 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Cross-Country Skiing,
Snowshoeing, Llama Treks, and
Fishing, at Swan Mountain Ranch in
Montana PO Box 5081, Swan Lake, MT 59911
Swan
Mountain Ranch has panoramic views and great
outdoor activities in northwest Montana Glacier Country with an abundance
of wilderness and wildlife (406-886-3900, 800-919-4416 www.swanmountainranch.com).
The ranch is south of the town of Swan Lake, MT, which is southeast of Kalispell and Whitefish amidst 1.5 million acres of national forest wilderness. There are 30 km of xc ski trails with groomed tracks, skating lanes, and backcountry mileage, too. The trails are on a variety of terrain for different level skiers with clear trail markings. Along the trails there are rest stops with benches and warming huts with woodstoves and seating. There are snowshoe rentals and xc ski lessons available. The resort is dog friendly.
Swan
Mountain Ranch is designed to be an intimate experience and often guests
are the only skiers on the trails. Great snow is assured because the
ranch is in the path of a wet zone and has an abundance of snow when
other resorts have marginal conditions. The trails offer loops on old
state logging roads that are groomed. Snowshoeing opportunities abound
and guided tours are available for snowshoeing and xc skiing. Arrange
to take treks to local lakes or up in the mountains. There are a few
pairs of snowshoes available for rent.
There's also plenty of activities for nonsking guests. Ice fishing for Cut Throat Trout on the property or arrangements to visit other locations to fish for other species. There's a 1.3 acre frozen pond for ice skating. Dog sledding experiences with Base Camp Bigfork.
Accommodations include the main lodge with 6,000 square feet. The Premier Room has a private bath with private access to the hot tub. There are 3 other upstairs rooms in the lodge with access to a shared bathroom. The Premier Room is $225/night or $233 with breakfast. The lodge has a theater, game room, and hot tub.
The
Guest Cabin is 1,100 square feet (sleeps up to 15) with a private bedroom
and its own bathroom. Also includes a bunkroom with 6 double bunks,
a bunk loft with mattresses, and 4 twin beds. With a full kitchen, satellite
TV, washer/dryer, and a phone. The Guest Cabin is $225 per night and
$275 on holidays; $600 per weekend ($700 on holiday weekends) and by
the week it is $1,400 ($1,750 on holiday or spring break week). Great
for several families or small groups. Dogs welcome for $10 per night
(includes food).
The Mountain Lion Photo Safari is unique opportunity to join local expert
to "tree" a mountain lion and take pictures. Llama Treks for
lunch or overnight with a guide are also popular activities.
Swan Mountain Ranch is a member of the Swan group of companies. There are several other activities available in the area year round via the Swan companies including: Llama Treks; Trail & Wagon Rides; Guided Fishing or Hunting Trips; Pack Trips into the famed Bob Marshall Wilderness; Trail Rides or Drop Camps in Glacier National Park. For more details visit www.swanmountainoutfitters.com; www.swanmountainoutfitters.com/glacier; www.llamatreksmontana.com; www.guideschoolmontana.com.
Directions: Swan Mountain Ranch is located off of Montana Highway 83, which bisects the Swan-Seeley Valley. Highway 83 can be accessed from the north, near Bigfork Montana using Montana Highway 35 and from the south near Missoula, Montana using Montana Highway 200. Pickup at Kalispell Airport or Whitefish $75 per person;. Missoula Airport pickup is $100 per person.