From the jagged, jutting summits of the Rockies to the older, gentler slopes of the Appalachians, mountains are synonymous with rejuvenation. Perhaps that’s because we find the natural scenery refreshing. Or maybe it’s simply because they’re more remote from the demands of our lives. Whatever the reason, mountain resorts make wonderful settings for teams to meet, thanks to their serenity and abundant amenities.
Attendees will be inspired before and after the meeting at these stunning mountain resorts across the country.
Primland Resort
Meadows of Dan, Virginia
The beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains is perfectly captured at Primland Resort, an Auberge Resorts Collection property situated on 12,000 acres in southern Virginia. It’s just a couple hours outside of Raleigh-Durham and five hours from Washington. The lodge itself is equipped with suites, but there are also luxurious cottages, cabins and treehouses scattered throughout the property, bringing the total guest accommodations to 67.
“Primland offers a refreshing back-to-nature escape with experiences that capture the essence of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” said general manager Will Rentschler.
Primland has a collection of intimate meeting rooms and larger event spaces, both indoor and outdoor. Its Galaxy Ballroom totals 2,178 square feet and can be broken down into two smaller spaces. The resort’s East Terrace is nearly 2,500 square feet and has a capacity of up to 275 theater-style.
Primland’s dining is noted for its farm-to-table philosophy, with each of its three restaurants providing cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. Groups can opt for a fine dining experience at the resort’s Leatherflower restaurant, while its 19th Pub and Stables Saloon provide more casual fare. The grandeur of the lodge is combined with amenities such as a full-service spa, a fitness center, a theater, a golf course and multiple restaurants. Popular resort activities for after the meeting include stargazing in the observatory with the assistance of the on-site astronomer, horseback riding, clay shooting and guided hikes along the Appalachian Trail.
Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, New York
Just south of the Catskill Mountains, on the shores of Lake Mohonk, groups will find a Victorian castle ready to host their next meeting. Mohonk Mountain House was founded in 1869 as a 10-room bed and breakfast by the Smiley family; over the next 41 years the property was constructed as it appears today, a sprawling, 262-room stone structure with eclectic architecture and expansive gardens. The surrounding 40,000 acres, including 85 miles of hiking trails, add to the resort experience.
“Each of your guests can be as active or as laid back as they want,” said Eric Domitrovits, director of sales at Mohonk Mountain House. “When you meet in such a beautiful natural environment it fosters brainstorming and collaboration for your group.”
The property’s meeting spaces feature a Victorian style with rich woodwork and plenty of natural light. These range from the lodge’s 7,200-square-foot dining room to smaller rooms with gorgeous views of the surrounding lakes, cliffs and mountains. The addition of a 2,400-square-foot conference house to the property adds to the roster of event spaces guests can choose from. Meals are included in the overnight rate, and meeting packages provide a convenient bundle of audiovisual amenities and snack breaks with the meeting rooms.
After their meeting or event, groups can engage in a variety of wellness-related activities, from yoga and tai chi to fitness classes. There’s a full spa with an indoor pool for year-round relaxation. During the warmer seasons, guests can enjoy Lake Mohonk with rowboats, paddleboards and canoe rentals. The resort also offers historic walking tours of the property.
Skamania Lodge
Stevenson, Washington
The Columbia River Gorge, a canyon in the Cascade Mountains, is widely regarded as one of the most scenic destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Within this region, right on the Columbia River and the Washington-Oregon border, Skamania Lodge offers a breathtaking setting for meetings and retreats. It’s also just a short drive from Portland.
“We’re in the middle of a national scenic area,” said Kristin Wood, associate director of sales at Skamania Lodge. “There’s not many places where you can be only 45 minutes away from a major city and be in a place that feels remote.”
The conference center on the lodge property features 23 meeting rooms, from a 6,900-square-foot ballroom to nine small breakout rooms. There are also seasonal outdoor venues that put the lodge’s stunning scenery on display, including terraces, patios, lawns, an amphitheater and a pavilion. The lodge does all its own catering. There’s also an on-site AV company to assist with meeting technology.
In addition to the resort’s indoor pool, hot tub, dry sauna, fitness room, and tennis and volleyball courts, there are also four golf experiences, plus hiking trails, a zipline, an aerial park and axe throwing, all of which make great team building exercises. The hotel staff can also work with local vendors to arrange activities such as geocaching excursions or bike-building programs.
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
Lake Arrowhead, California
The tranquil Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernadino Mountains is one of Southern California’s sweetest spots for meeting. The 173-room Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, right on the lake’s shore, is less than two hours from Los Angeles. While they may not expect four distinct seasons in southern California, the San Bernadino Mountains enjoy lower summer temperatures and impressive winter snowfall. The resort amenities reflect this and make it a perfect destination to visit year-round.
The resort’s largest indoor meeting space is the Lake Arrowhead Ballroom, a 4,000-square-foot space with a banquet capacity of 300. A ballroom foyer can serve as pre-function space. There’s a lakeview terrace, totaling 2,660 square feet, and many smaller rooms perfect for breakout sessions or board meetings. Some of the most popular outdoor venues include the 3,750-square-foot Lakeside Lawn, which can accommodate 400 for a reception. The resort beach can also be booked for events.
In addition to its spa and heated outdoor pool (open year-round), guests can explore the lake with kayaks, or even venture out to all the nearby attractions, such as Lake Arrowhead Village, Lake Arrowhead Brewery and SkyPark. If they prefer to stay at the resort, groups can enjoy guided wine tastings, painting classes with a beverage or a campfire.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort
Colorado Springs, Colorado
It isn’t difficult to find a mountain view in Colorado Springs, a city cradled by the Rocky Mountains. At Cheyenne Mountain Resort, groups will enjoy both fresh mountain air and a long list of luxurious amenities with their meetings and events. The resort, a Dolce Resort property since 2017, initially opened in 1984. It has 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting spaces fit for a variety of functions.
The resort’s two largest ballrooms for events are the Colorado Ballroom, with 6,400 square feet and a reception room; and the Centennial Ballroom, with nearly 4,900 square feet of meeting space. Both ballrooms can be broken down into sections and accommodate 600 and 500 for a reception, respectively. An additional three ballrooms, as well as many smaller breakout rooms, are available for smaller-scale meetings. Outside, a 5,600-square-foot courtyard, a 3,500-square-foot terrace and 1,400-square-foot terrace offer serene spaces for outdoor events.
The resort has two restaurants, several pools, a spa, a fitness center, tennis courts, a golf course and a private lake with boat access. In addition to its many on-site amenities, they partner with a local vendor to design team-building activities from an obstacle course to giant Jenga to white-water rafting.
