Resort Events | The Last Best Blog

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

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.

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

February 13, 2017February 13, 2017

10 Reasons You Don’t Want to Miss AdrenZen

The Resort at Paws Up will host its first-ever wellness weekend event, Adrenaline Meets Zen (also known as “AdrenZen”), May 5–8, 2017. Adrenaline Meets Zen’s dual theme fits perfectly with the Paws Up experience. Our sprawling 37,000-acre resort offers exhilarating wilderness adventures, including everything from the challenging Grizzlyman Fitness Trail and the Sky Line Aerial Adventure Course to more than 100 miles of trails.

But don’t let the wellness aspect fool you—there’s no strict dieting during this event—just delicious gourmet cuisine, healthy cocktails and fine wines with a heaping side of adventure. And in case you need a bit more convincing, below is our list of top reasons not to miss AdrenZen. (We capped the list at 10, but we could go on and on.)

1. Special guest fitness instructor Jen Widerstrom—Get up close and personal with The Biggest Loser star during small daily group fitness classes. Widerstrom will also lead activities, including the Ranch-Athlon and Grizzlyman Fitness Trail adventures. Widely known as America’s favorite bighearted trainer on NBC’s hit series The Biggest Loser, count on Widerstrom to inspire participants while injecting a healthy dose of morale.

2. Ranch-Athlon—A combination ATV tour and rappelling excursion or a Sky Line Adventure Course experience led by Widerstrom is sure to be a big adrenaline rush. With more than twice the acreage of Manhattan, The Resort offers plenty of wide open spaces to explore from the seat of your all-terrain vehicle. Follow the tour with a rappelling adventure for a unique and challenging cap to the day. After a climb to the famed Lookout Rock—where Meriwether Lewis once stood—you’ll descend a sheer, 167-foot rock face for the ultimate rush.

3. Spa treatments—No trip to Paws Up is complete without booking something special to enjoy at the serene location known as Spa Town. No matter what your body needs, there’s a massage, scrub or facial to handle it. From body treatments to altitude adjustments to enhancements like scalp massages, it will be hard to tear yourself away from our renowned spa.

4. Guest yoga instructor Lauren Taus—There’s a reason why Self magazine refers to this New York City yoga instructor as one of the top trainers to follow. She teaches regularly at some of the city’s most elite studios, including Equinox, Pure Yoga and Soho House. Join her at Paws Up for a weekend of yoga to increase your current practice or give you the confidence to continue as a beginner once you return home.

5. Vino Yoga—Speaking of yoga, how about a little vino with your Vrksasana (tree pose)? During this class, you will warm and stretch your muscles through a range of movement while pleasuring your palate with a sampling of fine wines.

6. Grizzlyman Fitness Trail—Join Jen Widerstrom for adventures on this one-mile trail that features 12 fitness stations. Each one includes equipment made from the surrounding timber as well as challenges such as climbing, balancing, swinging and more. The trail offers a picturesque setting to burn off those extra calories.

7. Hiking—We might be a bit biased, but there’s no more gorgeous place to go on a meditation-minded excursion or a sunset hike than in the Montana wilderness. Exhale and enjoy the landscape at this prime time of day.

8. Horseback riding—Saddle up for spectacular views of the legendary Blackfoot River and the surrounding wilderness as you explore forested trails and scenic overlooks. Maybe you’ll even spot some of the wildlife that make their homes amongst The Resort’s property. With miles of trails to choose from, you will make one breathtaking turn after another atop one of our groomed horses.

9. Sky Line Aerial Adventure Course—Soar with the eagles—or at least get a little closer to them—on our challenging ropes course, which is tucked neatly into the middle of the forest. You’ll navigate rickety bridges, spider nets, swinging platforms, tight ropes and a heart-pounding 40-foot free fall during this two-hour adventure.

10. Awesome accommodations—With all the adventure, fitness classes and exquisite food and drink provided by Featured Chef Kelly Liken (a finalist on Top Chef), you want a pretty place to lay your head at night. Nothing is missing from our world-class accommodation options. Our Big Timber Homes feature roomy, Montana-size showers, lofts, comfy seating areas, front porches with views and back decks with oversize hot tubs. Of course, just because you’re in the wilds of the West doesn’t mean you can’t tune in to civilization by viewing your flat-screen TV or checking email with complimentary Wi-Fi. These luxurious accommodations are unmatched in Big Sky Country.

