Chico Springs Hotel AREA Conference 2002

Chico Hot Springs Resort

#1 Chico Road
Pray, Montana 59065

1-800-HOT-WADA
1-406-333-4933

	Lodging and Hot Springs	HOT, HOT, HOT Chico boasts two open-air mineral Hot Springs pools. The small pool averages 104 degrees, and the large one averages 96 degrees. Guests can soak their cares away from 6 am until midnight, every day of the year. As Jon Jackson writes in the Big Sky Journal (Spring 1998), "Hot springing. One of the great Montana offerings. Chico is the best." Jackson adds, "...the setting is gorgeous." Need we say more?

	Conventions and Catering

Car Rentals/Shuttle	Activities/Points of Interest	Gardens and Greenhouse
	Articles of Interest	Chico Day Spa

Resort Information

The 2002 AREA Conference is based entirely at Chico Hot Springs Resort, and all activities will take place at or near the resort. Chico is located in Pray, Montana, about 30 miles south of Livingston; there are no other lodging options within 20 miles of this location.

Guests must call Chico to make their own lodging reservations. Please call 1-800-468-9232 outside Montana, or 406-333-4933 from within Montana. There are a number of room options available at Chico, and all room choices are on a first come, first served basis.

Prices for rooms range from $30 to $50 per night. Participants can find more information on the accommodations on the internet www.chicohotsprings.com or by calling the lodge.

There are no room refunds after September 13, 2002.

Recreation Opportunities

With the blue ribbon trout waters of the upper Yellowstone river just a few miles from Chico, the fishing at this meeting may be too good to pass up. There is a variety of fishing opportunities in Paradise Valley, from the challenging and difficult technical flyfishing of the private spring creeks, to the fun of a fast moving mountain creek. A variety of flies & lures will produce fish during this time, and there are a number of flyshops to provide information. Two-day or season non-resident licenses are available close to Chico. Due to the cold water temperatures waders are normally a necessity, but guided float trips may also be arranged at local fishing outfitters.

Miles of hiking trails are close to Chico, ranging from easy to difficult hikes and elevation gains. This is grizzly country, so pepper spray is advised for those venturing into the backcountry. Chico also offers guided horseback rides- contact the resort for details.

Yellowstone National Park is about a 30 minute drive. Late September will find the elk especially visible, vocal, and active, as they enter their breeding season. Visitors to the park also may encounter deer, antelope, wolves, and both black and grizzly bears.

Weather & Clothing

Fall is usually an ideal time to visit Southwest Montana, but it is important to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Normal daytime high temperatures are in the range of 55 to 70 degrees, but can reach into the 80’s. Normal low temperatures can be expected in the 30 to 40 degree range, but can drop into the teens. This time of year is normally dry, but storms can bring cold rain or even snow, so be prepared with layers of warm clothing, topped by a water and windproof shell, with a warm hat and gloves if you choose. Sturdy boots or shoes will be needed for hiking or walking, and if we’re lucky, we’ll encounter weather suitable for shorts & sandals on our Yellowstone River Float.