Every year, millions of Americans flock to the beach or overseas for their taste of summer fun, leaving the stunning mountains of the West all-but abandoned.
But a savvy vacationer might think twice when booking their next trip after considering the idyllic summer offerings of some of the most well-known winter resorts in the world.
Deer Valley, Utah, has long been considered one of America’s most prestigious ski resort. It’s quieter than Aspen and reserved for the most sophisticated of guests, with posh ski bunnies flocking every year to its immaculately groomed slopes.
The Goldener Hirsch in Deer Valley is best known as a winter skiing destination, but the luxury property offers just as much in the summer months once the crowds clear out
Fly fishing in the Provo river is one of the many summer activities arranged for guests at the luxurious hotel
But there’s just as much in the area to enjoy once the snow melts and one of the resort’s most famous hotels, The Goldener Hirsch, is adding to the summer allure.
The hotel is open year-round but even more tempting are the new residences that sit adjacent to it.
Owners still enjoy the 5-star hospitality they are accustomed to in the hotel with the privacy of owning their very own slice of it.
Inspired by the original Hotel Goldener Hirsch in Salzburg, Austria, the beloved, alpine-themed hotel has been in the resort for 30 years but recently changed hands and is now run by Auberge Resorts, the champion of luxury hospitality groups.
This year, activities include gentle walks in the Uinta National Forest, fly fishing courses in the Provo river.
While the price tag is suggestive of super-luxury, the ambience throughout the property is anything but pretentious.
Dinner is an exquisite, warm affair with world-famous fondue and schnitzel. This summer, the hotel is launching a summer market to delight locals.
The open-air market will have light bites by Chef Nicolas Lebas and guest chefs as well as a unique menu of spirits, games and live music. Guests can also take a scenic ride on the chairlift and enjoy various hiking trails.
Inspired by the original Hotel Goldener Hirsch in Salzburg, Austria, the beloved, alpine-themed hotel has been in the resort for 30 years but recently changed hands and is now run by Auberge Resorts, the champion of luxury hospitality groups
The unbelievably glamorous boot-room at Goldener Hirsch where skiers can stow their gear in the winter months
The second bedroom in one of the two-bedroom homes that are now available for purchase in the hotel’s residences
Comfort and luxury go hand-in-hand throughout the property and its private homes
It will run every Saturday between June 18 and September 3. Other summer activities include biking, pottery classes and fly fishing.
Auberge’s sister property, The Lodge at Blue Sky, is less than an hour away and is the ideal spot for some summer R&R.
Unlike Goldener Hirsch, which is rooted in the busier buzz of Deer Valley, The Lodge at Blue Sky is a world unto its own.
Blended into the hillside with a Bond-villain-like combination of limestone and glass, the hotel is a serene escape from the crowds.
It is so thoughtfully designed that guests have to go out of their way to even see each other.
Highlights include the 3,500 private acres and inimitable Edge spa, where massage tables are heated for comfort and treatments are tailor-made to soothe weary skiers.
The Lodge at Blue Sky is less than an hour from Deer Valley and Salt Lake City and is set on 3,500 stunning acres of land
Giddy up! Horses are the main attraction at The Lodge at Blue Sky – one of the newest and most luxurious resorts in Utah
There is plenty of gentle walking on the property for nature lovers to enjoy all year round
Stargazing and drinks with friends are among evening activities for adults after a day at the spa or exploring the land
The property owners fell in love with the site when they purchased the land – and the horses abandoned on it – years ago.
Now, Gracie’s Farm – which sits at the property’s entrance – is one of its greatest features.
The restaurant has multiple dining options including Yuta, a high-end restaurant for more formal fare.
More casual meals are served at The Bar, along with the hotel’s signature and aptly-named cocktail, The Horse Thief, in honor of kind-hearted owner Barbara Phillips, or ‘Barb’ as the staff affectionately call her.
The main pool at the Lodge at Blue Sky is moderately heated for guests’ comfort, and there’s a hot tub for the colder months
Slumber into a peaceful rest at the Edge Spa, one of the most spectacular features of the design hotel
For adults who may want to indulge in some solo spa time, The Little Vaquero’s Kids Camp will entertain little ones from 9.30am until 3pm daily, leaving enough time to work through the jaw-dropping list of services at the spa.
There are ample gentle walking trails on-site too.
While Utah’s stunning nature is free for all to enjoy, stays at the two hotels come with heftier price tags.
Rooms at Goldener Hirsch begin at $399 in June and July, with prices varying on weekends. Rooms at The Lodge at Blue Sky start at $2,009 in summer months.
For more information, visit here for Goldener Hirsch and here for The Lodge at Blue Sky.
Stop by The Bar at The Lodge at Blue Sky for a signature cocktail, The Horse Thief, named after owner Barb Phillips
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