TO GET TO THE NITTY-GRITTY OF
RENOVATION—the how, the why,
the why nots—Pulse spoke with key
stakeholders in the recent renovation
of Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, a luxury
ranch destination that unveiled
last year an all-new Wellness Center.
The story of the renovation from start
to finish offers insights into the dos
and don’ts of spa renovations, from
choosing the right partners to deciding
what facilities to build.
DO: Anticipate Future Demand
Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, located in
the rugged mountains south of Bozeman,
Montana, has long catered to
those seeking a “western-style vacation,”
says Recreation Specialist Cam
Middleton. The dude ranch offers a
variety of outdoor attractions and programs,
including renowned fly-fishing,
hiking and horseback riding, that attract
families in the ranch’s summer
season and couples in the shoulder
season. Approximately 15 years ago,
it began offering massage—both to
entice new customers and to supplement
existing services. “You get pretty
sore after a two-hour horseback ride,”
quips Middleton. “It’s a very active
vacation.”
As wellness blossomed into an essential
aspect of mainstream culture—and
as the ranch’s owner, Arthur
Blank, underwent his own wellness
journey—Mountain Sky added
more programming and services to
accommodate this—a hot tub, daily
yoga and more. However, massage
squarely remained the focus, despite
customers reporting that yoga was
becoming “integral to their stay,”
notes Katie Runge, the ranch’s wellness
director. The facility remained
relatively spartan—three treatment
rooms, with minimal space to relax
and rejuvenate for a true ‘spa day.’
This disconnect—between what
customers were asking for and what
facilities the spa had—drove the deci-
“This disconnect—between what customers
were asking for and what facilities the spa
had—drove the decision to renovate the spa to
better meet future demand.”
JUNE 2020 ■ PULSE 39