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April 27, 2020

Take a Journey to Paws Up with Two New Short Films

Point your lens in any direction the next time you visit The Resort at Paws Up, and you’re likely to capture a stunning scene. It’s just that beautiful. But when seen through the eyes of an exceptional filmmaker, the majesty of Montana truly comes to life. Two new short films will take you on a journey you won’t soon forget: Ranch. Island. Resort. by Dan Goldberg and Across the Blackfoot by Stuart Thurlkill.

Ranch. Island. Resort.

From fog-draped hillsides and a single canoeist plying calm waters to the gentle swirl of whiskey and nightfall setting on a quiet sliver of land, Goldberg’s contemplative video reveals the raw beauty of The Resort in all its glory. “We wanted to capture that serene, kind of ethereal, relaxing feeling Paws Up generates. Whenever I visit, as we land in Missoula, I feel my blood pressure dropping. I wanted this to come across in the video,” Goldberg said.

One scene stands out and demands your attention. “I knew I had to capture the bison as they were running at sunset. It’s a brief moment, but with the dust and the light filtering through, it’s pretty spectacular,” he said. And there’s stunning fly-fishing footage as well that takes the viewer underwater to catch a glimpse of a rainbow trout wiggling away after a catch-and-release. Yet as a former sous chef, Goldberg is a food photographer at heart: “We shot this epic dinner party at the Island Lodge with Executive Chef Sunny Jin. He did a full-on surf and turf thing with seafood paella, tomahawk steaks and desserts—it was chuck wagon dinner meets massive seafood spread.” In all, it’s only two minutes long, but this mini epic film manages to capture the total Paws Up experience. Watch Ranch. Island. Resort.

Across the Blackfoot

Allow yourself to be transported back in time to 150 years ago in Thurlkill’s latest opus for Paws Up, Across the Blackfoot. This minute-and-a-half-long film captures the heart and soul of what makes Paws Up a cherished slice of Montana. The vision of steely-eyed wranglers running a herd of horses down to the Blackfoot River and across its churning rapids feels so real because it simply is.

“We shot everything in 4K with all kinds of angles—we had two drones working and a body cam on a wrangler, an underwater camera, some super slo-mo stuff—we even put our iPhones to use,” Thurlkill said.

Because they were filming animals, there was an element of serendipity to it all. “We knew where the horses should cross, and then jump up to the other bank,” Thurlkill said. But editor/assistant Annie Lambiasse, shooting from the water’s edge, got a surprise when the thundering herd unexpectedly broke her way. The result was a very startled camerawoman, but also another great shot that added a moment rarely, if ever, seen on film.

Watch Across the Blackfoot.

September 12, 2018September 12, 2018

Brooke Williamson Calls Paws Up the Disneyland of Nature

The California coast meets the foothills of Montana in our next WinterFest event on February 15–18, 2019. Come for a romantic Valentine’s Day, then stay for the coolest culinary event on earth. We’ll have you dining on delectable bites through Presidents’ Day. We’re thrilled to welcome an amazing lineup of winemakers and visionary chefs from Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Experience three and a half days of wilderness adventures; intimate cooking classes and demonstrations; wine, beer and spirits tastings; live entertainment and, of course, gourmet, winter-themed feasts—complete with thoughtful wine pairings—created by our award-winning guest chefs.

Chef Brooke Williamson has been one of our featured WinterFest chefs from the very start of the event, and we are honored to sit down with her to chat about her latest endeavors and why she loves returning to Paws Up.

What ingredients are you excited about right now?

I love the transition from summer to fall. Corn and the tomatoes are still in play, but we also start to see squash and sweet root veggies. Seasons are more of a mindset in California, so the shift into fall is more about seasonal cravings. I love a good braised meat, so that might be the biggest bonus to seasonal changes for me. My staple ingredients are always the same though, such as fish sauce, good olive oil and dried mushrooms to name a few.

What’s the most underrated ingredient?

Good olive oil and good salt can make anything taste good.

Which ingredients from Montana are your favorites to work with?

I love cooking with local ingredients whenever I travel, but I’d have to say that some of the best game meat, watermelons and huckleberries (obviously) that I’ve ever eaten have come from Montana.

How many times have you been to Paws Up?

I lost count after about 20 visits, but I’m hoping my visits to Paws Up never end. It’s my happy place.

Why do you keep coming back?

The people, the nature, the activities, the staff, the food. I could go on and on.

What’s your favorite activity on property?

Snowmobiling. If I could snowmobile to work on a daily basis I’d be happy. But, that’s also a California girl talking.

How would you describe Paws Up to someone who has never been?

