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August 10, 2017August 10, 2017

Meet AdrenZen Fitness Expert Idalis Valazquez

A wife and proud mother of two girls, a personal trainer certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and a former elite track-and-field athlete, Idalis Velazquez is a top expert in total body fitness. Velazquez specializes in fast and effective workouts that help busy people get the results they want in the time they have. Velazquez’s workouts and fitness tips have been featured in too many national publications, websites and TV shows to list. Paws Up is thrilled to have her as the featured fitness expert at the AdrenZen: Fall wellness weekend on October 20–23, 2017.

Paws Up: How would you describe your fitness style?

Velazquez: My fitness style is all about time-efficient workouts and building sustainable habits. The workouts and programs I create combine resistance training and are metabolic, meaning you will challenge your cardio and keep your metabolism revving for hours after you are done. I’m tough, but more of a cheerleader with those I train to help them unleash their fullest potential and keep them motivated.

Paws Up: How many times a week do you work out?

Velazquez: Four to six times a week. These workouts can last 15 to 60 minutes long, depending on the workout.

Paws Up: What is your top weight loss tip?

Velazquez:

Focus on building positive and healthy habits instead of creating restriction.
Learn to be mindful with your nutrition and exercise routine. Consistent application of small, sustainable habits along with your workouts will help you reach your goals.
When it comes to training for weight loss and fat loss, prioritize strength training and don’t overdo the cardio.
Resistance training builds lean muscle mass, which helps you burn calories and fat all day long and boost your metabolism. You’ll feel younger and energized and achieve the “toned” look most people want.

Paws Up: How do you keep yourself motivated?

Velazquez: I see fitness and living a healthier lifestyle as tools that help me be at my best physically, mentally and emotionally. I challenge myself during my workouts, but I also have fun. Knowing that caring for my body and mind will help me feel and be at my very best keeps me motivated. Plus, it’s nice to look in the mirror and see how this lifestyle pays off.

Paws Up: What inspires you?

Velazquez: My kind and loving daughters. The way they look at me and look up to me. Knowing that the way I live my life and that my habits and behaviors will have a huge impact in their life inspires me.

The community I’ve built through my social media also is inspiring. Knowing that I’m helping to reach a follower’s goals is priceless. I know that many of them don’t have a personal trainer nor gym memberships, and they have chosen to follow my workouts and tips. They inspired me to get creative with exercises and workout ideas that will keep them motivated to get their sweat on anywhere.

Paws Up: Why are you excited to visit Paws Up?

Velazquez: All of it! Every time I plan a vacation with my husband, I always tell him that my ideal vacation includes a beautiful resort surrounded by nature where I can just disconnect and enjoy fitness, healthy meals, rest and relaxation with spa treatments. The Resort at Paws Up has everything I would want for a perfect wellness retreat and more. I look forward to having the opportunity to share my love for fitness and wellness by teaching and meeting new people!

Paws Up: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to regain their fitness or start a new program?

Velazquez: Just start! Focus on what your body can do, rather than on what it hasn’t mastered yet. Create a plan, do your best and stay consistent. Even if you start with 15 minutes a day. Set positive, performance-related goals, since these will help you stay motivated and empowered.

August 7, 2017August 7, 2017

Fall Culinary Offerings at The Resort at Paws Up

From James Beard Award winners to Bravo Top Chef stars, we have been featuring a steady stream of highly esteemed chefs for our unique culinary weekends. The Resort invites guests to dine on cutting-edge cuisine from a select group of gastronomic geniuses during Montana Master Chefs: Rising All-Stars and the launch of Live Life Love Food with Paws Up’s own Executive Chef Ben Jones. Guests will have the opportunity to experience menus that have foodies clamoring for a chance to try. The events include exquisite wine, chef workshops, live music, wilderness adventures, spa treatments and more—all set under a never-ending Montana Big Sky.

