SLEEP WELL, FEEL GOOD Scottsdale Hotels to the Rescue
INSPIRATION GALORE Three New Mexico Mountain Towns
Meet, Then Get
OUTSIDE SITES WITH TRUE A DV E N T U R E I N T H E OPEN AIR
SPRING SUMMER 2022
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OPENING
FALL 2022
BRING YOUR NEXT CONFERENCE TO
IDAHO F Your Basecamp To Adventure. Located on the southside of Idaho Falls, the Mountain America Center will be a game changing amenity for Eastern Idaho. Idaho Falls is the hub of Eastern Idaho. It is the largest metropolitan area between Salt Lake City and the Canadian border and a major jumping off point for tourism in the Greater Yellowstone area. It is also a growing center of economic activity: since 2000, the population of the Idaho Falls area has grown a whopping thirty-one percent.
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THE MOUNTAIN AMERICA CENTER WILL PROVIDE 38,000 SQ. FT. OF EVENT SPACE. 5/26/22 2:42 PM
O FALLS
WEST YELLOWSTONE 108 MILES
ISLAND PARK 71 MILES
JACKSON HOLE 88 MILES
SUN VALLEY 150 MILES
SALT LAKE CITY 214 MILES
FACILITY
COMMUNITY
DIRECT FLIGHTS
• 11,000 sq, ft. banquet and conference space.
• Close proximity to national parks and scenic byways. • Wide range of excellent dining opportunities. • Upwards of 2,800 hotel rooms. • Family-friendly.
• • • • • • • • •
separate meeting rooms. • Accommodate sessions ranging from 500 to 5000 people. • State-of-the-art HVAC system.
Phoenix, AZ Oakland, CA San Diego, CA Los Angeles, CA Boise, ID (May 2022) Las Vegas, NV Portland, OR Salt Lake City, UT Seattle, WA
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Contents // Spring Summer 2022
23 F E AT U R E
From Mild to Wild BY BETH BUEHLER
Instead of holing up in a meeting room, give attendees local experiences that double as networking and teambuilding opportunities in the great outdoors.
IN EVE RY ISSUE
4 Editor’s Letter 8 Meeting Notes
See what’s new, discover fun ideas, and read about the latest events-industry happenings in the U.S. Mountain West and western Canada.
14 Meet + Eat
We’ve rounded up some of the freshest outdoor spaces for groups to gather, share a meal, and sample regional cuisine.
18 Destination
Ruidiso, Santa Fe, and Taos reflect New Mexico’s heritage, yet boast distinct personalities and amenities.
Always with a healthy dash of world-class service, Executive Chef Ben Jones cooks up creative culinary experiences for remote, high-end properties.
SLEEP WELL, FEEL GOOD Scottsdale Hotels to the Rescue
INSPIRATION GALORE Three New Mexico Mountain Towns
Meet, Then Get
OUTSIDE SITES WITH TRUE A DV E N T U R E I N T H E OPEN AIR
SPRING SUMMER 2022
On the Cover
The via ferrata by Triumvirate Glacier in Alaska
Beano’s Cabin
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PHOTO COURTESY TORDRILLO MOUNTAIN LODGE
P H O T O : B E AV E R C R E E K R E S O R T, VA I L R E S O R T S / D A N I E L M I L C H E V
32 People Profile
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P H O T O : B E AV E R C R E E K R E S O R T, VA I L R E S O R T S / D A N I E L M I L C H E V
BIG IDEAS ARE INSPIRED
There’s hardly a better way to combine work and play than in a place like Missoula, Montana. Here, ideas are inspired by nature and nurtured by unexpected sophistication. Convene in a meetings destination where three rivers and seven wilderness areas also come together, and small-town charm meets big-city offerings. This hip mountain community is ecstasy for the outdoorsy, with modern meeting options plus a downright remarkable culinary landscape, too. Missoula is a refreshingly unique meeting place for corporate events, retreats, conferences and conventions.
Meet in Missoula. Visit destinationmissoula.org/meet for more information.
MTN.MEETINGSMAGS.COM
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Editor’s Letter //
mtn.meetingsmags.com
We’re Back in Action
» ALTHOUGH THE ENTIRE meetings and events industry still navigates ongoing challenges and aftereffects of COVID-19, it sure feels good to be back in print again. But these interesting times also have resulted in opportunities, and I’m happy to report we are now owned by Greenspring Media, which oversees our Meetings + Events publishing group that includes Mountain Meetings and Colorado Meetings + Events— two magazines I’ve served for many years as editor. Opportunities also were delivered to mountain communities as people searched for places they could still gather with colleagues, family, and friends, and enjoy a wide range of activities. In fact, hotels, restaurants, and destinations have been among the most creative during this time, dreaming up new amenities, things to do, and places to explore—such as expanding downtown sidewalks to increase restaurant capacity and using stationary gondola cars so people could eat in a bubble. In this issue, we look at standout outdoor dining spaces in Meet + Eat, ideas for classic mountain fun (along with a few out-of-the-box picks), and more. Never has there been so much demand for outdoor venues, activities, and meetings in the mountains. Groups also can tap into unique outings such The summit of Mount Crested Butte as these for retreats and incentive trips, and with views of Crested Butte, Colorado there are organizations like Natural Habitat Adventures to assist your efforts. Learn more about the company’s new Alaska Bear Camp on page 9, and consider the national park excursions for unforgettable memories. For something milder and shorter to fit into a meeting agenda, talk to destination contacts and outfitters for ideas. I’m thrilled groups are meeting again as COVID-19 regulations wane. After all, meeting in the mountains never goes out of style.
PRESIDENT TAMMY GALVIN
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – NATIONAL SALES BOB HADDAD 303.617.0548 | BHADDAD@GREENSPRING.COM ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE MARK BERRIMAN 612.371.5873 | MBERRIMAN@GREENSPRING.COM
GROUP EDITOR KATELYN BLOOMQUIST SENIOR EDITOR TODD R. BERGER EDITOR BETH BUEHLER ASSOCIATE EDITOR AMANDA CHRISTENSEN
CREATIVE DIRECTOR TONYA SUTFIN ART DIRECTORS MICAH EDEL, TRACI ZELLMANN
PRODUCTION MANAGER LY NGUYEN DIGITAL PRODUCTION DIRECTOR DEIDRA ANDERSON ADVERTISING COORDINATOR MIKAYLA SNYDER SALES & MARKETING SPECIALIST MADELINE BRAVERMAN DIGITAL CONTENT SPECIALIST AUDREY PICKERING
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER + DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, EVENTS & PARTNERSHIPS ARTHUR MORRISSEY EVENT OPERATIONS MANAGER RICK KRUEGER COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST TEGHAN MURPHY MARKETING + EVENTS COORDINATOR RACHEL TAYLOR
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS KATHIE GORECKI ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE NATASHA BAJJU
REPRINTS For high-quality reprints of 500 or more, call 612.371.5882 or email Lnguyen@greenspring.com. For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations, or general questions about your subscription please contact customer service at 866.660.6247.
