolate. 4. The bonbons are filled with the ganache 5. The bonbons are “capped” by spreading a thin layer of more chocolate over the ganache in the molds. This seals the ganache inside and gives the chocolate its shelf life. In addition to unique flavors and shapes, each chocolate also represents an aspect of Stein Eriksen’s life. For example, the sea salt caramel bonbon mentioned earlier is a nod to Stein’s birthplace, Oslo, Norway, at the head of the Oslofjord. To see how each chocolate ties into Stein’s life, the ingredients in each chocolate, and how the different colors and shapes hint at each bonbon’s flavor, visit www.steinlodge.com/bonbons Next time you’re booking a stay at Stein Eriksen Lodge, consider adding the chocolates to your room, so they are waiting for you upon your arrival. Or, head down to Glitretind or First Tracks Kaffe and pick up a box to sample the many delicious and varied chocolates that Chef Garcia and his team so diligently created. Share
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1st photo: Kettler Thomas, @Ketler_ 2nd photo: Eric Sales, @esalesski 3rd photo: Lance Koudele Are you looking to check off a bucket list experience on your next visit to Stein Eriksen Lodge? Look no further than Powderbird heliskiing. Accessing over 170,000 acres of skiable terrain throughout the beautiful Wasatch, Powderbird, and their knowledgeable and skilled guides are ready to take you on some of the best runs of your life right here in Utah. A convenient shuttle will take you directly from the Lodge to Powderbird's Park City heliport ensuring a seamless start to your perfect day.
History and Location Powderbird first opened in 1973, operating as Wasatch Powderbird Guides, in the dirt parking lot of Alta Ski Resort. Today, they run out of two base facilities, one in Little Cottonwood Canyon at the base of Snowbird Resort and one near Historic Park City. Their location here in Park City offers guests complimentary breakfast, lunch, and beverages as well as a retail store where you can purchase Smith Goggles, Hestra Gloves, The North Face clothing, and other gear for your day of skiing in the backcountry. Utah Snow Utah, home to “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” is famous for its fluffy and bottomless powder. This is all thanks to lake effect storms. With their ability to access an incredible amount of terrain, Powderbird can get you on fresh and deep runs during your flights. If your trip happens to coincide with one of these storms and the helicopters aren’t able to fly, Powderbird offers Storm Day programs, including cat skiing and resort tickets, to still get you out on the slopes. The Helicopters Aside from untracked runs in beautiful, remote locations, one of the most exciting aspects of heliskiing is the ride in the helicopter. Powderbird flies A-Star helicopters feature a special seating configuration to ensure you have spectacular panoramic views throughout each flight. The helicopters are specifically suited for winter mountain flying and are always paired with an experienced mountain pilot. Not only will you have the chance to see unmatched bird’s-eye views of the mountains and your upcoming runs, but the helicopters are fast. Their speed allows you to ski thousands of vertical feet in a single day. Commitment to Safety As the company has grown over the years, their commitment to safety has remained consistent and at the forefront of their business operation. All guests receive avalanche safety equipment including an airbag pack, beacon, shovel, and probe provided by Powderbird's partner, Backcountry Access. You will also be trained in the basics of avalanche safety and how to use this equipment before you take off for your first flight of the day. Who Can Join You don’t have to be an expert skier or rider to join in on a day of heliskiing. All you need is an adequate skill set and fitness level. Before you arrive, the team at Powderbird will chat with you about your abilities, skill levels, and what you are hoping to get out of the experience to choose the appropriate terrain for you to have an incredible day with the best skiing they can find. If you have always wanted to experience heliskiing for yourself, reach out to a member of our knowledgeable and friendly Concierge team. They can answer any and all of your questions and book you a day of helicopter skiing with Powderbird. Share This weekend for Valentine’s Day, treat you and your love at Stein Eriksen Lodge, your romantic escape in the mountains of Park City. From sparkling snow-laden walkways to steamy hot tubs for two, we have every dreamy detail of your retreat covered. Embrace every opportunity to treat you and your special someone this Valentine’s Day weekend here at Stein Eriksen Lodge. Luxury Accommodations Surprise your love with a luxurious alpine-styled bedroom or indulgent suite. Each room at the Lodge features specially selected fabrics and finishes offering you a beautiful and unique atmosphere no matter your room type. To make your night in our luxury accommodations even more special, consider bringing along your partner’s favorite scented bath oil or bubbles, as all rooms feature jetted bathtubs with separate shower, luxurious Molton Brown of London bath products, and plush robes and slippers. For an even more glamorous experience, book one of our Lodge Luxury Suites and enjoy your own private deck and hot tub.  Rose Petal Turndowns We can arrange for you to receive our most romantic turndown service. Upon arrival, your room will be graciously decorated with scented candles and a shower of rose petals to create the perfect romantic ambiance for you and your sweetie. You can even add our house-made chocolates for an even more decadent touch or have your room pre-stocked with a favorite wine or food items. Romantic Room Service From champagne and chocolate to her (or his!) favorite bottle of wine with an idyllic dessert, we feature an impressive array of personalized in-room delivery options. Specialty cakes and custom-ordered treats ready to surprise that certain someone are all on the menu at the Lodge. Our professional and friendly team will deliver your treats and goodies directly to your room so you can spend the evening, just the two of you. Gourmet Dining For a night out to indulge in award-winning cuisine, head to any of our Stein Collection restaurants to treat your special someone to decadent dining. Our award-winning Glitretind Restaurant offers breathtaking views of Deer Valley along with a carefully curated menu perfect for spoiling that special someone. Troll Hallen invites you to settle in amid warm woods and rich interiors as you indulge in equally satisfying fare in this warm and welcoming ambiance. Plan a private wine tasting for two, or take a short trip to our sister property, Stein Eriksen Residences, to partake in the incredible gourmet offerings of The 7-8-8-0 Club. You’re guaranteed to have a meal as memorable as the company you share it with.  