Timid women need not apply. That’s what the job description would read if Triple Creek Ranch were advertising for participants at the Women’s Rocky Mountain Rendezvous. Of course, this Relais & Chateaux property located south of Missoula, Montana doesn’t need to advertise this exclusive women’s adventure. The six day luxury retreat is geared toward adventurous women, be that mothers and daughters looking to create lifetime memories or business women hoping to network with inspiring thought-leaders who have a zest for the outdoors and western way of life.
Krysia Sikora, 20 of Los Angeles said, “I think Triple Creek Ranch is beautiful. I really enjoyed trap shooting. Of course it’s something I wouldn’t normally do. When you hit one of the clay discs, you feel a rush of adrenaline. I felt like a bad ass!”
Sikora was traveling with her mother to Montana. “I brought my daughter here because we like to travel together. We enjoy the outdoor adventures, horseback riding, hiking, trap shooting and to top it off, panning for sapphires. It was a perfect match,” noted Kathy Porter. “Plus, it was Mother’s Day weekend. She couldn’t say no!”
Catharine Olsthoorn of St. Catharines, Ontario in Canada also couldn’t say no. “I’m an outdoorsy girl. I had just finished building a house when this opportunity presented itself,” said Olsthoorn. “I had freedom now. My motto is ‘just say yes’ and that’s how I ended up at Triple Creek Ranch. I rode horses twice in my life and neither time was a good experience,” remembers Olsthoorn. “This time I decided to challenge myself. I got back on that horse and realized that I could overcome a fear.”
Women’s Rocky Mountain Rendezous
The five night deluxe cowgirl boot camp will push you as little or as much as you like – and they’ll even supply the hats and chaps. Guests fly into Missoula and are welcomed to the Relais & Chateau Montana hideaway with a cocktail reception and hors d’oeuvres in the wood-framed lodge. There are 26 upscale accommodations on property, from one-bedroom cabins to luxury ranch homes. With all-inclusive rates, I can’t guarantee that you’ll return home fitting into your Ariat riding jeans, but you will have the opportunity to participate in a spring cattle drive, scenic horseback rides into the Bitterroot National Forest, access to incredible hiking and a secret hot springs, (so secret that the locals asked me not to write about it!)
If you are worried about too much time in the saddle, don’t be. There are cooking classes with Executive Chef Jacob Leatherman, fly fishing clinics lead by Orvis endorsed fishing guides, archery classes, bird watching safaris and special surprises in store. American leather master Howard Knight dropped by the Rooftop Lounge to display his hand crafted works of art. I bought a gorgeous Ranger style English Bridle belt with a special message inscribed by the master himself on the lining of the belt.
My friend Nikal Conti purchased a beautiful pearl necklace from Sonja Kreis during a gemstones and jewelry trunk show at the ranch. Not only is Sonja Kreis an international award-winning jewelry designer, she loved participating in the Women’s Rocky Mountain Rendezvous!
Triple Creek Ranch dining
As for dining at the ranch, pack your expandable stretch pants – you’ll need them after a few days of Chef Leatherman’s gourmet meals and don’t get me started on the pastry chef creations. Let’s not forget the lavish picnic lunches after a morning trail ride or a cowboy bbq finished with s’mores around the fire pit. Wine lovers will appreciate Sommelier Jeremy White’s in depth knowledge, and the bartender makes a mean huckleberry lemon drop cocktail. Expect fresh fruit, homemade cookies and housemade granola refreshed daily in the cabin. Breakfast is served from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. lunch from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and dinner is available from 6: 00 – 8:30 p.m. or in cabin. Dietary restrictions and food allergies are accommodated.
Need to know
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m.
Complimentary WiFi is included in all cabins & the lodge; be warned, there is limited cell phone service. TV direct satellite with 132 channels, wood burning fireplace and hot tub, Keurig Brewer in room. Housekeeping two times daily. Evening turndown, daily Western poem and a mint are left nightly on the bed. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas and no children under 16 years of age or pets are allowed. Rates start at $950 per couple, per night, based on double occupancy. Single rates are available, check website for details.
Insider Tip:
Signature events at the ranch include artist workshops, cowboy school, fly fishing weekends, Klicks for Chicks and vintner series, among others. Triple Creek Ranch is open year round, closed March. I want to return to try dog sledding with Iditarod winner Jessie Royer on the CB Ranch. For additional insider tips follow @Nancydbrown on Twitter and @TripleCreekRanc.
If You Go:
Women’s Rocky Mountain Rendezvous at Triple Creek Ranch (800) 654-2943
Darby, Montana http://www.triplecreekranch.com/
I was a guest of Triple Creek Ranch while researching additional travel stories. Article, photos and video are my own, as are my opinions.