Big Sky, Montana
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It’s not just the views that are breathtaking in Big Sky, Montana. At more than 7,000 feet in altitude, the destination requires a day to adjust to the high country. Then you can enjoy some of the best and boldest mountain golf anywhere in the U.S. And don’t forget that altitude will cause shots to travel 10 to 15 percent farther in the thinner air.
Establish base camp at the exquisite Montage hotel, perfectly situated for all Big Sky activities, particularly if you’d like to enjoy a sublime trout carpaccio followed by a bison rib eye at the elegant Cortina, arguably the best restaurant in the area. The hotels’ 139 guest rooms express modern mountain chic in a crafted lodge that’s home to a spa, music venue, sports bar with bowling alley, and more. Staff throughout are meticulously trained yet genuine in their cheerful efforts to provide superlative service.
Visible from Montage’s guest rooms and outdoor pool complex is the massive log clubhouse of the Spanish Peaks golf course, a Tom Weiskopf design largely free of housing and providing pristine views from 7,200 yards of great mountain golf. Weiskopf, who had a home on property, created corridors that showcase snowcapped peaks and wildflower meadows. Fairways wend through pine forests in solitude. Holes feature prodigious cape and bay bunkering (especially on dogleg turns), occasional blind shots, a cadre of forced carries, and superfirm greens that run faster than Usain Bolt after a triple espresso. The rugged track, which Weiskopf famously designed on horseback, has been ranked as high as number three in the state by Golf Digest.
Following golf, how about a little more golf? Weiskopf’s final project was Tom’s 10, a collection of immaculate par-three holes inspired by some of the architect’s favorites from around the world. Hit mostly wedges to green sites reminiscent of Pine Valley, Royal Troon and number six at Riviera, featuring a bunker in the middle of the green. Holes range from 90 to 161 yards and route over and around streams, wetlands and mountain forest, offering great wagering opportunities for serious competitors and a chance for the less experienced to enjoy 90 minutes of fun while finding out that perhaps golf isn’t as hard as they’d thought.
5 of the Most Expensive Mansions on the Market in MontanaMassive ranches, private lakeside homes, and spectacular mountain estates are the hallmarks of Montana’s high-end real estate market. With stunning views of the Rockies, vast private acreage, and world-class amenities, these homes offer a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. From Big Sky’s ski-in, ski-out mansions to Yellowstone-adjacent ranches, Montana’s most expensive properties cater to those seeking both adventure and serenity.
Here’s a look at the five most spectacular and costly homes in the Treasure State.
5. Big Sky, MT – $8,750,000
Suzanne Schreiner and Martha Johnson @ The Big Sky Real Estate Co. via Coldwell Banker Realty
Located in Big Sky, Montana, this 4,675-square-foot home has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms and is valued at $8,750,000. Situated on 2 acres in the Ranch Neighborhood of Spanish Peaks Mountain Club, the home includes radiant floor heating, geothermal heating, two interior fireplaces, and an 80-bottle wine cellar. Outdoor living spaces have a wood-burning fireplace and electric infrared heaters with mountain views. Residents have ski-in/ski-out access from the Spanish Peaks Clubhouse and can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and golf on the Tom Weiskopf Championship Golf Course. A Spanish Peaks Mountain Club Membership is required, with a Signature Golf Membership available.
4. Big Sky, MT – $10,250,000
Martha Johnson @ The Big Sky Real Estate Co. via Coldwell Banker Realty
With 5,037 square feet of living space and 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, this custom-built home in Big Sky, Montana is offered for sale at $10,250,000. Designed by architect Larry Pearson and built by Lohss Construction, the home includes a chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances, in-floor radiant heat powered by geothermal technology, an elevator, and custom cabinetry. Outdoor amenities include a built-in grill, hot tub spa, and wood-burning fireplace. Constructed with Montana Moss Stone, reclaimed Lodgepole pine, and Diamond plaster walls, the home is located near the Tom Weiskopf Championship Golf Courses and Spanish Peaks Mountain Club. It offers ski-in/ski-out access with valet services, and a Signature Golf or Ski Social membership is available with purchase.
