A Blue Sky Beckons
By Meda Kessler
Photos courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection
In this time of social distancing, we like the numbers at Utah’s The Lodge at Blue Sky: 46 rooms/suites; 3,500 acres; 36 miles of alpine lakes, rivers and streams; 30-some minutes from civilization (aka an airport).
The Auberge Resorts Collection property, which opened in June 2019, is a sublime alternative to the ski resorts at Park City and Deer Valley, which are about 30 minutes away. You won’t find ski-in, ski-out access here, but there’s no lack of access to powder and deep bowls for thrill-seekers (experts can book a heli-ski trip) or trails for those looking for cross-country action or snowshoe cardio.
But if you’re looking just to chill out, you won’t be disappointed. It’s easy to commune with nature thanks to the resort’s location, which was chosen carefully so as to keep almost all the surrounding trees intact. The views are stunning, whether you’re gazing out the lobby’s impressive picture window, watching the wildlife from your room’s balcony or taking a poolside yoga class.
The Lodge’s “Living Room” features a massive picture window to help showcase the great outdoors.
The view from one of the Earth Suites, which are built into a hillside and feature living-grass roofs. Each has a private terrace with an outdoor fireplace and a view of Alexander Canyon.
The property’s contemporary architecture and design, with its tasteful abundance of glass, wood, stone and marble, features locally sourced materials in the indoor and outdoor spaces. The earthy color palette and natural light enhance the vistas without detracting from the sagebrush- and pine-studded landscape.
With easy access via the Salt Lake City airport, you’ll be enjoying the scenery — and feeling some of that 2020 anxiety melt away — less than an hour after you arrive.
The Horse Thief cocktail is a nod to one of the property’s owners.
Chef Galen Zamarra oversees Yuta, the in-house restaurant.
Attention to design detail — the limestone is locally sourced — is found throughout the lodge, inside and out.
THE DETAILS
Dine Yuta is Blue Sky’s signature restaurant, run by a James Beard-winning chef who can orchestrate dinner in a yurt, if you’d like.
Drink There’s a whiskey distillery — High West — on the grounds and accessible to guests. Enough said. Blue Sky’s Horse Thief cocktail is named for one of the owners, whose passion is equine rescue (see below).
Play Pick your pastime, from winter sports to fly-fishing to horseback riding “vaquero” style. Property owner Barbara Phillips’ Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation is on-site, too, and is dedicated to horse (and cow) rescue and rehabilitation. Guests of all ages also can feed the chickens, make smudge sticks or learn the art of ax throwing.
Rest Blue Sky’s design and architecture — stone, slate, wood, glass — help the property blend into its setting. Choose from three accommodation styles. Some are designed for families, while others suit singles or couples.
- Sky Lodge Choose from several suite options where you have easy access to the resort’s amenities. including the restaurant and lounge.
- Earth Suites Built into a hillside, these spacious guest quarters feature living grass roofs, private terraces and outdoor fireplaces. They’re family-friendly in design and space.
- Creek Houses These free-standing adults-only accommodations sit along Alexander Creek, which runs through the property.
Book Learn more at aubergeresorts.com/bluesky