This three-night, all-inclusive package includes two yoga classes per person, one vino yoga class per person, one fitness activity* per person (per day), the Ranch-Athlon, your

choice of a horseback riding excursion or a fly-fishing experience, your choice of a sunset hike excursion or a Meditation Minded Hike, two spa treatments per person, a gift bag, transfers to and from the Missoula International Airport, taxes and the resort fee. Starting rate for two adults staying in a Wilderness Estate suite is $734 per person (per night).

*Fitness activities include a guided hike, the Sky Line Aerial Adventure Course and a two-hour property bike tour.

January 30, 2017January 31, 2017

Swing into Spring at Paws Up

Here at Paws Up , we have the secret cure for the winter blues: plan a trip around one of our upcoming spring events. Banish the blahs with Valentine’s Day festivities or with the Eat, Drink and Meet Merry Wine Weekend or plan to attend WildFlavor or the Cowgirl Spring Roundup. Relax with gourmet dinners, wine tastings and spa treatments or amp up your adrenaline with snowmobiling or horseback riding on the Montana terrain. You could even learn to wrangle and shoot at our world-class property. (Psst: We’ve also had a few opportunities to rub cowboy boots with super special celeb guests who’ve recently visited The Resort.) From food to fauna and wine to wilderness, spring at Paws Up is going to be spectacular.

Valentine’s Day at The Resort at Paws Up

It might not be balmy outdoors yet, but we guarantee this event will warm you right up. We’re pulling out all the sweet stops this year for a twosome getaway, available February 11—15. Dream up a list of all things romantic, and we can make all your wishes come true, including:

A private wilderness chic rustic cabin
Crackling fires
Intimate dinners
Spa treatments for two
Private outdoor adventures

There’s always room for more love, so we’ll include a welcome basket with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries; (more) champagne, oysters and caviar during one dinner; a half-day activity credit per person and accommodations with a hot tub and bottle of wine.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t get any better than this, and it’s all here waiting for you at The Resort at Paws Up.

Eat Drink and Meet Merry

We hinted at celeb sightings, and the first of famous folks to visit Paws Up in 2017 will be Vintners Hall of Fame inductee Merry Edwards, one of California’s first woman winemakers. As part of our inaugural Wine Weekend event, you will clink glasses with Edwards and her vintner partner, Ken Coopersmith.

Highlights include a wine seminar and outdoor adventuring with the winemakers. The crown jewel will be enjoying mouthwatering dinners with expert vino pairings from the Merry Edwards Winery, known for its exquisite Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs. Wine Weekend corresponds with the 20th anniversary of the Merry Edwards Winery, founded in 1997.

This first-ever Wine Weekend will also feature live entertainment, tastings and plenty of hands-on learning (read: plenty of wine sipping!) so you can impress friends at home with your sommelier-like expertise. Burn off the extra indulgences with adrenaline-pumping adventures such as snow tubing, horseback riding or sporting clays shooting. We hope to see you March 16—18. Cheers!

WildFlavor

Saddle up for the ultimate culinary ride with flora, fauna and flavor at our WildFlavor event, April 20—23. The first of its kind at The Resort, WildFlavor will feature cream-of-the-crop culinary talent with four Top Chef stars including Kristen Kish (winner, Season 10), Sam Talbot (finalist, Season 2) Casey Thompson (finalist, Season 3) and Brooke Williamson (runner-up, Season 10). Guests will have a prime spot to watch these chefs “fork it out” during a live cook-off challenge. A trio of expertly crafted meals will be served during the tasty four-day event.

WildFlavor is the perfect blend of food, fun and live entertainment, plus enough outdoor activities to fill up any spaces in between. Special guest singer-songwriter Austin Jenckes (The Voice, Season 5) will be on hand for a soulful Saturday night performance of his folk-rock guitar-based melodies.

Fun spoiler alert: Be sure to tune in to Top Chef before you come for WildFlavor, as Talbot, Thompson and Williamson are all returning to compete in Season 14.

Cowgirl Spring Roundup

We bill this April 27—30 event as the ultimate immersion Into Cowgirl Culture, and that’s a description we take seriously. You can swap Wild West Stories and ride alongside Cowgirl Hall of Fame honorees, including champion rider Sandy Collier, famed artist Deborah Fellows and equestrian trailblazer Patricia E. Kelly. For three days you will participate in cowgirl skills workshops and a special ranch photography clinic with award-winning photographer Barbara Van Cleve. The Roundup will feature trail rides on horseback, hiking on breathtaking paths across The Resort and relaxing in front of a campfire by every night. You’ll also wrangle and herd cattle across the vast Montana landscape and test your aim at our sporting clays course.

