Share this article!
Skiing in Montana has been on my bucket list for years. With the new Montage Big Sky finally opening, we set off with a luxury hotel built for those looking for a premier ski destination in a rustic, natural setting. The building is a property of the Montage brand and is sparkling new with a bright aesthetic. Light floods the main lobby area, which features a modern fireplace and seating, yet maintains a cozy, après-ski vibe. Located 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, a true treasure of America and the American West, Montage Big Sky welcomed us to our beautifully appointed rooms with modern alpine charm and “altitude control” amenities complete with O2 cans and turmeric. juice shots and herbal tea to help us settle in).
Big Sky = Big Ski
With easy ski-in and lift access, this location is perfect for families who want to hit the slopes every day. You can arrange for a private guide to meet you right on the slopes, and a ski school for beginners is a short shuttle ride away. Although the mountains are huge, they provide terrain for all abilities. The on-site ski concierge made it quick and easy to get out with the family as our boots were warm and our skis were waiting for us on the snow. The tip was pointing downward. If you don't plan on skiing and want to visit nearby Big Sky Resort, you can take the hotel shuttle. Easy access to the surrounding area means you can enjoy lunch with the skiers or do some mid-day retail shopping.
Activities for people who don’t ski…
There are many on-site activities that even non-skiers can enjoy. I was able to take advantage of free morning classes at the fitness center. Starting the day with a mindful yoga session and mountain views was the perfect start. The 11,000 square foot Spa Montage seemed like the perfect place to loosen up your muscles or enjoy some tranquility in the uncrowded treatment rooms and relaxation lounges, but I definitely think I'll have to go there next time!
There is an indoor pool perfect for families to relax or play cannon balls after a long day on the slopes. Like other Montage hotels, this one is very family friendly and has Montage Merit badges on site where children can earn collectible pins by completing various activities.
Stop!
Join us at Luxury Hotels & Resorts for Families.
Facebook group for advice and inspiration
For the ultimate luxury family vacation.
Some of our winter fins are for hiking, skiing, ice skating, tubing hill masters or strike bowling. The hotel also has a four-lane bowling alley next to the Beartooth Pub downstairs, giving the kids another way to burn off some energy indoors!
While looking forward to the rugged beauty of Montana, we were introduced to the charm of Big Sky Country, something we had never heard of before. Ski jogging! If you've never heard of skijoring, don't worry. You are not alone. This is essentially a snow course where horses pull athletes on downhill skis. During our stay a large competition was held for this sport I knew nothing about and very large crowds flocked to the downtown area.
Dining Options
The food on site was excellent, highlights were the fresh, warm salads and delicious bison chili. We enjoyed Italian cuisine at the hotel's signature restaurant, Cortina. Cortina describes itself as “perched in the peaks of Spain”, and indeed the view from our table was spectacular.
All readers who book Montage through Luxe Recess can start their day with a complimentary breakfast and resort credit, so get in touch to receive these bonuses during your stay!
After a day of adventuring and downhill skiing, we enjoyed some warm bison ramen and drinks at Backcast Bar & Grill. (Nearby, there's an amazing barbecue spot called Riverhouse, which is worth the drive if you want to eat outside.) While many hotels have a simple Starbucks or take-out coffee area, the Wildflower Market offers local gifts and more. It's a wonderful boutique coffee place that sells some of the most amazing pastries I've ever seen (and eaten, especially the almond croissants).
Although our stay took place during ski season, the area (and this 5-star hotel) offers a variety of activities and experiences during the warmer months. Enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, and world-class fly fishing on the river. There is also Spanish Peaks Mountain Club, a private 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf.
Montage Big Sky lives up to its reputation as the region's premier luxury resort. Our trip was well worth the wait. A luxurious yet adventurous Montana ski trip we'd love to return to!
Montage Big Sky is located at 995 Settlement Trail, Big Sky, MT 59716 USA. The closest airport to Big Sky is Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport.
Are you ready to go?
Let us help you create the Montana vacation of your dreams! Luxe Recess is a luxury family travel magazine and Virtuoso affiliate travel agency that helps you plan the most amazing memories.