It’s kind of like the Disneyland of nature. It’s a place where I’m happy relaxing, doing nothing or taking advantage and experiencing everything. But honestly, nothing beats being on the vast open ranch property with everything you could ever need at your disposal. It’s the only place I really feel like I can truly breathe.

You’ve been involved in WinterFest since the first fest. How has it evolved? How would you like to see it continue to grow?

WinterFest has grown a lot since our first year. It’s doubled in numbers of guests and activities but still has the charm of an intimate foodie event. I love the fact that by the end of the weekend I feel like I’ve really gotten to know everyone.

Do you have any new exciting endeavors you’re working on?

My plate is very full right now with travel and the usual day-to-day restaurant stuff, but I am working on a book and a remodeling of my restaurant Hudson House, which we’re super excited about. Hudson House is about to hit 10 years since we opened the doors!

What’s the most important piece of kitchen wisdom you’ve ever received?

That maintaining calm is the key to making it out alive—in any kitchen circumstance.

June 3, 2018June 4, 2018

From the Grammys to Glamping Robbie Fulks Kicks Off Campfire Stars

From the Grammys to Glamping, Robbie Fulks will be heading to The Resort at Paws Up for Campfire Stars at Paws Up on June 19–23. Robbie is a singer, recording artist, instrumentalist, composer and songwriter. His most recent release, 2017’s Upland Stories, earned year’s-best recognition from National Public Radio and Rolling Stone among many others, as well as two Grammy® nominations for folk album and American roots song. We were lucky to sit down with Robbie for a chat.

Your last record, Upland Stories, was nominated for two Grammys in 2017. Did that bring your career more exposure?

It’s definitely helped. I’ve been playing at more places where people are listening respectfully as opposed to throwing bottles at my head. (laughs)

Did you attend the ceremony?

I was there with the whole family. The bigger ceremony is telecast and that was the part I was expecting not to enjoy, but it was amazing. Beyoncé and Bruno Mars and all these people are great singers. It was like a positive presentation of the state of popular music today and the production was done very well.

You performed at Paws Up during Montana Master Grillers 2015. What were your experiences at Paws Up like?

It was super memorable. As far as gigs go, usually you travel someplace and you’re in and out, but at Paws Up, somebody picks you up and takes you out into the woods and you’re there for three or four days. And the amenities are unbelievable. You can hike. You can rappel. The food is unbelievable and the staff is really kind.

Do you have songs in mind that you will play during Campfire Stars?

No, not at all. The way that it works best for me is to go in and respond to the situation, to keep it in the moment. If you plan too much in advance, the audience can read it and it can seem scripted and gets a little bit robotic sometimes.

What would you tell young people at Campfire Stars who might want to start playing music themselves?

For me, music was a great thing to have early in life because it set up music as a verb, not as something that you just go and witness. It’s something participatory as well. It’s something that can be meaningful about where you live and what your ancestry is. So I try to reflect that now when I play.

May 29, 2018May 29, 2018

Summer Campfire Chefs Debuts with Chef Beau MacMillan

Campfires are a summer tradition observed nightly at Paws Up. After a long day of floating or fishing, there’s nothing quite like unwinding around the fire pit. Which is why two new Resort programs—Campfire Chefs and Campfire Stars—are sure to be hits with camp guests who enjoy a touch of sophistication and glamour in a rustic, relaxed setting. Campfire Stars features musicians from festivals and shows like American Idol and The Voice. These stars have performed for millions of music lovers at a time, but now they’ll be taking a seat right next to you for intimate performances and maybe even to lead a singalong or two.

Campfire Chefs features rock stars too. Rock star chefs, that is—from the country’s hottest restaurants and culinary TV shows. The chefs will also be up close and personal with our guests—to prepare exquisite cuisine and even have our glampers pitch in and help cook. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort Executive Chef Beau MacMillan kicks off this summer series on June 6–9th.

We had a chance to sit down and chat with Beau about his upcoming visit.

What interested you in Paws Up’s new series, Campfire Chefs?

My first experience at Paws Up was at Master Montana Grillers. I was so impressed not only with The Resort itself, but more importantly with the staff and how easy it was for them to be in front of the guests and create emotional contacts in a great setting. With Campfire Chefs, I’ll be able to connect with a small group and cook over open fires—very primal and very fun.

How will cooking at Camp re Chefs be different from Montana Master Grillers?

With Master Montana Grillers, I ran an action station, featuring one to two items. What I’m most excited about with Campfire Chefs is the ability to create the whole menu and the fact that it’s served family-style. I think passing and sharing is one of the best ways to eat and connect with others around you.

Will guests at Paws Up actually get involved in the preparation of meals?

