We’re getting close to summer! While we are still open until the 23rd, we are only offering classic rentals.
Happy spring skiing!
If you have any questions please call our desk or come on in and see us. For season/daily pass purchase, you can visit our outpost (8am-5pm, everyday), or purchase on fair harbor and present our retail desk with your confirmation code. We look forward to a seeing y’all on the trails!
DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED on any of the Groomed Ski Trails. Dogs are ONLY allowed on Far east, Crail Trail, and Town Center Trails.
For more information on snow conditions call 406-995-4644 (ext. 223)
Day passes can be purchased at The Outpost at Lone Mountain Ranch, day of.
Adult
$40
Senior (60-69) and Youth (13-17)
$28
First Responders, Military
$28
70+
Free
Kids (12 and under)
Free
BSOA Day Pass
$18
BSOA Season Pass
$125
5-Day Pass (non-transferable)
$130
Trail Season Passes
Purchase Online Above
Adult
$375
Youth (13-17)
$230
Senior (60-69)
$225
First Responders, Military
$225
Senior Season 70+
Free
Child 12 and under
Free
Family Pass
*family pass includes 2 adults and any children under the age of 18
$565
Rentals
Adult Classic Package
$40
Skate Ski Package
$45
Classic Ski Only
$25
Skate Ski Only
$30
Polls & Boots Only
$20
Youth Package
$20
Youth Season Rentals
$200
Snowshoe Rantals
$25
Regular Rental Skis-Bindings are all NNN compatible
Fischer Voyager waxless skis for the groomed trail Fischer metal edge waxless skis for touring-NNN BC bindings
Adult Sport Classic and Skate Skis-NNN bindings
Fischer SCS skate skis for groomed trail Fischer Superlite Waxable for groomed trail
Adult Performance Skis-NNN bindings
Fischer RCS Crown waxless classic skis for the groomed trail Fischer RCS and Carbon Lite skate skis for the groomed trail
Winter Discovery SMM
If you’re looking to experience an all-around guest winter ranch vacation that embodies Montana and the spirit of the Mountain West, the Winter Discovery Package is the ideal choice. Guests enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, evenings around a glowing wood stove, miles of cross-country ski terrain, and live western music to name a few of the experiences that leave guests returning year after year for our Discovery Package. Recently voted “Best Family Ranch” by Top 50 Ranches, experience the adventure of a lifetime your whole family will enjoy!
Finer Points
Three meals a day at the Horn & Cantle Restaurant
Sleigh Ride & Dinner to the legendary North Fork Cabin
Authentic Nordic ski in/ski out cabin lodging
1.5 hour Classic Nordic Ski group lesson
Nordic ski gear and snowshoe equipment and full access to the #1 x-country trail system in North America
Morning Yoga in B-K Guest Lounge
In-person and text for service personal Ranch Concierge
Downhill ski & snowboard concierge and transportation to Big Sky Resort
Live Western music in the Saloon
Twice daily housekeeping service and guest laundry facilities
Transfers to and from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
2022 Rates
Adult
Child
December 01, 2022 – December 15, 2022
$525
$375
December 16, 2022 – December 22, 2022
$725
$425
2023 Rates
Adult
Child
December 1st, 2023 – December 14th, 2023
$525
$375
December 15th, 2023- December 21st, 2023
$725
$425
January 02, 2023 – April 08, 2023
$725
$425
*Rates are per person per night, minimum occupancy applies per cabin
*All package rates are subject to a 6% tax and a 15% Resort Fee (resort fee is taxed by 12%)
*Child rate based on children aged 4-12 years of age
If you’re looking to experience an all-around guest winter ranch vacation that embodies Montana and the spirit of the Mountain West, the Winter Discovery Package is the ideal choice. Guests enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, evenings around a glowing wood stove, miles of cross-country ski terrain, and live western music to name a few of the experiences that leave guests returning year after year for our Discovery Package. Recently voted “Best Family Ranch” by Top 50 Ranches, experience the adventure of a lifetime your whole family will enjoy!
