Big Sky, Big Fun, Big Resort

By Anthony Scaggs

The staff at the Huntley Lodge and Resort Complex could not do enough to ensure a pleasant arrival and a positive start to my "big" mini-vacation. The complex is named for the newscaster and founder Chet Huntley and is one of the accommodation possibilities at the Big Sky Ski and Summer Resorts in Big Sky, Montana.

The bellman escorted me to a luxuriously spacious room with its big view. Everything met my expectations. After settling in, I went to the Huntley Bar and Grill for a snack and planned my adventure for the next day—golf, golf and more golf.

Up bright and early, I grabbed a big espresso in the lounge. My driver was waiting by his big van to take me partway down the mountain to the Big Sky Golf Course. Arriving in ten minutes at the Pro Shop, he instructed me to call the hotel at any time for return transport. We both imagined it would be a big mistake to hike back up the mountain with my full complement of clubs in tow after playing 18 holes.

A staff member wheeled around a spotless cart and gently loaded my clubs. Heading to the driving range to stretch and hit some balls, I encountered my first hazard. Water comes into play or awaits an errant ball on many holes. The remaining holes are guarded by a plethora of bunkers, strategically located for the careless or overly aggressive golfer. From the blue tees this is a par 72, 6,806-yard long course designed by Arnold Palmer, with hole 17 being the signature hole. Big hitters will love the distances, but at this altitude remember balls fly with less effort. So do not worry intently about a big score or if you are a flat-lander, use one less club.

Like many things in nature, the deceptively beautiful par 3, 17th hole is dangerous for the unwary. A small multileveled green protected by two bunkers on the right and trees and water on the left as well as behind, makes you wonder if you should lay up, go for the middle of the green or try your luck and aim for the pen.

I had the privilege of playing with Head Professional, Jim Schanzenbaker. Like most true golf professionals that I have met over the years, he loves golf and is patient with those who do not have his skills. Before he and I met, I had the pleasure of listening to him instruct. If you are interested in learning golf or have a question about your technique, your time will be well spent working with Jim.

As Jim would say "don’t let the creek, narrow fairway or trees affect you, focus on the ball and trust your swing. After I hit, Jim said "don’t worry about it. This is a par 5. You have two more strokes to get to the green."

Big Sky’s staff could spend hours telling guest, desiring to do something more than golf, ways to spend your active and leisure time at the Big Sky resort—Cross Country and Snowcat Skiing, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Shopping, Dogsledding, Fly Fishing, Helicopter Tours, Horseback Riding, Helicopter Tours, Hot Air Balloon Rides, Gondola Rides, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Day Trips to Yellowstone National Parks and Golf.

When you are ready or need leisure activities, they will show you the Family Activities, movies in the Resort’s Roosevelt Theatre, Sleigh Ride Dinners, Snowcoach Tours, Wildlife Viewing, big deal Poker and the very important Massage and Day Spa. If your children are 10 years old or younger be sure to ask them about the "With our Kids Sky and Stay Free Program"—possibly, your Big break for a Big day.

Big here includes the size of the resort, the amount of hospitality, the immensity of sky, the quantity of fun, the range of wildlife, the love of the environment, and the feelings of relaxation. Not only do they take care of your body; they provide interdenominational Worship Services for your soul in a newly constructed chapel, which also soars towards the heavens.

While Big Sky gives you the opportunity to nurture your body and soul, they also give "big" to the community. They have donated over $600,000 in land, services and cash to local charitable organizations.

This resort is luxurious. The money invested on this vacation will payoff big-time for your well being. And no matter how big the big blue sky appeared, the number of my vacation days was not big enough.

Yellowstone Country Contacts:

Travel Montana, 800 548-3390, http://visitmt.com

Big Sky Resort: P.O. Box 160001, One Lone Mountain Trail, Big Sky, MT 59716

(406) 995-5895, central reservations, 800 548-4486, http://www.bigskyresort.com

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