Mountain Meetings Winter 2022

GET YOUR GLIDE ON

Embrace ice rinks as versatile year-round venues

Rising to the

CHALLENGE THERE'S A LOT OF NEW IN MOUNTAIN TOWNS

WINTER 2022

Meet in the fresh outdoors this spring and fall for valuable savings.

Request a quote now for Vail Valley’s largest ballroom and outdoor event venue. www.ParkHyattBeaverCreek.com

970-827-6650 | Beave.RFP@Hyatt.com

INSPIRE YOUR TEAM WITH IMPRESSIVE ALPINE VIEWS

MEETINGS ELEVATED

Less than 2 hours from Seattle with larger-than-life views, Crystal Mountain offers scenic group spaces year-round for your next event or gathering.

Reserve Washington’s highest elevation restaurant for a private meeting with Mt. Rainier. Or take your group glamping at Crystal Sky Camp for an exclusive retreat at 6,000 feet. Our team is here to curate your ideal experience in this premier alpine setting.

Contact our group sales team today at: groupsales@skicrystal.com crystalmountainresort.com crystalskycamp.com

ROOM TO

INSPIRE Welcome to Colorado Springs, where our wide-open spaces and stunning natural scenery are the inspirational backdrop to your next meeting. Hold a spectacular event at The Broadmoor’s new 125,000 sq. ft. Bartolin Hall. You’ll enjoy higher attendance, and attendees will enjoy riding the reimagined Broadmoor Pikes Peak and Manitou Cog Railway to the new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center at 14,115’ elevation. Let us help you create a successful and memorable attendee experience. Here you’ll find room to inspire, innovate, connect and re-energize.

Learn more at VisitCOS.com/meet MTN.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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Contents // Winter 2022

21 F E AT U R E

A Pandemic Won’t Slow Us Down

BY BETH BUEHLER

A peek at what’s new in places with peaks in the U.S. Mountain West and western Canada.

IN EVE RY ISSUE

4 Editor’s Letter

Mountain destinations embrace ice rinks as versatile year-round venues.

32 People Profile

Vicky Nash shares why meetings during the day and soaks at night make hot springs resorts a great option for groups.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler Executive Pastry Chef Dominic Fortin

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P H OTO S : DA M I A N B LU N T; (O P P O S I T E ) A N G E L A CO N N E R S T R E I M E R

14 Venue Report

8 L’Auberge de Sedona’s new metaphysical programming MEETING NOTES GET YOUR GLIDE ON

Embrace ice rinks as versatile year-round venues

6 New Mexico

Bubble and buyout opportunities at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa.

7 Colorado

Villagewides in Beaver Creek Village and national monument tours.

8 Arizona

Premiere outdoor spaces, Baz Kazam fun and more.

10 Utah

Truly distinct experiences at The St. Regis Deer Valley.

10 Idaho

New tasting room and tours at Grand Teton Distillery.

11 Canada

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is rich in culture and venue options.

11 People news

A full roster of personnel updates from around the mountains.

Rising to the

CHALLENGE THERE'S A LOT OF NEW IN MOUNTAIN TOWNS

WINTER 2022

On the Cover

Taos Ski Valley specializes in great skiing and beautiful vistas.

PHOTO BY LIAM DORAN

MTN.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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Editor’s Letter //

Climbing Peaks Instead of Wallowing in Valleys

Editor bbuehler@greenspring.com

Stay well and keep in touch with your news.

Photo: The Lounge by Rolling Still Distillery in Taos, New Mexico

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Mountain Meetings » WINTER 2022

P H OTO : SY D N E Y B U E H L E R

BETH BUEHLER

» LIKE MANY IN THE MEETINGS AND EVENTS INDUSTRY, Mountain Meetings took a break for several months during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re thrilled to be back in action along with our sister Meetings + Events publications.

There were a lot of big plans for a booming 2020 when nearly everything was brought to a halt. Sales teams were predicting a record-breaking year, and there were major renovations, additions and new construction of hotels and venues underway.

Thankfully, a majority of these projects plowed forward, despite uncertainty and worker and supply shortages, and are being introduced with more modest fanfare but with great hope for the future.

The same is true for a new association covering a four-state region in our area. Only months before COVID-19 struck, professionals in the incentive travel and motivational events industry launched the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Mountain West, a chapter of SITE Global that serves Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Nevada.

“We entered 2020 with all the hope a new year brings, and I joined many of our board and SITE members worldwide for the SITE Global Conference in January 2020 in Vancouver, British Columbia. In mid-January 2020 we held our first very successful dual live chapter launch events in Denver and Scottsdale, which foretold great promise for the future of our chapter,” recalls Lisa Kincannon Cherry, president of SITE Mountain West. “No one could have predicted what was to come.”

She adds, “With COVID-19, our world was turned upside down, and for the incentive industry, this meant learning how to adapt. Virtual events became the norm. Our events team and board pivoted to virtual events to continue to engage and connect our community with education and interactive networking.”

After a challenging time for SITE Mountain West in 2021 due to the pandemic, the year ended brightly with a 21% increase in membership, representing the highest growth of chapters worldwide due to providing engaging hybrid and in-person events.

The chapter plans to continue offering both virtual and in-person networking and education in all four states this year. To find out more, visit sitemountainwest.com.

It’s not every day that a new association chapter is born or that a pandemic sticks around for an extended period of time. However, what has become evident is the strength of the meetings and events industry and the role the U.S. Mountain West and western Canada have played in keeping groups connecting in person thanks to the fresh air, sunshine and myriad of activities offered in the mountains.

WINTER 2022

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Meeting Notes //

NEW MEXICO

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Provides Bubble & Buyout Opportunities » AS MEETINGS AND EVENTS have revved up again, some properties have come up with unique solutions to encourage groups to gather. Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, located on the Santa Ana Pueblo between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, is no exception and has been offering COVID safe “bubble and buyout” meeting experiences to provide groups plenty of space to spread out. hyatt.com

Located on 550 acres, the resort is separated from outside traffic by a 2-mile access road that can be closed for privacy.

The resort has 350 guest rooms and 25,000 square feet of outdoor and 29,000 square feet of indoor meeting space for spreading out. Highlights include Cottonwood Pavilion with floor-toceiling windows that can be opened to bring the outdoors in; The House of the Hummingbird, a 7,500-square-foot lawn surrounded by a replica of indigenous ruins of the Native American Pueblo; Sunrise Amphitheater, a natural outdoor amphitheater; and Tamaya Ballroom, a 12,000-square-foot venue that can be divided into eight separate rooms.

Memorable Activities

There is no need to leave the property for free time with on-site options such as trail rides on horseback from The Stables at Tamaya, cultural experiences led by members of the Santa Ana Pueblo, pure relaxation at Tamaya Mist Spa & Salon, championship golf at Twin Warriors Golf Club, and guided yoga and meditation classes. Planners also can arrange

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Mountain Meetings » WINTER 2022

corporate social responsibility (CSR) and volunteer work through the resort’s Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program, a

501(c)3 organization that provides shelter and care to unwanted horses throughout the state.

