Plan a winter weekend in Big Sky

Fresh powder and no lift lines are two reasons to check out this Montana mountain town|Article by Caroline Patterson

4 You mix up your skiing with a winter safari

Ski vacation or wilderness trip? Here you get both. To see the wild side of the Gallatin Valley, saddle up with Jake’s Horses to clop along the Gallatin River.

The bears are hibernating, but keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, coyotes, eagles, moose, and elk that migrate from Yellowstone National Park to warm up at the lower elevation.

5 You step out of your skis and into cowboy boots

Sure, you could stay at a slopeside condo, but there are places with more Montana flair.

The 320 Guest Ranch, 12 miles outside of Big Sky, has cozy log cabins along the Gallatin River. After a dinner of local beef, elk tenderloin, or cornmeal-crusted trout, head out on a sleigh pulled by hearty draft horses.

Burrow under blankets and listen to the wrangler’s ranch tales, while you cruise through the forest and enjoy hot cider and chili.

Next: 48 hours in Big Sky, Montana