Grab the girls and book a getaway for the Cowgirl Spring Roundup. Just like every other top-notch event at The Resort, you’ll enjoy your fill of gourmet food, perfect wine and cocktail pairings, luxe accommodations and spa treatments. It’s the perfect way to finish out a spring break getaway.

January 8, 2017

Come Cook with Brooke Williamson at The Resort at Paws Up

Say hello to Chef Brooke Williamson, a fearless and unstoppable Southern Californian who’s become a bit of a regular at The Resort at Paws Up. We love hosting her, because she brings energy and fresh local ingredients to everything she does.

You might know her from Top Chef. She’s currently reappearing to compete in Season 14: Charleston, South Carolina, airing right now on Bravo. In Season 10, Williamson was the runner-up and a favorite among the show’s fans.

When she’s not on TV, she’s busy running the four smash-hit restaurants she owns with her husband. The newest opened just this past October—a fast- casual Hawaiian concept named Da Kikokiko in Playa Vista, a neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.

What does she do for fun? She comes to The Resort at Paws Up, of course. In 2017, she’ll be a featured chef at no fewer than three culinary events: WinterFest on January 19– 22, WildFlavor on April 20–23 and Bounty on the Blackfoot on August 19. So we asked her to tell us about her experiences here.

What’s the first thing you like to do when you arrive at Paws Up?  I like to grab a drink at Tank and head straight to my cabin to chill on the porch. The sounds of wilderness that surround those cabins are the perfect way to decompress after a day of travel.

What do you look forward to most when you visit?  Because of the fact that I get to experience the ranch at different times of year, the things I look forward to in terms of activities vary greatly. Between pristine snow and cattle drives, I could stay entertained forever.

But the one thing that I can always count on, no matter what time of year, is the staff. I do a lot of events, all over the country, but never do I travel to a place and feel so welcomed and at home as I do at Paws Up.

What’s a dish you’ve made just for Paws Up guests that was especially wonderful?  Seafood salad, cucumber and tomato water, compressed melons. I made this dish for an event last summer, and although I would normally gravitate toward mentioning a dish that feels more “Montana,” I actually loved this dish not only because of the setting and weather that it was served in, but mostly because I got to use some of the best local watermelon I’ve ever tasted.

How does cooking in Montana differ from cooking in LA? Cooking in Montana makes you realize how important and special cooking “local” can be. I come from California, where we have beautiful seasons for produce, and an enormous variety of pretty much anything you want.

But Montana helps me realize how specific seasons can actually be based on climate and accessibility. From elk to buffalo to huckleberries and specific mushrooms, it’s especially fun to find new ways to highlight ingredients that I don’t come across every day in Los Angeles.

January 3, 2017January 3, 2017

Curling Comes to The Resort at Paws Up

Once again, during WinterFest 2017, the Missoula Curling Club (MCC) will join us at Paws Up to demonstrate and teach the enigmatic sport known as curling. Like last year, the club and Paws Up guests will get a chance to play at The Resort’s “official” curling court (otherwise known as the Paws Up Ice Rink).

The sport involves two teams sliding (and guiding through the sweeping of brooms) 40-pound hunks of granite down a “sheet,” or playing field, of ice. The team that repeatedly gets its so-called stones closest to the center of a target at each end of the sheet eventually wins a curling match. The sport, which gained medal status in the Winter Olympics in 1998, is often misunderstood but actually easy to learn and fun to play, according to most curling enthusiasts.

The nonprofit Missoula Curling Club was formed in 2010. “We have 130 members playing on 28 teams in the Competitive and Recreational League. We began in Fall 2010 after the February 2010 Olympic games— which got a few folks in Missoula saying ‘we can do that,’ so a club was born,” says MCC President Barry Bollenbacher. He estimates that about 20,000 people in the United States play the sport of curling. But in Canada, the sport is huge, with about 2.1 million active curlers. The sport is hard to excel at, but easy to enjoy, says Bollenbacher, and the fact that you can enjoy a beverage during a match adds to the fun.

He recommends coming out early to the Paws Up “sheet” this year to experience curling for yourself. Lessons will take place at WinterFest on Friday, January 20, from 3 to 5 p.m., so you’ll be well prepared to take part in the exhibition game later that night, from 8:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Be sure to check out the amazing chefs, distillery, brewer and musicians at WinterFest 2017!