Finer Points
Three meals a day at the Horn & Cantle Restaurant
Sleigh Ride & Dinner to the legendary North Fork Cabin
Authentic Nordic ski in/ski out cabin lodging
1.5 hour Classic Nordic Ski group lesson
Nordic ski gear and snowshoe equipment and full access to the #1 x-country trail system in North America
Morning Yoga in B-K Guest Lounge
In-person and text for service personal Ranch Concierge
Downhill ski & snowboard concierge and transportation to Big Sky Resort
Live Western music in the Saloon
Twice daily housekeeping service and guest laundry facilities
Transfers to and from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
2022 Rates
Adult
Child
December 01, 2022 – December 15, 2022
$525
$375
December 16, 2022 – December 22, 2022
$725
$425
2023 Rates
Adult
Child
December 1st, 2023 – December 14th, 2023
$525
$375
December 15th, 2023- December 21st, 2023
$725
$425
January 02, 2023 – April 08, 2023
$725
$425
*Rates are per person per night, minimum occupancy applies per cabin
*All package rates are subject to a 6% tax and a 15% Resort Fee (resort fee is taxed by 12%)
*Child rate based on children aged 4-12 years of age
The Big Sky Bed & Breakfast includes nightly lodging and daily breakfast, allowing you the freedom to plan the rest of your day exactly how you’d like it. Take advantage of every aspect of the ranch, from our expert guides to our full-service restaurant and saloon, venture into Yellowstone National Park for guided touring, or enjoy the trails on horseback or Nordic skis (activities vary by season).
Bed & Breakfast Package Details:
Authentic cabin lodging
Daily breakfast at the Horn & Cantle Restaurant
In-person and text for service personal Ranch Concierge
Twice daily housekeeping service and guest laundry facilities
Live Western music in the Saloon
*All package rates are subject to a 6% tax and a 15% Resort Fee (resort fee is taxed by 12%)
Celebrate your love together under the Big Sky at Lone Mountain Ranch. Our Big Sky Big Love Elopement package includes all the highlights of a destination wedding while leaving all the planning to us (and the guest list at home!) Say “I do” at our Ridgetop location surrounded by sweeping mountains and beautiful Lone Peak. Or, choose to say your vows among the trees next to our North Fork Creek. Either location will give you an intimate setting to share your love for each other and start your next chapter in life together. After the “I dos”, start your honeymoon! Horseback ride through the mountains with a private picnic lunch, mountain bike down our thrilling trails or try paddleboarding at the lake. After all the adventure, our authentic cabins welcome you to retreat around a crackling fire while you rest up for the next day’s adventure.
Summer Elopement Package Details
Private Ridgetop or Creekside ceremony with ranch arbor
If you’re looking for an all-around guest dude ranch vacation that embodies Montana and the spirit of the Old West, the Summer Discovery Package is the ideal choice. Guests enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, evenings around a glowing campfire, scenic horseback trail riding, and live western music to name a few of the experiences that leave guests returning year after year for our Discovery Package. Recently voted “Best Family Ranch” by Top 50 Ranches, experience the adventure of a lifetime your whole family will enjoy!
Discovery Package Details
Three meals a day at the Horn & Cantle Restaurant
Ranch family-style BBQ
Breakfast in the North Fork Cabin
Weekly Rodeo and Concert
Western music in the Saloon
Historic Montana cabin lodging
Horseback riding
Canoe & Paddleboard
Yoga
Hiking
Archery
High Ropes Course
Axe Throwing
Tour of Yellowstone National Park
Outdoor Youth Adventures Program (ages 3-14)
In-person and text for service personal Ranch Concierge
Twice daily housekeeping service and guest laundry facilities
Transfers to and from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
2023 Rates
Adult
Child
May 26th – September 14th
$1500
$1000
September 15th- September 30th
$1295
$825
October 1st- October 15th
$1100
$695
*Rates are per person per night, minimum occupancy applies per cabin
*All package rates are subject to a 6% tax and a 15% Resort Fee (resort fee is taxed by 12%)
*Child rate based on children aged 3-12 years of age
*Certain Minimums apply to holidays, events, and peak periods
The Big Sky Bed & Breakfast includes nightly lodging and daily breakfast, allowing you the freedom to plan the rest of your day exactly how you’d like it. Take advantage of every aspect of the ranch, from our expert guides to our full-service restaurant and saloon, venture into Yellowstone National Park for guided touring, or enjoy the trails on horseback or Nordic skis (activities vary by season).
