ADVENTURE
W
2019
—
2020 Winter
JOURNAL
Greetings from wintry Montana!
The temperatures are dropping and the snow is steadily
falling, making it the perfect time of year to put on your cozy
layers, gather with your loved ones and…head outdoors!
Come wintertime, a thick blanket of snow covers The Resort
at Paws Up
®
in 37,000 acres of pure possibility. Rolling hills
transform into thrilling snow-tubing runs, and open elds
set the scene for merry ice skating and horse-drawn sleigh
rides. And as for the 100+ miles of trails at The Resort? That
depends entirely on your favorite mode of transportation.
You’ll nd a picture-perfect locale for an invigorating morning
of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Thrill-seekers can
cover some serious ground on e-bikes and snowmobiles. Add
some more horsepower with a scenic horseback trail ride, or
you might opt to be whisked through the wilds of Montana by
Alaskan huskies on a dogsledding adventure.
At a time of year that traditionally sees everyone retreating
indoors, it often comes as a surprise to people just how many
outdoor adventures we offer during winter. As Paws Up’s
activities director, nothing thrills me more than introducing
guests to activities that they’ve never tried before—and now
is the ideal time for the unique and unusual. As you read on
you’ll discover activities you may have never heard of, such
as skijoring (shown on cover), and learn about equestrian
excursions and activities you won’t nd anywhere else.
Of course, snow-packed pursuits are just the beginning.
You’ll also get an inside look at the many ways we make the
most of the season at Paws Up, from culinary events such
as WinterFest and Winter Wine Weekend to unique indoor
activities the whole family will love.
It’s our hope that the Winter Adventure Journal leaves you
excited and inspired for the coming months, whether you’re
spending them at home or planning a visit to Paws Up.
And if you do visit, I hope you’ll come see me—I’d be more
than happy to help you nd ways to make this your most
adventurous year yet.
Will Smith
Director of Activities
The Resort at Paws Up
THIS
WINTER,
LEAVE
YOUR
MARK.
Remember that feeling of being a kid playing out
in the snow? Then, when mom called you inside,
playtime was over. Here at Paws Up, we believe the
fun shouldn’t end, especially when there’s so much
to do inside. Of course, we’ve practically cornered
the market on cozying up by the re and watching
snowakes fall through large picture windows, but
there’s lots of playing to be done as well. Start at
the Equestrian Center and nish up at the bar:
find joy
Stare into the eyes (and soul) of a horse in
one of our Horse Whispering sessions
Sharpen your culinary skills with a
cooking class
Luxuriate in a soothing spa treatment at
the Saddle Club
Practice your downward dog in a yoga
session or kick your heart up a beat in
our Fitness Center
be more
-
Spark a little friendly competition with
Cow Croquet
Channel your inner cowgirl/cowboy
and round up the cows in a Team Penning
competition
Watch in wonder as a wild mustang is
“gentled” in our one-of-a-kind Horsepower:
Where Mustangs and Mindfulness
Coexist demo
-
-
-
Challenge your fellow guests to a board
game or billiards
Peruse the Western wares at our
Wilderness Outpost
Enjoy a live musical performance with
a cocktail in hand at Tank
-
-
-
For the most rewarding afternoon you can have while standing still, take aim at
the shooting sports offered at The Resort. An expansive mountain view serves as
a stunning backdrop for sporting clays, or you can take a more rustic approach to
sharpshooting at our Old West .22 Rifle Range.
In the “never thought I’d do that” category you’ll find skijoring,
which takes its name from the Norwegian word for “ski driving.”
You’ll strap on skis or a snowboard and skid gleefully across
the landscape as you’re pulled by a horse. For a sport that’s
a completely different kind of animal, the whole family can
experience the rush of powering through the snowy terrain
behind a pack of Iditarod champion Alaskan huskies.
Of course, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed when faced with so many options
for adventure. Why not take it all in at once? Hop in a hot air balloon and fly up
and over the landscape, surveying the miles of scenery as you gently nudge the
clouds. As you rise and dip among Montana’s stunning winter wonderland, you’re
reminded: at Paws Up you don’t just have experiences—you have experiences of
a lifetime.