9401 James Ave. S., Suite 152, Bloomington, MN 55431 Phone 612.371.5800 Fax 612.371.5801 HOUR MEDIA CEO Stefan Wanczyk President John Balardo
Editor bbuehler@greenspring.com The pages between the covers of this magazine (except for any inserted material) are made from wood fiber that was procured from forests that are sustainably managed to remain healthy, productive, and biologically diverse. Mountain Meetings is published semi-annually © 2022 Greenspring Media. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
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P H OTO : AU S T I N R A D E R
BETH BUEHLER
Mountain Meetings » SPRING SUMMER 2022
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ROOM TO
INSPIRE Welcome to Colorado Springs, Olympic City USA, where stunning, wide-open scenery is the backdrop to your next meeting or event. From unique venues and properties to outdoor adventure and delicious dining, COS has what you need to create a memorable attendee experience. Here, you’ll find room to inspire, innovate and reconnect. Pre-approved applicants can earn a 10% rebate between $3,500 and $10,000 against eligible hard costs for meetings and events held by 6/30/24.
P H OTO : AU S T I N R A D E R
Learn more at VisitCOS.com/meet
KATHY REAK, CFM CFMP Vice V ice President of Sales Kathy@VisitCOS.com | 719.685.7632 MTN.MEETINGSMAGS.COM
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Meeting Notes //
W YO M I N G
The Virginian Lodge’s Redesign Reflects Western History
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS WITH HOT-AIR BALLOONS
Since COVID-19 entered the scene, outdoor activities have found a solid place on meeting agendas. That, combined with the fact people seem more open to trying new things after working from home offices for months, makes it a perfect time to explore creative approaches. Rainbow Ryders makes it easy with a variety of fresh-air activities that involve hot-air balloons in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Sunrise and sunset excursions » Flights are available year-round for meetings and incentive trips in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as seasonally in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Tethered balloon rides » As a way to engage more people at once and provide a taste of what it’s like to ride in a hot-air balloon, Rainbow Ryders’ tethered balloon rides lift passengers in an inflated hot-air balloon to a low altitude in a fixed location. Evening balloon glow » Balloon glows display static hot-air balloons at night. When illuminated by propane burners, the balloons create light displays and spectacular effects against the night sky. rainbowryders.com
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P H OTO S : R A I N B OW RY D E R S ; T H E V I R G I N I A N LO D G E ; ( O P P O S I T E ) N AT U R A L H A B I TAT A D V E N T U R E ; T O U R I S M S A N TA F E
M O U N TA I N S
» A FIXTURE OF JACKSON, WYOMING, since opening in 1965, The Virginian Lodge embodies the great American roadside motor lodge and is spread out across 13 acres. In January, the property unveiled a complete transformation encompassing 165 guest rooms and suites, the central courtyard, a new lobby, and more. As part of the refresh, The Virginian Lodge added a new event space, the 4,185-square-foot Wister Hall, which is one of the largest meeting spaces in Jackson. A 14-person boardroom is also available for small meetings and private events. The large courtyard, featuring an all-season outdoor pool and gathering spots around fire pits, transitions seasonally and is the locale of activities such as fireside s’mores, pop-up igloos, yoga classes, a bike-in themed movie series, wine tastings, and concerts. New food and beverage concepts include Billy’s Burgers, a local favorite coming out of retirement in its new home; The Virginian Saloon, an iconic watering hole; and Ginny’s Bottle Shop, a drive-through liquor store for picking up craft cocktail kits, signature sloshies, and a selection of wines and beers. virginianlodge.com
Mountain Meetings » SPRING SUMMER 2022
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ALASKA
Alaska Bear Camp & Other Adventures Open to Groups
P H OTO S : R A I N B OW RY D E R S ; T H E V I R G I N I A N LO D G E ; ( O P P O S I T E ) N AT U R A L H A B I TAT A D V E N T U R E ; T O U R I S M S A N TA F E
» NATURAL HABITAT ADVENTURES of Boulder, Colorado, a leader in sustainable ecotourism since 1985 and the conservation travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, has added Alaska Bear Camp to its portfolio of nature and wildlife expeditions worldwide. Debuting this summer, departures for the four-night, five-day adventure run from May 24 to August 23, beginning and ending in Homer, Alaska. The adventure begins with a scenic flight aboard a privately chartered bush plane over Cook Inlet, passing snow-clad volcanoes and jagged glaciers before landing on the beach next to a fly-in camp. Surrounded by 20 acres of private land, the camp sits on an inholding within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, renowned for some of the best brown bear viewing in the world.
Bears are often on view directly in front of the camp as well as on the shoreline and in the surrounding meadows. Bear Camp can accommodate up to 14 guests and features weatherproof tent cabins that are perched on elevated decks and include heaters and beds. Hot showers are available in a shared bathhouse, and meals are prepared by a resident chef who makes the most of fresh local seafood and other regional fare. “We could, in theory, do corporate group travel on any trip we’re currently offering,” says Court Whelan, Ph.D., chief sustainability officer for Natural Habitat Adventures. “Alaska would be a very top choice, but we also have several other U.S. national park trips that could be interesting, too. To me, this would be amazing for a corporate retreat or incentive trip.” nathab.com
NEW MEXICO
NEW SKY RAILWAY OFFERS PRIVATE CHARTERS
What happens when several prominent Santa Fe residents come together to revive a historic railroad? In this case, it’s something special in the form of Sky Railway, which launched in December and was born from the ashes of the Santa Fe Southern, which stopped running in 2012. This is no ordinary train when the likes of novelist and entrepreneur George R. R. Martin, business owner and filmmaker Bill Banowsky, author Douglas Preston, and artist Gary Oakley have set out to create a lineup of adventure train rides that last 1.5 to 4.5 hours. Choose from a menu of options like murder mystery, theater in motion, sunset serenade, wine and beer excursions, and more. Groups can select the Orion, Celeste, and Acoma train cars with capacities ranging from 25 to 48 or book all three for larger parties of up to 115. Entertainment, food, and drinks can be tailored for a two- or four-hour ride on Sky Railway’s two passenger trains painted by Santa Fe muralist and graffiti artist Joerael Numina— one representing a wolf and the other a dragon. skyrailway.com
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Meeting Notes //
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2.
