Western mountain resorts are a favorite for groups seeking thrilling teambuilding experiences during the summer months, and are often home to some fabulous fare as well. But who says fine dining and group bonding can’t go hand-in-hand?
Meetings Focus tracked down seven culinary experiences across the West that will pair perfectly with your next summer mountain meeting or event, including some fantastic ways to integrate your attendees into the cooking process.
1. Get your grill on at The Broadmoor
Each summer, The Broadmoor, in Colorado Springs, Colo., holds Barbecue University, a three-day intensive program hosted by Steven Raichlen, master griller and host of the Primal Grill public television show. The University features 40 to 50 “active grillers” that are brought together to learn from the best. While groups could potentially work with Raichlen directly, the culinary talent at The Broadmoor can also play off this theme to put together a more affordable outdoor grilling class for smaller groups (less than 40 is ideal) based on the program.
“I actually just had a group from Atkins here and we did culinary demonstrations and instructions for them that featured low-carb and low-sugar foods, to help them generate fresh ideas on how to present their cuisine,” says Chrissie Widhalm, senior executive meeting manager with The Broadmoor.
In addition, the resort offers a list of cooking courses that includes hors d’oeuvres made easy, dessert specialties and French cuisine. While not manning the grill, attendees can look forward to the incoming Fishing Camp and Seven Falls properties set to open in May 2015, just in time for the summer.
2. Catch and eat your meal in Lake Tahoe
The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino in Incline Village, Nev., offers over 50,000 square feet of function space, including its Lakeside Ballroom, with waterfront and mountain views. The resort also offers a Fishable Lake Tahoe program that provides a unique “line-to-table” option for guests. Through an arrangement with local outfitter Action Watersports, groups of up to approximately 75 can book a fishing charter on Lake Tahoe, where fish are cleaned on the boat and either packed up to take home or delivered to the on-site Lone Eagle Grille for preparation.
“It’s very impactful for guests to be able to feed the rest of their group and show them what they just accomplished,” says Brian Lang, director of events with the resort.
If fishing isn’t your group’s thing, the resort can also put together an outdoor Chili or Soup Cook-Off, which historically involves 50 to 80 people but can incorporate up to 200 attendees. Groups are broken up into teams and have to work together to prepare the best chili or soup dish as judged by members of the on-site culinary team. Seasonal mountain ingredients such as bison, venison, boar and pheasant are often incorporated into the competition and vegetarian options are also available.
3. Take a farm-to-table journey in Montana
The Resort at Paws Up, in Greenough, Mont., is a 37,000-acre luxury ranch resort located in Montana’s Blackfoot Valley. The resort specializes in outdoor group experiences ranging from fly-fishing to mushroom foraging, along with a pair of more specialized culinary programs. Its Montana Long Table event brings local artisans, ranchers and farmers together with resort guests over a meal prepared by Executive Chef Ben Jones at a single white table-clothed long table set in the middle of a grazing pasture. During the course of the meal, groups of up to 200 can explore the various indigenous tastes and flavors of the region.
A new special event for summer 2015 is The Resort at Paws Up’s Bounty on the Blackfoot, led by Top Chef: Seattle runner-up Brooke Williamson, who will guide guests on a day-long farm-to-table experience. The day starts with a trip to the Missoula Farmers Market to shop for seasonal ingredients and ends with a multicourse dinner, with at least one dish that pays tribute to the Blackfoot Indians who grew, hunted and harvested food on the land that is now the site of Paws Up.
4. Enjoy Wyoming wines and wagon rides
Hotel Terra, in Jackson Hole, Wyo., works with several off-site facilities to sponsor activities that allow groups to explore beyond its property, while keeping them well-fed in the process. At Jackson Hole Winery, groups can take part in a Local Cooking Competition using ingredients from Wyoming and Idaho. The competition is judged by Chef Kevin Humphreys and winery employees, and it can be followed up with a wine tasting and meal.
“As far as the culinary goes, that’s pretty much an open book,” says John Thomas, director of catering and convention services with Hotel Terra. “We can pretty much do anything that a group wants, and we have a lot of skilled chefs, including our Executive Chef Kevin Humphreys.”
Groups can also arrange to take a wagon ride from Teton Village to the Old Great Barn venue where they enjoy a full steak barbecue and cocktail hour. Hatchet-tossing competitions, lasso lessons and other non-culinary activities can be added to the agenda. Diamond Cross Ranch is another popular venue facing the Teton Range that can be reserved for various events. Grant Golliher is available to give one-hour horse whispering demonstrations, in which he develops a relationship with an unbroken horse and relates it to building organizational trust. Naturally, cocktails, dinner and s’mores are also included.
5. Relish a rafting ride in Washington
Groups can experience the Cle Elum River hands-on via several excursions, including an interpretive rafting trip, courtesy of Suncadia Resort in central Washington. A guide will provide a historical perspective on the area’s geography, river ecology, wildlife and regional history. The three-to-four-hour trip departs from Suncadia Lodge and includes a streamside barbecue lunch, complete with Washington wine.
Trips are scheduled every day of the week at any time of day. A Salmon Bake River Float (suitable for groups of 12 to 100), BBQ Team Building (10 to 50) and a farm-to-table Pic-Nic Excursion (five to 25) are some of the other foodie-related experiences at Suncadia.
Or take a shuttle to the Brick saloon, featured in Northern Exposure.
6. Cycle to lunch at The Little Nell
The Little Nell, in Aspen, Colo., offers various outdoor mountain adventures, and its Ride & Dine dinner series proved to be a huge hit when it was introduced last summer; now the resort has expanded its offerings for the upcoming season. Smaller groups of 20 or less can take part in the rides.
“We wanted to combine what we do on a daily basis with what people come to Aspen to enjoy,” says Carlton McCoy, master sommelier and wine director with The Little Nell. “We figured [groups could] go for a nice bike ride, not too hard, but enough to earn your dinner, and then enjoy a rustic, family-style feast outdoors. We’re combining all the things we love most in the summer: cycling, the outdoors, food and wine.”
7. Create a culinary adventure in Truckee, Calif.
The Cedar House Sport Hotel is a hip and modern boutique lodge nestled within the small mountain community of Truckee, near Lake Tahoe. It specializes in custom outdoor adventures and also has a reputation for its culinary offerings, led by Chef Jacob Burton at the acclaimed Stella restaurant.
The 40-room boutique hotel is available for full buyouts, with complete facility use, including a private dining room, an event center and a full bar in its welcoming lobby. And Chef Jacob and the on-site culinary staff can work with groups to craft the perfect culinary adventure, ranging from customized cooking demos and wine pairings to mountain biking picnics.
