There is an expectation that a mountain event will be special. Maybe it’s the lofty surroundings that elevate anticipation? We found four events that impressed us, so take a peek, linger and learn.
Midnight Masquerade
Aspen
A sampling of special mountain places where executive and board retreats can foster thoughtful discussion, enjoy privacy and savor exceptional experiences
There's nothing like a cool splash of water on one’s face to wake up and recharge. It actually lowers one’s heart rate by 10 to 25 percent, a mammalian refl ex that evolved to preserve oxygen while underwater. In this context, what better way to break up a meeting than a venue with easy access to plenty of agua, whether it’s a river, a lake or a little bit of both?
Here’s a glimpse into three great mountain towns that are known as much for their water as their peaks.
Hood River, Oregon
When telling someone you are planning a meeting in the West, it’s assumed two things will happen. First, time will be spent outdoors taking in the scenery and activities, and afterward a craft beer will be the drink of choice when happy hour rolls around. Truth is, among the top 10 states with the most craft brewers, a majority are in the U.S. Mountain West states of California, Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Alaska, according to Craft Brewers Guild 2014 data.
Staying at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza no longer means just looking at the diverse collection of art and guessing at the history behind some of its most celebrated features. During a new docent-led tour, groups can take part in an hour-long tour and learn about notable artists and how the iconic hotel’s 400-year-old beginnings and elements from its past are part of the modern-day look.
Sante Fe’s Eldorado Hotel & Spa has added a new 7,000-squarefoot ballroom, lobby bar and wedding chapel and introduced a refreshed room design and new artwork in its 219 guest rooms and suites. Now offering a total of 29,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the Eldorado’s outdoor pavilion was transformed into the fully enclosed ballroom with 18-foot ceilings, the ability to divide into two separate meeting rooms and a state-of-the-art LED lighting system in the ceiling.
The 84-room El Monte Sagrado in Taos has been purchased by Heritage Hotels and Resorts, Inc., which also owns Palacio de Marquesa in the community. The Albuquerque-based company plans to keep the design, history and character of El Monte Sagrado. Formerly owned and managed by the Florida-based Kessler Collection, El Monte Sagrado opened in 2003 and underwent significant additional updates, additions and construction to reopen in 2007.
Training & Retreats Located one hour southwest of Jackson Hole, the all-new Star Valley Lodge opened in December and is situated in an open valley bordered by two mountain ranges and within close proximity to the Salt and Snake Rivers.
The 58-room, eco-conscious Hotel Jackson, opened in June and situated in the heart of downtown Jackson Hole, combines rustic elegance with a contemporary Western design. The walls are crafted from reclaimed barn wood and the décor includes leather, hides, thick wools and pillows and curtains printed with feathers, antlers and bison.
The 153-room Lake Yellowstone Hotel, one of the oldest national park hotels in the country, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year in tandem with the National Park Service recognizing its centennial. Featuring Colonial Revival architecture, the hotel completed a $28 million renovation in 2014 and is a member of Historic Hotels of America.
