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Excerpts from Travel Agent magazine, article by Jennifrer Michels

 Sky Country Rails - Montana Rockies Rail Tours  

  As if the big sky, Grand Tetons and deep blue lakes in the West aren’t already enough to draw vacationers, now there is something more: Montana Rockies Rail Tours trip. The rail line, which takes passengers through scenic Montana and Idaho, is now offering pre- and post-tour packages for travelers who want to see even more of the West.

This is just one of the many changes at the scenic rail line. Montana Rockies has been owned for the since 2001 by its president and CEO, Marcia Pilgeram. With the help of some outside investors, Pilgeram bought the company back from American Orient Express, which has been operating the line’s train as the American Spirit for the past year. The train now is now operating as the Montana daylight, a restored steam liner of the 1950’s era.

These tours are getting especially popular with grandparents who want to travel with their grandchildren.

Montana Rockies Rail Tours offers two different packages on the Montana Daylight: “The Discovery” and “Big Sky”. The “Discovery” service is less expensive, with reclining coach seats and large picture windows, complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic beverages, lunch service at the seat with linens, and narrated rides. The “Big Sky” tours include cars with double-decker panoramic dome ceilings, recliner seating, complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic beverages, and diner cars for lunch with complimentary wine or beer.

The daytime-only service crosses the Continental Divide and travels through the Missouri River Canyon along Lewis and Clark’s route. Passengers spend the night at deluxe hotels and resorts along the way. “We’re responding to the growing popularity of rail travel”, says Pilgeram. “Our passengers are simply asking for more time onboard the train, as well as rail-tour extensions that will give them a better feel for our part of the country.

There are three new tour extensions to the rail trips. The first is a two-night stay at the Rainbow Ranch Lodge in Big Sky, Mont. Included are a luxury suite, continental breakfast, guided activities and transfers. Rates range from $319 to $359 per person double. The second optional extension is one night stay-and-play package at Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Sandpoint, Id. It includes 18 holes of golf, a dinner cruise on Lake Pend Orielle, rental car and shopping at Coldwater Creek. The cost is $219. The third package is a night at the Ceur D’Alene Resort in Idaho. It includes 18 holes of golf course, cart, uniformed forecaddy and unlimited floating range balls. The cost is $269. All costs are as of summer 2001.

The rail line promises to have staff on hand that are well versed in the “secret hideaways” that they can arrange for guests that are off the beaten path. After all, says Pigeram, “I’m a Montana native. Taking people through my backyard means a lot to me”.