When you’re ready to bundle up for adventure, you’re in the right place. Even
during the winter, Paws Up offers more activities than any other resort in the
U.S. Spend an afternoon racing friends and family downhill and experience the
best part of the ride: no trudging up to the top. Tubing here means you’ll have
a snowmobile chauffeur to drive you back after every run. Even
better, you can hang on and enjoy a thrilling ride as you’re towed
around one of The Resort’s expansive meadows.
You’re also in just the right place to settle the debate of the ages:
skiing or snowboarding? While we can’t promise families will come
to an agreement, you’ll find both just a 45-minute drive away at
Montana’s Snowbowl, with a multitude of runs that are perfect for
intermediate to advanced athletes.
Looking for a unique way of exploring the 100+ miles of trails at Paws Up? Fat Tire
electric bikes can be used year-round, though winter certainly has an edge. The
all-terrain bikes zip smoothly over snow-packed trails at speeds of up to 20 miles
per hour, and with ages 12 and up invited on the ride, it’s an adventure your kids
will be talking about for the rest of 2020.
In the new year, why not make a
resolution to tryomething totally
new? pecially when you can
find endless ways to challenge
yourself, both inside and out.
Chef mothy Hollingsworth
dishes wh us before
his big vis.
Robust
Reds
and
Powdery
Whites
Temperatures in the thirties. Wines rated in the nineties. Has there ever been
a more ideal pairing? Winemaker Michael Silacci of Napa Valley’s venerable
Opus One Winery is returning to Paws Up this January 17–19 for Winter Wine
Weekend, a celebration of all things vintage in a region that’s perfectly chilled.
You’ll taste outstanding varietals that evoke Napa Valley’s cool air, gentle rain
and warm sun—all while surrounded by Montana’s freshly fallen snow. And
sipping is only half the fun. Because not only will Silacci help you uncover the
depth of key Opus One vintages, but you can also race across a landscape piled
high with white stuff.
With plentiful pours, exquisite cuisine from Executive Chef Sunny Jin and a vast
array of snowy adventures, it’s a world-class weekend that celebrates the very
best of wine and winter.
Groomed at The French Laundry for 13 years and winner of both a James Beard
Rising Star Chef of the Year Award and of Netflix’s The Final Table, Los Angeles Chef
Timothy Hollingsworth is now destined to become part of Paws Up’s culinary lore. For
this coming WinterFest, February 14–17, he’ll be cooking alongside Executive Chef
Sunny Jin, Chef Waylynn Lucas (star judge of Cake Wars) and Chef Brooke Williamson
(the 2017 Top Chef winner).
We asked Hollingsworth to chat about his restaurants and how being at Paws Up will
influence his approach to cuisine.
Q: While the menu at your restaurant Otium is eclectic, it feels like seafood is a passion.
What are your favorite dishes?
A: At Otium, our menu is constantly evolving and changing, but ultimately, we like to
reflect on what is seasonal, while also having reliable dishes that remain on the menu.
My favorite dishes right now would be the Hamachi dish with avocado, the winning
Black Cod dish from The Final Table and the Santa Barbara prawns.
Q; Might we see one of those three here at WinterFest 2020?
A: The Black Cod, or a variation, will likely make an appearance.
Q: Montana is cattle country—could you talk a bit about your renowned beef dishes?
A: I really like to do something in a large format because it allows me to put love into it.
For instance, I like to do a big tomahawk steak on the grill for a long time, so I can really
put in flavor. One of our beef dishes is served with a bone marrow vinaigrette, which
is one of my favorite sauces, because it has the veal sauce and bordelaise sauce, with
bone marrow added, as well as acid with lemon, red wine vinegar, tarragon and shallots.
Q: Do events such as WinterFest pose creative challenges?
A: I wouldn’t necessarily call them challenges, as I think it gives us the opportunity to be
creative and try new things. I definitely try to bring in my own style by preparing foods
that are my signature dishes and demonstrate my influences. My goal is to show how an
outsider utilizes local ingredients for an audience to try something new.
