Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection

A marriage between a cozy European-style inn and sleek modern mountain-style residences, this boutique property in the heart of Deer Valley Resort's village offers guests the best of both worlds as the Alps meets Auberge's luxurious touch.

In fall of 2021, The Goldener Hirsh Inn was acquired by Auberge Resorts, the same company behind The Lodge at Blue Sky, and renamed the Goldener Hirsch. This followed a complete renovation, in which European-style chalet–an icon on Deer Valley Mountain–was joined by sleek modern-mountain style residences across two brand new buildings, bringing the total number of rooms to 66. The two starkly different sides of the property, connected by glass bridges, manage to work together effortlessly with the original chalet-style property dubbed “the Inn” and the two new buildings housing the residences referred to as the “Goldener” side. This boutique property is only a short walk downhill from the Stein Eriksen Lodge and an even shorter walk (a few steps really) out to the ski valet and the lifts.

To start at the beginning, after driving several minutes up the mountain, guests arrive beneath the glass bridge connecting the charming Austrian inn to the glossy black and silver Goldener building. Upon arrival, skis are collected by the ski valet, while bags are swiftly loaded onto a cart by the staff. Ushered through a massive swinging red door, guests enter the lobby of the new building where a fire burns behind the glass of the stone fireplace just within the entryway, before being offered a cup of hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick and receiving the key to their rooms.

Guests staying in one of the residences will find their accommodations in the same building as the main lobby. The new one-, two- and three-bedroom residences all reflect the same sleek mountain style, with many of the pieces custom-made for the Goldener Hirsch, including the forest green velvet bench with white stone side tables adorning the residences' entryway. Fireplaces can be found in both the living areas and the master bedrooms of each residence, and the two- and three-bedroom residences come with a soaking tub and steam shower in the master bath, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the slopes. The leather Met casino chairs are a stylish addition around the glass dining table and the floor to ceiling windows and balcony offer views into mid mountain village and a wealth of natural light. The western touches add character to the space, from the carved wooden horses and leather-bound books to the cowbell hangings and landscape paintings.

Those staying in the Inn will take the elevator to the second floor where they will pass The Kitz and Antler Lounge (complete with a wealth of comfortable seating, après ski snacks and games like chess) to cross the short bridge into the original Goldener Hirsch Inn building. The Inn reflects a charming Tyrolean aesthetic that verges on being Heidi-esque, but it works in the setting. An antler chandelier hangs in the Inn lobby, as do old-fashioned snowshoes. Guest rooms at the Inn feature floral fabrics with down comforters encased in Frette duvet covers and hand-painted, hand-carved wooden armoires, beds, bureaus and desks from Austria. The rooms on the second and third floors have wood-burning fireplaces and small balconies.

The Goldener Hirsch’s namesake hotel in Salzburg, Austria, is famous not only for hosting the stars of the Salzburg Music Festival but also for its gourmet restaurant. This outpost has similarly delicious food–the Austrian style restaurant is located on the Inn side of the property and is frequently ranked as one of the best in the region. While breakfast and lunch are enjoyed as more of a grab and go style from The Kitz, the Goldener Hirsch Restaurant serves Austrian dinner classics like Wiener schnitzel and cheese fondue. The desserts skew more cutting-edge, like the Valrhona Chocolate Cremeaux accented with balsam fir, pine nut praline and pomegranate sorbet–a positively heavenly experience for the taste buds. Reservations for dinner are recommended.

One of the most stunning additions brought by the extension is the heated rooftop pool and hot tub atop the new building. With nothing but a glass wall separating the hot tub from open air, this luxurious spot offers some of the best views from the property, looking out on the mountain lit with twinkle lights in the winter season (the best views are found at night!). A small gym and saunas can also be found on the top floor.

Couples and families who want a stylish or traditional boutique property with easy access to the mountain.