Montana Master Chefs: Rising All-Stars, September 21–24: As part of the weekend event, guests can partake in a myriad of wilderness adventures like horseback riding, river rafting or fly-fishing and will enjoy one-on-one interaction with some of the finest chefs, distillers and winemakers in the U.S. Montana Master Chefs 2017 will also feature cooking demonstrations and multicourse dinners prepared by up-and-coming all-stars in the culinary world including Chef Michael Corvino of Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room (Kansas City), Chef Kevin Gillespie of Gunshow and Revival (Atlanta), Chef Annie Pettry of Decca (Louisville), Chef Garrison Price of Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria (New York), Chef Amanda Rockman of South Congress Hotel (Austin) and Paws Up’s own Executive Chef Ben Jones. The chefs will also duke it out in a lighthearted (read: highly competitive) Master Chef Cook-Off Challenge.

Paws Up is proud to welcome Montana’s Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits as the featured distiller and the celebrated California vintners Kosta Browne Winery, Melville Winery and Steele Wines to provide tastings and pairings throughout the weekend. Among the many highlights will be nightly private concerts by Cory Branan, a punk-influenced country artist from Memphis; John Floridis, a talented Missoula guitarist, singer-songwriter and composer and Ali Solomon, a captivating singer and cover artist also from nearby Missoula.

Live Life Love Food, October 20–23: For a delicious course on how to incorporate exhilaration (Adrenalin) and renewal (Zen) into your everyday life, join us for our first-ever Live Life Love Food daily exercises. As a complement to AdrenZen: Fall wellness weekend, Paws Up Executive Chef Ben Jones shares the philosophy behind his cooking—and his life. Watch firsthand as he mixes, twists and lifts his way through this brand-new weekend event. Guests will gain new insights into using food as nourishment and experience the dual health benefits of energizing activities and a ranch-based diet. They will learn how to translate locally sourced ingredients into artistic creations on the plate. Basic training has never tasted so good.

The weekend will feature a hands-on “clean eating” cooking class with Jones, a tour of the greenhouse, early-morning workouts alongside Jones, world-class dinners and more.

For reservations, please call 877-588-6783. The Resort at Paws Up is also on Facebook, Instagram (@theresortatpawsup) and Twitter (@Paws_Up).

July 31, 2017July 31, 2017

Meet our Fall Wellness Expert Kristin McGee

Meet AdrenZen: Fall Yoga Expert Kristin McGee

Kristin McGee is a nationally recognized celebrity yoga and Pilates teacher, speaker and “mompreneur.” She is the author of Chair Yoga: Sit, Stretch and Strengthen Your Way to a Happier, Healthier You. Her unparalleled knowledge of fitness and health has established McGee as a sought-after trainer with a continuous roster of high-profile celebrities, including Emilia Clarke, Tina Fey, Bethenny Frankel, Savannah Guthrie, Steve Martin, LeAnn Rimes and Christine Taylor.

Join McGee at The Resort at Paws Up’s event AdrenZen: Fall on October 20–23, 2017. You will flow through many postures and learn simple chair poses to take with you wherever you go, so yoga can be a part of your daily life even if you’re stuck sitting down.

Try these four moves to boost your happiness and lift your spirits.

High Altar Pose: Lift your arms up overhead, interlace the fingers, invert the palms and lift the corners of your mouth in to a smile. You’ll feel your lungs inflate as you lift out of your lower back. Get an immediate rush of energy in to your body and notice how much better your body and brain feel. Hold for 3–5 deep breaths.

Hands Clasped Behind the Back Arch: Backbends are the antidepressants of yoga. When we slouch forward we get depressed. Our posture determines our mood. Use this pose to open your heart and lift yourself up mentally. Sit toward the edge of your seat, clasp your hands behind your back and lift your chest upward toward the ceiling. Hold this pose for 5–8 breaths.

Assisted Neck Stretch: We carry a ton of tension and stress in our neck and shoulders. Use this stretch to release the issues in your tissues. Place one hand over your head on the opposite ear. Gently let the head fall to the side as you stretch the neck and top of shoulder. Hold for 5 breaths and then switch sides.

Forward Fold: Finally, end with a forward fold to bring oxygen to the brain and stretch the entire back body. When you fold forward, you let the spine release and relax. Hold for 5–8 breaths before coming back up to sit and then notice how much happier and refreshed you feel.

A Q&A with Kristin McGee

What is your favorite thing about yoga?

Yoga makes me feel amazing. When I link my mind and body and tap into my breath, I am happier and healthier and I have more energy.

What is your style of teaching?

I teach an alignment-based flow. I also incorporate some of my Pilates background as well.

