Big Sky, Montana, the perfect place to vacation with the family
If you’re in the market for an idealic family vacation, summer or winter, let me suggest Big Sky, Montana. Just 45 miles south of Bozeman boasts the biggest ski hill in America and one of the most beautiful villages anywhere. Nestled in the Gallatin Mountains is a place which offers something for everyone. If fishing, hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking aren't your thing, perhaps golf, nordic or downhill skiing/snowboarding are? How about rising above it all in a hot air balloon or zip line? Shopping, fine dining and hitting the weekly farmer’s market and/or Music and the Mountains more your speed? Maybe a daytrip to Yellowstone National Park? The town at the west entrance of what is commonly refered to as “The Park” (aptly named West Yellowstone) is less than an hour’s drive south. Summer or winter, Big Sky offers it all.
Family Friendly Winter/Spring Get-A-Way
One of the best kept secret get-a-ways in Big Sky is located just past the town center on the way to Big Sky Mountain Ski Resort and Moonlight Basin; Lone Mountain Ranch. A weekend at Lone Mountain Ranch is guaranteed to create lifelong memories your family will reminisce about for years to come.
You will be pleasantly surprised at what awaits you at the end of the half mile drive from the highway. Lone Mountain Ranch has come a long way since 1915, when it was first homesteaded as a cattle ranch. Whether you plan to stay a day, a week, or longer, you will find the right accommodations for you and your family… could be a lodge room, a private cabin or a private home. Once you have checked in, grabbed a beverage in the cozy, inviting lounge, or grabbed a bite in the exceptional, regionally inspired restaurant, you will be ready for all that awaits. Some of the best cross-country skiing to be found anywhere sits right outside your door (rentals and lessons are available), along with snowshoeing, fly fishing, horseback riding, Yellowstone Park tours or nearby downhill skiing. However, if you are looking for something truly unique to enjoy with your friends and family, I suggest a sleigh ride dinner. Offered nightly, a horse drawn carriage will magically glide you along the quiet, snowy trail to the North Fork Cabin, where a beverage and prime-rib dinner await. The glow of the soft lights and nostalgic sounds of the cowboy entertainer singing amongst the laughing and chatter of your fellow sleigh riders won’t disappoint. Nor will the amazing desert conjured up by the chef before you depart back to reality. Information can be found and reservations can be made online at LoneMountainRanch.com or on opentable.com If an evening sleigh ride just won’t work with your schedule, consider a day sleigh ride. The horse drawn carriage will take you along the same path to the North Fork Cabin during the light of day, where hot cocoa and treats will be waiting for you.
If you find yourself unable to get a reservation during the time you will be there, consider heading seventeen miles south on highway 191 to the 320 Guest Ranch, where they offer one hour horse drawn sleigh rides along the Gallatin River. Starting in mid-December and going through March (weather permitting), Monday - Saturday, at 5:30 or 7:00 you can catch the “Appetizer” sleigh ride, or wait until 9:00 when the “Dessert” sleigh ride is offered. You will ride along the river to the Mountain Man Campsite, where you will sit in front of a toasty bon fire, eating, drinking and listening to entertaining stories before heading back. The 320 Guest Ranch also offers private sleigh rides for special occasions. For more information, check out their website at 320ranch.com.
If an enclosed sleigh ride is more to your liking, consider the Montana Dinner Yurt experience, located at Big Sky’s ski resort. The evening will begin at the mountain village where you will board one of two enclosed passenger snow cats, and head to the private, cozy backcountry yurt. Upon arrival you will experience a lovely multi-course dinner served on linens, in a candle lit atmosphere accompanied by live music. The evening last approximately three and a half hours, allowing for plenty of time to enjoy the food, wine, music, company, campfire and maybe a little sledding. For more information and reservations; skimba.com
Being as Big Sky is a big deal in the ski/snowboard world, you can get a glimpse of what events are going on, where to eat, where to shop, etc. at https://bigskyresort.com or https://www.visitbigsky.com/chamber/
Insider Tip:
If you are looking for a quick latte, breakfast or lunch on your way to partake in the many activities Big Sky offers, stop by the Blue Moon Bakery. You can’t beat their baked good, pizz a and sandwiches (If you are a bagel lover, give the Bennie a try). You can eat there, or ask them to make it sack lunch style to take with you. Located in the town center. Caliber Coffee (just across the road) is my favorite stop for stellar coffee based drinks and a quick bite.