I’m one of those guys that loves to get guests involved. I also love cooking outside and cooking on wood. I think you’re going to see some large cuts of meat that can cook slow. When you can cook large cuts of meat, organic vegetables and fresh seafood on an open flame, life is good.

You’ve made many appearances on culinary shows. Do you have any upcoming appearances?

Right now, I’m filming Best Thing I Ever Ate and Guy’s Grocery Games on the Food Network.

October 12, 2017October 12, 2017

Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe and Our Next Cookbook Live

Join The Resort at Paws Up on November 3–6, 2017 for our fourth Cookbook Live event with pie expert Kate McDermott. This flaky and fun-filled baking weekend brings to life McDermott’s book Art of the Pie, which was nominated for a James Beard Award. 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 succulent, homemade, just-out-of-the-oven pie. We hope to see you in a few weeks. In the meantime, enjoy this divine Lemon Meringue Pie recipe in your own home.

Lemon Meringue Pie
Makes One 9-inch Shallow Pie

1 pre-baked single Art of the Pie® crust or pre-baked dough of your choice

For the Filling

1 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
pinch of salt
1/2 cup lemon juice
1-1/4 cups warm water
1 tablespoon butter
3 egg yolks, fork beaten
zest of 1 large lemon

For the Meringue

5 egg whites
1/3 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

Procedure

For the Filling

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt.
Add the water and constantly stirring with a whisk, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook for 2 more minutes while continuing to whisk. Don’t be afraid to whisk vigorously as it gets thicker.
Take 1/4 cup of the hot mixture and stir it into the fork beaten egg yolks. Return this to the saucepan, bring to a boil, and cook for 3-4 minutes more while stirring constantly.
Stir in the butter, lemon juice, and zest and cook for another minute.
Immediately pour into the pre-baked pie crust.

For the Meringue

In a clean and cold bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric handheld beater or a stand mixer.
Add the pinch of salt, and the sugar while you mix. Add the cream of tartar and mix a bit more.
Lift the beaters out when you can see soft peaks in thick foamy waves. That’s when it’s done.
Put the meringue on the hot lemon filling starting at the edges first. Make sure the meringue reaches all the way to the edge of the crust so there are no gaps.
Then add the rest of the meringue in the middle so that the filling is completely covered.
With the handle of a spoon or the blade of a knife, pull up some soft peaks.
Place in a preheated 375F oven for 6 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.

September 28, 2017August 16, 2022

Possibly the World’s Most Uplifting Countdown

Make a resolution to finally have the New Year’s Eve of your wildest dreams. No crowds, no traffic. Join us for a weekend filled with wintery outdoor adventures like snowmobiling, horseback riding, snow tubing, and cross-country skiing. Then get cozy inside with movie nights, shopping and bowl game watching. And when it’s time to ring in the new year, you can celebrate in spectacular fashion right here at The Resort. You’ll find a dazzling night that begins with an elegant, five-course dinner and ends with fire dancers, fireworks and a live performance by American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox. After you retire to your private vacation home and wake up to a lavish breakfast buffet, you’re looking at an ideal welcome to 2018.

Our vast menu of activities provides opportunities to do things you love, as well as things you’ve always wanted to try.

Paws Up’s Featured Entertainment

“Crystal has ‘a voice like dirt and diamonds.’ Her music is intended to bring a positive message of love and light to the world—things that folks will be able to take with them on their own journey, so that they, too, can feel truly alive.”

— from crystalbowersox.com

Crystal Bowersox will provide the music for Paws Up’s extravagant end-of-the-year celebration. She will perform with her trio for all New Year’s Eve revelers to enjoy. Crystal Bowersox’s emotive folk-rock-country style catapulted her from the cramped coffeehouses and cavernous subway tunnels of Chicago to millions of homes across the United States when she placed second on Season 9 of American Idol. Along with her old soul of a voice, her carefree style and “don’t mess with me” attitude set her apart from the other contestants and landed the self-taught songstress performances with Joe Cocker, Harry Connick, Jr. and Alanis Morissette.

This Year Between Christmas and New Years, the Holidays Are Even Sweeter at Paws Up.

Because we like to do everything right, down to the last little detail, we’ve arranged for our very own Sugar Plum Fairy to make a visit this winter. Chef Mindy Segal of Chicago’s ever-popular HotChocolate restaurant will be providing heavenly cupfuls of her signature dessert. Stop by the fully stocked HotChocolate Bar for an assortment of concoctions. Winner of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef and author of Cookie Love, Segal will also be leading cookie-making classes* and creating a featured dessert. As if you needed any other reason to visit during this magical time of year.