Why did you decide to write the Chair Yoga book?

Too many of us are stuck in our seats all day, so it’s important to find ways to do yoga anywhere and yoga in a chair.

What are you most looking forward to about coming to Paws Up?

Meeting new people in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I can’t wait to breathe in the mountain air and do yoga in a peaceful, incredible surrounding.

What advice would you give to someone who has never tried yoga before?

Get on the mat and listen to your breath. Your breath will be your guide and your body and mind will start to open and grow in so many ways. There is no judgment and no rush to do anything. You can just BE and start to move from an organic place inside of you. Honestly you will LOVE it.

July 26, 2017June 30, 2023

10 Reasons to Visit The Resort at Paws Up in August

If you’re looking to make last-minute vacation plans before the chaos of back-to-school and fall schedules ramps up, then check out these August activities at The Resort at Paws Up. We have an extensive list of Wilderness Workshops and special events to keep guests the fun kind of busy almost every day of the month. Brush up on your photography skills in our 37,000-acre Montana paradise, participate in a thunderous drum circle, make mouthwatering creations with pizza expert Ken Forkish, create unique s’mores concoctions and up your horsemanship game. Foodies can devour dishes made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients by Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson, relax at the longest dinner table they’ve ever seen and enjoy many more palate-pleasing options. Here are 10 reasons to visit Paws Up this August—good luck deciding which one is best for you!

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Sunset Photography with Stuart Thurlkill

Join Stuart Thurlkill for a brief tutorial on how best to capture subjects and landscapes in the setting sunlight, and then venture out into the field together to actually take photos during the golden hour. Bring your camera, or feel free to use the one on your phone. (Lesson is complimentary.)

August 4-6, 2017

Cookbook Live® Presents The Elements of Pizza Featuring Chef and Author Ken Forkish

Spend a weekend getting your hands doughy with pizza expert Ken Forkish. This flaky and fun-filled baking weekend brings to life Forkish’s The Elements of Pizza. By day, you’ll create works of edible art from fresh local ingredients. And by night, you’ll dine on the masterfully executed cuisine of Paws Up’s Executive Chef Ben Jones. It’s the perfect treat for anyone who’s passionate about just-out-of-the-oven pizza.

August 3-9, 2017 Gettin’ Primitive: Put the Whole Family in a Timeout

Learn about the old ways from an honest-to-goodness mountain man—Paws Up’s resident outdoorsman Gary Steele. For four days at his self-built camp, you and your kids will get hands-on instruction in primitive skills like edible plant identification, fire making, knot tying, longbow archery, music making, orienteering, shelter building, storytelling, tomahawk throwing, tracking and woodsmanship.

August 10-16, 2017

Cookbook Live® Presents Cookie Love Featuring Chef and Author Mindy Segal

Thursday, August 10, is National S’mores Day and, as the pioneers of glamping®, we’re giving this holiday the celebration it richly deserves. In fact, we’re pulling out all the chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows and more—for an entire week.

To help us honor the ooey-gooey deliciousness of this famous campfire treat, we’ve invited James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal. She’ll be roasting marshmallows right along with you. She’ll prepare and serve her own unique s’mores creations. And she’ll serve as the guest judge for our resort-wide S’mores-Off Competition. What a sweet job!

As part of our new Cookbook Live series, Segal will “stick” around in our kitchens and at a different camp each night. You’ll get an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at favorite recipes in her widely hailed book, Cookie Love. And you can count on getting a few samples to munch on.

August 11-14, 2017

Starry Night Photography with Barbara Van Cleve

Get to know acclaimed ranch-life photographer and Cowgirl Hall of Fame honoree Barbara Van Cleve while taking part in a unique and captivating photography workshop. Known for her spectacular nighttime imagery, Van Cleve will instruct workshop participants on how to capture vivid, dreamy photographs under a starry, moonlit sky. With more than 50 solo photography exhibits to her name and a lifetime of experience in the West and on ranches, she’ll show you new ways of visualizing, conceptualizing and capturing the images you want to share with the world. You might also run into her on a trail ride or around a campfire.