Bed & Breakfast Package Details:
Authentic cabin lodging
Daily breakfast at the Horn & Cantle Restaurant
In-person and text for service personal Ranch Concierge
Twice daily housekeeping service and guest laundry facilities
Live Western music in the Saloon
*All package rates are subject to a 6% tax and a 15% Resort Fee (resort fee is taxed by 12%)
Celebrate your love together under the Big Sky at Lone Mountain Ranch. Our Big Sky Big Love Elopement package includes all the highlights of a destination wedding while leaving all the planning to us (and the guest list at home!) Say “I do” at our Ridgetop location surrounded by sweeping mountains and beautiful Lone Peak. Or, choose to say your vows among the trees next to our North Fork Creek. Either location will give you an intimate setting to share your love for each other and start your next chapter in life together. After the “I dos”, start your honeymoon! Horseback ride through the mountains with a private picnic lunch, mountain bike down our thrilling trails or try paddleboarding at the lake. After all the adventure, our authentic cabins welcome you to retreat around a crackling fire while you rest up for the next day’s adventure.
Summer Elopement Package Details
Private Ridgetop or Creekside ceremony with ranch arbor
If you’re looking for an all-around guest dude ranch vacation that embodies Montana and the spirit of the Old West, the Summer Discovery Package is the ideal choice. Guests enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, evenings around a glowing campfire, scenic horseback trail riding, and live western music to name a few of the experiences that leave guests returning year after year for our Discovery Package. Recently voted “Best Family Ranch” by Top 50 Ranches, experience the adventure of a lifetime your whole family will enjoy!
Discovery Package Details
Three meals a day at the Horn & Cantle Restaurant
Ranch family-style BBQ
Breakfast in the North Fork Cabin
Weekly Rodeo and Concert
Western music in the Saloon
Historic Montana cabin lodging
Horseback riding
Canoe & Paddleboard
Yoga
Hiking
Archery
High Ropes Course
Axe Throwing
Tour of Yellowstone National Park
Outdoor Youth Adventures Program (ages 3-14)
In-person and text for service personal Ranch Concierge
Twice daily housekeeping service and guest laundry facilities
Transfers to and from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
2023 Rates
Adult
Child
May 26th – September 14th
$1500
$1000
September 15th- September 30th
$1295
$825
October 1st- October 15th
$1100
$695
*Rates are per person per night, minimum occupancy applies per cabin
*All package rates are subject to a 6% tax and a 15% Resort Fee (resort fee is taxed by 12%)
*Child rate based on children aged 3-12 years of age
*Certain Minimums apply to holidays, events, and peak periods
To guarantee a reservation, Lone Mountain Ranch will require a 50% deposit of the total stay (including taxes, resort fee and ranch gratuities) at the time of booking. 60 Days prior to arrival, the remainder 50% will be due and automatically deducted from the credit card on file. If payment was received by check or by wire transfer, an email notification will be presented. Any reservation(s) booked within 60 days will require the full amount due at the time of booking. The initial 50% deposit is non-refundable, however may be applied to a future stay, no cancellation fee will be applied, and there will be no expiration date for the use of the deposit. The final 50% balance will be due for all reservation(s) at 60 days prior to arrival and at this time are non- refundable. Ranch gratuities are at the discretion of each guest and additional amounts can be added at check out.
TAXES AND FEES:
Bed & Breakfast Packages have applicable fees, and they are as follows: 15% resort fee, 5% Ranch Gratuity, 9.2% Lodging Tax, and 4.6% Big Sky Resort District Tax, 3% Credit Card Processing Fee.
All-Inclusive packages have applicable fees, and they are as follows: 15% resort fee, 5% Ranch Gratuity, 3.2% Lodging Tax, and 4.6% Big Sky Resort District Tax. If paying by credit card, an additional 3% Credit Card Processing fee will be applied.
If paying by check, please contact JCardinal@lonemountainranch.com for check payment with no processing fee.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Once booking is secured; all funds are non-refundable but can be issued as a credit for a future stay. Once the final deposit is collected, 60 days prior to your reservation, all funds are non-refundable and will not be able to credit for a future stay.
