Official media kit for Mountain Sky Guest Ranch

1. Media Kit 2012-2013

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Activities
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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Specialty Weeks & Special Packages
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

9. 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

10. Media Contacts
Stephanie Parnell
Stephanie@adventuremedianews.com
832.755.7661
Stacy Townsend
StacyT@mountainsky.com
406.333.4911