August 11-14, 2017

Champion Horsemanship with Barbara Schultz

Take your horsemanship skills up a notch with instruction from the real deal, National Cowgirl Hall of Fame honoree Barbra Schulte. With an emphasis on mental toughness, she’s helped elite riders all over the country reach their full potential. Here, with her guidance, you’ll focus on control as you wind through obstacle courses along scenic trails, and you’ll practice your aim on horseback with water-gun mounted shooting. Class sizes are small, and you’ll have ample opportunity to get to know this horse-riding legend. It’s a fun and exciting way to learn just what it takes to be an authentic champion cowboy or cowgirl.

August 15-21, 2017

Drum Circle Madness with Scott Besaw

If a drum circle happens in our forest, you should make sure you’re around to hear it. We’re pleased to welcome Scott Besaw back to Paws Up for his annual event that turns even the most rhythmically challenged into stellar little drummer boys (or girls, or adults). Besaw hails from Chicago’s world-famous Old Town School of Folk Music and brings with him an infectious passion for all things music. It’s a hands-on (literally, no sticks required) course that teaches basic music principles as well as team building.

August 18, 2017

Nature Walk Photography with Stuart Thurlkill

After a quick tutorial of camera (or smartphone) fundamentals, you’ll be transported to a scenic drop-off point, where you’ll hike with Join Stuart Thurlkill to enjoy and document Montana’s unique flora and fauna firsthand. (Lesson is $75 per person.)

August 19, 2017

Montana Long Table:^®Bounty on the Blackfoot A Montana Long Table Event featuring Chef Brooke Williamson

Many chefs try but few can deliver a true farm-to-table dining experience. During Bounty on the Blackfoot, you’ll learn just what it takes. We’ve invited 2017 Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson to demonstrate her signature talent—taking locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and turning them into mouthwatering masterpieces. Along with Chef Ben Jones, she’ll stock up at the Missoula farmers market in the morning to grab the freshest of the fresh and then return to create an unforgettable, one-night-only dinner tasting menu before your very eyes.

September 1-5, 2017

Cookbook Live® Presents Smoke and Around the Fire

Featuring chefs and authors Tim Byres, Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez-Denton

Sink your teeth into a mouthwatering celebration of live fire cooking. Texan barbecuing expert and world-famous smokeologist Tim Byres joins with 2017 James Beard Award winners (Best Chef: Northwest) Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez-Denton to help Paws Up present a Labor Day grilling extravaganza. These three kindred-spirit chefs will demonstrate their techniques and offer firsthand lessons on imbuing all kinds of food with irresistible flame-influenced flavors. Come and watch as these renowned chefs bring to life their latest books.

June 22, 2017June 22, 2017

Wilderness Workshops This Summer at The Resort at Paws Up

Most vacations, most folks just sit back and relax. But at Paws Up, we have a different attitude. We think, why not create spectacular music, learn to take magnificent photographs or find out what it takes to survive in the wild? Self-improvement? Yes. Boring? Never. With workshops taught by world-renowned experts, your instructor could be a celebrated artist like George Van Hook, a national champion horsewoman like Barbra Schulte or a tough-as-nails mountain man like Gary Steele. From art to music to equestrian activities, outdoor adventures and everything in between, Wilderness Workshops at Paws Up will inspire, educate and fascinate you and your kids all summer long. Pick your passion and take time to explore it—while surrounded by the scenery and nestled in the comforts of The Resort at Paws Up.

Gettin’ Primitive: June 20-23, July 23-29, August 3-9, 2017

Designed for families to come together in an environment that fosters confidence, curiosity, enthusiasm, responsibility and self-esteem, the Gettin’ Primitive workshop is sure to ignite your kids’ imagination. And be on the lookout for our resident mountain man at the Kids Corps of Discovery, around the luxury camps and on chuck wagon rides.

Drum Circle Madness: July 2-8, August 15-21, 2017

If a drum circle happens in our forest, you should make sure you’re around to hear it. We’re pleased to welcome Scott Besaw back to Paws Up for his annual event that turns even the most rhythmically challenged into stellar little drummer boys (or girls, or adults). Besaw hails from Chicago’s world-famous Old Town School of Folk Music and brings with him an infectious passion for all things music. It’s a hands-on (literally, no sticks required) course that teaches basic music principles as well as team building. Come learn how to truly march to the beat of your own drum.