ARIZONA
When people feel well rested and fit, they give their best to learning, brainstorming, networking, and planning business strategy at meetings and events. These four accommodations shine a spotlight on guest wellness: » Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town has debuted a selection of wellness-infused guest rooms [1] equipped with a Peloton bike, Theragun elite massage gun, Therabody wave roller, and yoga mat. » From a luxurious soak enhanced with LUSH’s Sleepy Bubble Bar to a velvet-lined flamingo eye mask, attendees will be ready to snooze in no time with the Bubbles & No Sleep Troubles [2] package at Hotel Valley Ho. Also included is a sleep meditation
AMARA RESORT AND SPA UNVEILS MAJOR UPGRADES
Tucked along the banks of Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona, Amara Resort and Spa recently wrapped up a multimilliondollar renovation that upgraded all 100 guest rooms, public spaces, Amara Spa, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen, and 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The aim was to create a tree-lodge aesthetic that plays off the surrounding red rocks and brings the outdoors in through the five elements of nature: earth, wood, metal, fire, and water. Groups will also enjoy Amara Resort and Spa’s spacious open-air courtyard, heated infinity pool, outdoor fire pits, and weekly stargazing sessions hosted by local astronomy experts. amararesort.com
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book; Sleep, Plz wellness patch from Fleur Marché; and an essential oil roller with calming ylang-ylang and lavender. » In partnership with Abundant Space mediation center, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa is offering monthly full-moon meditation classes in its new Desert Garden. Guests can join a 30-minute meditation session at sunset, followed by guided breathwork and healing crystal sound bowls under the full moon. » Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale’s Moon & Stars Sleep Package starts with making a cup of Golden Moon Milk and ends with putting on a silk constellation eye mask. In between, get started on a 90-day sleep journal and spray Star Dust Pillow Mist on your pillow.
P H O T O S : C A N O P Y B Y H I LT O N S C O T T S D A L E O L D T O W N ; H O T E L VA L L E Y H O ; J E F F Z A R U B A ; ( O P P O S I T E ) Q U I N T E R O G O L F C L U B ; S E N N A H O U S E ; T H E R I T Z - C A R LT O N , PA R A D I S E VA L L E Y ; C A E S A R S R E P U B L I C S C O T T S D A L E
Scottsdale Hotels Encouraging Wellness and Blissful Sleep
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QUINTERO GOLF CLUB ADDS LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS
Located in Peoria west of Lake Pleasant, Quintero Golf Club has introduced new luxury condominiums conveniently located near the pool, jacuzzi, and barbecue entertainment area. Groups that plan an event at the club and want to stay overnight or have a hospitality suite can book the lower-level Terrace Casitas with two spacious primary suites, two full bathrooms, and private patios. The second-level Executive Loft provides more ample space with two primary suites, two-and-a-half baths, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private balcony. Quintero Golf Club has been recognized as the No. 1 Best Public Golf Course by Golf Digest and the No. 1 in Arizona by Golf Advisor. quinterogolf.com
Senna House
P H O T O S : C A N O P Y B Y H I LT O N S C O T T S D A L E O L D T O W N ; H O T E L VA L L E Y H O ; J E F F Z A R U B A ; ( O P P O S I T E ) Q U I N T E R O G O L F C L U B ; S E N N A H O U S E ; T H E R I T Z - C A R LT O N , PA R A D I S E VA L L E Y ; C A E S A R S R E P U B L I C S C O T T S D A L E
New Properties in Scottsdale
The six-story Senna House, a Curio Collection by Hilton, opened in December and features 169 guest rooms, 4,200 square feet of meeting and event space, the rooftop Sonora Swim Club, and views of the mountain surroundings and Old Town Scottsdale. Senna House is the first hotel to open in Scottsdale’s Entertainment District since 2008. hilton.com Located on 20 acres with Camelback Mountain as the backdrop, The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley is slated to open this fall. The 215-room property features modern and sleek interiors, a 16,000-squarefoot spa, 400-foot-long swimming pool, and 20,000 square feet of function space—including two ballrooms. ritzcarlton.com Caesars Republic Scottsdale
Caesars Entertainment Corp. will open its first nongaming hotel in the United States, Caesars Republic Scottsdale, in 2023. The 11-story glass structure will include 256 rooms, two signature restaurants from chef Giada De Laurentiis, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a 7,000-square-foot conference center with sliding glass doors that open onto a large lawn that can host groups of up to 600. caesarsrepublicscottsdale.com
Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley
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Meeting Notes //
OREGON
BENCHMARK PYRAMID NOW MANAGING RIVERFRONT HOTEL
From left: Kristen Snavely and Molly Smith PEOPLE
New General Managers for Montana and Arizona Properties
Molly Smith and Kristen Snavely have been named co-general managers of Triple Creek Ranch, an all-inclusive luxury ranch resort in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. Smith is returning to Triple Creek Ranch after a brief hiatus. Previously serving as general manager for four years after working her way up from pastry chef, she has since perfected her skills at The Inn at Hastings Park in Massachusetts, another Relais & Châteaux property. Snavely’s appointment is the culmination of 24 years of service to Triple Creek Ranch, most recently working as assistant general manager and previously overseeing the horseback riding program and grounds. Paige Lund has been appointed general manager of JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort. The seasoned hospitality and luxury hotel professional brings more than 25 years of experience to the role. Prior to joining the property, Lund was general manager of JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. She has held several leadership positions with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and was vice president of lodging for The Canyons Ski Resort in Park City, Utah. Lund also has been actively involved on the board of directors for multiple Arizona hospitality and tourism organizations, including Visit Phoenix, Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association Board, Experience Scottsdale, and Northern Arizona University School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Ralph Scatena has returned to the role of general manager at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa and is serving as area general manager for Phoenix. This marks the first returning general manager in the 85-year history of the resort. As a 40-year Marriott International veteran, Scatena has been general manager of several Marriott properties, including Orlando World Center Marriott in Florida and JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California. During his last term as general manager of Camelback Inn 15 years ago, Scatena was named General Manager of the Year while leading his team through a significant property transformation.
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P H OTO S : R I V E R H O U S E O N T H E D E S C H U T E S ; T R I P L E C R E E K R A N C H
Global hospitality company Benchmark Pyramid has assumed management of Riverhouse on the Deschutes in Bend. With the Deschutes River as its backdrop, the 221-room hotel features Oregon’s largest convention center east of the Cascades and accommodates up to 1,600 guests. The property was awarded Silver LEED status by the U.S. Green Building Council. Guests can taste foods from the Pacific Northwest at CURRENTS, the hotel’s signature restaurant, and enjoy sustainably driven wellness treatments at Drift Spa. Riverhouse is the third Pacific Northwest travel destination within the Benchmark Pyramid portfolio, joining Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington, and Willows Lodge in Woodinville, Washington. Other properties in the U.S. Mountain West include YOTELPAD Park City in Utah and Snow King Resort in Jackson, Wyoming. riverhouse.com
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HOST YOUR NEXT MEETING IN
GRAND STYLE
Surrounded by picturesque mountain landscape and an abundance of world-class recreation, Steamboat Springs, Colorado has everything you need to make your next meeting unforgettable. Experience renowned hospitality and flexible indoor and outdoor event space at The Steamboat Grand — where nothing is more important than you!
