[2] The cap ranges in shape from obtuse to broadly convex, to nearly flattened, measuring 2–5 cm (3⁄4–2 inches) in diameter.

It has a smooth, slimy or sticky surface that is initially rosy-pink before fading to cream color, and grayish pinkish-buff when dry.

The cap cuticle is made of a layer of gelatinous, branched, intricately interwoven hyphae measuring 2–4 μm in diameter.

[2] The fruit bodies of Hygrophorus goetzi grow singly or in small groups on the ground under conifers in montane habitats.

[4] The similar species Hygrophorus avellaneifolius and H. sublutescens can be distinguished from H. goetzii by their smaller spores and two-spored basidia.