FORCE MAJEURE:
Force majeure is defined as causes beyond the control of Lone Mountain Ranch, including, without limitation, acts of God; acts, regulations, or laws of any government; war; civil commotion; destruction of facilities or materials by fire, flood, earthquake, explosion or storm; labor disturbances; virus, disease or pandemic; and failure of public utilities or common carriers. Lone Mountain Ranch is not responsible for loss, damage or injury of any kind caused by or related to Force Majeure events, including but not limited to partial or full cancellations.
CHECK IN/CHECK OUT:
Check in starts at 3pm and check out is at 10am.
The main office is open daily from 8am-11pm. For late arrivals past 11pm, please contact the reservations department for late check-in procedures.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE:
We suggest trip cancellation insurance to protect your vacation investment.Travel Guard Insurance at 800-826-1300 is our recommendation.
Grooming Report
We are open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Trail Grooming Report March 16th
DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED on any of the Groomed Ski Trails. Dogs are ONLY allowed on Far east, Crail Trail, and Town Center Trails.
For more information on snow conditions call 406-995-4644 (ext. 223)
Good morning!
A phone was found on Andesite loop. If this was you please give us a call so that we can get it back to you.
As many people know, there is frequent moose activity in the Andesite area. We would recommend exercising caution when skiing in this area.
Trail Update: Due to construction on one of our cabins, the ski trail that runs through the middle of the ranch (from the Outpost to signpost 1.1) is being redirected to our Sleigh Ride Trail, which is just parallel to the previous trail. Just take a left when you get out of the Outpost to test it out!
If you have any questions please call our desk or come on in and see us. For season/daily pass purchase, you can visit our outpost (8am-5pm, everyday), or purchase on fair harbor and present our retail desk with your confirmation code. We look forward to a seeing y’all on the trails!
Snow Conditions:
Definitely spring skiing out there! Dust off your t shirts & hit the trails. Conditions are getting packed & icy out there-hopefully we’ll get some snow today to freshen things up.
Uppers, Ranch Loop, Lowers, Middle Fork, and Golf Course Loops
Snowshoe Trails Open:
Creekside, Bullwinkles, Nature Trail, and Yellow Mountain are all packed & signed
All trails Skate and Classic Groomed
Upper Trails
Boomerang
3/15- Groomed & Tracked
Dutch’s Detour
3/15- Groomed & Tracked
Walking Jim’s Way
3/15-Groomed & Tracked
North Fork
3/15- Groomed & Tracked
Mongolia
3/15- Groomed & Tracked
Mountain View
3/15-Groomed & Tracked
Ridge Run
3/15- Groomed & Tracked
Schaap’s Schuss
3/15-Groomed & Tracked
Siberia
3/15-Groomed & Tracked
Sluice Box
3/15-Groomed & Tracked
Summit
3/15- Groomed & Tracked
Ullr’s
3/15- Groomed & Tracked
All trails Skate and Classic Groomed
Ranch Trails
Fanny’s Fling
3/16- Groomed & Tracked
Joy’s Loop
3/16- Groomed & Tracked
Ranch Loop
3/16-Groomed & Tracked
Carlin’s Cruise
3/16- Groomed & Tracked
Kid’s Loop
3/16 Groomed & Tracked
All trails classic and skate groomed
Lower Trails
Andesite
3/16- Groomed & Tracked
Antler Ridge
3/16- Groomed & Tracked
Beaver Slide
3/16 Groomed & Tracked
Middle Fork
3/16- Groomed & Tracked
Golf course
3/16- Groomed & Tracked
Tree Farm
3/16 Groomed & Tracked
Far East (Dog-Friendly Trails)
BSCA- Groomed
Town Center (Dog-Friendly Trails)
BSCA- Groomed
Trail Maps are going Green!
Save time online and download our trail system right to your phone with the Avenza Maps app. Instructions to download and use the interactive app are below. You can also find our trail system on Trail Hub Find us on Trail Hub
Download the Trail System with Avenza Maps Today!