STEAMBOATGRAND.COM/MEETINGS
P H OTO S : R I V E R H O U S E O N T H E D E S C H U T E S ; T R I P L E C R E E K R A N C H
INSPIRE. EXPLORE. CONNECT. YMCA of the Rockies’ two Colorado mountain locations offer cabins and lodges with meals, meeting space and activities included.
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The Shore Lodge Pool Patio Bar overlooks spectacular Payette Lake.
Dining in the Great Outdoors
Gather around the table, sample delicious local cuisine, and marvel at the astonishing scenery of the U.S. Mountain West. BY JULIE BIELENBERG » FRESH AIR, FRESH IDEAS, FRESH CONVERSATION. Outdoor venues have always provided events with a welcome element of surprise (and sometimes a bit of unpredictability with weather and wildlife). Post-pandemic trends have included the ramping up of society’s interest in getting outside, with
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the mountains being particularly popular destinations due to abundant open space and plenty of room to spread out and breathe. Whether on the water or near inspiring architectural gems, these outdoor spaces encourage groups big and small to gather and share a meal.
P H OTO S : S H O R E LO D G E ; (O P P O S I T E ) T H E B R OA D M O O R
Meet + Eat //
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P H OTO S : S H O R E LO D G E ; (O P P O S I T E ) T H E B R OA D M O O R
WATERS WITH A WOW FACTOR Let the light breeze of the lake, sounds of the roaring river, or enchantment of a waterfall make events extra memorable. Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho, provides a picturesque setting with a pristine lake, mountain views, and enough space to host events for up to 250 guests. Planners can choose from a variety of outdoor spaces including at the resort’s marina, Pool Patio Bar, a self-contained food truck that can be parked anywhere on the property, and a poolside/lakeside deck. Why not have a waterfall as a backdrop for dinner? The Broadmoor, a resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado, owns and operates Seven Falls—a series of cascading waterfalls located less than a mile away from the main establishment. Groups can buy out the entire attraction or the restaurant 1858, which holds up to 100 people indoors and 60 on the patio and is currently open only for private events. Diners at 1858 can admire the beauty of the surrounding rock formations and witness the magnificent sights and sounds of falling water. If time allows, hiking and ziplining are also available at Seven Falls. “The wonderful part of having meetings at Seven Falls is the fact the venue was built and newly restored while incorporating the natural beauty of the waterfalls, fully integrated with the dining experience,” says John Tobey, owner of Denverbased John Tobey Events. “The culinary team at The Broadmoor creates custom menus for the attendees, and the amazingness of the built-in water feature makes guests’ heart rate and blood pressure go down as they embrace nature.”
OPEN SPACE FOR BIG GROUPS The return of events has reintroduced big guest lists with equally big needs. Here’re how two outdoor venues shine for large occasions. The Broadmoor’s Mountain Clubhouse is known for its expansive and unobstructed panorama of Colorado’s Front Range and has become one of the resort’s most popular locations for outdoor corporate gatherings. Accommodating sunset dinners and other events for up to 200, a stone patio sets the scene with meticulous landscaping, wrought-iron lanterns that add ambiance to the space, and a fire pit that beckons guests to toast marshmallows, make s’mores, and sip after-dinner drinks. In fact, Mountain Clubhouse is an ideal base camp for groups seeking a venue that can transform throughout the day. “Groups often start with an outdoor breakfast from which teams set out to experience falconry, mountain biking, team-building activities, and other outdoor adventures provided by The Broadmoor Outfitters. Groups then reconvene for lunch, followed by more activities or meetings on-site. They end the day with a casual cocktail hour or barbecue—all of this taking place al fresco in the shadow of Cheyenne Mountain,” says Pepper Dombroski, director of sales for The Broadmoor. “As a Rocky Mountain event planning company, our team is always in search of the perfect mountain getaway for our clients,”
Stunning scenery from The Broadmoor’s Mountain Clubhouse patio
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Meet + Eat //
Taste of the West Go back in time with barbecue dinners out on the range. BUFFALO BILL CENTER OF THE WEST Cody, Wyoming Chuckwagon dinners for groups of up to 24 take place on the west side of Robbie Powwow Garden. The fire-cooked menu includes steak, biscuits, beans, salad, and a Dutch-oven dessert such as cobbler or cinnamon rolls. Along with getting a taste of what it was like for cowboys eating meals on the range, guests learn about the area’s history and are treated to legendary Wild West stories. A variety of groups, ranging from gatherings of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association to private events for Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours, has booked unforgettable chuckwagon dinners.
ROOSEVELT LODGE & CABINS Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Located inside Yellowstone National Park at Tower Junction, Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins offers an authentic Old West cookout. Guests can choose from a one- or two-hour horseback excursion or a covered wagon ride to the dinner destination. The venue can host more than 275 for a steak dinner complete with coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, corn, corn muffins, watermelon, fruit crisp, and assorted beverages, including cowboy coffee. Guests are sure to romanticize the Old West while eating at picnic tables and listening to an authentic cowboy singer. yellowstonenationalparklodges.com
Top to bottom: Chuckwagon dinners at the Buffalo Bill Center for the West include Dutch-oven desserts such as cinnamon rolls or cobbler, the latter shown here; a Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins cookout has plenty of cowboy coffee.