Villas And Luxurious Suites Attract Ultra-High-Net-Worth TravelersUltra-high-net-worth travelers often seek exclusive, unique and adventurous experiences. They may travel by private plane or helicopter, stay in luxury accommodations and visit remote locations that most travelers can only dream about. UHNWIs may also enjoy expedition cruises, safaris and adrenaline-inducing adventures.
Although affluent travelers have traditionally selected luxury hotels and opulent resorts as their preferred choice of accommodations, secluded villas and opulent suites with all the bells and whistles have recently become popular among ultra-high-net-worth individuals. As such, high-end hotels are leveling up their accommodations and expanding their own inventory pools with the creation of new secret suites and villas that cater to a new subset of discerning travelers – those who are seeking privacy and seclusion while not compromising on resort amenities and service.
“The luxury market has shifted toward more experience-oriented consumers who seek a comprehensive luxury experience,” says Isabel Wittman, PR & communications director, Puente Romano Beach Resort. “Privacy has become a highly valued commodity, which is why villa bookings and beachfront or sea-view properties are in high demand. We’ve witnessed consistent growth in the luxury market in recent years, as it’s a market that never slows down and continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences.”
COURTESY OF MONTAGE BIG SKY
Even younger, aspiring luxury travelers – those under 40 – are booking unique experiences and destinations, despite the fact that they don’t yet fall into the ultra-high-net-worth category. These travelers are seeking out accommodations that offer something fresh, beyond the typical luxury offering such as the new Mountain Homes at Montage Big Sky or Villa Aegean, the latest European addition to the Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes portfolio.
From Anguilla To Australia, Forbes Travel Guide’s 2025 Star Award WinnersThe 67th annual luxury hospitality awards celebrate the world’s best hotels, spas, restaurants, ocean cruises and—new this year—cruise restaurants.
The world’s most luxurious hotels can often be discovered in the unlikeliest destinations. From the ancient streets of Azerbaijan to the rugged terrain of Western Montana, Forbes Travel Guide’s annual Star Awards celebrate hospitality’s finest across the globe. This year’s winners—the most geographically diverse list in FTG’s 67 years—showcase excellence across 90 countries, with Brunei, Finland, Montenegro and Romania making their debut appearances.
Behind every Forbes Travel Guide Star Award lies a thousand small gestures: the concierge who tracks down a hidden café beloved by locals, the chef who sources ingredients from a generations-old farm, the spa therapist who crafts custom aromatherapy blends from native flowers. From established luxury capitals to emerging destinations, the 2,187 award recipients for 2025 demonstrate that true luxury is not measured in thread counts or square feet, but in moments of genuine connection.
FTG’s ratings are objective, independent and data-driven. Incognito inspectors pose as everyday guests—checking in at hotels, embarking on cruises, taking in spa treatments and dining at fine restaurants. They test hundreds of exacting standards that emphasize exceptional service, which accounts for 70% of a property’s rating. The quality and condition of the facilities account for the remaining 30%. Beyond these metrics, inspectors assess the intangibles behind a truly remarkable guest experience: whether a property allows you to continue a health-conscious lifestyle and enhance your well-being; whether the location, design or other elements conjured a strong sense of place; and whether all that added up to a stay that was unforgettable.
See the full list of 2025 Star Awards winners here, and learn more about the newest additions to the collection below.
Winning Destinations
Domestically, the United States had several notable Five-Star wins this year. Montana’s RiverView Ranch was joined by The Maybourne Beverly Hills, a glamorous escape with an outpost of New York City’s famed Dante bar; The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, a water-inspired refuge; and Spa Montage Big Sky, an alpine retreat in Montana.
Most romantic Montana vacations: Local reveals the best of Big SkyCozy up in the winter wonderland
When Montana turns into a winter wonderland, couples can hit the slopes at 16 ski resorts, including Big Sky Montana, which claims to have the “biggest skiing in America.” When it’s time to unwind, Montage Big Sky has an award-winning spa with a special delicious couples’ menu.