P H O T O S : R A C H E L K AY ; ( O P P O S I T E ) S O U T H W E S T C O L O R A D O C A N YO N S A L L I A N C E ; B E AV E R C R E E K V I L L A G E

Why It Works

COLORADO

MEMORABLE TOURS OF CANYONS OF THE ANCIENTS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Groups meeting in southwest Colorado’s Mesa Verde Country and basing out of area communities like Cortez, Colorado, can get an insider’s look at the rich culture and history of the area by booking a Canyons of the Ancients National Monument tour with Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance. SCCA is a grassroots organization made up of local citizens who are dedicated to maintaining the conservation lands in the Four Corners region, which is where the borders of Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico meet.

Half-day, full-day and other adventures for all ages and fitness levels are offered, and tours include information on Ancestral Pueblo culture, the natural environment and archaeology. swcocanyons.org/tours

Beaver Creek Launches Collaborative Effort to Host Bigger Groups

Larger communities host citywides, while mountain resorts are more about “villagewides.” Taking this concept to heart, Beaver Creek has introduced a new collaborative website, beavercreekvillagewide.com, to help meeting planners envision multi-venue and multi-hotel meetings and events for groups of 150 to 1,500 at the Colorado ski resort. The website features helpful tools and resources such as comprehensive lodging and venue listings, villages maps, detailed destination activities for groups of all sizes, and deals available during less busy times.

“The launch of beavercreekvillagewide.com allows incentive, corporate and association groups from around the world to easily research a Rocky Mountain multi-venue and multi-hotel meeting or event,” says Heidi Miersemann, CMP, director of sales, marketing and events for the 190-room Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, which is one of the project partners. “It’s designed to be a onestop shop for all Beaver Creek Village event questions and will continue to evolve with that goal in mind.”

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Meeting Notes //

ARIZONA

One of the United States’ best-known destinations for spiritual vacationing, rest and renewal is Sedona, Arizona.

After the many challenges of the past two years, groups looking to provide immersive and fulfilling excursions for meetings and incentives trips may want to consider this mountain destination with majestic red rock scenery.

L’Auberge de Sedona aims to make it easy and unique with new metaphysical programming that incorporates the resort’s serene and intimate grounds and amenities.

From astrology to reiki, chakra and vortex knowledge, attendees and guests who know the metaphysical landscape or are just curious to learn the basics will leave the property with a deeper understanding of self.

The lineup of locally inspired classes includes Crystal Introduction and Meditation; Sound Healing; Welcome Reading and Astrology; Introduction to Vortexes – Energy Sedona; and Introduction to Reiki, Chakra & Energy Healing. In addition to classes, guests can enjoy L’Apothecary Spa set amidst the property’s forest near the calming sounds of Oak Creek. lauberge.com

HYATT REGENCY SCOTTSDALE UNVEILS DESERT GARDEN Arizona’s natural beauty is the inspiration for Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa’s newest outdoor venue, Desert Garden. The space, located in a serene courtyard and surrounded by a grove of mesquite trees, weaves together natural textures, materials, landscape and design to create an oasis in the desert. The entrance is over a bridge traversing above a shallow reflecting pool. A blue Palo Verde tree anchors the space, separating a 1,600-square-foot lawn from the 3,700-square-foot patio area, and a cascading waterfall wall creates a tranquil focal point for a dinner event or social function. hyattregencyscottsdale.com

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Mountain Meetings » WINTER 2022

P H O T O S : L ’A U B E R G E D E S E D O N A ; S C O T T S D A L E R E S O R T & S PA ; (O P P O S I T E ) B A M K A Z A M ; D I N O TO N N ; H AC I E N DA D E L S O L

L’Auberge de Sedona Launches New Metaphysical Programming

(Clockwise from top) Baz Kazam, ADERO Scottsdale SkyTop Lounge, Hacienda Del Sol

BAZ KAZAM ADDS NEW TWIST TO TALKING STICK ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

Recently opened in the Talking Stick Entertainment District within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Scottsdale, Bam Kazam is a new form of interactive entertainment from the founder of Escape The Room, which has locations across the U.S. It’s housed within a large, 20,000-square-foot complex and consists of 18 room-sized games and puzzles. A seasoned team of scenic designers, theme park engineers, artists and composers built Bam Kazam, making sure every game and puzzle puts players’ physical and mental skills to the ultimate test. Be on a game show, explore a haunted mansion, navigate an ancient temple teeming with booby traps, scale the precarious two-story fuselage of a tropical plane crash or climb the ledge as cat burglars keen to heist a priceless painting. bamkazam.com

HACIENDA DEL SOL COMPLETES EXPANSION

Originally a prestigious ranch school for girls in the 1930s, Hacienda Del Sol in Tucson has evolved into a Forbes Four-Star resort with touches of its past sprinkled throughout. A recent expansion has added 40 guest rooms that span seven new buildings facing both the Santa Catalina Mountains and Rincon Mountains.

Hacienda Del Sol also added a new pool area with a 40-foot lap pool, infinity-edge wading pool, spa and large sun deck as well as a 420-square-foot fitness facility with roll-up doors. The expansion has created more space for displaying local art and sculpture, continuing the property’s legacy of supporting artists throughout the community. haciendadelsol.com

ENJOY VIEWS & STARS AT ADERO SCOTTSDALE’S SKYTOP LOUNGE

The new ADERO Scottsdale, an Autograph Collection hotel and the region’s first and only Dark Sky Zone resort has introduced an alfresco dining experience on the lawn overlooking the property’s namesake canyon. SkyTop Lounge is an outdoor bar offering delectable bites such as Kaluga caviar, New England lobster rolls and short rib poutine, as well as an array of stellar cocktails such as the Star Gazer, Smashed Lens and The Old Astronomer.

Perched high above the rugged Sonoran Desert, SkyTop Lounge also complements the resort’s guided stargazing experiences. The Star Dudes are available on select evenings to assist guests in navigating Arizona’s dark skies while educating them about the solar system and other interesting visible deep-sky objects. marriott.com

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Meeting Notes //

U TA H

Guests arrive at The St. Regis Deer Valley in spectacular fashion via the resort’s funicular, which was designed by carriage makers to kings. It’s not the only unique feature that groups can pair with 16,155 square feet of indoor and 16,589 of outdoor meeting and event space.

Here are some ideas. » Enjoy dinner for up to 50 in the sophisticated Wine Vault surrounded by more than 10,000 bottles and 1,200 different labels. » At bloody mary clinics, attendees can learn how to create the hotel’s legendary 7542 Bloody Mary, which is named for the altitude of the resort. Lessons also are available with on-site culinary and dessert chefs for learning how to make special entrées or no-fail desserts. » Every evening at sunset, The St. Regis Deer Valley hosts champagne sabering on the Mountain Terrace.

Guests are treated to a complimentary champagne tasting, and groups can learn how to saber a bottle with one of the resort’s sommeliers. » Plan a gathering in the new après ski lounge and restaurant, The Vintage Room at The St. Regis Deer Valley, which is a clear and heated 1,600-squarefoot structure with vaulted ceilings.

Mixologists create signature cocktails at a 30-foot wooden bar, and chefs prepare all raw bar orders and shuck oysters onsite. marriott.com

I DA H O

GRAND TETON DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION

Located in Driggs, Grand Teton Distillery is opening a new 2,000-square-foot tasting room this summer as part of an expansion that also increases output.

The new tasting room accommodates up to 50 guests and provide ample space for complimentary tastings, Tours of the distillery will be available by appointment and feature the distilling process from grain to glass.

