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During winter, two to six feet of snow blanket Tom Miner Basin and surrounding mountainsides. It is during this quiet season that the B Bar Ranch opens for lodging and guests. Reservations are available from mid-December through February. The B Bar offers its guests numerous opportunities to partake in the winter activities of the ranch. The season finds us working young Suffolk draft horses in training-visitors enjoy early morning feeding trips, where a team delivers hay to the rest of the herd (it's also a great time to view wildlife). Ecological activities such as viewing and photographing wild birds, searching for tracks (wolves, moose, mountain lions) and observing the miracle of winter night skies guarantee lasting memories. And, for wholesome snow-season sport, try skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, skating and skijoring. We groom 30 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiers, snowshoers and winter wildlife watchers to enjoy. Both skate-ski lanes and classic tracks are maintained daily. Our conditions predictably offer blue wax conditions much of the winter. With advanced notice and an additional charge, we are happy to arrange guided ski and snowshoe tours, and ski lessons on the ranch. Cozy, comfortable accommodations are available in our A-frame cabins and lodge rooms. Each of our six cabins sleep four and includes a private porch, living room, bedroom and bath on the main floor, and a loft bedroom upstairs. A living room sofa opens into a double bed if needed. The cabins are a minute's walk from the main lodge and sit amongst aspen trees and face the frozen ice-skating pond. Three spacious rooms located in the lodge-two large rooms upstairs and a master suite on the main floor-are equipped with private baths, spacious closets, and large windows offering spectacular views of the ranch and surrounding peaks. The lodge also houses the dining room, kitchen, small gift shop and a vast yet inviting living room warmed by a wood stove and furnished with log furniture of the Molesworth tradition, handmade on the ranch a half-century ago. Bronzes and painting by regional artists portray the West's ranching and wildlife heritage. In a cozy nook you'll find percussion instruments, games, puzzles and a small library comprised of local history books, guides to the region and numerous novels including many by Montana authors. Dine on Western gourmet meals in the spacious and historic dining room (the original homestead house, which the rest of the lodge was built around), where the chef provides a variety of feasts. Ranch-raised natural beef and organic vegetables from our summer garden harvest are features of our healthful and eclectic menus. With advance notice, special dietary needs are happily accommodated. Specific kitchen services such as custom menus, birthday cakes, or hors d'oeuvres are available for an additional charge. The ranch in winter also offers the ideal facilities and setting for retreats and workshops, accommodating groups from 12 to 40. Contact us for more information about these services. By car; turn off of US 89, 36 miles south of Livingston, 17 miles north of Gardiner. Turn west on Tom Miner Creek Road near mile marker #17. Cross the Yellowstone River on Carbella Bridge. Turn left at 'T' and continue 7.5 miles to the B Bar Ranch entrance on the right side of the road. Continue another mile to ranch headquarters. We recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle during the winter season.
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