My morning starts with a guided snowshoe adventure exploring The Lodge at Blue Sky’s back country and watching the sun peek over the Wasatch Mountains. Alpine views seem to stretch for miles in every direction and open meadows reveal herds of elk that freely roam throughout the property. The fresh mountain air feels invigorating and exhilarating, while the journey works up my appetite. With only the sound of our snowshoes against the fresh powder, we make our way back to the lodge.

I begin to sink into a relaxed state, my body cradled in thick, warm blankets. I gaze out of floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal sweeping mountain views and listen to the gentle, murmuring creek below. The rich, earthy aroma of cleansing sage wafts through the air, purifying the therapy room and preparing my body and mind for my customized healing session. 

As I slipped my feet into the whiskey, salt, and sage foot bath, I am given a shot of whiskey. If this is how all massages started, I would get them weekly. I hadn’t intended to get a massage as I rarely get them back home. However, my friends and I had been out horseback riding in the mountains the day before, and we were going hiking later in the day, so I wanted something relaxing. Going to The Lodge at Blue Sky was a reunion for my college buddies. While we have kept in touch, it has been since the last wedding that we have all gotten together with just us guys. 

When the railroad snaked its way towards Utah from both coasts, it brought people along who helped to build it and those who hoped for a new future. Three distinct cultures were present in Utah during the railroad era which helped to shape the cuisine of our region: The Chinese, the Irish and the Spanish.