Mountain towns may conjure up images of snow-capped peaks and slopes filled with skiers. But when the lifts stop turning most authentic mountain towns don’t shut down … they embark on a sort of secret season that might actually be better than winter. There are rarely crowds, the weather is beautiful and – surprise! – there is even more to do than in the colder seasons. As an added bonus, some of the top mountain hotels in the country have developed unique experiences that help guests take advantage of this secret season. Here are just a few highlights:
Four Seasons Resort & Residences Vail: A Progressive Food & Beverage Experience
To whet the appetite … this experience begins in Four Seasons Resort & Residences Vail’s acclaimed Remedy Bar with a personal Mixology class with Beverage Director Steven Teaver. Guests will create craft cocktails using fresh herbs from the resort’s on-site herb garden, accompanied by a small tasting of bites to nibble on. Then move on to Flame restaurant’s kitchen for a chef-led spice rub class. Using their choices of protein, guests learn to create their own custom, signature rubs that fits their personal palates.
There will also be a sommelier-led session, during which guests will master the fine art of pairing wines with meats. The experience progresses down to the resort’s exclusive spa terrace for an intimate dinner under the stars with live music providing accompaniment. Using the protein selected and combining it with gourmet, artisanal Colorado products, the restaurant will customize a four-course dinner complete with wine pairings (or a bottle of wine, if preferred). It all concludes with a signature departure amenity, incorporating items from this progressive F&B experience – such as mixology class cocktail recipes, spice rub recipes, and branded spice rub jars.
Waldorf Astoria Park City: Historic Bike Tour
From Billy the Kid roaming the streets to the rise of mining towns, Park City has a lot of history to explore. And during the summer, you can discover it all while cruising on a bike. White Pine Touring’s journey through Park City's past begins with guests being picked up at Waldorf Astoria Park City to be shuttled to the start point of the tour, the Silver Lake area of Park City. The downhill tour includes stops and information about the city's mining town history. The tour will conveniently end at Waldorf Astoria Park City. The two-night package for two (2) adults features:
- A “Biker’s Essentials” welcome amenity, a branded water bottle and bike bag.
- Historic bike tour of Park City and Silver Lake area.
- The chance to extend your ride! The hotel will provide maps of the local paved trails or suggested bike routes to explore the area. Routes include scenic rides to Main Street, cycling to High West Distillery, bike to Utah Olympic Park, or Red Rock Brewery in Kimball Junction.
- Bike storage after your ride.
- To elevate the experience, 5% of the reservation proceeds will be donated to the Basin Recreation in Park City to help maintain local trail systems.
Waldorf Astoria Park City: The Ultimate Queen Bee
Are you ready to catch a buzz? Explore the bee harvesting process with Waldorf Astoria Park City’s Executive Chef Ryker Brown. Taste the homemade honey through thoughtful honey inspired cuisine. Indulge in a whipped honey pedicure. This two-night package for two (2) adults features:
- Upon arrival receive a “Catch Our Buzz” amenity, including a Waldorf Bar Book and jar of homemade honey from Chef Ryker’s garden.
- Get An overview of Waldorf Astoria Park City’s onsite bee sanctuary and honey making process with Chef Ryker.
- Experience a homemade honey cocktail and dessert of the summer.
- End your stay with a Whipped Honey Scrub pedicure in a four-star, on-property spa.
Viceroy Snowmass: The Ultimate Biking Experience
Viceroy Snowmass’ cycling program is offered in collaboration with former pro rider Will Frischkorn, a Tour de France competitor for Garmin, and a well-known Colorado foodie. The experience is entirely customizable, but the best way to book it is via the three-day (long weekend) option. Arrive Friday midday, and head out on a 25-mile ride to Sustainable Settings Farm. There, Viceroy’s Executive Chef Will Nolan will prepare a real farm-to-table dinner. Guests are transported back to the property via vehicle (as daylight is gone at this point).
On Saturday, riders depart from Viceroy and hit Maroon Bells, one of the most scenic rides on earth, followed by a cruise through Castle Creek/Ashcroft, an evocative old ghost town. In Ashcroft, the property has a tent stocked with a full lunch, featuring charcuterie and cheeses hand selected from Cured, Frischkorn’s trendsetting Boulder store. Guests ride back to the property for a massage … and can ride again Sunday if they haven’t had enough two-wheel adventure yet.
Viceroy Snowmass: New Hike-in/Hike-out Summer Hike Experience for Him & Her
Viceroy’s two brand new “Hike in/Hike Out” Spa experiences are tailored towards men and women.
CHICKS, CHARCUTERIE AND CHAMPAGNE (45 MINUTES): Enjoy a 15-minute customized bath featuring Lavender or Wildflower Oil ... and a glass of Champagne. A soothing, focused 30-minute lower body massage treatment quickly relieves stress, tension, and improves circulation after a day of hiking. Finish your experience by enjoying our signature Charcuterie Plate.
BROS, BREWS AND BRATS (45 MINUTES): After an active day, a 15-minute customized bath is the perfect relief in response to various conditions. Eucalyptus or Arnica Oil relaxes the body while you enjoy a Colorado Micro Brew. Relieve stress, tension, and improve circulation with soothing, focused 30-minute lower body massage treatment. Finish your experience by heading up to the Nest Public House for a house-made bratwurst.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa: Summer Offerings
Locals Secrets from Park Hyatt Beaver Creek staff: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek will share its “Local Secrets,” tapping into the resort team’s expert knowledge and offering guests authentic, enriching adventure experiences and insider information to create a more personalized and memorable visit. Guests will be provided curated Local Secrets cards curated by the on-site staff – because the best information always comes from the people who live locally and spend their free time exploring. “Local Secrets” cards change seasonally, and can be picked up at the concierge desk. For summer, “locals secrets” include everything from the best hot springs near Beaver Creek to the top pet-friendly patios and hikes in the area.
Starry Night Experience: There is no more beautiful setting to stargaze than in the mountains, and this program offers guests an unforgettable experience for families. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek will provide suggestions on the best apps to enhance stargazing on its back patio, along with a constellation book for kids that they can take home with them. Fireside s’mores serve as the perfect sweet treat for all to enjoy. Additionally, families can take in an outdoor film if visiting during one of Beaver Creek’s beloved Movie Under the Stars events offered regularly throughout summer.