Download the Avenza Maps app from Google Play or App store
Open the app and allow location access while using the app (skip sign in top right corner)
Click the store tab on the bottom
Search "Lone Mountain Ranch Nordic"
Press Free, Processing, and then let the map download
Enjoy your GPS map: You can track speed, distance, and elevation gain :)
Navigating our Virtual Winter Map
You can use this map with no cell phone service and still track your location
The map key is located on the top right corner of the map, zoom out to locate
Clicking the … symbol on the bottom left, and use “Record GPS Tracks” to record your route
Operated by permit with the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
2
89
Nordic Ski Trail Passes
NORDIC TRAIL PASS AND RENTAL RATES 2022-2023
Trail Passes
Physical passes can be purchased at the Outdoor Shop or online above, just be sure to bring a picture of the receipt with you during your ski. We have unlimited day passes available!
Adult
$38
Senior (60-69) and Youth (13-17)
$25
First Responders, Military
$25
70+
Free
Kids (12 and under)
Free
BSOA Day Pass
$15
BSOA Season Pass
$125
5-day pass (non-transferable)
$160
Trail Season Passes
Adult
$365
Youth (13-17)
$225
Senior (60-69)
$225
First Responders, Military
$225
Senior Season (70+)
Free
Child 12 and Under
Free
Family Pass
$550
*Family Pass Includes 2 Adults and any children under the age of 18
Rentals
Item
Day
Adult Classic Package
$40
Skate Ski Package
$45
Classic Ski Only
$25
Skate Ski Only
$30
Polls & Boots Only
$20
Youth Package
$20
Youth Season Rentals
$200
Snowshoe Rantals
$25
Regular Rental Skis-Bindings are all NNN compatible
Fischer Voyager waxless skis for the groomed trail
Fischer metal edge waxless skis for touring-NNN BC bindings
Adult Sport Classic and Skate Skis-NNN bindings
Fischer SCS skate skis for groomed trail
Fischer Superlite Waxable for groomed trail
Adult Performance Skis-NNN bindings
Fischer RCS Crown waxless classic skis for the groomed trail
Fischer RCS and Carbon Lite skate skis for the groomed trail
Discover Your #MontanaMoment
Discover your Montana Moment at Lone Mountain Ranch
LMR – Book Horseback Rides & Adventures
Experience an adventure with our uniquely qualified Lone Mountain Ranch guides this Summer as we take you on authentic explorations that satisfy thrill seekers, nature lovers and anyone interested in life under the Big Sky.
Thrilling options for a wide range of activities include horseback riding, guided hiking and mountain biking tours or to see iconic landscapes and geysers such as Old Faithful at Yellowstone National park.
Parent’s day out? Enroll your child in our exciting Outdoor Youth Activity program building confidence through outdoor recreation, developing an appreciation for nature, and, most of all, giving young people (aged 3-14) the space to roam, have fun, and connect with each other.
CLICK BELOW to register for the following ADVENTURES:
-Horseback Riding
-Guided Hiking
-Guided Mountain Biking
-Yellowstone National Park Tours
-Outdoor Youth Activities Summer Camp (per week)
Our ranch hands, wranglers, and expert guides live and breath this landscape, and can’t wait to show you the real Montana. We’re here to share our knowledge of the outdoors so you can experience all this majestic land has to offer.
Working and living at Lone Mountain Ranch is a rewarding experience and one that many folks have enjoyed over the decades. We are committed to providing unforgettable and unique experiences with exceptional customer service to our guests and we focus those experiences on high quality adventures.
To deliver this, it takes an exceptional staff and we make our crew a priority by providing a safe, professional and adventure-filled work environment and experience. We hire dynamic and personable team players and look for both full-time and seasonal staff for positions in our kitchen, dining room, housekeeping, kid’s program, naturalist, ski and horse programs and the office and maintenance departments.
Our crew is one of our most valuable assets. Lone Mountain Ranch guests enjoy the chance to meet and get to know crew and crew are involved with the guest experience from guiding trips to joining them over meals. Excellent crew consistently provides our guests with a unique and exceptional vacation experience.
The Ranch crew consistently receives praise from our guests for their work ethic, helpfulness, great attitude, common sense and their desire to generously share their love and enthusiasm for the Ranch and its surroundings with guests.
Working at the Ranch also provides the opportunity to discover the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem by crew participating in limitless recreational experiences. National Forests and Parks, Blue Ribbon trout streams and wild and scenic whitewater rivers are all easily accessible from the Ranch.
