Yellowstone
Skinny skis, tales and headwaters
Published
10 years agoon
Story and photos By Eric Ladd Explore Big Sky Publisher
Lone Mountain Ranch acts as an anchor for the Big Sky community, boasting a rich 99-year history and more than 85K of groomed trails winding in and around the Big Sky community.
The idyllic ranch setting is befitting of a classic western movie. Indeed, Big Sky’s oldest structure can be found here, cataloged with the National Registry of Historic Places.
And there’s an ace in the hole: LMR’s guided trips in Yellowstone National Park.
At 9 a.m. on Christmas Eve, our five-skier group met Drew McCarthy at the LMR ski shop to get outfitted for a day of cross-country skiing in the park. McCarthy plays the part of guide to perfection. An ex-collegiate Nordic racer and park guide in Alaska’s Denali National Park, he has professorial knowledge of the backcountry and brings a friendly approach to helping guests.
Once geared up, we departed for Yellowstone. LMR guides groups in various spots around the park – from guided
That’s where we went, exploring the headwaters of the Gallatin River. The 30-minute drive to the trailhead included a Q & A regarding animals, park history and geology, and our full-day trip was an ideal day befitting of an annual holiday tradition.
LMR’s quaint setting paired with quality activities have summoned back guests and staff for decades. The ranch is known for its summer horseback programs and world-class winter Nordic skiing, but what many don’t know is this coveted permit it holds: The ranch is one of the few regional operators allowed to guide guests into Yellowstone National Park, a permit that requires guides to be trained in knowledge such as park history, flora, fauna, geology and thermal dynamics.
A day of cross-country skiing with LMR includes catered lunch, gear, transportation and guiding. The Gallatin headwaters trip is unique in that explorers can access remote regions of the backcountry on moderate terrain, suitable for almost any skill level. Snowshoe options exist for those who don’t want to try skinny skis.
Lunchtime is spent on the banks of the Gallatin with views into the park,
For those looking to get a true feel for Yellowstone Park – during winter, when the park is at its most serene – make your reservations soon. Trips into the core book out quickly, sometimes a year in advance.
LMR instructors can help you practice your Nordic skills on the groomed trails around the ranch first with private or group lessons.
Mark your calendar for LMR’s Glide and Gorge
Sunday, March 9, 2014 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ski Trails open at 8 a.m.
Cross-country ski or snowshoe the Ranch trails, stopping along the way for gourmet appetizers, entrees from the grill and a plethora of house-made desserts, as well as wine, local beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Meet at LMR’s outdoor shop to begin.
For more information, contact Lone Mountain Ranch at (406) 995-4644 or visit lonemountainranch.com.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
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april, 2024
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Waypoint
50 Ousel Falls Rd