Grand Teton Distillery is a familyowned and operated craft distillery that utilizes mineral-rich glacial snowmelt and

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Mountain Meetings » WINTER 2022

The St. Regis Deer Valley Wine Vault (top), Grand Teton Distillery (bottom)

more than 240,000 pounds of Idaho potatoes annually in its premium vodkas, bourbons and whiskeys made entirely from local and regional ingredients.

“We’re excited to create a space that will finally be able to accommodate more guests. We’ve outgrown both our

warehouse and tasting room,” says Vice President Andrew Boczar. “As we enter our 10th year, we’re delighted to be able to welcome even more of the community, along with tour buses, and looking forward to increasing production at the same time.” tetondistillery.com

P H O T O S : T H E S T R E G I S D E E R VA L L E Y ; S H A N N O N C O R S I ; ( O P P O S I T E ) L O G A N S WAY Z E

DISTINCT EXPERIENCES AT THE ST. REGIS DEER VALLEY

CA N A DA

Beautiful Spaces & Winter Feast at Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Groups and individual travelers can

spend Friday evenings in Whistler with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre’s (SLCC) Spo7ez Performance Team throughout the winter. Experience a culinary journey that blends traditional ingredients with modern plates while SLCC’s cultural ambassadors dressed in regalia share songs and stories from Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation.

To learn more about these two distinct cultures, visit the Great Hall and exhibits and watch a 15-minute film to delve deeper into their stories and heritage. The centre is located on the shared traditional territories of the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations in Whistler’s Upper Village and has three distinct venues with amazing views and various meeting spaces available for rent. slcc.ca

PEOPLE

FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES JACKSON HOLE Ryan Grande’s appointment as general manager brings him back to the place that launched his Four Seasons career in 2010. Grande grew up in Toronto, Canada, and spent his first two years at the Jackson Hole, Wyoming, property as director of housekeeping prior to heading to Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, where he worked as front office manager and then assistant director of rooms. He become director of residences at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Costa Rica before

being promoted to the dual role of director of rooms and residences and subsequently resort manager.

Grande’s next appointment was hotel manager of Four Seasons Hotel Seattle in 2020, his most recent role.

BEAVER RUN RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER Meg Caldwell is working with the Beaver Run Resort sales team in Breckenridge, Colorado, as a national sales manager with a focus on government, education and Colorado corporate. A veteran of the travel and hospitality industry, she’s worked at Knoxville Tourism &

Sports Corporation; The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama; and the Sheraton and Westin in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, Caldwell was a director of business development for ConferenceDirect.

Jennifer Moons also joined the sales team as a national sales manager but with a focus on medical, medical association and Colorado corporate. Based in Denver, her history in hospitality includes working for the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Turtle Bay Resort and Terranea Resort.

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Meeting Notes //

PEOPLE

Diego. He launched his Hyatt career in 1995 as a stewarding supervisor at Hyatt Regency Beaver Creek in Colorado and since then has held a variety of positions ranging from food and beverage manager and director of operations to GM of multiple properties, including Hyatt Centric Park City in Utah and Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine.

Jeff Olpin, the new general manager of Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City, brings 20 years of industry experience to the property, with his most recent role being chief operations officer for Sequoia Hospitality, where he launched best-in-class employee and guest relations programs and led key operational strategies for the brand. Olpin is a familiar face to the downtown Kimpton property as he previously held the hotel manager position from 2006-2008.

Jerry Pacheco (pictured at top) has been named executive chef of the hotel’s Bambara restaurant. He began his foray into the culinary industry at The Copper Onion, a renowned restaurant in Salt Lake City, and quickly worked his way from dishwasher to line cook, gaining a foundational knowledge of French cooking.

The past 12 years have been spent honing his craft at some of Salt Lake’s best restaurants such as Avenues Bistro, Pago, Finca and Pallet; serving as executive sous and sous chef at Bambara; working as a consultant; and launching his own business. Pacheco draws inspiration from both his Mexican heritage and love of Japanese culture while exploring new flavor profiles that incorporate timehonored techniques.

RESORT AT SQUAW CREEK David Lockard returns to the Lake Tahoe community as general manager of the 405room Resort at Squaw Creek in California after

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Mountain Meetings » WINTER 2022

serving as director of food and beverage at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino more than a decade ago. In a move from the beach back to the mountains, Lockard joins the property from Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine in San

JW MARRIOTT SCOTTSDALE CAMELBACK INN RESORT Matthew Mina has been appointed executive sous chef by JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa in Arizona. After serving in the Marine Corps, Mina attended culinary school in San Francisco and baking and pastry school in Napa Valley. Upon graduation, he joined Auberge du Soleil as pastry cook and further educated himself on the relationship between food and wine. After leaving Napa Valley, Mina worked in various kitchens in the San Francisco Bay area, Seattle and throughout Oregon before moving to Arizona in 2018 to join Renaissance Downtown Phoenix as executive sous chef.

P H O T O : K I M P T O N H O T E L M O N A C O S A LT L A K E C I T Y

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City

Molly Flora is the new spa director for The Spa at Resort at Squaw Creek. Flora joins the resort from Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley.

Flora is responsible for fostering a luxurious wellness experience unique to the Lake Tahoe region while providing a platform for the spa team to create personalized experiences for guests. With more than 10 years in the wellness industry, Flora began her career in a luxury spa in Birmingham, Alabama, before opening her own spa focusing on natural products and treatments. She is a founding member of the Northern California Spa Professionals Association.

KIMPTON ARMORY HOTEL

PENDRY PARK CITY

James “Jamie” Miller became general manager of the new Kimpton Armory Hotel in Bozeman, Montana, after recently converting the iconic Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin to another brand in Austin, Texas. After a successful career working with Fortune 500 companies in the United States, Miller began his hospitality career in 2007 in Asia with Six Senses Resorts & Spas. In 2011, after a short stint with a venture capital firm in Bangkok, he went to work as hotel manager for Rembrandt Hotel & Suites, a Warwick Hotels flagship property in Bangkok, and four years later joined IHG Hotels & Resorts in the same role for ANA InterContinental Tokyo. Miller went back to resorts in 2018, taking the helm as general manager of ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort before returning to the United States with his family after being in Asia for 15 years.

Richard Wales has been appointed general manager of Pendry Park City in Utah after most recently serving as GM of The St. Regis Deer Valley nearby.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, and a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu with a degree in hospitality management specializing in luxury hotels, Wales has more than 20 years of global hospitality experience, including nearly a decade spent with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where he worked in Boston, Florida, Dubai, San Juan, Puerto Rico and beyond.

The hospitality veteran launched his career as a bellman and has since worked in almost every department from housekeeping, rooms and operations to front desk, guest services, concierge and more.

Courtney Reeves has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and recently was hired as director of sales and marketing at Kimpton Armory Hotel. A few years after graduating from Florida International University’s hospitality school, she became involved in opening hotels, first as a member of the opening sales team at The Setai Miami Beach and as director of leisure and entertainment sales for Gansevoort Hotel Group’s Miami Beach property. Prior to joining Kimpton, Reeves was director of leisure sales at The Villa

by Barton G. (formerly the Versace Mansion) in Miami, Terranea Resort in southern California and One&Only Mandarina and Palmilla resorts in Mexico.