The 18 Best Ski Resorts in the WorldHitting the slopes has never been more luxurious.
Big Sky Resort is famed for its boundless powder and breathtaking mountain views, and Montage Big Sky offers direct ski-in/ski-out access to over 5,850 acres of pristine skiable terrain. Expert ski concierge teams and on-mountain hosts, warm and fit your boots, help clip into your skis and slide down to your own easy-access chairlift, bypassing the bustle of the base.
Advanced skiers should book a one-of-kind session with U.S. Skiing & Snowboarding Hall of Famer Dan Egan, as he shares his knowledge of Lone Mountain and passion for the sport. Après-ski, warm from the inside out with a bowl of ramen at Backcast or fireside cocktails at Alpenglow, then ease muscle tension with the revitalizing Peak Performance Recovery treatment at Spa Montage.
8 Spectacular Ski Resorts To Try This WinterBig Sky
About four hours north, on the other side of Yellowstone, Big Sky Resort has evolved from fewer than 20 trails and four lifts in 1973 to more than 300 and 38, respectively, today. In December 2023, Big Sky, the largest resort in Montana (and one of the largest in the U.S.), unveiled its newly upgraded Lone Peak Tram, with each car whisking 75 passengers uphill at 22 miles per hour. Frequent skiers laud Big Sky’s variety of terrain — with bowls, chutes, cliffs and groomers — and its size and pitch. Everything feels bigger and steeper. It’s still an authentic experience, even if it has become more commercialized. When you go, check out the Five-Star Montage Big Sky and its in-house adventure outfit, Compass Sports.
From the Rockies to Big Sky: The Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. for the Ultimate Snowy GetawayBig Sky, Montana
When it comes to opulent ski hotel options, it’s hard to beat the Montage Big Sky, which opened in winter 2021. The property is located less than an hour from Yellowstone National Park and about 20 minutes from the Big Sky base area as well as the ski town, but you won’t have to go all the way there to hit the slopes, as the hotel has direct ski-in, ski-out access.
9 Ski Country Escapes to Reset, Recharge, and Indulge in 2025Montage Big Sky, Big Sky, Mont.
The newest Montage opened in December 2021 with 139 luxury rooms, 39 residences, and ski-in/ski-out access via the Lewis & Clark high-speed quad, steps from the massive property. Tucked into its own base area, the Montage Big Sky is the best of both worlds. It’s off the beaten path, which helps it feel like an exclusive destination, but it’s connected to the rest of the ski area by lifts and shuttles, so you can enjoy the restaurants and bars at the main village and the town of Big Sky when you feel like it.
The Montage Big Sky’s crown jewel, though, is its state-of-the-art, 11,000-square foot spa. With 12 treatment rooms, decked out his and hers relaxation lounges with plunge pools and steam rooms, dreamy indoor pool and 3,000-square-foot fitness center. Spa Montage signature treatments include the High Altitude Acclimation Massage, designed to help people adjust to the higher elevation and mountain elements, and the Full Bliss, a complete body treatment that includes an exfoliation followed by a hot-stone massage.
The Best Places to Travel in March, From Cuba to GreenlandBig Sky, Montana
If you think ski season is over by the time March rolls around, think again: Montana’s Big Sky Resort doesn’t close its slopes until late April, meaning you can still enjoy prime conditions during this month. Big Sky features an incredible 5,850 acres of skiable terrain, with sizable portions dedicated to both beginner and expert runs (keep an eye out for the brand-new Lone Peak Tram opening this winter.) It’s easily one of the best ski destinations in the country, but the region offers so much more than rides down the slopes. Yellowstone National Park is just an hour away, for example, and the park’s geothermal pools look even more brilliant set against a backdrop of snow.
You could also have your fill of skiing at Montage Big Sky, an alpine resort that offers ski-in, ski-out access to Big Sky Resort. On top of that, the property also provides guests with opportunities for snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, hiking, and fly-fishing—not to mention some seriously luxurious interiors. Cozy up by the lobby fireplace or snuggle in the fur throw at the foot of your bed, then treat yourself to a massage or grab a craft cocktail at the après-ski bar.