Five-Star Spa Nothing could be more relaxing than spending time together being personally pampered at Utah’s only Forbes Five-Star Spa. Start or end your session in our inviting couples’ relaxation room, where you can enjoy complimentary chocolates, hot teas or flavored water. Then book an hour – or a full day – of soothing spa services. The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge features couples massage spaces with private shower and bathtub, hot and cold plunge pools, sauna, steam room, and select specialty offerings including Vichy wet treatment rooms. Romantic Activities Snuggle up to your valentine on the chairlift at Deer Valley Resort or on the bench of a horse drawn sleigh as the two of you watch a winter wonderland pass by. These one-of-a-kind winter adventures will create memories that will linger through the years. Stein Eriksen Lodge is a true ski-out/ski-in property allowing you to hit the slopes directly from the Lodge. Additionally, the sleighs leave directly from our property making it easy to indulge in this romantic activity. Have something particular in mind for your Valentine’s celebration that you don’t see on our list? Reach out to our knowledgeable concierge team at Stein Eriksen Lodge. Give us a call at (435) 645-6460 and allow us to help you plan something truly special. Our goal is to customize your time with us to ensure the ultimate romantic escape for you and your special someone this Valentine’s Day weekend. Share Alpine Distilling, a local company right here in Park City, crafted 200 bottles of barrel-aged aquavit for our us at Stein Eriksen Lodge. The spirit made its debut on Stein Day, December 15th, 2019, and was enjoyed by guests celebrating the life of Stein Eriksen. Aquavit originally hails from Scandinavia and was a favorite of Stein himself. Its rich tradition and flavor complement the Norwegian heritage here at the Lodge. Water of life The word “aquavit” is derived from the Latin aqua vitae meaning water of life. Though now typically only seen around the holidays, weddings, or birthdays, aquavit was indeed the “water of life” for some Scandanavians in its early years as it was believed to possess healing powers. Today, however, aquavit is no longer considered medicinal though it is regarded as a digestive ease when consuming rich foods, which most likely plays a factor in its popularity during the holidays. Production Our Aquavit from Alpine Distilling was made from Utah Winter Wheat and Utah 2-Row Barley that was converted from starch to sugar before fermentation. After fermentation, the liquid was distilled, seasoned, and transferred to barrels before being bottled and brought to the Lodge. Aquavit is traditionally made from either wheat or potatoes, then seasoned with caraway, cardamom, cumin, anise, fennel, or orange peel to name a few. The longer the Aquavit ages in barrels, the easier it is to detect these flavors. In fact, Norwegian Aquavit is often aged the longest and turns a delightful amber color whereas Danish or Swedish Aquavits are more pale, even clear. The Stein Eriksen Aquavit presents as “liquid gold” with a beautiful aroma and a complex taste profile maintaining a balanced mouthfeel. Drinking culture Norwegian aquavit is served at room temperature in a special tulip-shaped glass. You can either take the whole glass at once and follow it with a dark beer, or sip on the contents to savor the unique flavor or the spirit. No matter how you choose to drink it, always start with a toast. The toast used when drinking aquavit originated with the Vikings. Skaal is the standard toast used today and references a drinking cup that the Vikings used. During the toast, it is traditional to maintain eye contact with your fellow drinkers. This too originated with the Vikings and embodies their sensibility of keeping an eye on others at all times. Stein and Aquavit Stein himself enjoyed a glass of aquavit with friends and guests at the Lodge. His favorite way to drink it was all at once and encouraged his fellow drinkers to do the same. The aquavit crafted by Alpine Distilling not only carries on a Norwegian tradition but also reminds us of the legend himself and his days here at Deer Valley After the Lodge received the 200 bottles of aquavit, the barrels used to age the spirit were delivered to another local company for repurposing. Red Rock Brewing is making a beer that will be aged in these same barrels for the Lodge. Stay tuned for the release of this beer!
You can try some aquavit yourself at Glitretind while supplies last. Call (435) 645-6455 to make a reservation today, and be sure to ask your server for food recommendations that will pair well with the spirit for the complete experience Share It is the perfect time to begin working on those new year's resolutions you made at the end of last year. Start the new decade off strong by learning a new sport. January is aptly named the official “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month” and resorts around the country are making it easier than ever for you to learn a new skill.
In Utah, resorts around the state are offering special deals and discounts for first-time local skiers. Deer Valley Resort is celebrating Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month on January 25th. To get you out on the slopes and learning how to ski with a professional, they are offering a fantastic package for first-time local skiers to take advantage of to fulfill those new year’s resolutions. You’ll spend a half-day on the slopes with an instructor learning the basics and exploring the mountain. You don’t have to worry about gear as rentals are included in the package. You just need to be willing to learn, make a reservation, and enjoy yourself as you challenge yourself and learn a new skill. What is included: For only $49, participants receive a lesson, lift ticket, ski rental equipment, and locker/basket check storage. The lesson begins at 12:45 pm and ends at 4:00 pm. Check-in is from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the lower level Basket Check area at the Snow Park Lodge. How to Redeem: Reservations must be made before January 25th by calling Deer Valley at 435-645-6648 and referring to “Ski Utah Learn to Ski Program”. This package is limited to the first 70 registrants, so don’t wait! Restrictions: This special offer is only for January 25th. Participants must be 13 years of age or older. After your first successful day on the slopes, head to Troll Hallen Lounge here at Stein Eriksen Lodge for some après drinks and food to complete your day of skiing. Indulge in our famous Stein Burger to replenish your energy and swap stories with your fellow skiers with the mountains you just skied as the backdrop. Share |
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