Photography with Stuart Thurlkill

Sunset Photography: July 3, July 19 and August 1, 2017

Nature Walk Photography: July 8 and August 18, 2017

Picture this: the sun is making its final breathtaking appearance across the Montana landscape and, this time, you’ll have the skills to capture it with justice. This summer, let Paws Up Resort Photographer Stuart Thurlkill lead you on a wilderness walk as you learn how to capture that perfect photo. It’s a chance for you and your kids to gain a better understanding of light, composition and color, as well as a deeper appreciation for nature. You’ll see the world through a different lens, and head home with a collection of photographs to cherish your time in Big Sky Country.

Brushes With Greatness: July 10-17, 2017

Renowned American painter George Van Hook honed his artistic skill the old-fashioned way. As a young man, he visited the Louvre and traveled through France, Italy and Holland to study and be inspired by the masters. Now, for more than 35 years, this award-winning artist has painted and exhibited on three continents. He has also helped beginner and experienced painters alike improve their techniques and discover new talents. Van Hook will conduct this “plein air” watercolor workshop in a variety of eye-popping settings throughout The Resort. Go ahead, learn from a true pro and take in the unforgettable surroundings at the same time.

Block Printing and Mosaics: July 17-21, 2017

Channel your inner artist at this Paws Up Wilderness Workshop with Artist in Residency Jill Schulman as she teaches adults and children the art of block carving and printing, as well as mosaic making. Schulman is a renowned sculptor and ceramic artist who is passionate about teaching her craft to others. No previous experience is required to take part in the workshop—just a willingness to think outside the “block.”

Paint ‘N’ Pour: July 22, 2017

There’s nothing like a little wine to wake up your inner Picasso, Renoir or Van Gogh. So allow us to pour you a glass while the talented Linds Sanders instructs you on the finer points of painting in a hands-on art session designed for all skill levels. Sanders will join guests at Paws Up throughout the summer as part of the popular Paint ’n’ Pour Wilderness Workshop. With step-by-step guidance in a fun and friendly atmosphere, you’ll be creating your own personal masterpiece in no time. All you have to do is show up with an open mind—the canvases, paint, wine and laughter are all provided.

Starry Night Photography: August 11-14, 2017

Get to know acclaimed ranch-life photographer and Cowgirl Hall of Fame honoree Barbara Van Cleve while taking part in a unique and captivating photography workshop. Known for her spectacular nighttime imagery, Van Cleve will instruct workshop participants on how to capture vivid, dreamy photographs under a starry, moonlit sky. With more than 50 solo photography exhibits to her name and a lifetime of experience in the West and on ranches, she’ll show you new ways of visualizing, conceptualizing and capturing the images you want to share with the world. You might also run into her on a trail ride or around a campfire.

Champion Horsemanship: August 11-14, 2017

Take your horsemanship skills up a notch with instruction from the real deal, National Cowgirl Hall of Fame honoree Barbara Schulte. With an emphasis on mental toughness, she’s helped elite riders all over the country reach their full potential. Here, with her guidance, you’ll focus on control as you wind through obstacle courses along scenic trails, and you’ll practice your aim on horseback with water-gun mounted shooting. Class sizes are small, and you’ll have ample opportunity to get to know this horse-riding legend. It’s a fun and exciting way to learn just what it takes to be an authentic champion cowboy or cowgirl.

June 15, 2017June 15, 2017

3 Summer Picnics Worth Traveling For

It may come as no surprise, but Montana’s culinary resources are as outsized as the landscape itself. Which means, when you take part in a Montana Long Table at The Resort at Paws Up you’re in for an ever-loving foodie kind of evening. Of course, that only partly explains why these events are so popular. There’s also the single, long table set up in a beautiful spot with sweeping views of the ranch and first-rate live music, often from acclaimed local artists.This summer Paws Up is offering three incredible Long Table Events where guests will come face-to-face with an abundant supply of foods and the artisans behind them as well as get to know them by name, hear their stories and have the opportunity to show appreciation for all their hard work.

