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Mountain Ranch is rich in the history of Montana. First homesteaded by Clarence
Lytel in 1915 as a working cattle, horse, and hay ranch, it was sold in 1926
to Chicago paper mill tycoon, Mr. Butler and his daughter and son-in-law, the
Kilburns. The Butlers built many of the existing buildings, sparing no cost
in construction. Native lodgepole pine was used, and door hinges and locks were
handmade. The reverse B bar K, as it was then called, was a showplace for Mr.
Butler's extensive Indian artifact collection, some of which adorns the Ranch
dining room and cabin walls today.
he
late newscaster, Chet Huntley, along with Chrysler and several other large corporations,
purchased Lone Mountain Ranch and much of what is now known as Big Sky Mountain
and Meadow Villages in the late 1960s to develop one of Montana's first destination
alpine ski areas.
evelopment
of the alpine area and the residential villages began in the early 1970s. Bob
and Vivian Schaap, natives of Wyoming, acquired Lone Mountain Ranch in the
spring of 1977 with the goal of developing a world-class cross-country ski resort
and summer guest ranch. The Ranch has developed a reputation for quality guest
service, excellent staff and a strong environmental ethic.