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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 All of us here at Gallatin River Ranch would like to wish you and yours the happiest and healthiest of New Years! And we do hope that those of you who have not yet made it out to Montana, to visit Gallatin River Ranch and select the site for your home, will make a New Year’s Resolution to be sure and get here this year! We will be looking for you!
 Below are some of the interesting traditions around the world that others perform as rituals each year to bring them good luck.
Spain and Mexico: When the clock strikes midnight, they eat 12 grapes, one with every toll, in order to have good luck for the next 12 months.
Greece: A special bread is baked with a coin buried in the dough. The first slice is for the Christ child, the second for the father in the home, and the third is for the house. If the third holds the coin, spring will come early that year.
Norway: They make rice pudding and hide an almond within. Guaranteed wealth goes to the person who gets the almond in his serving.
Wales: At the first toll of midnight, the back door is opened and then shut to release the old year and lock out all its bad luck. Then at the 12th stroke the front door is opened to welcome the New Year and all its good luck.
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WINTER AT GRR |
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 Old Man Winter has been kind to us this year - the snows and cold temperatures have been very mild here in Gallatin Valley, even though there has been an abundant amount of snow in the high country, making skiers and all winter sport enthusiasts extremely happy!
The big news for skiers and snowboarders this season is that Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin Resort pooled resources to form one of North America’s largest interconnected trail networks. The two resorts share the same mountain – Lone Peak, roughly an hour from the Ranch. The resorts had shared several trails and a lift in the past, but previously it was necessary to purchase a ticket or season pass for each if you wanted to ski them both. This year, skiers and snowboarders have the option to purchase tickets and passes allowing unlimited access to both resorts. The combined pass provides lift access to hundreds of acres of stunning summit snowfields that were previously accessible only by hiking. Combined, the two trail networks offer nearly 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, served by 23 lifts, and the second biggest vertical descent in the US, at 4,350’.
One of the primary amenities at both of these resorts has now been made just that much better --- more elbow room! Historically, the two resorts have been
famous for their low skier density. Thus, this expanded trail network will only enhance this aspect of these ski resorts.
Both of these resorts cater to families, offering free skiing to children 10 and under, and reduced prices for Youth (11-13) and Juniors (14-21). This year, Moonlight Basin is also offering free skiing to local teens in grades 6-12. The catch is that they must have a 3.0 grade point average or better, or show a defined increase over the last semester! They only need to bring their report card with them when they go to the ticket office to receive the free ticket! The community has embraced this, in that it encourages reward for hard work in school. A great idea! The kids love it! Thank you Moonlight!
 We don’t want to omit Bridger Bowl, one of the area’s favorite ski areas. Bridger is only about 15 minutes from Bozeman, and always has been the locals’ favorite! Bridger is one of the only privately owned ski resorts in the US that is open to the public. Thus, it is not nationally marketed as the other two resorts, remaining primarily a “locals” ski hill. We love their motto, as printed on the entrance sign…”Ski the Cold Smoke”. That says it all for the powder hounds!
This should give all of you more reason to come to SW Montana, and enjoy skiing uncrowded runs with some of the best powder snow around! And when you do visit, be sure to call and make an appointment to come see Gallatin River Ranch while you are here. We’re a short drive away from the resorts!
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SALES ACTIVITY AT THE RANCH |
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Sales continued to be brisk, even through the Holidays. GRR had advertised a price increase to take place on January 15, 2006. Lots of folk wanted to get in on the lower priced parcels, and jumped at this opportunity. Accordingly, the sales throughout January have been excellent as well.
Even though the prices have increased, we are still very well priced as proven by the comparable sales of similar properties throughout the Gallatin Valley. If you haven’t yet had an opportunity to come see what GRR has to offer, do make a point to come out soon. The DVD and marketing information are good, but as everyone who comes here says, “It just doesn’t do the Ranch justice. You just have to stand on the land and look around you to really get a feel of what Gallatin River Ranch is all about!” Look forward to seeing you soon!
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FROM THE ROUNDPEN
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 This spring we will be busy upgrading the Equestrian Center barn and arena. A new Fibar riding surface will be installed in the indoor arena in February. The arena perimeter wall will also be renovated. A 12’ x 24’ foaling and veterinary stall with viewing window is presently under construction in the barn.
We are looking forward to our upcoming events in 2006. So far we have planned a Schooling Show in May, a Beginner Cutting Clinic in early June, and an Advanced Horsemanship Clinic in October. Several other clinics from varied disciplines are in the works, and as always we appreciate homeowner suggestions and input.
Something new on the horizon….The Equestrian Center staff will be offering English Riding Lessons and Training by accomplished Three-Day Eventor, Melissa Nice. Melissa moved to Manhattan in January and will be available for lessons with all ability levels. Some of you may have met Melissa’s parents, David and Deborah Nice, who are currently building their home here on the Ranch. We all are excited about this great opportunity of having Melissa in our own backyard.
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NEW
NEIGHBORS |
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Bret & Ruth Luedke (#118) from Acworth, GA
David Wingfield (#157) from Plano, TX
Brett & Bonnie Bacon (#105) from Chagrin Falls, OH
Kris & Melinda Schibley (#133) from Olmsted Falls, OH
Lisa Brunke (#164) from Temecula, CA
Brian & Therese Heise (#160) from Maryville, TN
Laryy & Margaret Ringers (#203) from Ft. Myers, FL
Thomas & Melanie Reed (#176,234) from Dillsburg, PA
Laddie & Linda Shaw (#161) from Anchorage, AK
Nola Dyal & Ron Holcomb (# 32,220) from LaQuinta, CA
Zak Tesoro & Cresta Roberts (#193) from Belgrade, MT
Matt & Lori Lewis (#271) from Pewaukee, WI
Jim & Brenda Williams (#185) from Wellington, FL
Stephen & Morjorie Thale (#172) from Manhattan, MT
Byron & Dardalee Farquer (#189) from Oakdale, CA
Walter Stuart (#233) from New York City, NY
Mark & Susan Stack (#238) from Palm Desert, CA
Cato Ealy & Kate Kelly (#274) from Trumbull, CT
Chad Christensen & Karin Tennstedt (#92) from Chicago, IL
Larry Dodson (#171) from Launders, CA
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GRR STAFF |
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| Ken
Vidar |
Project Manager |
.....284-3400 |
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| Mary Ellen Vidar |
Marketing |
.....284-3200 |
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| Tom
Lander |
Ranch Sales |
.....284-3200 |
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| Brad Price |
Ranch Sales |
.....284-3200 |
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| Dick
Rothing |
Ranch
Sales |
.....284-3200 |
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| Suzanne Cross |
Office Manager |
.....284-3200 |
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| Scott Tracy |
VP
Gallatin River Realty Inc. |
.....284-3400 |
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| Erica
Johnston |
VP
Vidar Companies Inc. |
.....284-3400 |
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| Jeff Gates |
Ranch Security/Manager |
.....580-5144 |
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| Marlin Sprow |
Ranch Operations Manager |
.....284-3200 |
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| Brandie Elfland |
Equestrian Manager |
.....284-3782 |
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| Joe Vasarella |
GRR Fire Chief |
.....284-4380 |
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