During the winter, we have a world-class Nordic Ski Center and the Biggest Skiing in America at Moonlight Basin and Big Sky Resorts. We are recognized as one of North America’s finest Nordic skiing resorts with 85 km of trails groomed for both skating and classic. With our very dependable snow, the area is great for Nordic, alpine, telemark and back country skiing alike.
Our summer season runs from mid-May to mid-October. Hiring for summer begins in late-February. Our winter season runs from early December to early April with hiring beginning in mid-September. Although there may be some flexibility with the dates of employment, your chances of being hired increase if you apply early and if you can work through the entire season. Dorm style or semi-private housing can be offered for most seasonal employees.
Lone Mountain Ranch is an equal opportunity employer and is proud to provide its employees with a non-smoking work environment. We welcome all nationalities for employment and because of the restrictions concerning the hiring of foreign applicants, you must have your working papers in order before submitting your application for review. Note to international applicants: Lone Mountain Ranch does not sponsor H2b visa’s and only occasionally hires J1 visa students based on our needs. Lone Mountain Ranch hires through specific J1 sponsored agencies that screen and hire on our behalf.
Limited on-ranch and off-ranch housing options available at a subsidized rate. Breakfast and Lunch are provided. For further information or any employment questions please contact us at hr@LoneMountainRanch.com. Thank you for your interest in working at the Ranch!
Deciding what to pack for your dude ranch vacation can sometimes be overwhelming. Since the atmosphere at Lone Mountain Ranch is casual, there is no need to pack anything too fancy. Jeans and comfortable shirts are the essentials during your week at the Ranch.
Summer temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day so we recommend dressing in layers to stay comfortable. As with any outdoor adventure vacation, sunscreen is a must and with over 300 days of sunshine here in Big Sky Country, chances are you will be out in the sun for many of your activities. Staying hydrated is important, as it keeps your body’s systems working properly and can prevent unnecessary fatigue. If you forget your water bottle, we have BPA-Free Nalgene® bottles in our Shop.
In the Ranch B-K (guest lounge area), we have complimentary laundry facilities, so you can rest assured that overpacking is only optional. Also, the Ranch has a convenient Outdoor Shop with t-shirts, socks, cowboy hats, ball caps, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain jackets and more.
So, to help you with your packing list for your vacation to Lone Mountain Ranch, we have compiled a list of suggested items:
Horseback Riding
-Jeans
-Lightweight, breathable shirts
-Riding boots with a 1″ heel and smooth sole (we also have boots available to borrow)
-Light windproof jacket and fleece jacket
-Long socks for riding, wool or wool blend is ideal
-Rain jacket
-Riding helmet (we also have helmets to borrow)
-Cowboy/ cowgirl hat
Fly Fishing
-Lightweight shirt (no cotton preferably)
-Polarized sunglasses
-Synthetic base layer (Patagonia® or Smartwool) for under waders
-Rain jacket
-Warm jacket or fleece jacket
-Gloves and hat (for cooler days)
Hiking
-Lightweight breathable shirt and shorts or pants
-Hiking Boots
-Water Bottle
Accessories and Other Items
-Sunglasses
-Hat
-Day pack
-Swim suit
-Comfortable clothing (yoga or relaxing)
-Socks (wool or wool blend; no cotton)
-Gloves and warm hat (chilly mornings and evenings)
-Sunscreen
-Insect repellent
-Lip balm with sunblock
-Flashlight or headlamp (and extra batteries)
-Binoculars
-Camera and memory card
Additional Tips
-If you are unable to fit everything, try sending us some of your items in advance via UPS or FedEx. Before using another carrier, contact our office to find out whether they deliver to the Ranch. Ship your packages to: 750 Lone Mountain Ranch Road, Big Sky, MT 59716 about 10 days before your arrival to allow plenty of time for the items to get here.
-Be sure to leave some room in your bags for any souvenirs or creative items your children make in the Kids Program
-Wear your cowboy boots or hiking boots the day you travel, as it leaves more room for other items if you are wearing the larger, heavier items
Outdoor Youth Adventure Program Packing List
The Ranch is as much a playground for children as it is for adults. The below packing list and helpful hints will ensure your child is fully prepared for any adventure at Lone Mountain Ranch!
