Four Seasons Mountain Collection is setting out to show that warm-weather visits to traditional winter locales can be equally enticing. Each Four Seasons property in the Mountain Collection - Whistler, Vail, Jackson Hole and Santa Fe - has created unique experiences that immerse guests in their destination, from chef-led gastronomy adventures to wildlife safaris.
To launch this season, Four Seasons Mountain Collection is hosting a summer après-ski event in Aspen alongside the Food & Wine Classic to showcase each property and celebrate the newest addition to the Mountain Collection - and the first Four Seasons ski resort in Europe - Four Seasons Hotel Megève.
The bespoke offerings from Four Seasons Mountain Collection include:
Fly Fishing Excursion: New this year, the property’s in-house fly fishing guide leads guests on a three-day experience through the "mecca of fly fishing" amid the grandeur of the Tetons. Each day guests will see a different body of water and learn new approaches and techniques – start with a float trip on the famous Snake River for cutthroat trout, then embark on a wade trip in a private section of the Salt River for brown and rainbow trout, and end by floating on the Green River for the chance to fulfil every angler’s dream of catching a trophy fish. For a shorter but equally impressive tour, guests can embark on a private one-day excursion to Cakebread Ranch.
Trail Stewardship: This recently announced summer volunteer opportunity with Grand Teton National Park and Grand Teton National Park Foundation offers visitors a chance to give back to their local surroundings. The Trail Stewardship program is a complimentary experience and includes a half day in Grand Teton National Park, where guests will help to clean up and maintain the trail system. Four Seasons guests will have access to the Mercedes GL Four Seasons house car and enjoy a customised picnic including house-made energy bars, jerky and more.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler: Whistler offers unrivalled outdoor activities, from award-winning golf courses to Olympic sight-seeing, zip lining, hiking and fishing. Off season experiences include:
BeerBQ Series: Beginning Thursday, June 22, the Resort is hosting a Courtyard Thursday BeerBQ series as a tribute to British Columbia’s thriving craft beer scene. Open to the public, the all-you-can-eat evening features beer-infused variations on classic barbecue recipes and a rotating guest list of partnering British Columbia craft breweries. Live music by local artists along the Sea to Sky highway caps off the night.
Glacier Golf: For a surprising summer course, hop out of a helicopter onto an ice cap spanning more than 320 square kilometres (125 square miles) for glacier golf. Once the helicopter has landed, a winterised golf cart (a snowmobile) takes players to their first T-off location. After golfing around the snow covered course with biodegradable golf balls, the snowmobile takes guests to a driving range for a few final swings and a catered lunch by Four Seasons Chef de Cuisine.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail: From local festivals such as Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival to mountain biking and rafting, Vail comes alive after the snow melts. In particular:
Farm to Flame: Available only through October 2017, the property’s Taste of Place experience offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at local culinary practices. The comprehensive itinerary begins with a private helicopter ride to 7X Ranch in Hotchkiss (where the Resort’s steakhouse - Flame Restaurant – sources its beef) for an aerial view and insight from Chef Marcus Stewart. After landing in Aspen, gourmands enjoy a local lunch with 7X owners before being whisked to Woody Creek Distillers in nearby Basalt for a tasty cocktail journey and tour. Upon return to the Resort, guests are treated to an intimate, experiential dinner at Flame’s Chef's Table. Finally, shipments of 7x beef will be sent to guest’s homes throughout the year to be reminded of this once-in-a-lifetime culinary journey.
Colorado Peach Wrap: The Spa has created a new treatment that is high in vitamin C, highlighting what Colorado is known for in the summer – its palisade peaches. Fresh peaches from the farmer’s market are handpicked by the Resort’s culinarians and incorporated into this 80-minute treatment. Beginning with a peach-infused scrub and then a rejuvenating massage and a warm rinse, the journey concludes with a luxuriating wrap. Afterwards, spa-goers enjoy a refreshing peach-flavoured cocktail or peach sorbet.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado: Santa Fe is a unique confluence of culture, zen, adventure and tech - from Santa Fe Opera’s world premiere of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs to exploring Indian pueblos and cave dwellings at Bandelier National Monument and the Meow Wolf’s immersive art installation.
New Wellness: The Resort recently introduced a new holistic approach to wellness, championing invigorating and restorative activities for the mind, body and spirit. Experiences include the onsite partnership with EQUUS (an innovative self-mastery program co-facilitated by horses), a menu of spiritually enhanced treatments, and a new luxury teepee and deck built upon the Resort’s spiritual vortex.
Chef’s Garden Table: Executive Chef Kai Autenrieth brings a distinct global perspective and command of international flavour profiles. This season, Chef is expanding his outdoor garden where guests can learn to cook signature dishes and dine at the Chef’s Garden Table with a breathtaking backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Guests can also opt for the Resort to facilitate a tradition Native American feast at a local pueblo.
Four Seasons will welcome its fifth ski destination in late 2017 with the opening of Four Seasons Hotel Megève. Situated in the French Alps, Megève is a preeminent alpine adventurer’s paradise, offering more than 130 groomed runs, powdery off-piste terrain and striking natural landscape. As Megève’s first luxury hotel to offer direct access to the Mont d’Arbois slopes, the 55-room property will be nestled into the base of Mont d’Arbois’ soaring mountainside, creating a luxurious haven for skiers and visitors year-round.
