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The Discovery Ski Area & the Ranch at Rock Creek: The Ultimate Winter Getaway

Snow-blanketed grounds, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and mulled wine by the fireplace–these are just a few of the reasons why winter at The Ranch at Rock Creek should be on the radar for any cold-weather adventure lover. Situated on 6,600 acres in the historic town of Philipsburg, Montana, this luxury, all-inclusive dude ranch offers four seasons of activities, and while the summer months have historically been the most popular, the unsung winter season is equally special, in part because of the Ranch's proximity to the Discovery Ski Area.

Contact Indagare for assistance planning a trip to The Ranch at Rock Creek. Our specialists can advise on the accommodation that is right for you and help with flights.

A working homestead in the early 1900s, The Ranch at Rock Creek opened as a hotel in 2010 and has since established itself as one of the top hotels in the American West with a strong sense of place (the décor is Western chic at its finest), an impressive roster of activities and a first-class culinary program. The resort, a family favorite in the summer season when the property resembles a five-star summer camp, debuted a new winter program this year, which includes a ski or snowboard day at the nearby Discovery Ski Area, which is a little-known gem in the ski world. While Philipsburg has been dubbed one of the Best Secret Ski Towns of North America by National Geographic, both the town and the mountain, fondly referred to as "Disco" by locals, are delightfully crowd-free.

Related: Best Secret Ski Towns of North America

Located a 30-minute drive from the Ranch, Discovery lacks nearly all of the luxury amenities one might expect at sprawling western ski town. In place of five-star resorts, designer stores and posh après-ski hot spots, visitors are treated to the pristine Montana wilderness and over 60 runs, which are wonderful to experience nearly entirely without crowds (and no lines at the lift!). But a day trip to Disco with The Ranch at Rock Creek means the experience will be done at the highest level; weather permitting, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy an après-ski grill out in the parking lot, which is helmed by the Ranch chef. With a bonfire for warmth and spiked hot cocoa in hand, guests are treated to gourmet, farm-to-table lunch fare after a long morning of skiing.

Twilight bonfire and two Adirondack chairs in the snow outside the Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana

Aside from an excursion to Discovery Ski Area, there is little other reason to leave The Ranch's vast premises during a winter holiday. Whether bowling at the on-property alley, watching a movie in the private theater, playing darts at the Saloon, ice-skating on the pond or enjoying freshly baked chocolate chip cookies by the fire, guests at the all-inclusive resort can indulge in nearly anything their heart desires. So while this classic American West destination still shines during summer, the quieter winter season offers equally blissful draws—high-touch service, adventure-filled days and luxurious amenities—that make it a true off-season hidden gem.

Contact Indagare for assistance planning a trip to The Ranch at Rock Creek. Our specialists can advise on the accommodation that is right for you and help with flights.

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