The Right Backpack
Is it durable – Select one made of sturdy fabric or nylon. Make sure all of the zippers work properly.
Has a compartment large enough – to hold the extra set of clothes, swim gear, and shoes, socks, etc.
Has an outside zippered compartment – perfect for storing tissues, lip balm sunblock and hand sanitizer.
Has an outside mesh water bottle pocket.
Complete extra set of clothing – shorts, t-shirt, socks and underwear. Put them in an extra-large reseal able plastic bag.
Extra pair of shoes – camp is wet, messy and muddy. Include water shoes / sandals; be sure to also include a plastic grocery bag for the wet or muddy shoes.
Hooded sweatshirt – early mornings and cloudy days can be chilly; make sure your child is prepared.
Baseball cap or sun hat – we spend many hours’ outdoors.
Bathing suit
Towel – small one for the creek, we provide big ones for the Falls and Lake.
Goggles – consider buying multiple sets of goggles at your local dollar store. Goggles will get lost, borrowed and broken.
Flip flops, Chacos, Tevas, etc.
Plastic bag – include a plastic bag for wet swimsuits and towels.
Sunglasses – just like goggles, sunglasses get lost, borrowed and broken. Have a few extra pairs.
Sunscreen – Put it to your child in the morning. The counselors will help your child reapply.
Lip balm with SPF
Hand sanitizer
Tissues
Insect repellent – consider sending insect repellent wipes, as it is easier for them to apply.
Prescription medications – Let councilors know about use.
Water– Freeze two water bottles each night. Put one in the outside pocket of your child’s backpack and the other inside the backpack. As the ice melts, your child will have a cold and refreshing drink.
Rain Jacket
Label everything – use permanent markers to label backpacks, plastic bags and containers. Use iron-on labels for towels and clothes.
Exploring Southwest Montana Backcountry
Reins, lead rope, cinch, stirrup, pannier….
Until this summer most of these terms were still a little foreign to me. Even though I have been around horses and worked closely with a few wranglers over the last couple of years I have not fully immersed myself into backcountry horseback expeditions until recently. In the last couple of months I have been fortunate to lead, and guide, some epic trips into some of the stunning Wilderness and National Forest areas around Southwest Montana.
In the past, I have done hiking or backpacking journeys into the mountains with the objectives of escaping crowds on the rivers, discovering new bodies of water, or chasing different species of trout. By introducing horses into the equation everything becomes a little easier. Horseback makes the deep backcountry more accessible since they can cover 15-20 miles of terrain, and elevations gains of 2,000-2,500 feet, in a day with ease. Since someone else is doing the hard work, you get the chance to sit back and enjoy all the breathtaking scenery and views. Next, horseback can save your back when it comes to camping and overnight expeditions. Horses give you the option to camp in comfort by bringing along cushy pads, warm sleeping bags, plenty of layers, all your fishing gear and, most importantly, cooking supplies and great food. After enjoying a Prime Rib dinner cooked in a cast iron skillet over a camp fire it will be hard to go back to eating freeze dried meals in the backcountry.
Regardless of how you get there, on horseback or by foot, the fishing is always rewarding! In Southwest Montana we are fortunate to have destinations that hold plenty of Cutthroat Trout, some lakes that hold Artic Grayling and a few lakes that have Golden Trout. Through August and into September most of these trout are more than willing to eat a dry fly, which only adds to the excitement. During a recent expedition to one of the Spanish Lakes three of us enjoyed an afternoon of landing 75+ Cutthroat Trout all on dry flies. Some of my go-to backcountry patterns include the Parachute Adams, Purple Haze and any assortment of ant or beetle imitations. For some reason trout cannot resist those little crunchy terrestrials during the late summer months.
The Madison, Gallatin and Yellowstone Rivers get all the attention in this part of Montana, but you can be rewarded with scenery, solitude and hungry trout by getting off the beaten path and exploring the backcountry!
