5/8/2013 3:45:00 PM

NESTLED IN THE southwest corner of Montana between the city of Bozeman and the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park sits Big Sky: a small mountain town with a Montana sized heart. While known as one of the country’s top ski resort destinations, the charming yet lively town blossoms into a summer resort with so many activities at your fingertips, it would be nearly impossible to check them all off in just one visit.

Big Sky is easily accessed via the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and a short 50 minute drive through stunning Gallatin Canyon. The setting for the movie A River Runs Through It, Gallatin Canyon offers a beautiful and scenic setting to take in as you navigate your way down highway 191 along the banks of the Gallatin River.

While the scenic drive alone would sell most on a visit, here are three key reasons why Big Sky needs to be at the top of your list of must do summer vacations.

Basecamp to Yellowstone Park: If you want to make your summer vacation feel more like Family Summer Camp, look no further than Basecamp. Conveniently located in the Resort’s Mountain Village, it serves up an extensive activities menu that ranges on the adventure scale from easy going to full on adrenaline rush for the entire family. With activities geared specifically for little ones, teens, adults or all the above, there’s something for everyone.

The guided Lone Peak Expedition ($79/person) whisks you to the top 11,166 ft. Lone Peak via chairlift, Mountain Safari Truck and Lone Peak Tram. From the top take in the 360 degree views that overlook 3 states, 2 national parks, and mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. On your way to the summit, one of Big Sky’s friendly and knowledgeable Basecamp guides will point out different geological features along with specific peaks that begin to emerge on the horizon.

Lone Peak Expedition too mellow? Harness up for the Adventure Zipline Tour ($79/person) to pick up the pace and really get the blood flowing. Coupled with heart pounding speed, multiple spans and gorgeous mountain vistas, it’ll put a whole new spin on the wild wild west. Don’t worry though if the adventure part is a bit intimidating, the Nature Zipline Tour ($59/person) offers an option for those looking for a more scenic and less adrenaline driven option. With height and weight requirements of only 3ft. and 45lbs. respectively, there’s nearly no barrier for a family to part in this fun-filled activity.

For a full list of Big Sky’s Basecamp offerings, visit www.bigskyresort.com/basecamp.

Close vicinity to Yellowstone: With geysers, mud pots, western wildlife, and an awe-inspiring backdrop a short and scenic 45 minute drive away, Big Sky’s closeness to Yellowstone National Park (YNP) is no doubt one of the top reasons to visit in the summer.

Known as the world’s first national park, Yellowstone offers more than enough elbow room for you and any in-laws. Spanning an area of 3,468.4 square miles, half of the world’s geothermal features (geysers, mud pots, hot springs, etc.) call YNP home making it one of the most visually stunning parks in the world. A few of the notable attractions that make for a memorable Yellowstone experience include Old Faithful, Yellowstone Falls, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Fountain Paint Mud Pots but only comprise 4 of over 10,000 total geothermal features within the park’s gates.

If the colors and showmanship of the geothermal features aren’t enough, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the last remaining large and nearly intact ecosystems in the northern temperate zone. Hundreds of species of birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles make it their home here including grizzly bears, wolves, and free-ranging herds of bison and elk. Following the roads that lead you through the park, it’s easy to view of these animals in their natural habitat from the safety of your car or from a distance at one of the many viewing pullouts along the way.

Think of it as an American Safari from the safety and comfort of your car that’s taken at your own pace. For more park information visit: www.yellowstone.visitmt.gov.

Family Friendly: Remember the good old days when parents allowed their children to roam freely without a worry about their wellbeing? Guess what, at Big Sky they still do.

With a centrally located mountain village, the resort features a layout with every activity, meal, or lodging option only a few steps away. Personally, I’ve always enjoyed the inviting mountain plaza that sort of acts as the hub within the resort which offers picnic tables, a free putt-putt course and Lone Peak as the backdrop. From here you can easily access Basecamp, stores in the Mountain Mall, or simply bask in the sunshine while catching up with friends and family.

Adding to the safe, tight knit feeling of the village, the friendly resort staff polishes things off with their warm Montana Hospitality and desire to ensure your stay is the best it can be. So unleash the kids, kick back, and rest assured that as long as they’re not trying to pet the wildlife, they’re probably not getting into trouble.

Whether you’re checking off items on your bucket list, heading out for a quick hike around the base area, or lounging by one of the resort pools, Big Sky has the ingredients for an unforgettable summer vacation. So load up Aunt Edna and the old family Truckster because Lone Peak and the Big Sky state are beckoning.

-Kipp Proctor

A scenic lift ride gets you half way to the top and just above the tree line

Lower Tram Dock and the Mountain Safari truck

The view from the atop 11,166 ft. Lone Peak

One of the many natural hot springs

Bull Elk bedding down in the tall grass

YNP's most common ~~foot~~ hoof traffic

One of the views from the Nature Zipline Tour

The mountain plaza

Smoke Jumper Giant Swing located in the Mountain Village

Tags: montana, yellowstone, yellowstone national park, ynp, big sky, big sky resort, activities, 40th anniversry, basecamp, basecamp to yellowstone, giant swing, zipline, nature zipline, adventure zipline, lone peak expedition, mud pots, geysers, wildlife, lone peak

Montana | The Way I Ski It | Summer | Yellowstone | General

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Fun Fall Activites

9/28/2012 4:14:00 PM

MONTANA'S FALL FAVORITES are in full swing with the arrival of autumn and cooler temps. Fly fishing, day hikes, and all-around outdoor fun should be on everyone’s agenda. So here’s a quick guide to some of our favorite fall activities.

