What is winter like at Triple Creek Ranch, an oasis of Western luxury in the heart of the Montana Rockies? It means a day spent dogsledding with an Iditarod musher deep in the Montana wilderness or cross country skiing on the Continental Divide with endless views. Then it’s time for a welcome return to this Relais & Chateaux property for a soak in a hot tub, a warming drink before a roaring fire and a multicourse dinner prepared by a chef who’s cooked at New York’s James Beard House. More than just a classic resort, Triple Creek Ranch is a sanctuary for winter-loving guests.
Skijoring & Wisdom Winterfest
The latest trend in winter sports is actually more than a century old. Skijoring or “ski driving” is a classic Norwegian sport where a cross country skier is pulled by a wrangler on a mounted horse through snowy meadows and along forested trails. Triple Creek Ranch is one of the few resorts in the world to offer its guests a chance to try the sport of skijoring. But it’s commitment to the sport goes even deeper, and this winter it will bring guests to the charming little Montana town of Wisdom for the Wisdom Winterfest, where local cowboys and cowgirls will compete in thrilling timed skijoring races. The dates are February 25 to 28, 2016 and Triple Creek Ranch will follow the festivities with its own version of the competition for guests back at the ranch.
Dog Sledding with an Iditarod Racer
While dog sledding continues to be a popular winter sport, Triple Creek Ranch raises it to another level by taking guests out on the trail with resident musher Jessie Royer, a 13 time Iditarod finisher. A true pro, Jessie was the first woman across the finish line at the 2015 Iditarod with the J-Team in “The Last Great Race on Earth.” As she trains for her 14th Iditarod, she invites Triple Creek Ranch guests to learn how to hitch up the dogs and mush their own team. Of course, there’s always the option of just bundling up and going along for the ride with her. The dog sledding season runs from November through February (as snow allows), and guests visiting Triple Creek Ranch from January 2 to 16, 2016 can enjoy one complimentary dog sled ride.
Ski the Great Divide
There are a handful of places in the West where you can actually ski on the Continental Divide and Lost Trail Powder Mountain, thirty minutes away from Triple Creek Ranch, is one of the best. Lost Trail, which straddles the border between Montana and Idaho, receives a staggering 300 inches of powder a year and offers runs that are ideal for beginners to experts. This is laid-back “cowboy skiing” at its best. For those who prefer the aerobic workout that comes from a pair of skinny skis, just across the road are the groomed cross country trails, endless views and cozy mountain warming hut at Chief Joseph Pass. Triple Creek Ranch offers its guests complimentary lift tickets, equipment rental and transportation to the both areas.
The Big Sky Big Five Snow Package
The best way to enjoy all that Triple Creek Ranch offers in winter is the Big Sky Big Five Snow Package. To ensure that guests really experience the adventures promised by a Montana winter, Big Sky Big Five is focused on the classic Western winter sports: snowmobiling, dogsledding, winter horseback riding, skijoring and skiing. After a day outdoors, guests retreat to a comforting cabin with a wood burning fireplace, a hot tub and a welcome massage. The enjoyment continues with gourmet meals prepared by Chef Jacob Leatherman and wines chosen from a Wine Spectator award-winning cellar. The Big Sky Big Five Snow Package distills the very best of a Triple Creek Ranch winter, offering a five-night escape to a luxurious Western retreat and a terrific way to try adventurous winter sports.
- Five nights in luxury log cabin accommodations
- All meals; house wines, spirits & beer
- Full Day of snowmobiling
- Tandem Dogsledding
- Horseback Riding in the snow
- Skijoring
- Alpine skiing at Lost Trail Powder Mountain or Nordic skiing at Chief Joseph Pass
- One hour massage (per guest) in cabin
- Big Sky Big Five commemorative gift
- $7,635 per couple
- Available January 17 – February 29, 2016