A Week at Big Sky

Day 1

AM: Start your vacation off right with a hearty breakfast in Chet's Bar & Grill. After breakfast, take a leisurely half hour stroll along the banks of Lake Levinsky. Midmorning, ride our scenic lift to 9,000 feet on Lone Peak. Enjoy the stunning views of the Mountain Village and the surrounding mountains, while eating a picnic lunch. Then hike our self guided nature trail back down to the hotel or ride the lift back if you wish.

PM: Play 18 holes of golf of Big Sky's beautiful, Arnold Palmer designed course.

EVENING: Pamper yourself on your first day of vacation with "Adjusting to Altitude" massage or spa treatment at Solace Spa in the Huntley/Shoshone. Then enjoy the excellent menu selections and extensive varieties of wine and beer available at Chet's Bar and Grill.

Day 2

Fortify yourself with a gourmet breakfast at the Carabiner in the Summit. Tour nearby Yellowstone National Park with an expert naturalist as your guide. A choice of two full day excursions are available. The Lower Loop tour focuses on the southern half of the park which is home to a great number of geysers, including the famous Old Faithful. The Lower Loop tour also visits Yellowstone Lake and the historic Lake Hotel, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Firehole Canyon. The Upper Loop tour takes in the northern and more mountainous portion of the park. Highlights of the Upper Loop tour include wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley, the vigorous thermal features at Norris geyser basin, lunch at Mammoth Hot Springs, and sweeping mountain views all along your route. Both tours feature the geothermal features unique to Yellowstone National Park, beautiful scenery, and plenty of wildlife. Bison, elk, antelope, moose, and coyotes are commonly seen. The lucky visitor may see a bear, a wolf, or a bald eagle. If you prefer to do your own driving, you should still plan to see just one loop of the park in one day. For hiking recommendations or to set up a horseback ride or fishing trip in the park, stop by the concierge desk.

EVENING: Have dinner at Buck's T-4, where you can sample some excellent wild game. For the less adventurous palate, Buck's offers traditional fine dining from an extensive menu.

Day 3

AM: Take a two hour horseback ride up into the surrounding mountains with a wrangler from area stables. The mountain views are stunning, and there's a good chance of seeing some wildlife, so bring a camera!

PM: Take a guided trip through the class III and IV rapids of the Gallatin River with Geyser Whitewater. Or, if you prefer floating peacefully, take a tamer float trip. Your raft guide will point out spots on the river that you may recognize from the film "A River Runs Through It." Professional photographers will be on the banks, ready to capture your magic moment.

EVENING: Take advantage of the long hours of summer, and play a few sets of tennis on the courts beside the Huntley Lodge (contact the concierge to arrange court times and rent tennis racquets). Have some legendary ribs or a steak at MR Hummers in the Mountain Mall.

Day 4

AM: Spend the morning fishing the Gallatin River with a guide who will provide all of your equipment and instruction. Catch Brown, Rainbow, or Cutthroat trout in this world famous trout stream. Whether you are angling for your first our your thousandth wild trout, your guide will provide you with a thrilling and memorable fly fishing experience!

PM: Let a guide introduce you to the incredible rock climbing available in the Gallatin Canyon. Even a first time climber can enjoy a safe and exciting adventure, as your guide leads the way up the gently sloping face of Gallatin Tower. From the tower's summit, you can enjoy a bird's eye view of whitewater rafts splashing through the river rapids far below. Equipment and safety instruction included with all guided trips.

ALTERNATE: If you are not interested in fishing or climbing, try a local hike. Options include short easy strolls through the forest, moderate hikes in search of wildflowers, to longer, more challenging hikes to mountain summits and alpine lakes. If you'd like to learn about the flora, fauna, and geology of this area, several guide services are available, and there is also a group of local people that hike together every Thursday morning. If you prefer not to hire a guide or join a group, stop by the concierge desk for hiking recommendations and tips.

EVENING: After your tour, take a dip in the pool, relax in the hot tub, or get another spa treatment after all this activity. Then have dinner at the lovely Rainbow Ranch Lodge in the Gallatin Canyon. Periodic musical and cultural events are held in the Meadow Village's outdoor pavilion. Ask for a schedule at the concierge desk.

Day 5

Head out of Big Sky for a day trip of scenic driving, antiquing and sightseeing. First stop: The "Antique Trail" around Fours Corners near the intersection of Highway 191 and Huffine Lane, about 33 miles north of the Big Sky turnoff. There you'll find numerous antique shops and country malls with a sampling of the historic old West. While you're in the area, have a bite at the Kountry Korner Cafe or Mama Mac's.

Next, visit the Museum of the Rockies on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman. Famous for their dinosaur exhibits, you can also learn about the Native American, natural, and cultural history of Montana. Check out a show in their planetarium or walk through their "living farm." After the museum, head into downtown Bozeman. As you stroll the quaint streets of the old downtown district, you can do some souvenir shopping or just browse. Stop in one of the many coffee houses for an espresso or tea and visit the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture with its studios and galleries.

EVENING: On your way back to Big Sky, and have dinner at the MacKenzie River Roadhouse, a local favorite on Hwy. 191 just a few miles south of Four Corners.

Day 6

Head out of Big Sky for another day trip of scenic driving and sightseeing on the southern route. Head down to the Hebgen and Earthquake Lake areas, just outside of Yellowstone National Park. Your route will take you through this beautiful area to the Ennis Valley, where you will head West to Virginia and Nevada City. Located about 10 minutes away from each other, these two cities offer visitors a glimpse back into the Old West history of Montana. Try your luck at panning for gold, take a walking tour of Virginia City, or watch a troupe of actors stage a shootout on the streets of town! Once you leave, you'll drive through the Bear Trap Wilderness area, along the banks of the Madison River. In July and August, you may want to bring along some innertubes and float the calm Madison waters. From the Bear Trap, head to Four Corners, and then take Hwy. 191 home. Stop by the concierge desk for a map and more information on this trip.

EVENING: Grab a Frisbee at Big Sky Sports and play a round of disc golf along the course at thebase of the slopes at Mountain Village. Think golf with a Frisbee and its free! Enjoy fine new Western cuisine and a wide range of specialty cocktails at the Carabiner in the Summit, before taking the short walk to your room.