David Silva brings 17 years of experience to his role as hotel manager at Pendry Park City. Silva started his career in Orlando, Florida, where he held a food and beverage supervisor role at Orlando Airport Marriott and quickly climbed the career ladder to senior operations supervisor, leading all food and beverage departments and restaurants on property. Since then, Silva has worked at some of the nation’s top properties including The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta; Fairmont San Francisco; The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas; and most recently The St. Regis Deer Valley.

Chris Lawing, the new property’s director of sales and marketing, started his hospitality journey in Virginia, where he held manager and director roles overseeing both meetings and events and catering operations at three different

hotels including The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. In 2010, Lawing relocated to Park City as part of the pre-opening team of Montage Deer Valley, where he was initially director of catering and conference services and later assumed the director of group sales position in 2019.

Jessie Valdez, director of spa, is an innovative wellness leader, board certified holistic health coach, and former massage therapist who has been in the spa and wellness industry for 15 years.

Previously, she was spa director at Glenwild Golf Club & Spa and director of spa and wellness at Main & SKY Hotel in Park City.

ADERO SCOTTSDALE Stacey Kokosinski brings more than 25 years of experience to her new role as director of sales and marketing at ADERO Scottsdale, an Autograph Collection hotel in Arizona. She started out as director of sales at Tarrytown Hilton in Tarrytown, New York, and over the years became an expert within Arizona’s hospitality sphere, helming sales and marketing teams at properties such as The McCormick in Scottsdale, The Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley, Wyndham Buttes Resort in Tempe and Sheraton San Marcos Golf Resort in Chandler. During her 10-year tenure at Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, she served as director of northeast sales, managing accounts in multiple markets. Prior to joining ADERO Scottsdale, Kokosinski was task force director of sales and marketing at Evolution Hospitality, managing operations at various locations in California and Arizona, including L’Auberge de Sedona.

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Eis Haus is a new addition for Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico.

Get Your Glide On

Mountain towns embrace ice rinks as versatile year-round venues.

BY BETH BUEHLER

» THERE’S SOMETHING NOSTALGIC about ice-skating that strikes a chord. It’s an entertaining activity for groups, even for attendees who elect to linger around the fire pits and hot chocolate bar. What you might not know is how many indoor and outdoor mountain ice rinks serve a dual purpose, making them appealing yearround venues for concerts, farmers’ markets, lawn games, receptions, and dinners or movies under the stars as the ice melts and summer appears. While indoor rinks are available for skating year-round, the only outdoor facility with ice through fair-weather months is in Sun Valley, Idaho.

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P H O T O S : TA O S S K I VA L L E Y ; E D G E W O O D TA H O E

Venue Report //

UTAH With this year marking the 20th anniversary of the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games, there is no better time for groups to book the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns and offer instruction in basic skating, figure skating, speed skating, hockey and curling. The five-acre venue has a 400-meter speed skating oval that holds more Olympic world records than anywhere else, two international-sized ice sheets and a four-lane, 442-meter running track. The multiuse facility has an impressive rental fleet, with more than 1,200 pairs of figure and hockey skates.

At the base of Park City Mountain Resort, lights and upbeat music will get groups in the groove for a terrific time on the outdoor Resort Center Ice Skating Rink. In addition to public skate sessions, there are activity, food and beverage options for private functions. Go traditional with ice-skating or perhaps mix in some broomball or curling. Year-round, head indoors to Park City Ice Arena featuring an Olympic-size sheet of ice.

NEW MEXICO Central to the recently renovated Lower Plaza at Taos Ski Valley, Eis Haus adds a new winter experience to the mix. Skaters of all abilities and ages are sure to enjoy ice-skating in the afternoons and evenings, and large built-in fireplaces with seating located adjacent to the ice offer a great place for groups to watch, relax and socialize after a day on the mountain.

NEVADA Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the cobalt blue waters of Lake Tahoe, Edgewood Tahoe is a lakefront retreat complete with an outdoor iceskating rink, which hosted last year’s

National Hockey League (NHL) outdoors series. While doing laps around the rink under strands of white lights, skaters can take in breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The rink is available for group buyouts, which include skate rentals, a culinary experience set up at the rink and customizable music mixes.

In Nevada, Edgewood Tahoe’s Ice rink is available for group buyouts.

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WYOMING In Jackson, there are three options for sliding and gliding. Enter Rink on the Town Square through the town square’s well-known antler arches and absorb the vibrant energy of downtown. Private lessons are available, and groups can book the venue. Village Rink on the Commons, at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, is ideal after a day on the slopes or in meetings. Snow King Sports & Event Center at Snow King Mountain Resort offers indoor public iceskating and the opportunity to watch the Jackson Hole Moose play hockey.

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Mountain Meetings » WINTER 2022

Connecting Casper’s downtown and a neighborhood known as the Old Yellowstone District, David Street Station is an outdoor community plaza and venue that hosts concerts, events, markets and more all year long. The ice rink doubles as a splash pad in the summer, and the plaza works well for off-site events and activities any time of year and is only steps away from downtown’s culinary scene. During the winter, organizations like Coldwell Banker - The Legacy Group, Orr’s Hope Foundation, and Wallick & Volk have rented the rink.

COLORADO Like Jackson, Vail has both an indoor ice center and outdoor rinks. The 35,000-square-feet Dobson Ice Arena is open year-round for hockey, figure skating and broomball and hosts events like Vail Invitational Skating Championships. It also is utilized for non-ice events like concerts, corporate events and more. Outside, Alderhof Ice Rink is surrounded by the charm of Lionshead Village at the base of Vail Mountain and open afternoons and evenings daily, from November through mid-April. In nearby Beaver Creek,

P H O T O S : J E R E M Y S WA N S O N ; ( O P P O S I T E ) V I S I T C A S P E R

Venue Report //

Black Family Ice Rink offers similar base-village charm, plush seating and ice bikes and operates evenings during ski season.

Most ice rinks charge for skating and/or renting skates, but Snowmass Base Village Ice Rink is the exception with both being totally free. Located in the heart of Snowmass Base Village and surrounded by fire pits and comfy lounge seating, it’s a traditional ice rink experience in the winter, complete with a Game of Stones curling series for teams of two, and hosts winter events ranging from ice disco parties and youth

sporting ceremonies to major ski group receptions. In the summer, it transitions into a summer lawn for activities like cornhole, yoga, movies under the stars, art events and live performances.

In nearby Aspen, the Aspen Recreation Center provides a totally different option with its indoor Lewis Ice Arena that is open year-round and has 400 seats. In addition to the NHL-size rink, there is an aquatic center, climbing tower, weight and cardio rooms, pickleball courts and outdoor pavilion and sledding hill that groups can tap into. Closer to the city core are Aspen Ice Garden that also

Colorado’s Snowmass Base Village Ice Rink (left) and David Street Station in Casper, Wyoming (right) transition into event lawns in the summer.

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Venue Report //

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P H O T O S : K E V I N S Y M S ; T E N AYA L O D G E AT YO S E M I T E ; J A M I E K I N G H A M / L A K E TA H O E V I S I T O R S A U T H O R I T Y

can be reserved for dry-floor events in summer and the outdoor rink at Silver Circle in the heart of downtown.

IDAHO Idaho IceWorld is an indoor ice-skating and entertainment center in Boise offering skating, figure skating and hockey instruction and public skating sessions. The spacious facility, home to the Idaho Steelheads minor league hockey team, has two ice-skating rinks, arcade games and a rinkside food court.

At Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink, catch a glimpse of Olympic and world-class skaters (and normal people like you and me) take a few spins around the rink, enroll in lessons and watch one of the celebrated Sun Valley on Ice shows. The show season typically kicks off in early July and occurs most Saturdays through Labor Day weekend, and each week features headliners joining a Sun Valley cast. It’s one of the few year-round, outdoor ice rinks in the country, and there is a full-size indoor rink that is the summer home of the Sun Valley Figure Skating School and hosts open hockey as well.

CALIFORNIA Located adjacent to Yosemite National Park’s south gate, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite has a covered ice rink that opens for winter in late November. Take to the ice and roast s’mores at the nearby fire pit for an interactive activity or reception. In warmer months, the rink becomes a 3,000-square-foot outdoor pavilion that serves as a meetings venue and function space for private corporate events, team-building exercises, group activities and more.

Heavenly Village Outdoor Ice Skating Rink is conveniently located in the middle of Heavenly Village and surrounded by local shops and restaurants. Keep warm by the fire pits and take advantage of the come-and-go wristband system. Once a wristband to skate has been paid for, your team can enjoy a meeting break on the ice and come back after dinner, as the rink is open daily from 10 a.m. – 8p.m.

Clockwise from top: Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink is right outside Sun Valley Lodge; Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite’s ice rink is a 3,000-square-foot event pavilion in summer; and Heavenly Village Outdoor Ice Skating Rink is fun for all ages.

ALDERHOF ICE RINK vail.com ASPEN ICE CENTER ASPEN RECREATION CENTER aspenrecreation.com BLACK FAMILY ICE RINK beavercreek.com DAVID STREET STATION davidstreetstation.com DOBSON ICE ARENA vailrec.com EDGEWOOD TAHOE edgewoodtahoe.com HEAVENLY VILLAGE OUTDOOR ICE SKATING RINK tahoesouth.com IDAHO ICE WORLD idahoiceworld.com PARK CITY ICE ARENA parkcity.org RESORT CENTER ICE SKATING RINK parkcityicerink.com RINK ON THE TOWN SQUARE RINK ON VILLAGE COMMONS gtsa.us SNOW KING SPORTS & EVENTS CENTER snowkingsec.com SNOWMASS BASE VILLAGE ICE RINK thecollectivesnowmass.com SUN VALLEY sunvalley.com TAOS SKI VALLEY taosskivalley.com TENAYA LODGE AT YOSEMITE tenayalodge.com UTAH OLYMPIC OVAL utaholympiclegacy.org

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INSPIRE. EXPLORE. CONNECT. YMCA of the Rockies’ two Colorado mountain locations offer cabins and lodges with meals, meeting space and activities included.

800-777-9622 ColoradoConferenceCenters.com 2020-MtMeetings-2.indd 1

Make a Plan. Make it Boise.

Centrally located in the heart of vibrant downtown Boise, the recently expanded Boise Centre has a variety of customizable meeting spaces, modern amenities, exceptional culinary services and a friendly and dedicated staff ready to make your next event an unforgettable experience. Explore Idaho’s premier convention center for yourself.

1/22/20 4:47 PM

• Centralized, downtown location • Only seven minutes from Boise airport • Over 25 direct flights to and from Boise • Closely surrounded by more than 100 restaurants • Over 1,300 hotel rooms within walking distance • Close to outdoor recreation, including the The Boise Greenbelt

LEARN MORE: boisecentre.com

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Mountain Meetings » WINTER 2022

A PAN D E M I C WON’T SLOW US DOWN A peek at what’s new in places with peaks in the U.S. Mountain West and western Canada.

P H OTO : TO M A S CO H E N P H OTO G R A P H Y

BY BETH BUEHLER

Big Sky, Montana

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O

// SUMMITPERSPECTIVES.COM

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Mountain Meetings » WINTER 2022

Summit Hotel’s renovated lobby in Big Sky (top) and a tasting flight at Big Mountain Ciderworks in Kalispell (bottom).

Montana

In Big Sky, the big news is all about the hotel sector with the transformation of two of Big Sky Resort’s four Mountain Village hotels, Summit Hotel and Huntley Lodge, and the debut of Montage Big Sky in December 2021.

Fresh off a renovation, Summit Hotel has a new look that is a nod to the area’s ski culture and natural beauty and is infused across 213 updated rooms and common spaces, including the Carabiner Lounge, the on-site restaurant offering

a gastropub-inspired menu. The guest experience also has been elevated with amenities such as a ski concierge, oxygen enrichment in select rooms, indoor-outdoor pool, and a signature complimentary cocktail.

Summit Hotel Owners Association and Big Sky Resort donated furniture from the project to Montana Rescue Mission in Billings for furnishing a new apartment complex and to Habitat Restore in Belgrade. // BIGSKYRESORT.COM Huntley Lodge, a traditional slopeside

P H OTO S : B I G S KY R E S O R T; C H R I S T I A N H O R A N P H O T O O G R A P H Y ; B I G M O U N TA I N C I D E R W O R K S

ne might expect that little has happened in many destinations during the era of COVID19. However, mountain towns have served as refuges for individuals and groups seeking the great outdoors for play and gathering. New properties and experiences, bigtime renovations, and entertaining food and beverage options have debuted or are in the works.

The surprising trend is not lost on business owners who serve the meetings and events industry. “As a local and a business owner in Big Sky, Montana, I fully appreciate the rebound we’re seeing. My company is Summit Perspectives, and connecting people with unique and authentic experiences in the mountains is a big part of what we do,” says Founder/CEO Josie Caton, who launched the company shortly before COVID hit. “Big Sky is booming, and I’m proud to be part of a community that is responding to a growing desire to integrate meaning in our lives. As a business owner, the proliferation of new, amazing opportunities couldn’t be more important.”

MONTAGE BIG SKY READY FOR FIRST SKI SEASON Opened in December 2021 and centrally located within Big Sky’s 3,530-acre Spanish Peaks enclave, Montage Big Sky features 139 guest room suites and 39 two- to six-bedroom residences. The new property offers groups 12,870 square feet of meeting and event space, including a large boardroom, multiple executive rooms, and a 5,080-square-foot ballroom. Outside, Gallery Terrace and Grand Terrace are ideal for alfresco cocktail parties and receptions and complement two large event lawns, expansive promenades and smaller, more intimate terraces.

RESORT AMENITIES & ACTIVITIES All ages will enjoy the recreation room with a bowling alley, arcade games, darts and more along with an indoor lap pool, family swimming pool and fitness center. Added bonuses are Spa Montage, ski lockers and skier services, and Powder Park, an outdoor recreation space.

CULINARY SCENE Montage Big Sky has six dining venues that can be enjoyed by groups, leisure travelers, residence owners and the local community.

Cortina » An elegant signature restaurant where the flavors of northern Italy meet the seasonal bounty of Montana.

Alpenglow » A lobby bar named after Big Sky Country’s pinkhued sunsets.

The Living Room » A living room-inspired lounge featuring bourbon high tea service and a roaming raclette cart during après hour.

Backcast Bar & Grill » An après ski eatery that pays homage to Montana’s ranch culture.

Beartooth Pub & Rec » Wood-fired pizzas, classic pub fare and local craft beers are paired with bowling, classic arcade games and darts.

Wildflower Market » A marketplace for coffee, gourmet picnic fare, novelty sweets, and local artisan goods.

