The Greenhouse at Gracie’s Farm is a unique place during the winter months. Built to extend the longevity of Utah’s short growing season, it offers a bright patch of greenery amidst the white snowy landscape. Guests have a chance to tour the greenhouse to get a firsthand look at the technology behind winter produce and smell the aroma of fresh growing greens in the cold winter months. 

Gardening might not be the first thing that comes to mind when the winter cold blows through Park City, but here at Gracie’s Farm, winter is an important growing season. Not only is it a time to grow specialty herbs and leafy greens that love the cold air, it’s also a time when our farm plants important crops designed to reinvigorate the soil for the spring, summer, and fall gardens.

The beacon for our little rural, fishing village in Hokkaido, Japan was a small, active volcano, whose name, Usu-Zan, originated from the indigenous Ainu people's word for the mountain. We woke to a constant plume of volcanic smoke, which gave the area its unique landscape and incredible agricultural bounty.

After a quick ten-minute flight that skimmed over snow-dusted pine trees and steep crags, our helicopter touched down. We were just above a slope in the Sessions private ski zone in the Wasatch Mountain Range, with nothing but wide- open space and endless horizons stretching in every direction. The small group of skiers I had with me couldn’t wait to hit the pure, untouched powder. But they weren’t extreme skiers, or even expert ones. All four were just intermediate skiers—and they were heli-sking for the first time in their lives.

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. 

On my first day at The Lodge at Blue Sky, I signed up for a sporting clay lesson since it is one of their signature adventures. I was a bit nervous because I had never shot a shotgun before. I inquired as to what my options were to learn how to shoot clays. I had never shot a gun before, but I really wanted to understand how it was done and if I would be any good at it. Luckily, there is an option to receive private instruction on shooting clays as a beginner as well as different level courses. 

Growing up in Poland, my grandparents often looked after me, and they taught me much of what I know about plants and herbs today. As I work in my position as the Spa Manager at The Lodge at Blue Sky, I still cultivate what I learned from them those days and use it daily.

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.

I still remember the first snap pea I picked off of its curling vine. The delicate yet bold freshness of this vegetable took on a whole new excitement because my Italian grandmother and I had nurtured these vines. We planted the barren looking seed into the sandy soil, watered it daily, and watched as the first real leaves grow into a four-foot vine filled with edible pods of sugary, crunchy peas. I was hooked.

Every year we take a family summer vacation to explore somewhere new.  I was beyond excited when mom told me we were headed to Utah to ride horses and play with farm animals. 

My girlfriends and I were looking for a place for a girls getaway. Our goal was great outdoor experiences and relaxed but attentive service. We wanted something a bit different this year. One friend had been to Utah before and mentioned she had a fabulous time. Of course, many of us have been skiing in Utah, but it is spring, and all the snow has melted. We were not convinced there would be anything to do. After some searching, I found out that Utah is the first state to be given three Michelin Stars!

I'm Barbara Phillips, the horse thief. In 2013, I stole a mistreated horse from a very neglectful ranch and later named her Gracie. After hearing about the horrific abuse on the local news, I immediately got involved. The situation was grim. Only through police escort was I allowed to help any of the 140 horses involved. While helping with medical treatments, I spotted Gracie who had an infected, untreated wound. I convinced the officers to trailer Gracie to the veterinary hospital and I took financial responsibility for her. Several visits later, I loaded her in my trailer and took her to an undisclosed location.

Imagine the best run you’ve ever taken on untouched snow. Now imagine repeating this over and over on snow no one has ever skied. Through a new partnership with Powderbird, the Lodge at Blue Sky has a dedicated helicopter for groups to ski deep in the Uinta and Wasatch Mountain Ranges. I joined a group recently and it was an incredible experience to fly over Salt Lake City, which has more than a million people, then head to what seemed like the middle of nowhere. I can’t remember the last time I felt so removed from it all.

On your wedding day, step aboard a helicopter and soar above the clouds to shout your love from the mountaintops! A 10-minute flight over Utah’s Uintas or Wasatch Mountain Range will only make that walking-on-clouds wedding high feel all the more weightless as you soak in sights as expansive and grand as your love. With two helicopters that are each able to hold up to five passengers, the Lodge at Blue Sky offers a unique experience ideal for those who desire an intimate event. Simple tips for taking flight on your special day? Brides, it’s best to keep your wedding attire on the classic and simple side for safety and ease on the helicopter ride. However, if you have your heart set on wearing a veil, we can affix it once on the mountaintop.

Our sunrise breakfast quickly became a beloved wedding tradition at Blue Sky. An experience that bride, groom, and their families will reminisce upon for years to come, this outing starts with horseback riding into the cool colors of early morning. Your trail brings forth panoramic mountain views as you settle into the steady sound of hoof prints and chirping birds.