Tobey says. “Ideally, the venue is close to all of the modern comforts while still allowing the attendees and guests to be able to feel the exhilaration of the great outdoors. Many out-of-town groups look for the rustic feeling of an alpine getaway
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while being close to civilization. The Broadmoor experiences provide just that.” New Mexico’s Taos Ski Valley, on the other hand, recently completed an $8-million renovation that included Phoenix Lodge, featuring more than 6,334 square
feet of dedicated meeting space. However, the ma ster piece is a stunning , 3,700-square-foot deck that can hold up to 300 guests. But the highlight of many conferences and events in the area is the incredible
P H O T O S : B U F FA L O B I L L C E N T E R O F T H E W E S T ; Y E L L O W S T O N E N AT I O N A L PA R K L O D G E S ; ( O P P O S I T E ) O B I E H O S P I TA L I T Y
centerofthewest.org
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food. Taos Ski Valley’s catering team, for instance, offers unique New Mexicaninfluenced menus for groups of all sizes. Many of the culinary selections feature ingredients from around the region and a re designed to be sha red plates a nd sociable experiences. VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES Sometimes, it’s all about the awe-inspiring views of incredible landscapes—dotted with both volcanic and architectural wonders. Carlita’s Rooftop, located on the top floor of The Gordon Hotel in Eugene, Oregon, is available for a full buyout and can host up to 30 guests. Various configurations w ith a DJ, da nce f loor, lighting, ba lloons, f lorals, and signage are all easily arranged by hotel staff. Plus, the hotel’s Ed Ragozzino Ballroom has a beautiful terrace, and the establishment is adding patio tables outside its restaurant, The Gordon Tavern, to make the space more suitable for outdoor events. It’s the views that draw events to the hotel, confirms Kandace Ballerini, sales and event coordinator for Urban Restaurant Group, which manages the hotel’s restaurant. “From the Ragozzino, you can look onto 5th Street Public Market Alley, providing a stunning view of the restaurants and shops,” she says. “It’s always buzzing with activity, people, pets, artists, and musicians. From Carlita’s Rooftop, you can see the Willamette River, the University of Oregon’s Autzen Stadium, and Three Sisters, a trio of volcanic peaks each rising more than 10,000 feet.” broadmoor.com thegordonhotel.com johntobeyevents.com shorelodge.com skitaos.com
The view of 5th Street Public Market Alley from the Ed Ragozzino Ballroom terrace at The Gordon Hotel
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Destination //
In a Different State
New Mexico’s mountain towns provide an environment like none other—a mix of rich culture, artistic influences, and scenic beauty sure to boost your team’s creativity. BY SHELLY STEIG
» “IT’S SOMETHING THAT’S IN THE AIR, it’s just different. The sky is different, the stars are different, the wind is different,” noted American modernist Georgia O’Keeffe when describing the mountainous terrain of New Mexico. The renowned painter was captivated by—and for good reason—the Land of Enchantment, which reflects the intersection of cultures over the years. Indigenous people have lived in the area for thousands of years, and the Spanish arrived in 1598 seeking the legendary Cities of Gold. Add in Hispanic and American West influences and you
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have a multilayered environment reflected in the architecture— a side-by-side vision of Pueblo-style, Spanish Colonial, and Territorial Revival architecture. It’s also evident in the innovative cuisine, which has been dubbed New Mexican. New Mexico’s unique blend of the ancient and modern sustained O’Keeffe’s creativity for many years, and the mountainous regions of the state are sure to be just as stimulating and inspiring for groups. Three cities in particular—Ruidoso, Santa Fe, and Taos—reflect New Mexico’s heritage, yet each boast their own personalities and amenities.
P H OTO S : V I L L AG E O F R U I D O S O ; ( O P P O S I T E ) T O U R I S M S A N TA F E
MCM Eleganté Lodge & Resort in Ruidiso
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P H OTO S : V I L L AG E O F R U I D O S O ; ( O P P O S I T E ) T O U R I S M S A N TA F E
BY THE NUMBERS Ruidoso
Elevation » 6,920 feet Population » 8,069 Santa Fe
Elevation » 7,199 feet Population » 86,099 Taos
Elevation » 6,969 feet Population » 5,866
A cozy suite at La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe
RUIDOSO Ruidoso lies midway between Roswell (famous for its rumored alien crash landing in 1947) and Truth or Consequences (home to Spaceport America, which harbors Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic). You would think the town would be all about outer space, but instead, it seems to shrug and claim its own reputation as a little funky, a little horsey, and a lot outdoorsy. It’s also conveniently set up for meetings and events with the Ruidoso Convention Center and MCM Eleganté Lodge & Resort tucked sideby-side into the foothills of the Sierra Blanca Mountains. The two facilities combined have more than 24,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The center has an exhibit hall that offers as many as eight meeting rooms, while the hotel hosts a maximum of 80 attendees. There are another 2,000 hotel rooms and unique venues in the area, such as the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts with its space-age architecture and 514-seat stage house. During free time, attendees can cheer on quarter horses racing at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
& Casino, hop on a horse of their own for a trail ride, practice axe throwing, or simply enjoy quiet time appreciating nature’s wonders. SANTA FE It’s a delight to walk the winding streets of New Mexico’s capital, which is the highest and oldest in the United States. Set in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe is peppered with adobe buildings that blend seamlessly into the land. An arts enclave, Santa Fe was UNESCO’s first designated Creative City, a network that now includes 246 communities. This is reflected in art markets throughout the summer that celebrate Hispanic, Spanish, and Native American influences. Many of these markets convene around the traditional Spanish plaza, which is anchored by the four-centuries-old Palace of the Governors. “All of my clients have loved meeting in Santa Fe,” says Marcia Skillman, owner of Destination Services of Santa Fe Inc., “because it’s small and intimate, yet easy to get around and people are so friendly.”
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Destination //
More Destinations
ALBUQUERQUE New Mexico’s largest city is home to the Albuquerque Convention Center with 270,000 square feet of multipurpose space and 950 hotel rooms within walking distance. It also features a selection of other venue options, ranging from the Event Center at Balloon Fiesta Park to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. visitalbuquerque.org Elevation: 5,312 feet Population: 563,165
LOS ALAMOS Best known for hosting Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos is the gateway to Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve, and Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Meeting and events venues include Duane Smith Auditorium, which can host up to 1,000 participants, along with 25 other more intimate options. visitlosalamos.org Elevation: 7,320 feet Population: 12,666
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Santa Fe offers a host of venue choices. These range from intimate settings to the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, a LEED-certified property with 40,000 square feet of space. To enjoy the more than 320 days of sunshine, events can spill out onto the large outdoor courtyard and terrace. La Fonda on the Plaza hotel is celebrating its 100th anniversary and features 20,112 square feet of versatile space, while Hotel Santa Fe is the only Native American-owned hotel in the city, bills itself as “tradition-centric,” and immerses attendees in Picuris Puebloan culture with welcome f lutes, traditional drumming, and a blessing ceremony. Hotel Santa Fe’s event spaces accommodate up to 275 and an extensive catering menu highlights Picuris Puebloan cuisine. For a meeting add-on, Skillman recommends riding the new Sky Railway between Santa Fe and Lamy (see page 7), and dining at Legal Tender Saloon &
Eating House upon arrival. The establishment is in a historic building and employs a chef who develops seasonal menus that rely heavily on Southwestern flavors. For the adventurous, outdoor activities can include hot-air ballooning, off-roading, and horseback riding. When planning an event in Santa Fe, Skillman themes events to match corporate interests. For example, she organized an outing where musicians played traditional Native American flute music, hoop dancers performed, and chefs served foods that reflected a combination of Puebloan, Navajo, and Apache inf luences. These included “The Three Sisters” (corn, beans, and squash) and herd-raised bison. TAOS Taos is perhaps best known for its worldclass ski resort, Taos Ski Valley, nestled in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The resort is undergoing a
P H O T O S : V I S I T A L B U Q U E R Q U E ; L E S L I E B U C K L I N ; T O U R I S M S A N TA F E ; ( O P P O S I T E ) TA O S S K I VA L L E Y
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one block from Santa Fe Plaza. This aerial view showcases La Fonda on the Plaza to the right.
