Skiing in Montana has been on my bucket list for years. With the new Montage Big Sky finally opening, we set off for a luxury hotel built for those who seek a top ski destination in a rustic, natural setting. The property is a credit to the Montage brand and is sparkly new with a bright aesthetic. Light overflows in the main lobby area, which features modern fireplaces and seating, yet maintains a cozy, après ski vibe. Located 45 minutes from a true treasure of the United States and the American West, Yellowstone National Park, Montage Big Sky welcomed us in guest rooms beautifully appointed with a modern alpine charm (and an “altitude adjustment” amenity featuring an O2 can, a turmeric juice shot and herbal tea to help us settle in).
Big Sky = Big Skiing
With easy ski-in, ski-out access to the lifts, the location is perfect for families wanting to hit the slopes day after day. Private guides can be arranged to meet you right on the slopes or a ski school for newbies is just a short shuttle ride away. The Mountain is massive but offers terrain for all abilities. The ski concierge onsite made getting out with the family quick and easy as our boots were warm and our skis were waiting for us on the snow – tips facing down. If you want to visit the neighboring Big Sky Resort without plans to ski there, take advantage of the hotel shuttle. It offers access to surrounding areas so you can catch up with skiers for lunch or enjoy some retail shopping midday.
And activities for those non-skiers…
For those non-skiers, there are still many onsite activities to enjoy. I was able to take advantage of the complimentary morning classes in the fitness center; kicking off my day with a mindful yoga session and mountain views was a perfect start. The 11,000-square-foot Spa Montage looked like the perfect place to get the muscles rubbed down or enjoy some tranquility in its uncrowded treatment rooms and relaxation lounges, but I will have to hit that up next time!
There is an indoor pool perfect for the family to relax (or do cannonballs) after a long day on the slopes. Like other Montage hotels, this one is super family-friendly and has the onsite Montage Merit badges for kids to conquer different activities and earn collectable pins.
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Some of the wintertime pins are for hiking, skiing, ice skating, mastering the tubing hill, or bowling a strike. The hotel has a four-lane bowling alley adjacent to the downstairs Beartooth Pub which offers yet another way to burn off kid energy indoors!
While we expected the rugged beauty of Montana while we were visiting, we were introduced to a charm of Big Sky Country that we had never heard of before: Skijoring! If you have never heard of Skijoring, don’t worry, you aren’t alone. It’s essentially a snow course where a horse pulls athletes on their downhill skis. A major competition for this sport that I never knew existed took place during our stay and brought out a very large crowd to the downtown area.
Dining Options
The onsite food was superb, the highlights being the fresh warm salads and delicious bison chili. We greatly enjoyed the Italian cuisine at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Cortina, which describes itself as “set in the Spanish Peaks mountain range,” and, indeed, the view from our table was magnificent.
All readers who book the Montage through Luxe Recess will start their day with complimentary breakfast as well as a resort credit, so reach out to receive these bonuses during your stay!
Following a day of adventure and downhill skiing, we took advantage of the Backcast Bar & Grill for some hot bison ramen and drinks. (Nearby is an amazing BBQ spot named Riverhouse that’s worth the drive if you want to eat off property, as well). While many hotels have a simple Starbucks or grab n’ go coffee area, the Wildflower Market is a gorgeous boutique coffee spot that features local gifts and some of the most phenomenal pastries I’ve ever seen (and eaten – particularly the almond croissant).
While our stay took place during ski season, the area (and this 5-star hotel) offer many activities and experiences during the warmer months. Guests can enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, and world-class fly-fishing rivers. There is also a private 18-hole golf course, Spanish Peaks Mountain Club, designed by Tom Weiskopf.
Montage Big Sky lived up to its billing as the region’s pre-eminent luxury resort. Our trip was well worth the wait; a luxurious yet adventuresome Montana ski outing to which we will long to return!
Montage Big Sky is located at 995 Settlement Trail, Big Sky, MT 59716 USA. The closest airport to Big Sky is the Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport.
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