September 24, 2017September 25, 2017

10 Reasons to Celebrate Christmas at Paws Up

This holiday season, leave behind the hustle and bustle for something truly magical: Christmastime in Montana. At The Resort at Paws Up, you’re in for a warm and adventurous holiday weekend. We have elves to take care of everything. Here are 10 reasons to spend Christmas at Paws Up in pictures and words.

You get to experience a picture-perfect backdrop of snow-covered mountains.
You’ll rock around your very own decorated tree.
You’ll receive a surprise personal visit from Santa, right in your cozy luxury home with gifts and all.
You’ll experience bonfires with s’mores and downhill snow tubing with a snowmobile chauffeur, followed by hot apple cider.
You’ll participate in a gingerbread house decorating contest.
You’ll enjoy quality family time with bingo game nights and more.
You’ll warm up with indoor activities such as holiday crafts, movie nights and plenty of shopping at our Wilderness Outpost.
You’ll experience a family broomball game on the Paws Up ice skating rink.
You’ll enjoy the best Montana Christmas brunch and a glittering Christmas dinner with live music.
You’ll end each day soaking in a soothing hot tub and then relax by your roaring fireplace.

Enough said? Contact our live chat on pawsup.com now for more information.

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 24, 2017May 24, 2017

Reach for the Sky This Summer at Paws Up

It may seem peaceful when you arrive at The Resort at Paws Up this summer, but we’ve been hard at work bringing four exhilarating new activities to life. With last year’s introduction of the Sky Line Aerial Adventure Park, guests climbed, swung and maneuvered their way among the ropes and platforms. New this year is the Challenge Course, with elements that are more difficult and higher off the ground, plus a quick drop that’s about 55 feet up in the air.

Mountain bikers will find new thrills, too. Opening this summer is a mile- loop bike park featuring berms, switchbacks, tabletops, whoops and jumps. That’s in addition to our existing trails and the 13.5- mile downhill mountain bike course leaving from Garnet Ghost Town. You can take your pick: grab a map or go for a guided tour.

At the Lake House at Seeley Lake, now there’s paddleboarding. Using concentration and balance, you can either take in the scenery or get a rejuvenating workout. To really stretch yourself, sign up for paddleboard yoga, a great core fitness class.

And for any kids who have dreamed of being cowboys or cowgirls, Paws Up’s brand-new Junior Wrangler Program will give them a durn good glimpse. They’ll do it all, from brushing and scooping to saddling and loping. They’ll have three days to immerse themselves in the world of horses and explore trails that others don’t get to ride.

Whatever your age, whatever your passions, we hope you’ll find 2017 to be an exciting time to visit and explore the great outdoors on our ranch.

October 31, 2016October 31, 2016

The Best Christmas Vacation Ever

At The Resort at Paws Up, we do the holidays right. Christmas on our 37,000-acre ranch is a truly magical time when doubters are transformed into believers and family bonds are fortified—all against a backdrop of pristine white. From Santa’s workshop (his Montana branch) and an old-fashioned tree trimming party to a gingerbread house building contest, horse-drawn sleigh rides and even an in-home visit from Kris Kringle himself, you’ll be singing an epic yuletide carol.

Our family-owned ranch resort is perfect for multigenerational trips with its incredible collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes. Ranging from 1,100 to 3,250 square feet, each home features scenic views and is impeccably appointed with rustic furnishings and amenities such as fireplaces, hot tubs, expansive wraparound decks and more.

YOUR CHRISTMAS PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Accommodations for five nights
All daily meals, snacks and nonalcoholic beverages
Your family’s own personal Santa
Christmas Eve dinner in Pomp with a distinctiveChristmas menu
Christmas night dinner feast
Decorated Christmas tree in your home
Horse-drawn sleigh rides or wagon rides
Choice of one half-day activity per person, per day*
Gingerbread house building contest
Holiday DVDs available for viewing
Christmas Eve kids party in Trough, a visit fromSanta, cookie decorating and other activities

Paws Up signature Christmas stockingPlus, all taxes and resort fees, airport transfers from Missoula International Airport and on-property transportation *excludes dogsledding and hot air balloon rides

ALSO: LET’S RING IN THE NEW YEAR TOGETHER.

Stay and join us for an incredible evening of live music, games, bonfires and fireworks. The Resort at Paws Up celebrates The Last Best Night of the Year in spectacular style. You’ll feast on a five-course dinner that will make even your New York friends envious. You’ll enjoy a concert by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Seth Glier. And then you’ll retire to your own vacation home, complete with a hot tub and a sumptuous bed. Then wake to a lavish breakfast buffet.

For those who yearn to explore the great outdoors of Big Sky Country, we feature unforgettable adventuress like dogsledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, tubing, private indoor equestrian lessons and even ice skating – all in winter wonderland full of peace and magic