Located in Darby, Montana, in the Bitterroot Range of the Rocky Mountains, the luxury Relais & Châteaux property Triple Creek Ranch welcomes winter travelers with a variety of festive holiday offerings. Set against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks and evergreen forests, the ranch blends Western charm with refined hospitality for memorable seasonal getaways.
For Thanksgiving, executive chef Jacob Leatherman presents a classic holiday dinner inspired by the regional flavors of the West. Complementing the meal are hands-on experiences such as a holiday cooking school and a wine-pairing event hosted by vintners Cyril and Blakesley Chappellet. Guests can also enjoy spirited activities like an archery tournament and a puzzle challenge featuring Stave jigsaws, adding playful competition to the long weekend.
From December 22–27, the ranch celebrates Christmas in Montana with a program of outdoor adventures and seasonal traditions. Winter hikes and guided horseback rides let visitors explore the snowy landscape, while a special visit from Western artist Carol Hagan provides an artistic touch. Guests may decorate their private cabins with fresh evergreens and ornaments supplied by the ranch or bring family favorites from home. Chef Leatherman prepares festive multi-course dinners for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, offering warm, celebratory meals during the holiday stay.
On December 31, the ranch hosts a Western New Year’s Eve Party that begins with a curated five-course dinner paired with exceptional wines. After dinner, guests gather at Elk Meadow for a fireworks display and a Champagne toast beneath the night sky, combining intimate lodge hospitality with an outdoor celebration to ring in the new year.
Winter escapes at Triple Creek Ranch also include unique, hands-on opportunities with professional musher Jessie Royer, a veteran racer who has completed 13 Iditarod races in Alaska. Royer leads dog-sledding instruction throughout the season, teaching skills such as harnessing and hitching a dog team, sled handling, driving and maneuvering, as well as safe starting and stopping techniques. Dog-sledding activities typically run from mid-December through February, allowing guests to experience authentic winter mushing in a guided, educational setting.
The ranch’s seasonal programming blends outdoor recreation, culinary highlights and curated cultural moments, making it an inviting destination for travelers seeking a refined mountain holiday with genuine Western character.