Q: Do you enjoy sharing techniques with other chefs?
A: It’s always fun to get to know others and their different cooking styles and flavor
profiles. When you collaborate, it allows you to constantly learn and try things you’ve
never done before.
Q: Your newest restaurants—C.J. Boyd and Free Play—reveal a sportier side. Could we
see you on the back of a horse—or a snowmobile—in Montana?
A: Yes, absolutely. I love competitive and outdoor-related sports. I grew up riding
horses and do so even into my adult life, just for fun. I’ve always wanted to try going on
a snowmobile and look forward to it when I’m in Montana.
Q: What else draws you to Montana?
A: I’ve had a lot of opportunity to travel outside of and within America, but mostly to
major hubs. I think Montana is one of the most beautiful states in this country, and I am
excited to visit and familiarize myself with the terroir in this region.
Warming
up
a Montana
Winter
A brand-new resort with a long history
A hundred years ago, when the land was a patchwork of homesteads, elds and woods, the scion
of a wealthy businessman brought his dream of establishing a Montana ranch to realization. His
name was Paul Greenough, and he acquired 3,800 acres of land, stocking it with herds of sheep,
cattle and horses.
A man with a great sense of humor, Greenough decided to brand his sheep by painting a big
green “O” on their backs. Years later, the town of Greenough would be named in his honor, and the
green o resort, located on the expansive Paws Up Ranch, would be named for his famous sheep.
Sophisticated—and surrounded by trees
Tucked deep in the woods, the green o blends untamed nature with sleek, modern sensibilities.
It oers 12 exquisite, perfectly secluded Hauses, each designed
to make the most of the outdoors while helping you center
on what’s deep within. Wake up to panoramic views of lush
wilderness. Step out to your private terrace and sink into your
hot tub beneath the sun-dappled canopy. Take a short scenic
stroll to the green o’s private restaurant and lounge for an
innovative, unforgettable culinary experience straight from the
mind of visionary Executive Chef Sunny Jin.
Relax, renew and play.
At the green o, it’s easy to reconnect—with yourself,
with your partner, with nature. Find your bliss with a
mineral mud wrap or a couple’s massage at nearby
Spa Town®. Or, bring the spa right to your Haus with
an in-home treatment, surrounded by a crackling
re and gently rustling leaves. Make your heart race
by rappelling down the sheer face of a mountain, or
take time to reect with a mindful hike in the forest.
The vast array of adventures oered at nearby
Paws Up are fully available to guests of the green o.
Be among the first to experience the green o.
Ready to explore another side of Montana—and yourself? Talk to a reservations specialist
today by calling 877-251-2841, and get a closer look by visiting thegreeno.com.
Opening Summer 2020
Get a sneak peek beneath the forest canopy
at the green o, a hidden gem designed just for
adults—opening in Summer 2020.
Secretive by nature
Glorious winter! There’s so much to do outside, playing like a kid in several feet of
snow. You can earn your rich gourmet hot chocolate by snowshoeing, dogsledding or
skijoring. You can exert yourself making snow angels or building igloos. But if you
want to stick strictly to your fitness program, you might opt to come indoors.
Fortunately, winter is just as glorious inside the Huff-n-Puff Fitness Center at Paws Up.
Opened in 2018, it puts you right in the middle of the wilderness, giving you spectacular
views of the falling snow gently blanketing the branches outside. “My favorite part is
looking out at the forest while running on the treadmill,” says Paws Up Spa and Wellness
Director Laura Russell-Nygard. Set your incline at zero, or set it so high you feel like
you’re climbing up those distant mountains.
The Huff-n-Puff is accessible 24 hours a day, all year-round, and features everything
your gym back home has, including Precor
®
treadmills and elliptical machines, plus
free weights and stationary bikes, along with fresh fruit on the go.
And don’t miss the Yoga Studio, just down the frequently shoveled path. In winter, “we
offer Vinyasa flow, power yoga, morning rise yoga, GlideBarre, Yin yoga and snowga.”
