Other Activities

Do Something Different Outside this Summer

On-Ranch Evening Programs and Entertainment
The evenings present the perfect opportunity to give your bodies a break and stretch your mind as you kick back and let your food settle. Our evening programs range from educational to entertaining and could include talks from wildlife biologists about the importance of the species here in our ecosystem and local Montanans about historical events and people, as well as movie and game nights in the B-K.

We are also fortunate to have a number of talented musicians in Montana. It is not unusual to sing along to cowboy, bluegrass or folk tunes with your entertainer in the Saloon and then see him or her driving a team of horses the next day. The atmosphere of Lone Mountain Ranch has been inspiring to many budding and professional musicians. Big Sky also hosts nationally-renowned musicians, who perform in the summer months at the Big Sky Concert Series.

While there are enough activities to keep guests busy for weeks, the Big Sky area offers many other activities guests enjoy experiencing. All of the activities can be arranged through our Office or the Outdoor Shop and range in price.

Oil Painting Classes with Jackie Rainford
Painting classes with Jackie are offered throughout each week and last about 2-3 hours. Your class will either be held on the Veranda outside of the Saloon or on the hill overlooking the Ranch, in the shadow of Lone Peak. During your lesson, Jackie will give you a concrete understanding of the fundamentals of painting and drawing and the confidence needed to paint and draw on your own. Jackie offers a number of ways to express your creative side, including:

* Oil painting
* Block painting
* Nature drawing

The lesson includes all art supplies used in the lesson and a smock to wear. Join Jackie Rainford at the Ranch this summer for an opportunity to express yourself! Learn more about Jackie Rainford here.

Sea Kayaking
Explore the wildlife and mountain scenery of Hebgen Lake, which borders Yellowstone National Park, from the seat of a kayak.  Hebgen was man-made in 1915 with the establishment of Hebgen Lake Dam and is more than 15 miles long and measures up to four miles at its widest point.

No experience is necessary to enjoy sea kayaking.  Paddling techniques are relatively simple and easy to learn and every trip is expertly guided.  The fleet of kayaks includes state of the art tandem and single boats that are extremely stable yet fast on the water.

Trips take place on Wednesdays and Fridays and leave the Ranch on the Yellowstone National Park tour shuttle at 8:30AM.  The kayaking lasts about four hours and guests will arrive back at the Ranch around 3:30PM.  Rates do not include gratuities or the 3% tax.  Cancellation requires at least 48 hours in advance.  Trip requires four people minimum.

Adults (16+) $150 per person
Children (3-15) $140 per person

Whitewater Rafting
The Gallatin River offers Class I-IV rapids depending on the time of year and river flows. It is a continuous flowing river offering many challenging sections as well as spectacular scenery. Geyser Whitewater Expeditions offers half day whitewater trips and and scenic floats and full day whitewater trips and rates range from $47 to $93 per guest. Children must be six years of age and older. 

Rock Climbing
Specializing in guiding novice and intermediate climbers, Montana Alpine Guides promotes climbing as a safe and exciting activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Their instructors are highly skilled professional guides who are dedicated to teaching the art of climbing and who provide the skills and confidence necessary for guests to safely enjoy their alpine adventures. Rates range from $75/climber for beginning and intermediate climbs to $150/climber for private instruction.

Golfing
The Big Sky Golf Course is a scenic 18 hole par 72 golf course originally designed by Arnold Palmer and is located in the town meadow at 6,500 feet above sea level. It offers long drives, spectacular views and you may occasionally share the green with resident wildlife. The course winds through the Big Sky meadow along the banks of the West Fork of the Gallatin River. USGA Rules of Golf and local rules shall govern all play. Carts are required during peak times. Greens fees include the cart and range from $29 for kids 17 and under to $69 for 18 holes and $47 for 9 holes. There are also twilight rates available at 2 and 4 PM from $38.

Zipline
Big Sky Resort offers zipline just a few miles away. The Zipline experience begins with a short hike up to the top of the Zipline and then down via three separate zip lines that venture through the trees, across the middle road, through the Moose Tracks forest 525 feet in the air and across the gully. All riders must be at least 3 feet tall and 45lbs and weigh less than 300lbs. The entire experience lasts 2 hours.