USA
Big family fun in
Big Sky
ELISA ELWIN
While best known to Aussies as a ski resort, Elisa Elwin finds Big Sky in Montana is a fantastic summer destination for families who love the great outdoors
Majestic mountains, nature and wildlife, a family-friendly centre, whitewater excitement, and cowboy fun – Big Sky Montana has everything your family needs for an ultimate summer adventure.
When offered the chance to visit, I jumped in boots and all. Big Sky is in the southern part of the Rocky Mountains, so it may take some time for your body to adjust to the altitude. The Meadow Village/Town Centre area is about 1,890 metres above sea level, while the base of Lone Mountain is 2,286 metres, and its summit sits at 3,403 metres. Big Sky is also a celebrity mecca. Most famous folk have homes in the gated community of the Yellowstone Club. Notable names include Justin Timberlake, his wife Jessica Biel, and their kids, Tom Brady, Ben Affleck, and Bill Gates. You might just bump into them in the market or on a hike.
Image above: White water rafting after party
Images below: Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, A black bear in Yellowstone National Park © National Park Service
Opening Image: Go white water rafting in Yellowstone National Park © Daltong Cope-Crystal Images Professional Photography
Image above: A boy holding up his Junior Ranger badge at Yellowstone National Park © National Park Service
Image below: Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park © Wyoming Tourism
Yellowstone National Park
The west entrance to Yellowstone National Park is only an hour's drive away, making it a feasible day trip. I chose the Yellowstone Lower Loop Day tour with Back Country Safaris. Small group, collection from the hotel, comfortable vehicle, lunch, snacks, binoculars, and an expert guide made this the perfect choice.
The 6.30am start was worth every yawn! Our group was in awe of the fantastic geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and famous attractions like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It felt like we were in a documentary as we waited for Old Faithful to live up to its name with a spectacular display.
Then, the wildlife! It started with cute scampering chipmunks, before Yellowstone brought out the big guns after lunch. Bison! Herds of them at a distance, including adorable calves. We then saw how majestic they were up close when a couple of males ambled along the road. They walked past casually, ignoring the traffic jam and tourists.
I hope to return one day to try and spot more of the 60-plus species of animals that live in the park, including elk, grizzly bears, black bears, grey wolves, moose, and mountain lions. There are also more than 300 species of nesting birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, and various species of hawks, owls, and songbirds.
“Our group was in awe of the fantastic geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and famous attractions like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone”
Horse riding and rodeos at Lone Mountain Ranch
Lone Mountain Ranch has helped guests experience Montana’s cowboy culture for more than 100 years. The ranch is heaven for kids who love horses.
Upon arrival, I was met with a corral full of horses saddled and waiting for the group of riders. Lone Mountain Ranch has you covered with experienced staff and, to my delight, a ready supply of cowboy boots in every size. Pulling them on, I felt prepared to settle in to explore the beauty of the Yellowstone back country with my experienced guide and horsewoman, Chanell. The two hours of gently riding in magnificent Montana went by too fast.
That night we were back for their Tuesday night rodeo, which runs from June to September. I discovered this event was where locals wore their best: shiny new cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and Western fashion on a plate. Even the kids dressed the part in their smaller versions of boots, hats and jeans. The rodeo ticket included a barbecue dinner and an open bar.
This is a small rodeo where local cowboys and cowgirls compete in contests such as bull riding, barrel racing and ranch roping. Kids can also join the fun with events such as the calf scramble, the stick horse race, and the boot toss.
I was in awe of the mastery of the riders and the partnership with their well-trained horses. I laughed along as the kids ran riot in the arena and admired the Western style of the other attendees – plenty of Big Sky hospitality with locals venturing over to say howdy after hearing my Australian accent.
In transparency, I am not a fan of bull riding or calf roping. I can, however, recommend the Lone Mountain Ranch Rodeo for its care of the animals involved and for a family evening out. This fun rodeo is a fantastic way to experience Montana's cowboy/girl culture. There were loads of kids there having a blast, running around, grabbing handfuls of homemade cookies, and enjoying the evening.
Images above: The view from Lower Falls of Yellowstone National Park's Grand Canyon © National Park Service, Horse riding at Lone Mountain Ranch
Image above: Go white water rafting in Yellowstone National Park
Image below: A family white water rafting © Daltong Cope-Crystal Images Professional Photography
Whitewater Rafting on the Gallatin River
The first line on the Geyser Whitewater website says, “The thrills never seem to end”. I had been so happy with my hiking, riding, and exploration through Yellowstone that I wasn't sure thrills were on my agenda. I read the website carefully: what to wear, how to paddle, the experienced guides, and the most important one, “Don't panic”. Ready or not, I was going whitewater rafting on the magnificent Gallatin River.
Ungracefully shimmying into my wetsuit, I met a lovely mum and her two daughters who were holidaying from Chicago, and first-time whitewater rafters like me. As fortune would have it, we ended up on the same raft. Kirsten and her gorgeous, excited daughters, Libby, nine, and Julia, seven, inspired me to embrace this new experience head-on.
The Gallatin River Canyon is jaw-dropping in its beauty. A lazy start, gently paddling past fly-fishers, gave us time to prepare for the rapids ahead. The water was cold! And the rapids on our half-day, three-hour experience are Class III–IV, which are considered moderate and OK for kids. With two plucky mums at the front to take the brunt of the splashes and do most of the work, we were set for the thrills ahead. Paddling through rapids with names like Screaming Left and the Mad Mile, the relaxing river journey in between the rapids was enough to recover and regroup for the next splashing maelstrom. Laughing hard, screaming, and paddling to the instructions of our guide. There was much bravery on the part of Julia, who needed occasional reassurance and a song and joke to bolster her. Her sister, Libby, didn’t stop smiling for the entire adventure. My whitewater rafting was indeed a thrill and highlight of my time in Big Sky, Montana, made all the better thanks to the Sorensons.
Family-friendly fun in Big Sky
I couldn't even touch the edge of the adventures Big Sky offers in a few days, so here's a rundown of the other activities available. Ready? Ziplining, mountain biking on more than 60 kilometres of lift-served trails, hiking to the 12-metre-high Ousel Falls, playing golf on Sky Resort's Arnold Palmer-designed course, pedal boating on Big Sky Resorts’ Lake Levinsky, and watching your kids bungee and climb at Basecamp at Big Sky Resort. Stay at least a week to let Big Sky and Big Sky Resort show you its magic.
Where to stay in Big Sky, Montana
Located in the centre of the pretty mountain village, The Summit Hotel at Big Sky Resort offers a range of accommodation options and all the amenities for a comfortable family stay. I chose a one-bedroom suite with a full kitchen and a large TV above the gas fire. The Summit Hotel provides the expected high-calibre amenities, including dining options, a gym, a heated indoor/outdoor pool, and outdoor firepits for enjoying the night sky. Did you know the name Big Sky comes from the vast, open sky you can see almost anywhere in the town? Make sure to head outside at night to catch the brilliant night sky.
The Wilson Hotel is the newest property in Big Sky, Montana. It’s smack in the town centre, with a playground right outside and easy walking to Big Sky's charming town centre's local shops, markets, and restaurants. I love a free breakfast, and it was fantastic. The complimentary shuttle was a bonus, too. Make sure to have dinner at the exceptional Block 3 Kitchen & Bar. The steak and burgers are outstanding, with a sensational wine list for a bit of indulgence.
The writer was a guest of Visit Big Sky
Images above: The Summit Big Sky Resort, View from my room at The Wilson
Images below: Mountain biking © Patrick Conroy, Ziplining © Max Lowe-Big Sky Resort