Artisanal Picnic: June 17, 2017

When was the last time you dined outdoors on artistically prepared fried chicken, sausage garnished with foie gras and hand-cut duck fat fries? This year’s first Montana Long Table is a picnic like none you’ve ever seen. We’re bringing together three of the country’s most talented chefs: the masterminds behind Chicago’s Honey Butter Fried Chicken and cult food icon Doug Sohn of Hot Doug’s. And when it’s time to sit down and dine, you’ll be joined by the very ranchers, farmers and food artisans responsible for the food in front of you.

Note: This event is open to locals.

A Long-Standing Tradition: July 15, 2017

This July, pull up a seat as we celebrate the local food traditions of Montana. It’s a farm-to-white-tablecloth experience, starting with an authentic farmers market featuring local ranchers, farmers and food artisans as well as music from Montana’s own Dan Dubuque. Next, you’ll sit down to an exquisite dinner created by Paws Up Executive Chef Ben Jones. His close relationships with area purveyors always makes for a truly inspired menu. But don’t take our word for it—instead, take advantage of the unique opportunity to dine alongside the very people who made your meal possible. We hope you’ll join us as we pay tribute to all the incredible culinary resources Montana has to offer.

Note: This event is open to locals.

Bounty on the Blackfoot: August 19, 2017

This August, take a tour through Montana’s vast culinary traditions with one of the country’s most celebrated chefs as your guide. Join 2017 Bravo Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson as she creates a true farm-to-table tasting menu before your very eyes. She’ll visit the Missoula farmers market to select peak-season ingredients, then masterfully turn them into a one-of-a-kind dinner. By evening, you’ll sit down to dine on the banks of the legendary Blackfoot River with the local purveyors who helped make your meal possible.

June 1, 2017

The Resort at Paws Up Introduces New Cookbook Live Series

We’re all familiar with a book-signing event. But when it comes to cookbooks (particularly those created by world-renowned chefs), doesn’t it feel like something’s… missing? Here at Paws Up we thought so, and that’s how our Cookbook Live series was born. It’s an incredible opportunity to not only meet the authors, but to go beyond the pages and hear their stories, ask them questions and, of course, taste their incredible recipes.

To kick off this new series, we’re bringing you four events packed with demonstrations and lots of opportunities to taste world-class dishes. For the pizza lovers out there (and who isn’t?), our first event takes place August 4–6, 2017. Chef and James Beard Award- winning author Ken Forkish will be on hand to teach you the secrets to pizza perfection from his book, The Elements of Pizza.

To celebrate National S’mores Day, James Beard Award-winning Chef Mindy Segal will be visiting August 10–16. She’ll be making s’mores around the fire and giving you an up-close look at her irresistible cookie creations from her widely hailed book, Cookie Love.

For Labor Day weekend, James Beard Award-winning Chef Tim Byres is joining James Beard Award-winning chef team Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez-Denton to offer live demonstrations of their respective books, Smoke: New Firewood Cooking and Around the Fire.

On November 3–6, 2017, pie expert Kate McDermott will take you behind the scenes of her James Beard Award-nominated book, Art of the Pie: A Practical Guide to Crusts, Fillings and Life. She’ll teach you how to make various styles of pies and has even promised to share the secrets behind her famous crust. Here’s your chance to learn how to create incredible, unforgettable cuisine from the masters—ready to roll up your sleeves and join?

May 18, 2017May 18, 2017

Paws Up Delivers the Duality of Wellness With AdrenZen

The Resort at Paws Up hosted its first-ever wellness weekend event, AdrenZen (short for “Adrenaline Meets Zen”), May 5–8, 2017, and guests who traveled to The Resort for adventure activities mixed with opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation were not disappointed. Our ranch provided the perfect setting for the creation of new friendships and bonding, spiritual inspiration, wilderness adventures and the renewal of a mutual love for the outdoors. Guests enjoyed wholesome cuisine and healthy cocktails—and they didn’t miss a single calorie (mostly because they were too busy burning them off).

AdrenZen guest yoga instructor Lauren Taus said, “As a seasoned traveler with ample luxury experience, I can tell you that The Resort at Paws Up stands out in so many ways. It’s the attention to detail here that makes the biggest difference. And Chef Ben Jones blew me—and my taste buds—away at every meal. His homemade kombucha is next-level.”

