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Mountain biking, Big Sky Resort, Yellowstone Country
by Susie Wall
It’s common practice for ski resorts to open their slopes to summer visitors seeking snow-free activities high in the mountains. Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village nestled in the stunning Madison Mountain Range of southwest Montana takes that practice to the next level. Whether you’re looking to relax and take in the views, thrill to extreme adventures, or both, Big Sky satisfies.
Choose your base camp at Mountain Village before diving into Big Sky’s summer fun. Lodging options range from hotels to condos. The Summit Hotel provides a front row seat to all the village’s activities and there’s not a bad view from any room. After a full day, grab a seat in the hotel’s Carabiner Lounge with a Bear-Berry Martini and watch the sun set over the peaks.
Mountain biking, Big Sky Resort, Yellowstone Country
Hop on a scenic lift ride for your first adventure. Two lifts, Ramcharger 8 and Swift Current 6, provide spacious seats that afford spectacular views of the Spanish Peaks and towering 11,166-foot Lone Peak as you soar above the treetops. Those a little uneasy with heights can pull the cover down to be encased in a comforting bright blue cocoon. The best part is you can buy a pass and ride the scenic lift up and back down as much as you please. Or choose an alternate mode of transportation to descend down the mountain.
Big Sky has the area’s only lift-served mountain bike trails. Ride up in the comfort of Swift Current 6 while your bike is safely secured on its own lift following right behind you. Join your bike at the top then bomb down over 50 miles of mountain bike trails scattered throughout the mountains. Trails range from easy to advanced. Technical trails provide a traditional mountain bike ride. Freeride trails feature jumps and bridges for an added challenge. Before setting out, check out the map with trail descriptions at the base of the mountain to get your bearings, then purchase a bike haul pass. You can also rent bikes with all the necessary gear. Group coaching and private lessons are available if you’re new to the sport or just want a refresher.
Hiking, Gallatin National Forest, near Big Sky
Prefer two legs to two wheels? Hike down on one of seven designated trails on your own time or sign up for a guided hike. Guided hikes range from one to two hours and are limited to eight people in each group. This allows the guide to customize the hike to individual abilities and share their wealth of knowledge about the area and the flora and fauna you’ll encounter. Weave through the forest on the semi-steep Thimbleberry Trail and follow a cool stream along Moose Tracks Trail.
One of the most thrilling adventures at Big Sky is flying down the mountain on a zipline tour. Two tours are offered. The Nature tour starts with a short but steep 10-minute walk up the Moose Tracks Trail after which you’ll zip on two separate lines ranging from 270 to 490 feet long and 30 to 50 feet high. The Adventure tour is a notch above. Ride up the Explorer Double chairlift, then get ready to soar down on four different lines. The longest is 1,500 feet and the highest is 150 feet. Two experienced guides go on each tour and safety is a top priority.
After a day of adventures, soothe those newly awakened muscles at the Solace Spa in the Huntley Lodge. Wrap up in a luxurious robe and spend a few quiet minutes in the lounge chairs of the relaxation room with snacks and beverages before your therapist brings you back to a private room for a relaxing massage culminating with a warm towel wrapped around your tired feet. The spa offers a range of full-body massages, body treatments, facials and add-ons to compliment your massage like shea butter, perfect for combating the dry Montana air.
You don’t often think of eating as an adventure, but dining deep in the backcountry at the Montana Dinner Yurt will make you think again. Catch the ride up to the yurt aboard an open-air army truck along a twisting bumpy road. Once there, settle into one of the comfy Adirondack chairs surrounding a roaring fire as a delectable aroma wafts through the forest. Just as your stomach starts to growl, the dinner bell rings signifying a feast of tender steak cooked to perfection slathered in peppercorn gravy, savory mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables. Dessert is a creamy pot of chocolate fondue accompanied by pound cake and fruit for dipping. Non-alcoholic drinks are included and you are free to bring your own alcohol. Keep in mind you’re high in the mountains and it can get cold quick. Bring a jacket or sweater and be prepared to be out for at least three hours.
Visit bigskyresort.com to plan your Big Sky summer vacation.
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Courtesy : https://nwtravelmag.com/summer-fun-in-big-sky-montana/