B Bar Ranch Cross Country Ski Area

During the winter, the Tom Miner Basin and surrounding mountainsides receive a 2-6 foot blanket of snow. That's when the B Bar Ranch opens for lodging and guests. Among the many winter activities they offer, there's 30 kilometers of groomed trails for cross-country skiers, snowshoers and wildlife watchers to enjoy. They maintain classic tracks and skate-ski lanes daily. The climate ensures blue wax conditions for much of the winter. With advanced notice and an additional charge, B Bar Ranch even offers ski lessons on the ranch and guided ski and snowshoe tours.

Accommodations include 6 A-frame cabins that comfortably sleep 4 each while the main lodge offers 2 large rooms upstairs and a master suite downstairs, all with private baths and spectacular views. The healthful and eclectic gourmet meals served in the spacious and historic dining room (this was the original homestead house, the rest of the lodge was built around it) include ranch-raised organic vegetables and, sometimes, ranch-raised natural beef. With advanced notice and an additional charge, special diets and custom menus are available.

In winter, the ranch offers excellent retreat and workshop facilities, accomodating groups of 12 to 40. Contact B Bar Ranch for more information.

To get there: On US 89, 36 miles south of Livingston and 17 miles north of Gardiner, turn west on Tom Miner Creek Road (near mile marker 17). Cross the Yellowstone River and turn left at the "T." Go 7.5 miles to the B Bar Ranch entrance on the right side of the road. Turn in and go a mile to the ranch headquarters. You will probably want a 4WD vehicle in this area in the winter.

The ranch has numerous pairs of snowshoes for kids and adults but no ski rentals. The nearest ski equipment is in Livingston or in Bozeman. The ranch shares a boundary line with Yellowstone National Park and many guests ski or snowshoe over there to check out the views and the wildlife. By road, it's 26 miles to the park entrance in Gardiner (and the road between Gardiner, Mammoth and Cooke City remains open in winter).