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P H O T O S : V I S I T A L B U Q U E R Q U E ; L E S L I E B U C K L I N ; T O U R I S M S A N TA F E ; ( O P P O S I T E ) TA O S S K I VA L L E Y
Meeting space at Phoenix Lodge at Taos Ski Valley in Taos
$300-million revitalization and features venues with some of the most stunning views in New Mexico. One of these, Phoenix Lodge, has been completely redesigned and features 6,334 square feet of function space and a 3,694-square-foot deck with panoramic views. A nother option is Lake Fork Room, a high-tech meeting space that can seat up to 32 in The Blake, the ski resort’s hotel. About 30 minutes down the mountain, Taos has a small-town vibe, yet offers 74,000 square feet of meeting space and an additional 1.4 million-plus acres of enticing “breakout” space in the great outdoors. This is a region overflowing with nature’s bounty. Situated within the Enchanted Circle, a stunning 83-mile scenic byway, the terrain is distinctively diverse. It includes valleys, mesas, mountains, forests, and culturally vibrant villages. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, year-round activities abound and include
hiking, mountain biking, llama trekking, fishing, and more. For an extravagant experience, consider El Monte Sagrado Living Hotel & Spa. It’s a secluded sanctuary landscaped with ponds, waterfalls, and towering cottonwoods. Available lodging includes one- to three-bedroom suites and 48 traditional rooms. There’s on-site meeting space for up to 160 guests along with a restaurant, bar, saltwater pool, and spa. For an extra dose of creativity, book Taos A r t Museu m at Fech i n House, located in the former home of Russian artist Nicolai Fechin and able to host groups of up to 150. Consider scheduling art classes in the former studio. Hot-air balloon rides over or whitewater rafting through the Rio Grande Gorge, one of Taos’ most distinct landmarks, are favorite add-ons. The area is also a prime spot for natural hot springs, so plan a dip to relax post-adventure.
“Taos continues to be a sought-after destination for corporate meetings as the culture and the arts of this special place allow for magical outcomes providing memories for all who attend. The diversification of lodging and meeting venue opportunities, paired with authentic New Mexican cuisine prepared by local celebrity chefs, continues to enhance the experience,” says Karen Kelly, owner of KWK Events located in Red River. “A week ago, it was the mountains I thought the most wonderful, and today it’s the plains. I guess it’s the feeling of bigness in both that carries me away,” said O’Keeffe when describing New Mexico’s diverse landscapes. Let Ruidoso, Santa Fe, or Taos help spark big ideas for your team. discoverruidoso.com santafe.org taos.org
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ELEVATE YOUR GROUP EVENT The Ridgeline Hotel Estes Park® is the perfect location to hold your next meeting or conference! Here, you can create a refreshing, inspired industry or corporate event in comfort and style.
RidgelineHotel.com 101 South Saint Vrain Avenue | Estes Park, CO 970-527-1500
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Wild FROM
to
Mild Outdoor fun in the mountains unites groups in a spectacular fashion. BY BETH BUEHLER
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Explore the Emerald Cave on an Evolution Expeditions kayaking tour.
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M
ore now than ever, planners are seeking ways to get groups outside, and wellness trends in the
industry are pushing meetings from being staid to energetic. As coworkers and colleagues come together after months in home offices, gathering in the mountains is both visually appealing and full of adventure. Get your groups to mix, mingle, and try something new together with these outdoor activities.
P H OTO : E VO LU T I O N E X P E D I T I O N S
PADDLE, HIKE, AND SOAK
Based in Boulder City, Nevada, Evolution Expeditions has been running kayak tours since 2006. Today, the outfitter offers fully customizable options that also include hiking for groups of up to 60 guests, whether it’s a half-day break from meetings or a full-day expedition. For example, the Kayak Hoover Dam and Hot Springs Hike tour involves seven hours of paddling, hiking, and soaking in the beauty of the Black Canyon. Participants paddle from the base of Hoover Dam and down the Colorado River to view waterfalls, learn about local wildlife, kayak in the Emerald Cave, hike, steam inside a sauna cave, and soak in geothermal hot-spring pools. The other two itineraries are three and four hours, with Spanish-speaking guides available for all tours. Customized food and beverage packages are also available and can include roasting s’mores around a bonfire. In addition, Evolution Expeditions offers round-trip shuttle service for groups meeting in Las Vegas and other locations within southern Nevada. » evolutionexpeditions.com
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Clockwise from top: Paddleboarders delivered by float plane organized by Tordrillo Mountain Lodge in Alaska; a happy fly fisherman on a Northern Escape trip to a remote fishing hole; camping during Escape Adventures’ Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park excursion
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P H O T O S : ( C L O C K W I S E ) T O R D R I L L O M O U N TA I N L O D G E ; N O R T H E R N E S C A P E ; E S C A P E A D V E N T U R E S
MULTISPORT BLISS
You may have heard of heli-skiing, but what do you know about heli-fishing? Northern Escape offers both. Home base is Northern Escape Mountain Lodge, located along Treston Lake deep in the Skeena Mountains near Terrace, British Columbia. This off-the-grid wilderness lodge has 10 guest rooms with en suite bathrooms, a skilled culinary team, hot tub, high-speed Wi-Fi, and meeting facilities, making it a perfect option for an executive retreat. Electric bikes, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are available to use on-site. Northern Escape customizes trips based on a group’s desires, whether it’s exploring serene river fishing holes accessible only by helicopter or f lying straight to the ocean and boarding a boat for a day of salmon fishing near the city of Prince Rupert. The helicopter stays with the group for the entire day, so it’s possible to fish multiple locations. Whale watching and grizzly bear tours can also be arranged. » summer.neheliskiing.com
Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, located on the banks of the Talachulitna River and Judd Lake only 40 minutes from Anchorage by air, is another ideal base camp for small meetings and team building. With two 11,000-foot volcanoes and Denali (North America’s tallest peak) as a backdrop, guests can try wakeboarding, wake surfing, alpine hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, waterskiing, whitewater rafting, foil boarding, and river kayaking. For a snow and water combination, the Kings and Corn program involves heli-skiing “corn” snow in the morning and fly fishing for Alaska king salmon on the Talachulitna River at night, an opportunity available during a one-month period in June and July courtesy of the 22-hour summer sun. A helicopter can also whisk groups to the 4,000-foot start of the only via ferrata in Alaska, which is situated on the edge of Triumvirate Glacier. Guests use carabiners to fix themselves to a cable, unclip one at a time at specific anchor points, and take breaks at various scenic viewpoints. Or for something milder, head out on a vintage 1956 plane that holds up to
nine passengers for f lightseeing over Denali National Park & Preserve, bear viewing at Katmai National Park & Preserve, and more. » tordrillomountainlodge.com
For groups looking to test their mettle and fitness in the Lower 48, Escape Adventures’ sixday Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park excursion begins in Jackson, Wyoming, and offers a combination of mountain biking, rafting, hiking, and rock climbing. All land expenses and services are included in the cost, and tours can be customized for groups with lodging in the form of camping or staying at casual inns. Many other tours are available in the United States, Canada, and beyond. » escapeadventures.com
LOW-KEY FUN
W hen meeting at The R itz-Ca rlton, La ke Tahoe, in Truckee, California, groups can relish the best of both worlds, lodging in the heart of the mountains and spending a day on the water at the property’s Lake Club only a short shuttle ride away. With direct beach access and a private boat pier, Lake Club specializes in water-based activities, such as complimentary kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Planners can set up experiences like daytime and sunset cruises on luxury MasterCraft boats. Changing and shower facilities, food and beverage service, and indoor and outdoor places to lounge and network are available. Lake Club is ideal for groups of up to 40. » ritzcarlton.com Anna Kim, founder of the My Travelanthropy blog, recently took part in a group forest bathing wellness experience through Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, that is offered from March to November. “You don’t actually bathe in the forest,” she explains. “Rather, you hike into the forest with your guide, connect with nature by doing various activities, and finish the tour with a tea ceremony featuring tea made from fresh juniper berries. Forest bathing helps you be in the moment through meditative-like practice and connect with nature in a deeper and more profound way to help relieve stress and anxiety.”
