The lodge has views as spectacular as any ranch in the Rockies, running west to domineering 11,166' Lone Mountain Peak and north to the massive Spanish Peaks. I visited for the first time last week and was overwhelmed by hospitality, scenery, site, architecture and skiing. It's glorious terrain, running from meadow through forest to tree plantation. They're going to have unusual options, such as choices of easy or advanced approaches to downhills. The trail map is a kick, using symbols keyed to detailed descriptions.
Every route has an alliterative name.
My favorite so far is Chuck's Hillside Heaven, though Barn Boulevard takes you right past Belgian draft horses, goats, llamas and a cow. The ranch is about an hour from Yellowstone, half that time from alpine skiing at Big Sky. For a succinct description of facility and history, check out that new edition of my book, Cross-Country Ski Vacations. And, when baby makes three, backpack your toddler while you glide the trails. I've been gently angling for a visit to Yellowstone Expeditions' backcountry skiing in the Canyon area of the park.