The roar of the crowd tripled when a cowboy dripping in light blue leather charged into the ring at the West Yellowstone Rodeo. Grandstanding, he galloped clockwise around the arena, standing in his saddle, waving to rile up the folks in the stands to a fever pitch. A grinning woman holding an American flag fell in behind him, her face lighting up the night with hope and pride.
It’s rodeo season now through August, and there are four not far from Montage Big Sky, our choice for an Out West summer vacation. True to the Montage brand, which for me means impeccable service, above par dining and a menu of experiences, the resort is framed by Montana’s Spanish Peaks mountain range and located just 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park.
Offering ski-in, ski-out access in the winter, the list of hiking, horseback riding and adventuring on and near the property is long. We met up with Bailey, our adventure guide from New Zealand, who set us up for axe throwing and archery. Chucking an axe was really good therapy for my husband, as was the martini cart curated just for him, awaiting in our room later that afternoon. It’s the little things.
We watched the sunset from the hot tub overlooking the expansive mountain landscape, taking a daring (to us) cool plunge in the curvy pool. Honeymooners, families and friends gathered around the community fire pits, where conversation was available, but sinking into a deep Adirondack chair, staring blankly into the starry sky was perfectly acceptable.
995 Settlement Trail
Big Sky, MT 59716