Wax up the skis or dust off those cowboy boots, western adventures await at The Lodge at Blue Sky. Set on a private 3,500-acre ranch just outside of Park City, the newest addition to the Auberge Resorts Collection is preparing to welcome its first overnight guests this month for luxurious yet down-to-earth getaways filled with countless customizable outdoor pursuits––from backcountry skiing to fly-fishing. Framed by Utah's Wasatch Mountains, Blue Sky boasts spectacular scenery, fine cuisine, a world-class spa-complete with open-air soaking pools-and its very own artisanal whiskey distillery.
Luxury Ranch Escape
Majestic setting notwithstanding, the Lodge conveys an intimate feel nowhere more so than its 46 luxury rooms and suites, all suitably integrated with their surroundings thanks to natural wood and stone elements. Located close to the central restaurant, bar and lounge, fitness and movement studio at Sky Lodge are 19 tastefully appointed Signature Suites and Sky Rooms. Nearby Earth House, which has 16 Earth Suites and 6 Deluxe Earth Suites, feature spacious living areas and dramatic valley views, while five standalone Creek Houses wow guests with open concept design plans and private patios.
Mountain Pursuits
Blue Sky offers plenty of options for those looking to enjoy nature at its wildest year-round, with activities including mountain biking and moonlight snowshoe tours alongside other adventures––and that's just on the resort's pristine estate. Thanks to a partnership with outfitter Powderbird, helicopters can whisk guests off to ski and snowboard in winter and heli-hike, fly-fish or enjoy mountaintop meditation and yoga sessions during summer.
Equestrian experiences run the gamut from meeting rescued horses (led by the Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation) and natural horsemanship lessons to mountain meadow trail rides, including a three-hour sunrise ride that concludes with a cowboy-style campfire breakfast. Fly-fishing enthusiasts can 'match the hatch' with guided trips on Blue Sky's prized private waters or the storied Upper Green River in Wyoming two hours away.
Private instruction and simulated live quarry hunts are offered on the 18-stand championship-caliber sporting clays during winter athletic types can combine cross-country skiing with sporting clays from the heated 5 Stand Pavilion with a Blue Sky Biathlon. There's also an extensive trail system for guided and self-guided hikes--guests seeking more creative pursuits will enjoy the antler shed masterpiece and plein air painting experiences.
Perfect Powder Days
Utah's powder is legendary and although winter visitors can look forward to epic snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, cat skiing and heli-ski experiences on the Blue Sky estate, Park City Mountain Resort is just 20 minutes away a complimentary shuttle runs guests to and from the Blue Sky Ski Lounge, conveniently located at the mountain base.
Western Spirit
Alpine apres ski takes on new meaning at The Tavern––a former an 1800s cabin-turned-Western-saloon––accessible by snowshoe, horseback or vehicle––that serves up inventive cocktails and snacks. At signature restaurant Yuta, expect dishes made with local and heirloom ingredients, a variety of which, including veggies, herbs and wildflowers, are grown on-site by farmer Lynsey Gammon in the Blue Sky Greenhouse. And, over in Wanship (also located on the ranch) visitors can learn all about the whiskey-making process with guided sensory experiences and tastings of limited release expressions at the High West Distillery and dine at in-house restaurant, The Refectory.
Unforgettable Experiences
With reservations at Blue Sky being taken from late May 2019, there are some enticing packages on offer. The Blue Sky Wellness Retreat includes a complimentary yoga class or massages for two with a minimum three-night stay. The four-night Cast and Blast adventure includes preferred pricing on a half-day fly-fishing or clay-shooting excursion, while Romance Under the Blue Sky comes with a complimentary couple's experience - options include a horseback ride and picnic or relaxing massages at Edge Spa.