Yes, you read that last one right. Ask Russell-Nygard what snowga is, and she’ll tell you:
“That’s where we snowshoe to an area and then do yoga poses and stretching.”
The important thing about winter, Russell-Nygard says, is this: “Stay active—get out
there and take advantage of the brisk, cold air. Take a trail run, and stop and do some
breath work.”
Paws Up Director of Activities Will Smith agreed: If you have specific fitness goals,
“don’t let the cold get you down,” he said. “Find 30 minutes a day to move, regardless of
intensity. A hike, walk or trip to the Fitness Center should do the trick.”
There’s
no need
to put
your
wellness
routine
on ice.
Of course, there’s always the spa. When the cold weather hits, The Resort’s Spa Town
closes up its tents and moves its operations to the elegant Saddle Club. In addition to
massage therapies and body wraps, the spa offers all kinds of luxe skin treatments.
“For the winter,” Russell-Nygard said, “the menu includes a candy cane scrub,
pomegranate face masks, pumpkin enzyme body treatments and decadent body scrubs,
such as pecan pie or s’mores scrub.” After all, it’s the perfect time of year to exfoliate and
hydrate—sloughing off the old and making way for the new.
Wind down
wrapped in your cozy,
white robe
Work out
surrounded by white,
frigid flakes
It only made sense that Smith got the call when it came to deciding who would
coordinate and execute fireworks here. Paws Up typically has displays at bigger
events, including WinterFest, Montana Master Grillers
®
, the Fourth of July,
Montana Master Chefs
®
and New Year’s Eve. But it’s also an option for guests to
request a personal display.
“I did a display that was set up as a surprise for a guest’s birthday. Everyone gathered
for what she thought was just a magic trick and at the climax, I started the display
with a huge bang. The family loved it and it’s since been one of my best displays,”
Smith said recently.
Ringing in 2020 in a big way
And Smith has more surprises planned soon. “This year’s New Year’s display will be
one of our largest ever,” Smith said. “I think the snow adds an element to the display
to make it stand out versus the Fourth of July show. The colors light up the landscape
much better in the snow.”
Of course, fireworks aren’t the only thing planned for December 31. The Josh Farmer
Band is lined up to perform, with its self-described “funky rockin’ soul” sound, and
guests will enjoy a gourmet meal by Executive Chef Sunny Jin paired with vintage
wine and bubbly.
And brightening the morning?
On New Year’s Day, Paws Up favorite and James Beard Award winner Chef Mindy
Segal will prepare a brunch like no other, including her signature velvety hot
chocolate. Segal was recently inducted into the Chicago Chefs Hall of Fame. Her
concoctions range from a rich and spicy Mexican hot chocolate to an Old Fashioned
hot chocolate, spiked with whiskey.
From the dazzling fireworks display to delicious details on the table, December 31
through January 1 is a wonderful time for families to make all sorts of new memories.
COVER TO COVER—
THIS WINTER’S
UN-PUT-DOWN-ABLE READS
Snuggled down in an overstuffed leather chair, as snow-laden branches gently tap at the
window and a mesmerizing re roars in the replace, you realize your Paws Up cabin is
the ultimate place to read a great book. But which one? Well, pour yourself a nice cup
of hot chocolate and crack open a book from the Wilderness Outpost. Our staff picks
offer something for everyone—INCLUDING CHOICES AUTHORED BY PAWS UP EVENT HOSTS
Fireworks are in Will Smith’s blood. And that’s a good thing,
because the Paws Up director of activities is the main man when
it comes to The Resort’s colorful displays. “Every summer my
family would road trip from Oregon to Rock Springs, Wyoming,
to visit my grandma,” said Smith, “and we’d stop at all the
firework stands along the way. It’s one of my favorite memories—
finding which ones were the best and putting on a big show.
I’ve had a passion for them and the joy they bring ever since.”
4 I Art of the Boot
Tyler Beard
As a child, Tyler Beard “had to be coaxed out of his Roy Rogers boots.”