Montage Big Sky’s lobby living room delivers stunning views.

ski lodge that is connected to Yellowstone Conference Center with 55,000 square feet of meeting space, has renovated 130 of its 200 guest rooms. The remaining 70 rooms are being preserved in their current state and debuting as “Legacy Hall,” an ode to the original ski lodge aesthetic.

The next phase of renovations includes many of the Huntley’s public spaces such as the main lobby, sunken lobby and coffee shop. // BIGSKYRESORT.COM Located in northwest Montana, Kalispell also has welcomed new devel-

“Combined with the personalized and gracious service that has become a hallmark of Montage Hotels & Resorts, we look forward to welcoming guests and the local community to enjoy the magic of the American West and relax in one of the most inspiring destinations in the world,” says Alan J. Fuerstman, founder, chairman and CEO of Montage International.

opments of interest to meeting and event planners over the past two years.

Snowline Acres began hosting events at its Ashley Creek Historic Venue with beautiful views of the Swan Mountain Range in 2020. The original 22,000-square-foot Kalispell Lumber Co. building, erected in 1939, was carefully reassembled on the 30-acre property to provide indoor and outdoor options for events. // SNOWLINEACRES.COM Opened in June 2020 and located downtown, Sherman Lodge has five luxury

guest rooms and a rooftop deck that is perfect for after-hours gatherings and intimate events. // SHERMANLODGE.COM The culinary scene has expanded with the addition of KM Bar and Mercantile Steak in the historic 1892 Kalispell Mercantile Building, Waters Edge Winery & Bistro that can be booked for up to 80 guests, and Big Mountain Ciderworks with on-site apple and pear orchards. // THEKMBAR.COM; MERCANTILESTEAK.COM;

WEWINERYKALISPELL.COM;

BIGMOUNTAINCIDER.COM

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New Mexico

Utah

Under Canvas, an outdoor destination hospitality experience with upscale, safaristyle accommodations, is adding Under Canvas Bryce Canyon in southwest Utah to its collection of eight other locations in June. Situated on 750 acres of secluded, high-mountain plains and located 15 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park, the solar-powered Under Canvas Bryce Canyon will feature 50 canvas tents on elevated decks, each with a private en suite bathroom with hot shower, sink and flushing toilet. Far from rustic, tents are furnished with plush king-size beds, luxury linens, USB charging packs, bedside lanterns and a wood-burning stove.

The new camp is designed around a lobby lounge tent and large outdoor patio and will feature local food and beverage concepts along with fire pits and all the fixings for nightly s’mores. Complimentary camp and adventure programming is included. The inaugural season is June through September.// UNDERCANVAS.COM

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SKI SEASON USHERS IN NEW PENDRY PARK CITY Groups and leisure travelers can now book stays and gatherings at the recently unveiled Pendry Park City, located in the heart of Canyons Village at Park City Mountain. The ski-in/ski-out resort and residences is the first mountain resort for Pendry Hotels & Resorts and provides easy access to the largest ski area in the nation with more than 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. // PENDRY.COM THE DETAILS » 152 guestrooms, suites and residences

» Only rooftop pool and bar in the area

» 7,000 square feet of indoor meeting space

» Spa Pendry

» 4 lounge, restaurant and bar concepts » A recreation room offering arcade games and casual American cuisine

Arizona

The Wilde Resort & Spa, situated at the base of Thunder Mountain in Sedona, made its debut in October 2021.

Formerly The Sedona Rouge, the property was fully transformed and features 105 guest rooms and suites and 5,640 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space, including the Dorsey Ballroom, Basecamp Boardroom, The Grove, and Rangeview Rooftop. The Grove, the property’s largest outdoor gathering space, is an ideal place to savor mountain views and a beverage, and don’t miss a stroll through the healing garden and labyrinth.

The Wilde Haven Spa, a full-service

» State-of-the-art fitness center » On-site ski and snowboard rentals » Curated art collection

spa and fitness center, specializes in treatments that promote healing and spiritual growth, and James Beard Award winner Mercer Mohr pays homage to the classic all-day American diner with market-inspired cuisine and a vibrant cocktail program at Rascal.

Groups and guests can take part in onproperty activities such as stargazing, cocktail classes and storytelling around the fire. // THEWILDERESORT.COM Located at the base of Arizona’s highest mountain, the 12,633-foot Humphrey’s Peak, Basecamp at Snowbowl has 26 newly renovated cabins and rooms that are the closest lodging to Snowbowl’s ski lifts. Everything is new from the plank

P H O T O S : P E N D R Y PA R K C I T Y ; ( O P P O S I T E ) TA O S S K I VA L L E Y ; T H E W I L D E R E S O R T & S PA ; A R I Z O N A S N O W B O W L ; B A I L E Y M A D E

There are several new developments at Taos Ski Valley that groups are sure to embrace this winter and are part of a $300 million renaissance at the longtime resort. A new plaza and mountain entry area features fire pits that are ideal for meeting up and relaxing, a new skier services building that has a variety of independently owned retailers, and a ticket kiosk for expedited self-service.

There are plenty of new experiences as well, including the Eis Haus ice-skating rink that is central to the renovated plaza and features built-in fireplaces and seating; dinner sleigh rides to The Bavarian Restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights; and pro-guided mountain experiences for intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders looking for an adventure on the resort’s double-black diamond runs. // SKITAOS.COM

Clockwise from top: The Bavarian Restaurant at Taos Ski Valley, The Grove at The Wilde Resort & Spa, Basecamp at Snowbowl, and an example of Under Canvas luxury.

flooring and southwestern throw rugs to furniture, bedding, big-screen TVs and accent art, including photography of the slopes at Snowbowl. Guests are sure to enjoy the cabins’ front porches that feature

colorful Adirondack chairs and are perfect for stargazing just outside Flagstaff, which in 2001 became the world’s first International Dark Sky City. After meetings and outdoor adventures, groups can

gather at Basecamp Restaurant and enjoy a full bar and menu featuring housesmoked barbecue, burgers, salads and more. // SNOWBOWL.SKI/BASECAMP

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P H OTO S : T H E G A N T; D E V I L’ S D E N

The Gant is offering a helicopter and snowcat tour to Crested Butte (top) and a dose of cocktail theatrics at The Devil’s Den in Boise (bottom).

Colorado

Aspen has abundant hotel and restaurant news to share.

Aspen Street Lodge, also located in the heart of downtown Aspen, is a new luxury retreat available for buyouts. Nine lodge rooms and a two-bedroom penthouse suite have terraces with views of Aspen Mountain ski area and the surrounding townscape. A private rooftop with heated pool and hot tub is a perfect gathering spot along with a media room, game room and bar for après enjoyment. // ASPENSTREETLODGE.COM The Residences at Aspen Valley Ranch opened in summer 2021 and is available for modern ranch retreats and buyouts. The 813-acre gated ranch community in Woody Creek, 10 minutes away from downtown Aspen, has luxury homes that range from 5,700 to 13,000 square feet and four to five bedrooms. Rental of the homesteads include access to the Ranch House, Gym/Pool House, Horse Barn and Historic Barn/Toy Garage. There are a variety of winter activities on the ranch including electric snowmobiles, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. // AVRRESIDENCES.COM

The Gant, with more than 5,500 square feet of meeting space and 140 condominiums, is offering pop-ups and excursions to celebrate Aspen Snowmass’ 75th anniversary this ski season. // GANTASPEN.COM » Diamond Pop-Up: Guests can expect a plush, cozy interior in the lounge and rotating pop-ups of local entertainment, spirits, boutiques, makers and more. » Rooftop Bubble: Perched upon The Gant’s large rooftop terrace, the rooftop bubble experience features chic décor and signature food and drink. The bubble is available for rent in three-hour increments. » Snowcat Excursion: In partnership with Nomad Inc., groups seeking a more

action-packed retreat can explore the backcountry of Colorado by taking a private helicopter flight to Crested Butte for a snowcat tour into the wilderness and après in a luxurious snowcat barn prior to flying back to Aspen.