After starting each day with morning yoga, guests enjoyed chef specials, including a full fresh juice bar. Visiting fitness expert and The Biggest Loser star Jen Widerstrom connected with participants during small-group fitness activities, such as our first-ever Ranch-Athlon. This event featured a combination ATV tour and rappelling experience led by Widerstrom—capped with a huge adrenaline rush as everyone descended a sheer, 167-foot rock face.

More adventure followed in the form of a one-mile Grizzlyman Fitness Trail excursion led by Widerstrom. Guests made quick, calorie-burning stops at 12 stations along the trail to complete climbing, balancing and swinging challenges. In addition, the Sky Line Aerial Adventure Park, tucked away neatly in the middle of The Resort’s forest, offered the option to navigate rickety bridges, spider nets, swinging platforms, tightropes and a heart-pounding 40-foot free fall.

For the Zen element of the event, guests stretched and posed their way to relaxation with Taus, recognized by Self magazine as one of the country’s top trainers. Her most popular class of the weekend was vino yoga. Guests warmed their muscles through a range of movement and pleased their palates with a selection of fine wines. It was the perfect preamble to free time filled with treatments at Spa Town, a hands-on private cooking class led by guest Chef Kelly Liken, at-your-own-pace meditation hikes and horseback riding on our gorgeous 37,000-acres of trails with scenic vistas of the Blackfoot River.

If you weren’t here for the first-ever Paws Up wellness event and feel like you missed out, you can remedy that regret at the fall AdrenZen event on October 20–23, 2017. You don’t want to miss out this time around. We have even more fabulous features planned, so book your reservation now.

Praise for AdrenZen

“My experience at The Resort at Paws Up for the AdrenZen weekend was the highlight of my year. All the staff throughout The Resort were extremely accommodating and kind and took care of any needs or questions that I had throughout my weekend. I had a wonderful time exploring the outdoors at The Resort of Paws up because of the exquisite location, respectful staff and impeccable service. I would highly recommend The Resort.”—Katelynn Lee, AdrenZen guest

“I am fortunate to have been a part of AdrenZen weekend. The whole place is serene and magical, but what was really unexpected was the opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone in a safe and relaxed environment. I would go back again and again.”—Bhavani Raju, AdrenZen guest

“As an international retreat leader, finding a place that is as special as The Resort at Paws Up is rare. The space invites quiet reflection, exploration and growth, while also offering every luxury you could imagine. Everybody had an incredible time, and I loved hosting a wellness event there. Jen Widerstrom and I both look forward to bringing more growth and healing to this property soon.”—Lauren Taus, AdrenZen guest yoga instructor

April 17, 2017

A Trio of Opportunities for Spring Fun at Paws Up

There’s always something to look forward to around Paws Up, but springtime may just be the best time to visit the Ranch! (Our guests do say that about every season, however.) Upcoming spring events you don’t want to miss include the Cowgirl Spring Roundup, AdrenZen and Montana Master Grillers. Each event offers something for various tastes, but they all have one thing in common: breathtaking adventure and a chance to escape everyday life at a luxe resort set right in the middle of the picturesque Montana wilderness. Good luck choosing just one event to attend!

Cowgirl Spring Roundup

This April, five National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honorees will descend on The Resort at Paws Up to treat guests to four days of intensive learning, laughter and lounging. The Cowgirl Spring Roundup (April 27–30) is an authentic adventure that guarantees the ultimate in gal pal memories. You won’t find a girls’ getaway like this anywhere else.

Picture this: one-on-one time with real, honest-to-goodness cowgirls plus 37,000 acres of Montana playground, including more than 100 miles of trails and 10 private miles of Blackfoot River access. Ladies will herd cattle, fine-tune their aim shooting sporting clays and choose from a myriad of wilderness adventures to round out the long weekend.

But it’s definitely not all work and no play. Post-cowgirling, you can count on The Resort to pamper you with spa treatments, gourmet meals and cocktails from Executive Chef Ben Jones and luxury accommodations that include such amenities as hot tubs and personal on-property transportation. Sweeping views of the vast Montana landscape will erase any existence of stress.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so why not give yourself, your mom or both of you the gift of an authentic Western adventure? Only 10 spots are left, so go ahead and add the Cowgirl Spring Roundup to your calendar—in pen!—today.