Now, he explores the history of boots, brands and styles, from function
and utility to fashion and ash.
5 I The Art of American Whiskey
Noah Rothbaum
Few things warm the bones like a shot of good whiskey. Noah
Rothbaum tantalizes with stories of the history and culture of whiskey
in the U.S. and dozens of era-appropriate cocktail recipes.
6 I Rover: Bow Wow Edition
Andrew Grant
A loving tribute to the canine spirit, Rover features more than 500 images
of 215 dogs, many of which spent part of their lives in shelters. This
edition will help raise $1 million for animal shelters.
1 I Hard Twist: Western Ranch Women
Barbara Van Cleve
Explore the American West, from cattle drives to bronc riding, through
the eyes of a woman who exemplies cowgirl authenticity: legendary
photographer Barbara Van Cleve.
2 I Cowboy Curmudgeon and Other Poems
Wallace McRae
You’ll open this collection of poetry a tenderfoot and close it a cowboy
(at least in spirit). Wallace McRae captures the essence of cowboy ranch
life in every stanza.
3 I Korean BBQ: Master Your Grill in Seven Sauces
Bill Kim
Chicago-based Chef Bill Kim combines his engaging style with a fresh
look at Korean-American cuisine. He’ll have you so eager to try his
recipes you’ll keep your grill lit through all four seasons.
7 I Forgotten Under the Big Sky: A Guide to
Discovering and Exploring the Small Towns, Ghost
Towns and Forgotten Places of Montana
Patti Prato
Looking for something different? It’s this fascinating book by a Missoula
veterinarian who, along with her faithful dog, explored ghost towns
and gold mines all over Montana.
8 I Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s
Hidden Wonders
Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras and Ella Morton
Equal parts wonder and wanderlust, Atlas Obscura is unusual by any
measure. Glowworm caves in New Zealand? A baby jumping festival in
Spain? If it’s unexpected, it’s likely the authors have uncovered it.
9 I Cookie Love
Mindy Segal (with Kate Leahy)
You won’t be able to resist the sweet-and-salty Chocolate Pretzel
Shortbread with Milk Chocolate Caramel, so don’t even try. Self-
described “cookie nerd” Chef Mindy Segal offers 60+ original recipes,
each one more tempting than the next.
10 I Natural History Essays
Henry David Thoreau
“We sleep, and at length awake to the still reality of a winter morning.
The snow lies warm as cotton or winter down upon the window-sill; the
broadened sash and frosted panes admit a dim and private light, which
enhances the snug cheer within.”
A
d
d
i
n
g
to the night sky
SPARKLES
And that pretty
much sums up
a wintry night at
Paws Up.
Why just ride a horse when you can go on an unforgettable journey?
Paws Up Equestrian Manager Jackie Kecskes has never been satisfied
with typical trail rides. She prefers finding an undiscovered path or
coming face-to-face with a wild mustang. And with free rein to follow
her heart, she’s designed one of the most innovative equestrian programs in the country, caring
for a herd of domesticated horses and adopted mustangs as if they were her own children.
HERE ARE HER TOP FAVORITE HORSE ADVENTURES
DURING THE WINTER SEASON
Winter Horseback Riding
Listen carefully—do you hear that? It’s the sound of silence punctuated by
the crunching of horse hooves in the snow. Winter horseback rides calm the
mind and soothe the soul as you take in the crisp air and admire the wide-open
expanses of our Montana ranch.
Horsepower: Where Mustangs and Mindfulness Coexist
What does it mean to take a horse from wild to mild? Spend one to two hours
watching in wonder as Kecskes shows you what it means to “gentle” a mustang.
You see how the smallest things—from the pitch in her voice to the placement
of a hand—can calm and train these free-spirited animals. With determination,
patience and unbridled affection, you share in an experience that few others
ever get the chance to see.
Horse Whispering 101 and 201
In the first workshop, you work with a ranch horse, helping it get warmed
up, then brushing and saddling your horse before heading out on a ride. In
the second, you step inside the ring with a wild mustang as a wrangler shows
you how to be a confident leader. In both, you’re establishing trust, building
a relationship and taking part in an awe-inspiring, breathtaking experience.
