Lost Cabin was a combination dude ranch, hunting lodge and ski resort opened by John and Marguerite Quigley in 1933-34. It was located on the Quigley Ranch about 15 miles north of Avon, Montana. Summer activites for guests included horseback riding, fishing, hunting and pitching in with the actual ranch work. Come winter, skiing and sledding topped the bill, with skiers ferried from the ranch to the slopes on a "caterpillar snow train", which was essentially a huge wooden sled pulled by a bulldozer.

Lost Cabin could accomodate eight to ten overnight guests. Guests arriving via rail would be met at stations in Helena, Avon, Deer Lodge or Butte. There was also a landing field at the ranch for air charter and private planes.

There was a dining room in the lodge where "Wholesome, well cooked ranch meals" were served, "...with fresh meats, poultry, eggs, vegetables, fruits, milk and cream plentifully provided."

Lost Cabin Lodge, built by John Quigley 1933-1936. John had assistance from ranch hand Tommy O'Hearn (who is buried in the Quigley plot at Hillcrest Cemtery in Deer Lodge), and also from old-timer Rod Finley.

An addition was added to the rear of the structure in 1937-38. This charming building was clearly the "test run" for the techniques Quigley would employ in building Frontier Town more than a decade later.

Lost Cabin ski rosters from 1938. The signatures of over 100 Helena area residents can be seen on these guestbook pages, along with comments about their Lost Cabin experience. JAN. 23 1938 - PAGE 1 • JAN 23 1938 - PAGE 2 • FEB. 13 1938 • FEB. 22 1938 • MARCH 20 1938 - PAGE 1 • MARCH 20 1938 - PAGE 2 • MARCH 20 1938 - PAGE 3.