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A WIDE VARIETY IN ONE LOCATION
Not only is there an impressive selection of mountain activities available at Colorado’s YMCA of the Rockies–Estes Park Center, it is also a place that’s easy on the budget and suits a wide range of accommodation preferences: The YMCA features nine lodges and retreat cabins with six to 16 bedrooms. The adventure hub is surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park and offers outdoor yoga, archery, axe throwing, challenge courses, f ly-fishing, disc golf, horseback riding, miniature golf, tennis, volleyball, climbing, and whitewater rafting. In the winter, ice skating and snowshoeing are available. » ymcarockies.org Also in Estes Park, Kent Mountain Adventure Center sets up and leads trips on the local via ferrata. Via ferrata means “iron path” in Italian and became widely known as the name for metal ladders and cables used by mountain troops in World War I. The path provides beautiful vistas of Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding valley (typically only available to rock climbers). Kent Mountain Adventure Center also guides hikes and has a snow school. » kentmountain.com The Lodge at Blue Sky in Park City, Utah, is all about variety with activities happening on the property’s 3,500 acres and open
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to the public with or without an overnight stay. Highlights include an 18-stand sporting clay course, equine experiences, classes at Gracie’s Organic Farm, unique wellness programs (e.g., heli-yoga, aerial yoga, and alternative energy journeys), and hands-on cooking classes to make wildflower bread, Utah trout, handmade pasta, and more. » aubergeresorts.com/bluesky
GETTING TO DINNER ROCKY MOUNTAIN STYLE
Nestled in a peaceful meadow, Beano’s Cabin at Beaver Creek in Colorado is a hand-hewn log cabin and recipient of both the AAA Four Diamond and Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The getting there is half the fun with a scenic wagon or horseback ride in the summer or moonlit sleigh ride through pine and aspen forests in the winter. A crackling fire, delicious five-course dinner, and musical entertainment are part of the experience. “Beano’s Cabin is a spectacular venue in the middle of Beaver Creek Mountain only accessible by specialized vehicles (or skiing!), which makes for an exclusive and private experience. This log cabin is the perfect combination of where mountain adventure meets rustic elegance,” says Shelby Polf liet, associate director
P H OTO S : Y M C A O F T H E R O C K I E S ; DA N I E L G A M B I N O ; ( O P P O S I T E ) M A C Y TA P P / H O M E B O DY P H O T O G R A P H Y ; T O D D P O W E L L
From left: Archers take aim at YMCA of the Rockies–Estes Park Center in Colorado; climbing the via ferrata with Kent Mountain Adventure Center, also in Estes Park
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Little Goat House hiking in Cars0n National Forest
More Mountain Action at a Glance ADVENTURES AFTER DARK Viceroy Snowmass resort in Snowmass, Colorado, offers after-dark nature hikes guided by ACES, campfires and bourbon tastings, and Starry Sips at NEST Bar & Grill, where guests can enjoy cocktails that match the constellations, interact with an astronomy expert, and look through telescopes. AERIAL ADVENTURE PARKS Check out the options at Snow King Resort in Jackson, Wyoming; Whitefish Mountain Resort in Whitefish, Montana; Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, British Columbia; and Snowmass in Snowmass Village, Colorado. CELESTIAL EVENTS Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole’s in-house astronomer partner, Ryan Hennessy of Teton Skies, can stage events featuring multiple telescopes and astronomers, s’mores, and cordials on Cottonwood Lawn. He can also organize celestial events in Grand Teton National Park for smaller groups.
P H OTO S : Y M C A O F T H E R O C K I E S ; DA N I E L G A M B I N O ; ( O P P O S I T E ) M A C Y TA P P / H O M E B O DY P H O T O G R A P H Y ; T O D D P O W E L L
INTERACT WITH ANIMALS In Taos, New Mexico, hike or snowshoe for an hour or two through the majestic Tres Piedras Ranger District of the Carson National Forest alongside goats with Little Goat House. If llamas are more your group’s style, book an educational multiday trekking adventure or a day hike with lunch organized by Wild Earth Llama Adventures. SAILING Frisco Bay Marina located on Dillon Reservoir in Frisco, Colorado, offers sailing and regatta excursions as well as boat and paddle sport rentals, a sandy beach, and lakeside dining. SKYRIDE SURF ADVENTURE Feel the wind on your face from a viewing platform located on the roof of a gondola while ascending 2,800 feet at Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, British Columbia. TEAM BUILDING WITH A TWIST Teams are sure to channel mining days of past while creating a coal cart to race at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, Washington, or go modern with Pints + Bikes, a 5-mile guided bike tour from Cle Elum to Roslyn with local beer tastings along the way (offered as Snowshoe + Brew in the winter).
