An orange-brown cap, which is convex or has a wavy margin, and a sturdy white stem are good indicators of this species. Both the cap and the white stem are covered in the slimy remains of the veil which is blue-tinged. The mushroom occurs with spruce.

Cap convex to flat in shape, with a sticky, gelatinous surface (in moist conditions). Gills are adnexed, close, and pallid or pale violet in colour. Stem solid, equal, has transverse scaly-looking bands and covered in the slimy remains of the veil which is blue-tinged. The spore print, like most Cortiniarius species, is rusty-brown. Edibility is unknown for this species.

Similar species Cortinarius mucosus.

Cortinarius collinitus on the MushroomExpert.Com Web site.