AdrenZen

Following the Roundup is our first-ever wellness weekend event, Adrenaline Meets Zen (or “AdrenZen”), May 5–8. AdrenZen provides the sweet spot between exhilarating wilderness adventures and spirit-cleansing wellness. Don’t worry; there’s no strict dieting during this first-ever event—just gourmet cuisine and health-conscious cocktails and fine wines in moderation.

Special guest fitness instructor Jen Widerstrom of The Biggest Loser fame will host daily small-group fitness classes and activities such as the Ranch-Athlon and Grizzlyman Fitness Trail adventures. ATV and rappelling experiences also await, as well as spa treatments and vino yoga led by guest instructor Lauren Taus. We’re all about balance here at Paws Up!

In addition to top-notch accommodations at The Resort, other items to add to your Official List of Reasons to Attend AdrenZen are: the Sky Line Aerial Adventure and Challenge Courses, a high-ropes activity tucked neatly into the middle of the forest; spa treatments; horseback riding and fly-fishing. It’s basically the perfect weekend for mind, body and soul.

Montana Master Grillers

What’s that delicious smell in the air? It must be the Montana Master Grillers: Hall of Flame event (May 26–29), where the opportunity to indulge in palate-tempting, finger-licking BBQ and other smoky favorites will make you feel as if you’ve died and gone to “grill heaven.”

Four outstanding guest chefs will join us, including Beau MacMillan from famed Arizona travel destination Sanctuary on Camelback, Charlie McKenna of Chicago BBQ spots Lillie’s Q and Dixie, the veteran Wayne Mueller from Texas barbecue “cathedral” Louie Mueller Barbecue and Jonathon Sawyer from Cleveland faves Greenhouse Tavern and Trentina. Paws Up’s own pitmaster extraordinaire Executive Chef Ben Jones will also spend the weekend putting his signature touch on all things grilled.

In addition to eating to your heart’s content, attend great learning workshops, taste fine wines and craft beer and try your aim at sporting clays with Dennis Cakebread of Cakebread Cellars. It’s really a perfect combination—five grilling masters summoning all their fiery talents under Montana’s Big Sky along with a plethora of wilderness activities to choose from. And to cap off each day’s festivities, enjoy nightly live music, including blues, country and soul. This lip-smacking event will make it a Memorial Day weekend to remember.

February 28, 2017

Get a Taste for Adventure with Your Favorite Top Chefs

Prepare your palate for a long weekend, April 20–23, 2017, with the cream-of-the-crop in culinary talent at The Resort at Paws Up. WildFlavor is an all-new foodie event that features four Top Chef stars as well as Paws Up Executive Chef Ben Jones. The Top Chefs heading to Montana and our luxury 37,000-acre ranch include Kristen Kish (winner, Season 10), Sam Talbot (finalist, Season 2), Casey Thompson (finalist, Season 3) and Brooke Williamson (runner-up, Season 10).

Whet your appetite as you watch these culinary artists fork it out during a live cook-off challenge, and enjoy a trio of expertly crafted meals during the delicious four-day event. And don’t forget to toast to the Top Chefs with fine vino exquisitely paired by Master Sommelier Brian McClintic (featured in the documentary SOMM and its sequel). Along with plenty of ranch activities to burn off those extra calories, WildFlavor is the perfect blend of food and fun this spring.

Special note: Tune in before you come! Talbot, Thompson and Williamson all returned to Bravo to compete in Top Chef Season 14.

Tentative Schedule

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Welcome reception with wines selected by Master Sommelier Brian McClintic
Dinner at Pomp while you watch our chefs in action

Friday, April 21, 2017

Breakfast in Trough at your leisure
A three-hour horseback ride with Chef Kristen Kish and Chef Casey Thompson (lunch provided, limited availability)
Lunch in Trough at your leisure for those not on the horseback ride
A Top Chef dinner, with each course prepared by one of the Featured Chefs

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Breakfast in Trough at your leisure
Morning ATV ride with Chef Sam Talbot and Chef Brooke Williamson
Lunch in Trough at your leisure
Afternoon meet-and-greet reception with book signings in the Lewis & Clark Reception Barn
Celebrity chef cook-off in the Lewis & Clark Reception Barn followed by dinner in Pomp

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Breakfast in Trough at your leisure