Montana’s Big Sky Resort hosts President Barack Obama and family

Big Sky Resort's Summit Hotel

It’s gotta be the ultimate PR coup when our nation’s First Family stays in a hotel or resort. Montana’s Big Sky Resort is most likely still aglow over President Barack Obama’s recent visit. According to a press release sent out by the resort, the Big Sky sales team received a phone call from The White House about availability for a “special unnamed guest” to spend the evening of Aug. 14, 2009. The Summit Hotel was enlisted and staff scrambled to make preparations for the POTUS and his family to spend the night before exploring Yellowstone National Park.

Although Big Sky Resort hosts around 200 meetings a year, the level of security required was a new challenge. The resort was in strict compliance not to reveal its mid-summer guests to friends, family or media. “We were so honored at the opportunity to host the President and show off Montana’s friendly guest service, quality lodging and a variety of mountain activities,” said Big Sky General Manager Taylor Middleton.

The President’s family took part in many of the area’s activities including white water rafting on the Gallatin, zip-lining and the scenic lift. The President also used his vacation time in Montana to try fly-fishing with his Deputy Chief of Staff, Jim Messina, who attended the University of Montana.

Big Sky Resort worked with the White House staff to plan meals for Barack Obama and his family, including a special evening of s’mores prepared over a fire pit near the Carabiner Lodge. The following day, the Obamas headed off to Yellowstone, which included the iconic Old Faithful.