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AMB West
Basecamp

Located on Mountain Sky Guest Ranch property in Emigrant, Montana, AMB West Basecamp is a rustic facility offered to local and regional nonprofits by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

The programs that come to Basecamp give it life, having deep conversations, exploring nature, creating shared experiences, and bringing laughter and joy that ricochet from the walls of the basin around it.
facilities

About Basecamp

The diverse facilities at Basecamp host groups large and small in a variety of accommodations all within walking distance from one another. Groups can max out the space, filling the 29 beds in six buildings and spilling into the wall tents, Berry Cabin porches and cam-0-bunk cots. Or, they could forego the use of beds altogether, using the outdoor space to establish their own sleeping arrangements. Some groups may only use the Lodge or the High Cabins & Social Center to accommodate their group for meetings, training or teambuilding. All groups bring their own meal provisions and programming and leave the facilities as clean as they found them.

Considering your audience and purpose is essential when considering if Basecamp is the right setting for your camp, gathering or training. Below, we’ve outlined the diverse spaces Basecamp has to offer. Our staff is happy to talk with you if you are considering use of the space. Please complete the inquiry form below to contact us.

The Lodge

The Lodge at Basecamp is a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath facility that includes an open layout kitchen, living room and loft with some of the best views in Paradise Valley. The lodge is welcoming and comfortable whether you’re lounging after a long day out in the elements or meeting with your group. There is a variety of sleeping arrangements in the three bedrooms. The master has one bunk bed and two twin XL beds, sleeping four people, with access to a private bathroom and a door to the south end of the porch. Upstairs is a loft with a day bed and futon and two bedrooms each with one bunk bed and a full bed. A Jack and Jill bath connects the two rooms.

The Lodge is available from early May to mid-October, and the auxiliary wall tent is available from June to September.

Provisions at the Lodge include:

  • Wi-Fi, 63″ flat screen TV w/ attachments, assorted games, puzzles and local educational materials
  • Linens: top sheet, bottom sheet, pillowcase, blanket, bath towels and hand towels
  • Cleaning supplies, toilet paper and paper towels
  • Basic first aid (AED available on site at the shop)
  • Matching tableware for 12
  • Kitchenware includes pots and pans, utensils and knives, blender, mixer, sheet pans, coffee maker and toaster
  • Cloth napkins, tablecloths and placemats
  • Two full-sized refrigerators
  • Propane for the grill
  • Wood for the indoor stove and fireplace and outdoor fire pit. Kindling and firestarter not provided.

The High Cabins & Social Center

The High Cabins and Social Center are the perfect camp setting with accommodations and outdoor space for activities. Sleeping 12 people in the two cabins, each high cabin hosts two bedrooms and one bathroom. One room contains two twin bunk beds, sleeping four, while the other room contains one bunk bed, sleeping two. Each bedroom has a sink leading into the joined Jack and Jill bath. The porches of these cabins have a spectacular view of Dome Mountain and Yellowstone National Park. Provisions of the High Cabins include:

  • Linens: Bottom sheet only, towels and hand towels
  • Cleaning supplies, toilet paper and paper towels

The Social Center is an indoor-outdoor kitchen with a fire pit, picnic benches, a large lawn area and portable toilet. Provisions at the Social Center include:

  • Triple-compartment sink with hot and cold water
  • Tableware, including silverware, mugs, cups, bowls and plates for 20
  • Kitchenware including pots and pans, coffee maker, griddle, two-burner outdoor stove, large drink containers, utensils and cooking knives
  • Refrigerator
  • Cleaning supplies, including dish and hand soap, sponges and paper towels
  • Basic first aid (AED available on site at the shop)
twin-ponds

Twin Ponds

The Twin Ponds area includes two ponds, two tent platforms with high wall tents (available June – September), portable toilet and multi-compartment sink with non-potable running water. Many groups make use of the Twin Ponds for recreation or as an outdoor classroom, but the area can be reserved on its own to support groups seeking a more rustic experience.

 

 

 

 

 

Auxiliary Facilities

Auxiliary facilities at Basecamp can be booked in addition to one of the main areas. Three Berry Cabins offer additional sleeping space. The Shop and Pole Barn provide working and learning space, especially when shelter or electricity are needed. Castle Camp, a cabin located a 2.5-mile hike from Basecamp, is a central location good for a day hike or backpacking adventure. Overnight stays at Castle Camp must be booked in advance.

Three Berry Cabins are one-bedroom, one-bath facilities with screened-in porches. Berry One has a bunk bed with a full-sized bottom bunk, another twin bed and a sink and refrigerator. Berry Two and Three have two XL twin beds in each. Bedding is provided in the Berry Cabins (top sheet, bottom sheet, pillow, pillowcase and blanket). Cleaning supplies and toilet paper are also provided.

To inquire about bringing your group, complete this form.

Once a date is confirmed, our staff will work with you to discuss liability.
See FAQs below for more details.

West Basecamp Form

Booking available from May 15 - Oct 31st
If you have flexibility in your timeline, please share more info below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Basecamp?

Please follow the directions provided by your group organizer. Our staff will communicate these to the group organizer one month in advance of your visit. We do not recommend making your way to AMB West Basecamp using GPS or any mapping services.

Is Basecamp at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch?

While AMB West Basecamp is on Mountain Sky Guest Ranch Property, it is NOT located at the Guest Ranch. Please follow directions provided by your group’s organizer.

Can my car make it to Basecamp?

All-wheel drive and high clearance vehicles are recommended for driving to Basecamp. The property is six miles up a dirt road from Highway 89 South.

Can I bring my pet or service animal?

For the safety of guests, staff and the animals, we ask that you leave your pets at home. Service animals are welcome to accompany the individual they serve. Please communicate service animal attendance to Basecamp staff well in advance of arrival.

What kind of wildlife might we encounter?

Basecamp is adjacent to the Gallatin National Forest and is habitat for all of the same species found there. From western tanagers to falcons, mountain lions to muskrats, we see it all. Anyone hiking or recreating in the area is advised to carry bear spray and stay alert and aware.

Do you provide bedding?

See the descriptions above. Bedding is specific to each facility.

Is Basecamp ADA accessible?

Basecamp was originally built as a home and outfitters cabins, and has not been adjusted to accommodate wheelchairs or other accessibility devices.

What programming can we use during our stay at Basecamp?

AMB West Challenge Course can be reserved in advance to coincide with use of Basecamp. The course has limited availability. We’re happy to work with organizers to find a time that works. No other programming is available.

Are meals available at Basecamp?

Basecamp does not provide meals or provisions beyond what is stated on this website. There are kitchens accompanying the facilities with ample cookware. Our staff is happy to provide a of local caterers.

 

 

What do we do with our trash?

We ask that each group pack out what they bring in. Groups that do not have access to disposal facilities within a reasonable distance should communicate with Basecamp staff prior to arrival to find a solution.

What are the liability requirements?
  • Organizational liability requirements due 30 days in advance of your visit
    • Organization Liability needed
      1. A copy of your organization’s Certificate of Insurance (minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), naming “Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, LLC” and “The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation” as additional insured
      2. Copy of organization’s Workers Compensation and employee liability coverage
        • See Exhibit A in this entity waiver below to learn more
      3. Entity Waiver must be signed by executive level representative of the visiting organization. Click here to view and sign.
  • Individual waiver requirements
    • Organizations visiting the course are responsible for distributing and collecting these waivers from their participants
    • Waiver must be signed by any person visiting the property, including chaperones, caterers, guest speakers, etc.
    • Minors require parent/guardian signature.
    • Everyone visiting the property must sign a waiver each time they visit.

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