Frisco Bay Marina on Dillon Reservoir
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CAVES, BIKES, AND MORE
Located in the mountain resort of Whistler, British Columbia, Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Experience Guide program takes guests off the beaten tourist track and reveals the area’s hidden gems. The activities range from cultural experiences, museum tours, and regional food and beverage tastings to building your own “TRYathalon” of recreational activities— like hiking, biking, paddleboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, and axe throwing. Many of the activities are complimentary to guests. » chateau-whistler.com In Whistler Village, groups can ski or snowboard with an Olympian, or visit Whistler Sliding Centre to glide solo on a
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skeleton sled or ride on a bobsled with a team and trained pilot. Also check out Vallea Lumina, an enchanting multimedia nighttime forest experience combining spectacular digital elements within the natural world. » whistlerblackcomb.com; momentfactory.com/lumina
Or board helicopters for exploring ice caves with Headline Mountain Holidays, lifting off from Whistler to f ly over Canada’s southernmost ice fields. Explore multiple ice caves by snowmobile, snow bike, or snow buggy. Traverse a labyrinth of chambers and dig into a mountain-style artisan lunch while marveling at the aqua blue magnificence. » headlinemountainholidays.com
In Bend, Oregon, WanderLust Tours has a variety of Lava Cave excursions. One is the Starlight Cave Tour, which includes spelunking and stargazing while enjoying desserts and hot chocolate. Another option, the Prohibition Tour, provides a look at where spirits were secretly made in caves during the early 20th century and includes a visit to Oregon Spirit Distillers for a tasting and a cocktail. WanderLust
P H O T O S : ( C L O C K W I S E F R O M L E F T ) T H E L O D G E AT B L U E S K Y ; M O U N T N B A R R E L ; A N P H A M P H O T O G R A P H Y ; J U S TA J E S KO VA
of creative development for ACCESS Destination Services, which planned a corporate recognition event and strategicplanning conference that wrapped up at Beano’s Cabin. The evening started with dinner inside the cabin followed by an outdoor concert under the stars. » beavercreek.com
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P H O T O S : ( C L O C K W I S E F R O M L E F T ) T H E L O D G E AT B L U E S K Y ; M O U N T N B A R R E L ; A N P H A M P H O T O G R A P H Y ; J U S TA J E S KO VA
Clockwise from far left: A hands-on cooking class at The Lodge at Blue Sky in Utah; electric bike tours with MountNBarrel in Oregon; setting out on horseback among the saguaros at Tanque Verde Guest Ranch in Arizona; Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Experience Guide program hiking trip in British Columbia
Tours also offers creative twists to paddling with a Brews & Views Canoe Tour and Starlight & Moonlight Canoe Tour on Cascade Lakes. » wanderlusttours.com A guided electric bike tour is a good way to go when various levels of fitness are involved. MountNBarrel’s Fruit Loop Tours in Hood River, Oregon, takes groups by century-old farms, vineyards, and historic sites and features views of both Mount Hood and Mount Adams along the way. The OG Tour is a winetasting excursion on the west side (known as Oak Grove), whereas PG Grand Tour on the more rural east side (Pine Grove) provides multiple seasonal farm stops and a broad range of tasting options—including a farm-to-food-truck lunch, wine, kombucha, cider, and beer. » mountnbarrel.com
BACK AT THE RANCH
Two longtime ranches in Tucson, Arizona, pull out all the stops and provide multiple options. Dating back more than 150 years, Tanque Verde Guest Ranch is one of America’s oldest cattle and
guest ranches. Located on 60,000 acres, the ranch is nestled among the Rincon Mountains and adjacent to Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest, making it the perfect place to explore on foot, or via bike, horse, or Jeep. Sunrise, sunset, and breakfast rides on horseback are especially memorable and can be followed up by a spa treatment, cowboy cookout, or meetings in one of the various available spaces. » tanqueverderanch.com For the last 54 years, the 3,000-acre White Stallion Ranch has been run by the same family and was built around the equestrian lifestyle. The ranch has 43 guest rooms and multiple meeting spaces and offers nonriding activities as well, such as rock climbing, fat biking, hiking, archery, shooting, and tennis. There is also a weekly ranch rodeo and nightly entertainment. » whitestallion.com “Horseback riding can be a great summer or fall activity to enjoy with corporate groups,” says Anthony Martin, founder and CEO of Choice Mutual in Reno, Nevada. “Some employees might not have ever ridden on a horse. Combine that with mountain views, and it can be a wonderful experience to share with colleagues.”
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People Profile //
World-Class Service
» SAGE LODGE, located 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park in Pray, Montana, is the latest resort to tap into chef Ben Jones’ talents, bringing him on board in October 2021 to oversee two restaurants, create memorable culinary experiences, and elevate catering services for meetings and events. Jones is from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and he holds a degree in culinary arts from Nelson Polytechnic in Nelson, New Zealand. He served as chef de cuisine at Peninsula Hotel in Chicago before working his way up to executive chef at The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana, and Alderbrook Resort and Spa in Union, Washington. He is also a founder and chef at Open Hearth, a private chef and catering business, alongside his wife and business partner, Michelle Byerly.
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At Sage Lodge, though, Jones is developing and mentoring his culinary team, focusing on food preservation, sourcing and highlighting local ingredients, and bolstering The Grill restaurant’s dryaging room. Developing culinary event programming is also a priority. Tuesday Night BBQs, for instance, complete with live music and lawn games, will be on the calendar this summer, along with two new culinary adventures. “Groups can take part in a private dinner in the orchard or on the banks of the Yellowstone River,” Jones says, “where our team will spoil you with the most incredible local ingredients. There is nothing better than taking in the majesty of Paradise Valley and the Yellowstone River while enjoying a special meal after a well-spent Montana day.”
In addition, guests staying in one of Sage Lodge’s ranch houses can book a private chef experience, which is ideal for corporate retreats, family reunions, and private getaways with friends. “Our chefs will prepare a decadent and fully customizable four-course (or more) dinner with optional wine pairings,” he explains. “[It’s] a truly one-of-a-kind meal your group will always remember.” The property’s sales and culinary teams work closely with meeting and event planners to create unique and meaningful experiences, Jones adds. “Whether it’s crafting a custom menu, teaching a mixology or cooking class, or hosting a private dinner, the culinary team is here to ensure your visit is nothing short of world-class.” sagelodge.com
P H OTO : S AG E LO D G E
Over the past decade, Executive Chef Ben Jones has cooked up creative culinary experiences for remote, high-end mountain properties. BY BETH BUEHLER
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SO MANY WAYS TO MEET, ALL IN
ONE MAGNIFICENT PLACE.
Only The Broadmoor offers so many distinct venues and experiences of all sizes and types. From impressive trade shows at our new Bartolin Hall to executive dinners. From grand reception halls to eclectic lakeside cocktails at sunset. From state-of-the-art meeting rooms to secluded brainstorming sessions at Cloud Camp 3,000 feet above the main campus. You’ll find all of it and more within our over 315,000 square feet of meeting space, connected by a thread of quality, service and meticulous attention to detail. Visit broadmoor.com and contact us today to explore the wonderful possibilities.
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