New restaurants available for buyouts include Catch Steak (the sister of the famed New York City restaurant), which has 10,000 square feet of indoor space as well as expansive patios, and Casa D’Angelo, an authentic Italian restaurant led by Chef/Owner Angelo Elia and Executive Chef Mark Connell, located in a light-filled, second-floor space in downtown Aspen. CHICA, with locations in Miami and Las Vegas, is opening at Residences at The Little Nell and is a celebration of Latin flavors by Chef Lorena Garcia. // CATCHRESTAURANTS.COM; CASAD-ANGELO.COM; CHICARESTAURANT.COM

To see a wide range of other what’s new in Colorado information, check out the Winter 2022 issue of Colorado Meetings + Events at co.meetingsmags.com.

Idaho

Schweitzer’s new 31-room Humbird hotel is opening for the 2021/2022 ski season and is the area’s first boutique property. The three-story hotel, located in the heart of the resort’s base village, features single, king and double queen rooms and one oversized suite, all with large panoramic windows with views of Lake Pend Oreille, the largest lake in Idaho.

The ski-in/ski-out property also has a rooftop deck and hot tub overlooking the mountains and lake, an on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, co-working space, heated ski lockers/storage and underground parking.

The hotel’s design is a sleek, contemporary take on the classic ski lodge and honors Sandpoint’s history, natural surroundings and outdoor recreation. Humbird is part of the resort’s multi-year master plan

launched in 2017. // HUMBIRDHOTEL.COM It’s no secret that Boise has been booming over the past year-plus with makers and business owners creating new innovations despite pandemic challenges.

On the lodging front, two new boutique properties are entering the marketplace.

The Avery will occupy a historic building and feature 39 guest rooms, while the eight-story Hotel Renegade is being built from the ground up with 124 rooms, meeting space, a wellness center, a restaurant and two bars, one on the ground floor and another on the rooftop.

Due to demand for outdoor dining and takeout options, Boise has added two food truck locations that allow for the gathering of mobile eateries: Green Acres Food Truck Park and The Switchback. The first is located downtown off the Boise River Greenbelt and the other in east Boise’s Harris Ranch neighborhood. Both have a roster of rotating food trucks, yard games and live music. // GREENACRESBOISE.COM; SWITCHBACKBOISE.COM

Soon there will be another place for groups to find a variety of culinary options all in one place. Hendricks Commercial Properties purchased property in Boise’s BoDo district and plans to create a food hall encompassing 19,000 square feet and featuring 16 vendors.

The beverage scene is equally as vibrant. The Devil’s Den, a tikithemed bar in the basement of the historic Adelmann Building downtown, is a new spot to find drinks made with fresh ingredients, artisanal liquors and a dose of theatrics (or fire!). In the same building, Mala Luna is a late-night tequila bar and place to find Latin cuisine.

Mad Swede Brewing Company, a popular craft brewery in southern Boise, has opened a downtown tasting room serving beer, wine, cider, craft hard seltzer and small plates and is hosting events for ages 21 and older. // DEVILSDENBOISE. COM;

MALALUNABOISE.COM;

MADSWEDE-

BREWING.COM

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West Fork Lodge can host groups of 50 inside and 200 outside.

Wyoming

Formerly known as Sunburst Lodge and used as a bed-and-breakfast, West Fork Lodge has new owners who have shifted the focus solely to events. The venue has beautiful views from its location on Casper Mountain has seven bedrooms with private bathrooms, sleeping up to 15 guests. // WESTFORKWYOMING.COM Occasions by Cory not only specializes in culinary and catering offerings, the business’s new two-story restaurant can be closed for private events to accommodate up to 120 on the main floor, while the upstairs has a private bar that is perfect for smaller groups of around 40 guests. // OCCASIONSBYCORY.COM Headquartered in Sheridan, Wyoming, Black Tooth Brewing Company opened a downtown Casper taproom in late 2021 and is the first business in The Nolan, a historic building that is set to serve as a mixed-use development in the Yellowstone District. // BLACKTOOTHBREWINGCOMPANY.COM

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The Cloudveil’s 5,000-square-foot rooftop terrace overlooks Snow King Mountain.

NEW HOTEL ON JACKSON’S HISTORIC TOWN SQUARE Groups have another option in Jackson, Wyoming, and this one has a prime location on the town’s historic town square. The Cloudveil, an Autograph Collection hotel, has 100 guest rooms and suites and 7,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. The hotel’s interior is a modern take on the town’s western roots—full of ranches, cowboys and pioneers—combined with Wyoming’s natural landscape and raw, natural materials.

MEETING SPACE The largest gathering space is a 5,000-square-foot rooftop terrace that offers big views of the square and the slopes at Snow King Mountain and is equipped with fire pits, a retractable awning and infrared heaters for year-round event capability. Regular programming on the terrace includes daybreak yoga and meditation, live music and stargazing. Inside, groups can book a meeting room that splits into two parts and features floor-to-ceiling windows, fireplaces, built-in TV screens, and full A/V capabilities.

FOOD & BEVERAGE Groups with their share of foodies won’t be disappointed as acclaimed restaurateurs Gavin Fine and Roger Freedman of Jackson-based Fine Dining Restaurant Group are at the helm of The Cloudveil’s food and beverage program, from The Bistro signature restaurant to the hotel’s lobby, rooftop terrace and catering services for meetings and events.

OTHER KEY DETAILS Additional features include an outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi and a state-ofthe-art fitness center. Itineraries and excursions are offered through EcoTour Adventures and include options like hikes in the Tetons, wildlife safari tours, whitewater rafting and snowshoeing.

P H OTO S : W E S T F O R K LO D G E ; T H E C LO U DV E I L ; (O P P O S I T E ) H I G H U P V I D E O F O R S T I L L P O I N T L O D G E A L A S K A ; C A E S A R S E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Located in central Wyoming, Casper has its fair share of new offerings.

Alaska

Stillpoint Lodge, an all-inclusive luxury lodge in Alaska’s Halibut Cove, is ideal for executive retreats and corporate buyouts for up to 18 guests. The property has opened a new VIP Suite Cabin featuring a private hot tub, two decks, one-ofa-kind art and 360-degree views of the mountains, cove and ocean. Located in south central Alaska in the Kachemak Bay State Park area, the property has a total of 11 cabins ranging from studio to two bedrooms.

The cuisine is locally sourced and sustainable, and activities include spa treatments and on-site water sports, yoga, meditation, axe throwing and campfires.

