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While the mountains are often the go-to destination for skiing, sleigh rides, and snowmobiling during the winter months, there is much to be said about an alpine escape during the warm months of summer. Nestled between the Uinta and Wasatch Mountain Ranges near Park City Utah, the Lodge at Blue Sky’s unique setting embraces the lush wilderness year-round and offers a wide range of activities for every type of traveler – from nature lovers to spa enthusiasts. Along with the usual repertoire of horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, and biking the resort is known for, each season brings new, five-star adventures all while embracing the surrounding landscapes. Whether you’re seeking a family getaway full of activities or wish for a fresh culinary experience, the Lodge at Blue Sky is the place to be this summer.
The spirit of the mountains goes hand in hand with horsemanship, and The Lodge at Blue Sky embraces the passion of its owner, Barb Philips, by providing guests of all skill levels with a chance to experience a variety of equine activities – from wellness and rehabilitation to private lessons and trail rides. Beginners or new riders can take in the rugged terrain on the White Tail Trail Ride guided by an expert, or stay at the ranch for horsemanship lessons to learn about the methodology of Vaquero – a unique style of natural, gentle training – taught by a renowned horse whisperer. For the more experienced riders looking for a thrilling adventure, saddle up with one of the experienced wranglers to try your hand at authentic experiences like roping and moving cows. Even your kids can get in on the fun with riding lessons from one of Blue Sky’s private instructors!
Along with being a fully operational luxury ranch, The Lodge at Blue Sky is home to an equine rehabilitation program and horse-rescue sanctuary called Gracie’s Farm. In between trail rides, you and your family can head to the riding arena known as The Remuda to get an up-close view of the animals receiving their specially curated care like massage therapy, acupuncture, and horseshoe work. As the only guest ranch in North America with an on-site veterinarian, you can learn the process of treating these beautiful creatures and have a chance to help the vet one-on-one. There are also plenty of chances to participate in the rehabilitation firsthand with the rescued and retired horses – from learning grooming techniques to daily enrichment – that the whole family can enjoy.
For those looking for more flora than fauna, Gracie’s Farm provides guests with a chance to work one-on-one with one of the farmers to learn the secrets of keeping a healthy farm and its unique ecosystem in the high alpine climate. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and breathe in the refreshing scent of the rich soil while learning how to irrigate crops, plant seeds in the greenhouses, and trying your hand at broad forking. Head to the chicken coop to gather eggs or visit the farm’s thriving bee colony to collect honey. Reap the reward of your hard work by harvesting the summer greens, vegetables, and wildflowers before ending your tour of the farm with a delicious lunch in the gardens. All the produce is given to Blue Sky to use in a variety of formats so who knows – your picked vegetables may end up on the weekly menu at the restaurant Yuta or your wildflowers mixed into the remedies at the resort’s Edge Spa.
With kids being out of school for the summer break, you may be looking for an experience that is both enjoyable and engaging for your little ones. The Lodge at Blue Sky’s Little Vaquero’s Kids Camp offers a variety of daily activities that allows your children to embrace the great outdoors while teaching them fun and adventurous skills. Your kids can put on their explorer hats and search along one of the resort’s hiking trails before learning the basics of fly fishing from a local guide. They can become cowboys for a day and assist the wranglers with caring for the ranch’s horses or head to Gracie’s Farm to help plant the harvest and feed the chickens. Indoors, the younger guests of the resort can learn how to make some of the delicious treats the Lodge at Blue Sky is known for. With so many activities, your kids can choose their own alpine adventure!
Summer at the Lodge at Blue Sky is one of celebration as the harvest season at Gracie’s Farm commences and the warm days are finally constant. During the months of May to October, the resort hosts Summer Harvest Dinners, a unique farm-to-table experience set against the vibrant backdrop of the gardens and wildflowers of the farm. Guests can indulge in lively conversation while sampling five-star cuisine centered around a specific ingredient harvested directly from Gracie’s Farm prepared by a visiting chef. Two of the celebrations guests have to look forward to include:
Baby Greens & Roots Harvest Dinner: In June, the Lodge at Blue Sky marks the first harvest of the season by centering a dinner around the new vibrancy of spring and the end of the snowy months. As the lush wilderness turns green again, guests can enjoy a four-course dinner in the stunning Broadfork Barn consisting of sweet lettuces, peppery arugula, earthy turnips, colorful carrots, and spicy radishes all freshly picked from Gracie’s Farm.
Tomato Harvest Dinner: August is the peak of tomato season, making it the perfect month to celebrate the complexities of each heirloom variety. Guests pluck tomatoes right from the vine to be used in a six-course dinner prepared by the Lodge at Blue Sky’s Executive Chef Jason Franey and visiting Michelin-Star chef Dan Perretta.