Nothing stirs the winter spirit like a sleigh ride through the snowy mountains, into the depths of the woods. For many of us this quintessential winter scene is more a postcard from distant pastoral places, a jolly holiday song 'Sleigh Ride' or visions of Santa en route from the North Pole to make his midnight Ho-ho-ho run, spreading good cheer. Snow in my home state of North Carolina was often tainted by ice and slush, not the 'ye old dashing through the snow...' Granted I enjoyed 'sleigh rides' - carriage rides in historic districts...the candlelight and evergreens...yet I still yearned to 'dash through the snow in a real sleigh,' a classic Christmas painting like a Robert Frost poem.
In Montana's Yellowstone Country, you can be transported back in time to Christmases long ago, the magic of a sleigh ride through glistening snow, under the December moon, through thick forests to a lonely cabin in the woods...Sleigh Rides are a popular tradition in Montana. A way to embrace the frigid weather of winter, warming our hearts with the spirit of the season.
Hidden in the wilderness of the Gallatin Canyon, Lone Mountain Ranch and 320 Guest Ranch offer several enchanting sleigh rides. Gallatin Canyon is home to top skiing, ice climbing, recreation...it is a beautiful icy paradise, showcased by the winding Gallatin River and steep mountains and jagged cliffs. It is a place of solitude.
Lone Mountain Ranch lies in the shadow of Lone Peak. This haunting monument of stone and ice, rises out of the plateau, cresting high above the surrounding Gallatin-Madison-Spanish Peaks. It is a majestic, awe-inspiring sight that humbles even the most stoic of travelers. Lone Mountain is part of Big Sky/Moonlight Basin - the Biggest Skiing in America (I will be blogging about Big Sky soon). The ranch is a family-owned enterprise that dates nearly 100 years. It is a four season resort, providing rustic fun, from winter recreation - snowshoeing, sleighing, skiing, to summer fun - horseback riding, barn dances, hiking, rafting.
One of Lone Mountain Ranch's most popular activities is the 'Sleigh Ride Dinner.' For $78-$95, guests are transported on horse drawn sleighs to the remote North Fork cabin. Dashing through the snow, the snow gleams in the moonlight, while the snow dances as it falls and your breath frosts midair. Sleigh riders bundle up with multiple layers, fleece, snow jackets, wool/alpaca hats, boots, gloves and scarfs...
Upon arriving at the cabin, riders enjoy a delicious Montana feast of prime-rib and home-style sides. The room is illuminated by kerosene lanterns, while cowboy singer-songwriters perform. On the return trip, hot chocolate is provided, to warm the journey.
Video of Sleigh Ride: http://vimeo.com/22402312
For information:
Call 406-995-2783 or email sleighrides@lmranch.com for reservations.
http://www.lonemountainranch.com
Just down the mountain, on US 191 in the heart of Gallatin Canyon is the 320 Guest Ranch. With cozy accommodations, elegant dining and immediate access to cross-country ski trails, The 320 Guest Ranch lies on the banks of the Gallatin River. The 320 Guest Ranch Sleigh Ride provides Montana hospitality, a gallop through the winter wonderland accompanied by a hearty Montana meal.
http://www.320ranch.com/activities/ranch-winter.php
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