Lucky Skiing
I’m going to take a second to brag about how lucky I am to live in Big Sky and work with Lone Mountain Ranch for the winter season. Having 85 kilometers of pristine Nordic trails to ski on every day would be enough to keep most people satisfied for the season, but as if that’s not enough, our trails connect to Big Sky Resort’s 5,800 acres of downhill ski terrain. I’m talking about enough area to keep someone on skis busy for season after season.
A short ten minute drive up the mountain from the Ranch will put you right at the base area of the Biggest Skiing in America. With terrain ranging from the magic carpet bunny hills to the steeps of the A-Z chutes and The Headwaters, there really isn’t anything that Big Sky doesn’t have for downhill enthusiasts. Anything, that is, except for world class Nordic trails that allow you to get your legs in shape for those 15 inch powder days that will be here soon.
Enter Lone Mountain Ranch. Nordic skiing, whether classic or skating, is a great way to get your body ready for the demands of downhill skiing. You certainly could spend all day on downhill skis, but after a long summer your legs will usually hate you after the first few outings. A wiser alternative is to come out to the Ranch, free the heel for a few days, and get your legs back in shape while exploring our beautiful trail system. Legs aside, Nordic skiing is also a great cardio workout which will help a lot when you are hiking up ridges to find fresh lines as the season progresses.
If you are a die-hard Nordic skier, I would encourage you to take a day and explore some of the incredible downhill terrain we have here in Big Sky. Likewise, if you spend every day up on the mountain, take a day and come visit us here at the Ranch to get some Nordic skis on your feet. With a full line of rental equipment and experienced instructors, we have everything you need to get back in shape and get ready for the long days of downhill skiing that will be here soon. As a rider who does it all, the skate skiing at the Ranch now is epic-the skating conditions can’t be beat. See you out on the trails.
A River Runs Through It
What is it like to fly fish at Lone Mountain Ranch? Just ask fishing guide John McKinnie, who has to pinch himself daily to make sure he isn’t dreaming.
Here’s what to expect depending on the time of year, co-authored with our friends at Orvis:
June: Great early-season fishing can be found in the many streams of Yellowstone National Park. Hatches of caddis flies, PMD’s and salmon flies can be found on the Firehole and Madison Rivers. The creeks of the Lamar Valley are also a great early season option. We will also be fishing dam-released sections of some rives, due to the spring run-off. Depending on the snow pack, the Gallatin can also provide good early season action.
Average temperatures: Lows 30’s, Highs 60’s to 70’s
Rainfall: 3”
Hours of daylight: 18
Water temperatures: 45-50 Degrees
July: Dry-fly fishing is in full swing! We have swarms of hatches on all the rivers. Mayflies, caddis flies, stoneflies, yellow sallies and spruce moths are abundant and often entice the fish to feed at the surface. The Madison offers the famous salmon fly hatch and spruce moths have been known to cloud the banks of the Gallatin.
Average temperatures: Lows 40’s, Highs around 80
Rainfall: 1.5”
Hours of daylight: 17
Water temperatures: 50-60 Degrees
August: Trout cruise the banks of the rivers looking for grasshoppers, beetles and ants that fall into the water. Rainbows and browns will take these terrestrial patterns with aggression; a surface strike is sure to get anyone excited. Fishing “hoppers” in the Paradise Valley of the Yellowstone or along the banks of the mighty Missouri can make for a memorable experience. Or, stay closer to the Ranch and fish the Gallatin and Madison, which can also be very productive at this time.
Average temperatures: Lows 40’s, Highs around 80
Rainfall: 1.5”
Hours of daylight: 16
Water temperatures: 50-60 Degrees
September: The rivers have generally fewer crowds, the wildlife is more abundant, the autumn scenery is stunning and the fishing is great. Terrestrials usually remain consistent, baetis hatches will occur on overcast days and fish will begin to strike at streamers. The Madison in Yellowstone National Park gives an angler a chance for trophy browns that have migrated up river from Hebgen Lake.
Average temperatures: Lows 30’s, Highs 70’s
Rainfall: 1.5”
Hours of daylight:14
Water temperatures: 45-55 Degrees
Winter Season: To the surprise of many, the winter can be a great time to go fly-fishing. Most of the Gallatin and Madison will remain open year round and can provide some amazing nymph fishing opportunities. The fish will eat mainly stonefly, midge and egg patterns during this time of year.
