When most of us think of Montana, we think of snow and skiing, sleigh rides and winter wonderlands. However, the folks at Spanish Peaks, Montana’s premier mountain getaway destination, insist that summertime visitors will encounter just as much fun, adventure, great food and family down time as they do on their winter vacations.

In the midst of Big Sky, Montana, America’s quintessential wilderness, visitors find a gem: The Club at Spanish Peaks. The Club is a 5,700-acre private enclave in a very privileged neighborhood; however, make no mistake, every visitor to this amazing resort will receive a genuine Montana experience—pure, and rustic, unpretentious and authentic, even down to the architecture and amenities.

Vacationers at Spanish Peaks enjoy lodging options which are at once luxurious, well-appointed and reminiscent of old, northern Rocky mountain lodges. The grand clubhouse on the resort property offers comfortable suites, convenient to the plethora of dining options available. Each restaurant serves mouth-watering fare and with the 1,300-bottle wine cellar and tasting room on-site, finding the right wine will not be a problem. Those who prefer a more private getaway may select to stay at one of the private homes or cabins available for rental.

Finding activities to fill your days is summertime easy. With the melting of snow, this mountain gem really sparkles. Everyone agrees that at this time of year, family fun abounds. Only 18 miles from Yellowstone National Park and within easy access of Bozeman, Montana, the Club is one of the one of the only private club communities in the West where members can enjoy a bounty of outdoor activities!

So exactly what can a summer visitor to Spanish Peaks expect? Lots of one of a kind adventure, that’s for sure. Beginning in June, golfers at Spanish Peaks experience the one-of-a-kind game that this 18-hole, par-72, 7,200-yard Tom Weiskopf signature course has to offer. Panoramic mountain vistas, wide landing areas minimal bunkers and plenty of room off the tee, make this course enjoyable for every level of golfer. In 2009, Golf Digest dubbed this course the “Best in the State.” You’ll never wonder why.

Fly fishing in Montana is legendary. Anglers from all over the world travel to Montana to fish its Blue Ribbon trout rivers and pristine mountain lakes. Chosen as the site for filming the popular movie “A River Runs Through It,” the nearby Gallatin River offers some of the most pristine fly fishing in North America. A multitude of rivers, streams and ponds provides endless angling opportunities for the novice and expert alike.

If you’d like some insider information, Club experts can customize your fishing experience to your liking, whether that includes a short wading trip on the Gallatin, or a full-day float trip excursion on the Madison, Yellowstone, Big Hole, Missouri or any of the area’s other top trout waters.

Developer Dean Genge shares, “Reins and Rods is a popular program where guests experience the unique opportunity to fly fish the pristine trout waters of the park on horseback with our ride-along fishing guide to a remote stream or to the spectacular high mountain lakes of the northwest corner of the park — the choice is yours.”

Rather ride than fish? No problem. Horses are as much a part of the history of Montana as mountains and mining. The staff of professional wranglers at Spanish Peaks will set you up with a horse just right for you, then take you out to discover the wonder and beauty of your backyard wilderness. Spanish Peaks has miles of bridle trails that the whole family can enjoy together.

If a trail ride sounds like too much work, don’t despair. Genge offers, “You don’t have to rough it to get into the Yellowstone backcountry. If you want to see the wilderness from horseback you can take a one-day pack trip and experience parts of Yellowstone few people ever see and get back in time for a massage, a shower and a great clubhouse dinner.”

If biking is more your style, within the borders of The Club at Spanish Peaks are miles of mountain bike trails. Ample viewing areas along the trails that give a glimpse of Montana at its pinnacle; You’ll see deer, eagles and other wildlife that live within unspoiled back country. Top-of-the-line rental equipment is available to ensure you enjoy every aspect of your mountain biking adventure.

Prefer on-road to off-road biking? During May and June, visitors can ride bicycles in Yellowstone while the roads are quiet — a perfect way to spend a day. Plan an outing for the whole family to discover the native grasses just pushing through the soil and hear the baby birds chirping from the towering pines. From West Yellowstone you can ride to Madison Junction and then to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone or Mammoth Hot Springs. Walking and rollerblades are welcome too.

Especially in the summer, pristine waters race through spectacular canyons and valleys — and wherever that occurs, world-class whitewater rafting can be found. Thrilling and fun for the whole family, a whitewater rafting trip is one of the most exciting ways to gain a different perspective on the beautiful landscape that surrounds Spanish Peaks.

Local rafting experts have all the safety gear and training, and they’ll guide you fearlessly down foaming rapids and through rock-strewn pools. In between faster stretches, you might see moose emerging from the woods to bask in the sun or deer and elk stopping for a drink along a slow stretch. The location is ideal for those seeking a serious whitewater experience or simply looking to enjoy a scenic float through Big Sky Country.

Scott Johnson, PR director, shares, “The ladies love Spanish Peaks because it is such a great place for them and their families. The kids’ programs in the summer months are phenomenal; Moms know their kids are safe, engaged in physical activities that strengthen their bodies as well as their minds and they are having a blast doing it. In fact, there is so much for the family to do! Women love the poolside cocktail classes and the cooking classes as much as they love the yoga on the deck and golf clinics just for girls.”

From July 11 to 13, The Club at Spanish Peaks presents “Play at the Peaks,” an annual three-day ladies-only event packed with activities and opportunities to do new things and make new friends. Participants enjoy wine tastings, trail rides, hiking, painting, fishing, rafting, archery, skeet shooting and of course, spa treatments galore. Johnson says, “Bring a friend or two and leave with lots more!”

You never have to wonder what to do with the kids at Spanish Peaks, especially during the summer months. Kids’ Camps all summer long for all age groups provide hiking, archery, horseback riding, fishing, tubing, zip lining and bungee jumping along with campfires, smore’s and cozy mountain cabin lodging. Other activities like overnight trips to Fish Camp on the Spanish Peaks’ very own stretch of trout stream or “Kids in the Kitchen” or the pool parties ensure that your kids will be well cared for and definitely entertained.

No matter what season, the beauty of Montana is as timeless as it is breathtaking. Mountain peaks to rolling prairies, it’s easy to see why Lewis and Clark were so taken by its expansive beauty over 200 years ago. At The Club at Spanish Peaks, all of that beauty is in the back yard and the wild lands of Yellowstone National Park’s 2.2 million acres await the adventure seeker in all of us.

For more information and reservations call 406-993-5400.  www.spanish-peaks.com

By Elizabeth Anthony