Skijoring
This is definitely not your average horse ride. In fact, you’re not saddling up
at all—you’re strapping on skis or a snowboard for a thrilling ride as a horse
pulls you along on trails. You make plenty of fresh tracks and have all kinds of
fast-paced fun.
Sleigh Rides
They’re not just for Santa, and our sleigh rides are full of merriment. Join our
Percheron draft horses for a ride through the property as you’re regaled with
stories and treated to hot chocolate, spiced cider or coffee. It’s a magical way to
sit back and enjoy the season.
Paws Up and Lexus:
A Match Made for Montana
These days, guests traveling the dusty—and often snowy—roads of The Resort can do so in even more comfort
and safety than before. World-renowned automaker Lexus is now the official supplier of Paws Up vehicles. A new
fleet of sleek Lexus NX models provide all-wheel drive and all the latest features you’d expect in a luxury vehicle.
“The timing between our resort and Lexus was perfect,” said Managing Director Steve Hurst. “As Lexus continues
to grow awareness of the versatility and toughness of their luxury vehicles, we’re able to provide a high-quality
driving experience to our guests.”
There are other new wheels around The Resort, as well. Guests are being driven by Paws Up staff in LX vehicles,
Lexus’s flagship luxury SUVs.
JACKIE KECSKES IS NOT HORSING AROUND
PAWS UP’S EQUESTRIAN MANAGER GETS SERIOUS ABOUT WINTER RIDING
WINTER I UPCOMING EVENTS
End the year on a high note. Join us as we
count down to 2020 with fireworks, live
music, bubbly and a lavish New Year’s
Day brunch with Chef Mindy Segal, James
Beard Award winner and inductee of the
Chicago Chefs Hall of Fame.
December 31
A NEW YEAR’S
CELEBRATION
February 14–17
WINTERFEST
December 25
A MONTANA
CHRISTMAS
Ever heard real jingle bells? Whether
you’re riding a sleigh, building
gingerbread houses, downhill tubing or
telling Santa your wish list, celebrating
Christmas at Paws Up means getting the
gift you wanted most: holiday time with
your favorite people.
Come over Valentine’s weekend for
delicious bites from some of Los Angeles’
best restaurants. With three of the city’s
top chefs, you’ll get to experience cooking
demos; wine, beer and spirits tastings;
curling matches and frosty outdoor
adventures.
Get to know veteran chefs from the
world-famous French Laundry.
Executive Chef Sunny Jin is hosting
fellow alums from the restaurant for a
reunion of epic eating and storytelling,
plus all sorts of wilderness activities to
work up an appetite.
Watch and listen as Jean Banchet Pastry
Chef of the Year Amanda Rockman
demonstrates her well-honed baking
skills. You’ll learn the secrets behind her
award-winning cookies and, of course,
get to taste plenty of sugary samples.
December 24–29
HOLIDAY TREATS
WITH CHEF
AMANDA ROCKMAN
January 17–19
WINTER WINE
WEEKEND WITH
OPUS ONE
February 28–March 1
THE FRENCH
LAUNDRY
UNFOLDED
Let us fill your glass with California’s
finest. Opus One winemaker Michael
Silacci returns to share tasting notes and
impart his knowledge of terroir. Expect
him to be pouring vintages worthy of the
92+ ratings his wines frequently earn.
PAWS UP, THE RESORT AT PAWS UP, SPA TOWN, MONTANA MASTER GRILLERS, MONTANA MASTER CHEFS and the Paw Design are trademarks of licensors of Paws Up Ranch LLC, used under license. © 2019 The Last Best Beef LLC. All rights reserved.
TRIP ADVISOR, ANDREW HARPER, SIGNATURE TRAVEL NETWORK, FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE, VIRTUOSO, LEXUS, TRAVELLER MADE and Design are trademarks of their respective owners.
40060 paws up road greenough , mt 59823