Outbound excursions like bear viewing, glacier lake kayaking, ocean fishing, whale watching and wildlife tours can be included based on length of stay. Stillpoint Lodge is open seasonally from May to September. // STILLPOINTLODGE.COM

Nevada

Silver Legacy Resort Casino, part of Caesars Entertainment’s THE ROW Reno, has undergone more than $47 million in upgrades to the hotel’s fifth through 25th floors, featuring 1,199 guest rooms. The upgrade complements a recent $100 million-plus master renovation project at THE ROW, which included the addition of a Topgolf Swing Suite and The Spa at Silver Legacy. // CAESARS.COM/SILVER-LEGACY-RENO

Natural beauty surrounds Stillpoint Lodge in Alaska (top) and Topgolf Swing Suite at THE ROW (bottom).

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Versante Hotel’s Cask Whiskey Vault is a prime place to sip whiskey from around the globe.

Western Canada

KOOTENAY ROCKIES Basecamp Revelstoke and Basecamp Golden are the newest addition to the Basecamp Resorts family, which operates four properties in Canmore: Basecamp Canmore, Basecamp Lodge, Lamphouse Hotel and Basecamp Suites. Basecamp Golden launched in November 2021 with cozy rooms in a timber-framed building that is perched along the Kicking Horse

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River and located a short walking distance from downtown Golden and 15-minute drive to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

The 32-unit Basecamp Revelstoke opened in December 2020, overlooks the Columbia River and is a quick walk to downtown and drive to Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Units range in size from micro-studios to six bedrooms. //BASECAMPRESORTS.COM

WHISTLER Whistler Conference Centre completed a $3.5 million renovation in late 2020, updating the property with a contemporary, sophisticated aesthetic that is infused with West Coast character and inspired by Whistler’s natural environment. Design elements and technical upgrades to the 40,000 square feet of meeting space were the two main focal points and included lighting, acoustical treatments, floor and wall coverings, furnishings and artwork.

In January 2021, Fairmont Chateau Whistler opened Fairmont Gold under a shared roof on floors seven through 12.

The $14.2 million project took inspiration from the nature and culture of Whistler to create a luxurious ski chalet experience with 96 upscale guest rooms and a newly expanded, alpine-designed lounge.

P H OTO S : V E R S A N T E H OT E L ; (O P P O S I T E ) B R A N D O N B A R R É P H OTO G R A P H Y

Versante Hotel in Richmond, approximately 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, opened in July 2021 and has 100 guest rooms and suites in five colorful décor themes, each evoking a distinct personality and featuring contactless checkin/out, room entry and lighting controls.

The Versante app also provides contactless room service ordering and connection to the hotel’s guest services team.

Other highlights include 5,500 square feet of meetings and event space; a 24-hour fitness facility with Peloton bikes and Life Fitness cardio equipment; a rooftop terrace with saltwater pool and hot tub; and an array of new dining concepts including Bruno, featuring family-style shared plates and destination-inspired craft cocktails. Don’t miss the 12th-floor lounge Alaïa (an Arabic word meaning joyful or sublime) with a wraparound patio and sweeping views and the streetlevel Cask Whiskey Vault with a selection of whiskeys from around the world. // VERSANTEHOTEL.COM

The Fireside Lounge at Fairmont Gold is the perfect place to unwind.

Expect lush appointments, personalized service from a private concierge, and unique touches such as all-natural essential oil pods by Skinjay that diffuse through guest room showerheads.

Executive Chef Isabel Chung creates gourmet delights for breakfast, afternoon tea, and après canapes, and the beverage program includes a martini bar, all the mixings for an old fashioned with exclusive barrel-aged liquor, and a cocktail of the day. Gin aficionados can choose from 15 local, craft and international gins, and there are premium wines, champagnes, spirits and liqueurs on the menu.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler will soon begin a two-phase transformation of 72 percent of the hotel’s guest room inventory, including 366 guest rooms and eight suites that will be re-styled with modern alpine lodge décor. Fairmont Chateau

Whistler also has a new executive pastry chef, Dominic Fortin, who is one of 12 Cacao Barry chocolate ambassadors in Canada and one of 100 in the world.

The hotel offers Epi-curious Experiential team-building workshops such as Cocoa Couture, Liquid Kitchen and Chef for a Day. // FAIRMONT.COM/WHISTLER Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler unveiled a full renovation of all 273 rooms and suites last winter and updated culinary outlets. The 10 new signature suites have expansive balconies, fireplaces and a separate living room area.

Four Seasons also premiered the allnew Braidwood Tavern and re-imagined SIDECUT. Braidwood Tavern is a contemporary take on the classic mountainside tavern brought to life by Chef Richard Sandoval, who created a menu of tavern classics, unique cocktails, and craft beer

offerings selected from breweries in the Sea-to-Sky region. SIDECUT is a contemporary take on a traditional steakhouse with fireside dining and an innovative cocktail program by mixologist Lauren Mote and a comprehensive wine program featuring a collection of premier British Columbian vintages and international offerings. // FOURSEASONS.COM/WHISTLER When attendees want to explore on their own during free time, they can download the new Go Whistler Tours for free to access self-guided tours such as Whistler’s Cultural Connector that leads to six cultural institutions; Natural Wonders exploring the biodiversity and geology of Whistler on an 11-kilometer tour that is best enjoyed by bike; Sweet Treats, a tour of some of Whistler’s best places to pick up a tasty treat; and Craft Beer, a tour de beer around Whistler. // WHISTLER.COM/SELF-GUIDED-TOURS

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People News //

» VICKY NASH SPECIALIZES in geothermal tourism management and marketing, and recently was recruited to serve as executive director of the new Hot Springs Association. Exactly how does someone enter this field and end up creating the Hot Springs Connection conference in 2018 and launching the Hot Springs of America website in 2019? It started off with moving to a hot springs town in the mountains and establishing a tourism communications firm, Resort Trends Inc., two decades ago.

Nash’s work in the hot springs arena has led to a much broader reach as well. She has experienced some of the very best places to soak and serves as a member of the Global Wellness Institute’s Hot Springs Initiative, a network of owners and operators worldwide.

Why do you like working with hot springs?

Living in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, for 26 years has given me a strong affiliation with geothermal mineral water resorts. In 2015, I started visiting other facilities around the state, which led to the creation of the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop for marketing purposes. Then I thought, “Why don’t hot springs properties from all over the country work together in some way?”

Rallying an Industry Colorado’s Vicky Nash is organizing U.S. hot springs for marketing, lobbying and connecting as a unified force.

BY BETH BUEHLER

The hot springs conference has been held in various destinations. How has that worked?

A big part of Hot Springs Connection is experiencing new hot springs resorts. Each property is truly unique. Attendees appreciate the opportunity to get a back-of-the-house tour to see how things operate. Approximately 80% of U.S. hot springs facilities are located in the Mountain West.

What are a few trends in the hot springs industry?

Currently, there is strong consumer interest in wellness-oriented activities. In the past two years, forward-thinking proprietors used their lockdown time very productively by implementing major improvements. Restoration and revitalization of historic properties is the most prominent activity. Providing more private spaces also is gaining popularity with the addition of individual soaking tubs, cold plunges, tents, domes, yurts and tiny homes. hotspringsassociation.com |

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Mountain Meetings » WINTER 2022

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Why are hot springs a good place for groups to gather?

Geothermal water doesn’t bubble up just anywhere. The conditions have to be just right.

These are special locations in beautiful areas.

Meetings during the day and soaks at night; you can only do that at a hot springs resort!

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