Fly Fishing – When the weather cools down and the rivers clear up, there’s no better time to get out on the water and cast a few flies. Fall is arguably the best time of year to head to your local river or embark on a short trip to a nearby river destination, according to many guides in the area. The fish are more active in the cool waters plus you're less likely to bump into other anglers out on the water with the busy tourism months behind us. In addition to the increased likelihood of landing a big hog; the crisp fall air and gorgeous Montana landscape make getting out for a good fly fishing session a guaranteed pleasure.

Day Hike – A favorite activity for most all Montanans and visitors; a scenic day hike on one of our beautiful mountain trails offers the opportunity to take in some of the magnificent fall beauty across the Big Sky state. But the beautiful fall foliage isn’t all there is to take in. Catch a glimpse of a bull moose or a heard of elk as the graze on the mountain side but be sure to keep your eyes peeled for bears since they usually don’t begin to hibernate until after the first snow and the temperature really drops. Some notable hikes to check out in the area would be Lava Lake in Gallatin Canyon, Ousel Falls in Big Sky, or summit Lone Peak and take in the view of 3 states along with countless peaks in the greater Big Sky area.

Basecamp to Yellowstone – Don’t get caught thinking that Big Sky Resort only offers world class skiing and an amazing spa to escape to and relax in; because Basecamp to Yellowstone is sure to have an activity to meet everyone’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a fun competitive family outing on the Paintball course, high speed fun on the Zipline canopy tour, or the scenic and exciting Lone Peak Tram Expedition; Basecamp has you covered. Located right at the base of Big Sky Resort, Basecamp offers a full menu of great family fun. With just a few weeks remaining until the resort closes for the summer season, there’s no better time to book an activity. Contact Basecamp at 995-5769 to book a fun adventure or to hear about all they have to offer.

For more ideas on fun fall activities around Big Sky, check back next week for another quick list and a few more ideas to check off your fall lists. There’s always something fun to do around Big Sky Resort and we’ve got you covered. Happy fall frolicking!

-Kipp Proctor

Tags: montana, yellowstone, yellowstone national park, big sky, big sky resort, autumn, fall, fly fishing, day hike, ourdoors, lava lake, ousel falls, lone peak, lone peak tram, lone peak tram expedition, zipline, paintball, basecamp, basecamp to yellowstone, activities

Montana | Summer | Yellowstone | General

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Guide to Romance and Chivalry under the Big Sky

9/14/2012 10:57:00 AM

THIS PAST WEEKEND while reading the Sunday New York Times, I found an article on Destination Weddings that referred to a Jamaican resort’s “romance director.” I stopped reading immediately, started the paragraph over to be sure I understood the context correctly, and again had to pause in the same place. How had I never heard of such a job before? What exactly is a romance director? What sort of training and experience is needed to hold such an esteemed title? As the Wedding Sales Manager, am I, in fact, Big Sky Resort’s Romance Director?
Almost immediately, I turned to Google as I was literally bursting with curiosity. As I pored over the search results, I was amazed to find out that not only do Romance Directors exist, but also Romance Concierges, Chief Romance Officers (I would only assume CRO’s, for short), and even entire Romance DEPARTMENTS in resorts across the globe.

Take The Canyons in Park City, for example, where you call or e-mail their “Romance Specialist” in order to find out about their “extra touch.” Or 70 Park Avenue in Manhattan, where the tony hotel’s “Romance Sommelier” is “on hand to arrange specialty diva-worthy services” such as rose petals on your bed or a private helicopter tour of the city that never sleeps.

But perhaps my favorite find was Royal Palms Resort & Spa in Phoenix. This resort’s Director of Romance, Robert Vickrey, has a bio online stating that his role “goes way beyond ordering flowers and making dinner reservations; it’s more that of a personal romance coach, especially to the ‘romantically challenged.’” Royal Palms also has an online Guide to Romance & Chivalry – a must see for anyone, no matter what your relationship status. Among my personal favorites are number 41 (“Never wait for nightfall - Romance should live at all hours”), 33 (“Present her with an heirloom as rich in its pricelessness as her beauty”) and of course, the tried-and-true number 3 (“At the first shiver, wrap her up in your coat”).

Which got me thinking, here at Big Sky Resort we are wrapping up our busiest wedding season ever, and offer the perfect setting & amenities for a romantic honeymoon or weekend getaway – why don’t we have our own? So, I got to work, and here it is:

Guide to Romance under the Big Sky

1. Hold hands at 11,166 ft – summer or winter, ride our Lone Peak Tram together and watch your love reach new heights as you peer down at the endless mountain peaks below you.
2. Relax & rejuvenate together with a couples massage at the newly renovated Solace Spa & Salon.
3. Trade bites of authentic Italian spaghetti & meatballs (Lady & the Tramp, anyone??) at Andiamo Italian Grill.
4. Tap into your youthful side with a thrilling ride through the trees on Big Sky Resort’s Yellowstone Zipline Tour.
5. Cuddle together in front of your very own private fireplace in the Village Center.
6. Have a bottle of wine from our award-winning Peaks Wine List delivered to your room, with two glasses of course.
7. Stargaze – escape from the city lights and see how much brighter the Big Dipper is in Big Sky Country.
8. Show your love by purchasing gifts for each other at Big Sky Sports and Provisions.
9. Tee off together on our 18-hole, par 72 golf course, making sure to let her win.
10. Finish the day with a soak in your private Jacuzzi. Rose petals optional.