Media Kit 2012-2013

The easy elegance of modern luxuries meets the traditions of the great American West at the spectacular Mountain Sky Guest Ranch located in southwestern Montana’s glorious Paradise Valley. This historic ranch, opened first as a dude ranch in 1929, is nestled among 8,000 acres of stunning, rugged countryside next to the pristine Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone National Park. The luxurious Mountain Sky Guest Ranch offers a secluded and peaceful respite with easy access to some of the most inspiring landscapes on earth, superb guest services, gourmet cuisine, cozy amenities, and ample outdoor pursuits for families, couples, and solo travelers.

A Brief History

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch epitomizes the authenticity and romance of Montana’s Paradise Valley and the American West. The land was originally settled in 1866 by Ohio native Nelson Story and his wife Ellen, who camped there while driving cattle from Texas to Montana to feed starving mining town residents who were isolated by harsh weather. Through the early 1900s, the site served as a base camp for sheepherders and cowboys. In the late 1920s, Charles Murphy purchased the Paradise Valley site and founded Ox Yoke Ranch, a 50,000-acre working cattle ranch. A depressed livestock market forced Murphy to consider ways to diversify and generate income. Dude ranches were growing in popularity in the 1920s and 30s, and Murphy capitalized on this when the Northern Pacific Railroad came to Paradise Valley. After extensive construction and renovations, Charles Murphy welcomed his first guests at the railhead in Emigrant for their stay at Ox Yoke Ranch in 1929. Although some of the structures have since been renovated, and many amenities added, much of today's historic Mountain Sky main lodge remains structurally unchanged since the 1920s, and guests can still enjoy the same tradition of warm Murphy hospitality. Through successive ownerships, the AAA 4-Diamond rated dude ranch officially was named Mountain Sky Guest Ranch in 1979. Today, guests who vacation at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch share in the wonder of the "pretty little canyon" discovered by Nelson Story at the turn of the century.

Lodging and Accommodations

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch offers 30 guest cabins, nestled in the pines, which can accommodate up to 90 guests. Refurbished rustic one, two, and three-bedroom cabins date back to 1929, when this authentic working ranch first opened its doors to guests. Many cabins feature a fireplace, large picture windows or porches to fully capture the breathtaking mountain views. All of the cabins include coffee and tea service, a small refrigerator, and fresh fruit delivered daily. The main lodge includes a spacious room with a library and fireplace, the original dining room, a cozy bar and lounge, and an outside deck with a fireplace. The property also includes an exercise room, kids pool, adult pool, Jacuzzi, ranch store, stables and corrals, and a meeting and conference complex.

From morning until bedtime, guests of all ages have the opportunity to escape the bonds of mundane living while exploring the spectacular 8,000 acres of Mountain Sky Guest Ranch. The staff at Mountain Sky has an array of activities planned on a daily basis that will surprise and delights guests of any age. Mountain Sky’s imaginative children’s program also ensures that children under the age of 6 don’t feel like they are missing out while other siblings and parents are out on the trail.

There is something for everyone: • Horseback Riding

• Hiking• Fishing• Yoga • Golf

• Swimming, Hot Tub, and Sauna•Massage

• Arts & Crafts • Wildlife Viewing

•Yellowstone National Park• Tennis, Volleyball, and Softball

•Rodeos, Sing-a-longs, and Entertainment •Western dancing & hayrides

Activities

Rising Sun Golf Course

The new Rising Sun Golf Course features nine picturesque holes with multiple tee options, creating nine- and eighteen-hole loops that will provide golfers with everything from a quick outing, to championship yardage for a challenge. Golf enthusiasts can also practice their swing on the world-class driving range and practice area. The immaculate bent grass greens and bluegrass tees and fairways of this Johnny Miller designed course are carefully tucked into the natural Montana grassland, and sweeping views of Paradise Valley and the rugged Absaroka range provide a stunning backdrop for a round of golf. The brilliantly designed driving range includes indoor hitting bays and a large putting green and the large putting green has different slopes to practice putts of every length. Guests can store their personal clubs at the clubhouse during their stay, or take advantage of a full selection of Callaway Razr golf clubs available for guest use. Best of all, there are no additional fees for this experience.

A Gourmet Dining Experience

At Mountain Sky, guests savor imaginative cuisine with the freshness and flavor of local ingredients while enjoying sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Gourmet chefs prepare buffet-style breakfasts that offer a wide variety of choices from freshly baked pastries and muffins, to fresh fruits to yogurt or homemade granola. More traditional favorites are offered, such as made-to-order omelets, sweet Montana huckleberry pancakes, or eggs Benedict. Lunches on the ranch are casual, delicious meals served outdoors, and always include a variety of salads, homemade soups, fresh berries, melons and cheeses. A selection of tempting regional dishes are also prepared, ranging from Mexican enchiladas to Chinese stir-fry and Italian pizza, and homemade cookies are baked fresh every day. Hors d’oeuvres are served at the cozy Mountain View Lounge before dinner. Dinners include dishes like succulent steaks, chicken or seafood hot off the grill, or gourmet sit-down dinners that offer the finest in continental cuisine. Wine pairings are recommended with dinners from Mountain Sky’s fine selection and dinner is topped off with gourmet desserts like chocolate decadence with an Irish cream anglaise.

Throughout the year, Mountain Sky Guest Ranch offers specialty weeks and special packages geared towards travelers from all walks of life. From girlfriend getaways to men-only vacations, culinary weeks, and adults-only weekends, Mountain Sky always has something exciting to offer:

•Wild West Women Adventure•Wild West Weekend•Visions Of Yellowstone•Fall Round-Up•Flavors Out West•Man-Up Montana

Specialty Weeks & Special Packages

Meetings & Conventions

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch is an idyllic location to create an invigorating, productive business environment that can provide inspiration. With the ability to accommodate and entertain groups up to 70 during the spring and fall seasons, the ranch provides ample room to work in a variety of settings ranging from around the campfire to around the conference table. And when the focus turns from business to entertainment and relaxation, Mountain Sky has a well stocked list of activities ready for your team to enjoy. A variety of meeting spaces are available at the ranch. Choose the cozy historic log cabin with a stone fireplace, perfect for a gathering of 20-30 people. The Great Room in the comfortable lodge can accommodate up to 70 people, and the conference center at the pool lodge features a grand view of Emigrant Peak as backdrop, and can accommodate up to 40. Group rates are available for any special event

Media Contacts

Stephanie Parnell

Stephanie@adventuremedianews.com

832.755.7661

Stacy Townsend

StacyT@mountainsky.com

406.333.4911