{Trip Report} Summer in the Mountains

Thanks for your excitement and ideas for our new Breakfast Room makeover yesterday! I still have no idea of the design direction, but I’m excited to get started making it a more usable space for us.

Summer was slow to arrive in Texas…but now that she’s blazing, I’m ready to escape back to our week spent in Big Sky, Montana! I thought skiing in the Winter was fun, but turns out, Summer in a ski resort is even more beautiful and adverturous!

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

My sister got married in Big Sky last month, so we flew up a few days early to explore the area…and completely fell in love. It is absolutely stunning country…I don’t know that you’d ever get used to these views, which are literally everywhere you look. We hiked, rafted, swam, paddle-boarded…pretty much any outdoor activity you can think of, it’s in Big Sky!

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

It’s a very casual small town, where comfort comes first. We had a range of weather, but lucked out with lots of sunny days.

Packing Tip: Be prepared for anything from really chilly, to downright hot! I packed layers including shorts, these pants, and my favorite jeans…along with tees, a windbreaker and military jacket. My tennis shoes or flip-flops were fine for most of the hiking. 

Hi Sugarplum | Romper in Montana
Romper | Necklace (on sale!) | Sandals | Jacket (similar)

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana
On Him: Sweatshirt (similar) | Shorts | Tennies
Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana
Jacket | Hoodie (similar) | PantsSunglasses

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

My sister and her (now) husband are river guides, so we were treated to several private floats….a must-do if you go! Since we were there early season, parts of the river were running too high and fast for the kids, so they stayed behind for the more exhilarating ones.

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Everyday outfits mixing & matching your closet
Swimsuit (similar) | Sunglasses

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Mr. SP….always trying to make me laugh, and still the funniest person I know. #andIknowfunny

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana
Jacket (similar) | Plaid Shirt (similar) | Flip-Flops | Monogrammed BagSunglasses

{Where we Stayed}

This is a ski-in/ski-out property, so it’s right in the center of the mountain resort.
We stayed in a studio condo, and enjoyed the heated pool and hot tub.
The town of Big Sky is a quick 15-minute drive down the mountain.
We’d planned to stay a night in a cabin here, but our schedule changed due to Babygirl’s unexpected case of strep. It’s a really beautiful area, right on the banks of the Yellowstone River.
(Sidenote: The doctors at the medical clinic in Big Sky are very nice!)

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

{What We Did}
*Ouzel Falls is a gorgeous, easy hike right in town.
*Big Sky Resort is the heart of the town, and has year-round activities like zip-lining, mountain-biking, ropes courses, scenic lifts, golf, spa etc.
*Raft the Gallatin River with Geyser Whitewater Expedition. All the guides are great, but we’re partial to Caroline and Corry. šŸ˜‰
*Big Sky is about 45-minutes from the West Entrance of Yellowstone, and the getting-there is as pretty as the park itself! I’m planning a separate ‘Yellowstone in a Day’ post.
*Paradise Valley is about 1.5 hours away in Livingston, and stunning.  

Hi Sugarplum | Summer in Big Sky, Montana

Between the scenery and exploring, family and the wedding (more to come on that, too!)…it was a perfect week. The kids loved all the outdoor adventures, and are already asking to go back. Have you visited Montana? Have you ever visited a ski resort in the Summer?

We’re hitting up the anniversary sale tonight for our annual back-to-school shopping…wish me luck! My kids are very opinionated when it comes to their wardrobe. #whereverdidtheygetthat

{Back-to-School Staples on Sale!}





*This post is written in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all clothes, opinions and helmet-hair are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!

Leave a Comment

15 Comments

  1. GORGEOUS pictures, and your family is PRECIOUS as always! I ordered A TON Of stuff for Carter, and it's all supposed to arrive today. Think 2 pairs of shoes, like 4 tees, a hoodie, and jacket!!!! Excited to see you today for lunch!

    Posted 7.14.15 Reply
  2. Angela wrote:

    We must be on the same schedule. I went on an Alaskan cruise in June, and we are heading to Montana for a wedding in July. Where are we going next to beat the Texas heat? LOL!

    Posted 7.14.15 Reply
    • The beach?!?! šŸ™‚ Have a great time in Montana!! xo

      Posted 7.14.15 Reply
  3. mwimp wrote:

    it looks amazing!i have a weird question but the 5th pix from the bottom what kind of tree is that? I have always wanted that kind for Christmas but no one around here calls it by its real name.i figured since ur sis and bil live there, they might know,lo!! hope little ms. didn't feel too bad! mine came down with strep this summer too, out of the blue and no fever (he's always ran a fever with strep for his almost 10 yrs of life!)

    Posted 7.14.15 Reply
    • Isn't it such a gorgeous tree?? I'm not sure what kind it is, but I'll ask. Hope your babe is feeling better, too! xo

      Posted 7.14.15 Reply
  4. designchic wrote:

    What a gorgeous place. We were at the beach last week with family all discussing how we would love to see Montana in the summer. Looks like your beautiful family had a great time! Happy Tuesday!

    Posted 7.14.15 Reply
  5. Christina wrote:

    So beautiful!!! What a dreamy place to live. My 4 year old has strep now. One morning said her mouth hurt which I know means throat, too a peek and wow was it bad! I have some early access shopping left to do. I've behaved mostly with a cognac bp tote and fringe scarves for me and gifts. I'm eyeing a top as well! I'd love to see what you get your kids. Have fun!

    Posted 7.14.15 Reply
  6. my dad has some friends who live on a ranch in montana and it is so gorgeous out there! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

    Posted 7.14.15 Reply
  7. I love this blog entry! I worked at Big Sky Resort as a health club attendant the first winter after undergrad. It was SUCH a fun time! I miss the place so much and loved seeing all your beautiful photos of Lone Peak. John Steinbeck was right when he wrote in Travels with Charley "…the (Montana) mountains are the kind I would create if mountains were ever put on my agenda."

    Posted 7.14.15 Reply
  8. LRC wrote:

    I think I deleted my comment before it posted forgive me if this posts twice: I worked at Big Sky in the resort restaurant one summer in college. It was such a fun time and gorgeous place. It is so fun to see this post and all the pictures. That's so cool that your sister and husband are river guides!

    Posted 7.14.15 Reply
  9. diana wrote:

    This looks amazing!! I've been to Yellowstone (also amazing) and a tiny bit of Montana when we were there. I'll have to go back some day!!!

    Posted 7.15.15 Reply
  10. Such beautiful pictures!

    Posted 7.15.15 Reply
  11. Beautiful photos and family! I'm seeing multiples but maybe it's my browser acting wacky again! Off to the breakfast room post!

    Posted 7.15.15 Reply
  12. Oh my gosh! Montana looks absolutely amazing! Now I want to go on vacation!

    Posted 7.17.15 Reply
  13. Big Sky is one of our favorite places to ski! It's neat to see all the runs we do without snow! Yellowstone in the winter is also magical!

    Our Italy trip is coming up in a couple of months. Remember you said you'd pack for me if I took you in my suitcase! Hope your yoga is going well! šŸ™‚

    Posted 7.18.15 Reply