Summer Escape to Montana: An iGnite Adventure Recap
This summer, the incredible group of women traded their routines for an unforgettable adventure in Big Sky, Montana, during our annual iGnite Women’s Summer Escape. These escapes are known for crafting transformative experiences for women that focuses on fostering connection, growth, and fearless fun - this Montana getaway delivered all of that and more.
Inflatables, llamas, and off-roading!
We caught up with Alice Meadows, a team leader who participated in this year’s escape, to get her firsthand account of what it’s like to unplug, explore, and simply be in the moment with a tribe of adventurous women.
“You know where to buy your plane ticket and you may have a rough idea of what’s to come based solely on a packing list, but other than that, anything can happen on an iGnite Adventure Escape! That’s exactly why it’s my favorite thing to do each summer – I get to do those things I would most likely never try on my own or even with my family, but put me with a pack of women and I become my best fearless self!”
“This year we showed up in the little airport of Bozeman Montana and quickly set the stage by changing into inflatable costumes at baggage claim before parading to our two minivans (surely, we’re internet famous by now), and off to see some llamas. Montana llama guides did not disappoint with a leisurely stroll through a lush valley, each of us leading our own long-lashed llama who were most definitely lloving. Fun llama fact? They’re afraid of cows – don’t ask how we learned. After a delicious dinner we made our way to our stunning abode in Big Sky.”
”The next morning, we woke up to a wonderful, full breakfast that WE DID NOT COOK. Quick sidebar, this is another favorite perk of the trip, not having to think about cooking or feeding people? Heaven! Then it was off to Summit All Terrain for some hysterical, unbelievably dusty, Mad Max-like, Crazy Train accompanied, off roading up the mountains in Polaris side-by-sides. These are tiny, open, rugged buggies that have amazing shock absorption that had my partner and I laughing like fools the entire way up and down. This was followed by a well deserved icy cold beverage before heading back to Big Sky to clean up. Then it was time to learn some line dancing and take Bozeman by storm. Or gentle summer rain with mild breezes, depending on who you ask.”
“Day two started early so we could make it to Gardiner, Montana - home to the north entrance of Yellowstone and the famous Roosevelt Arch that we e-biked by on another off-road escapade. This journey took us along the old Yellowstone trail and thanks to headsets and a thoughtful guide, we learned about the geography, history and animals of the area, and a bit about the doomsday cult whose land we passed through and their enormous under-mountain bunker. A dip in the hot springs and cold plunge pools was extremely welcome at the end of the long and bumpy ride.”
“The next morning was our most anticipated, not because of our 5am departure, but because we were heading into Yellowstone for a private tour of some less-often-experienced sites. Our adorable ex-ranger guide was knowledgeable, funny, and could spot a wolf lying in a clump of grass a mile and a half away and get us excited about the tiny moving dot that he brought into focus with his telescope. There were huge bison (not buffalo), elk, aquamarine pools filled with the stench of Sulphur, dangerously hot geysers that have been known to kill, waterfalls, meandering hikes and breathtaking views at every turn. My biggest takeaway? Protect our National Parks and those folks who do the protecting! And watch out for tourons (tourist + moron) who ignore the signs about respecting the wildlife. It is, after all, wild.”
“Throughout the whole trip we’re sharing, laughing ridiculously, and enjoying good, long talks. There’s time to delve deeper with the friends you regularly just get a sweaty fifty minutes with every morning and that is absolutely invaluable. By the time we hit the airport the next morning, memories have been made, so many pictures taken, and my heart is full and ready to return to regular life. At least until it’s time to adventure again.”
