Most romantic Montana vacations: Local reveals the best of Big Sky

Cozy 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.

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Hitting 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.

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Big 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 Getaway

Big 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.

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Montage 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.

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Big 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.

The Still Wild West

One of the best ski-in-ski-out resorts around is Montage Big Sky, owned by developer Lone Mountain Land, which opened its doors in December 2021 as the largest luxury hotel in the area.

It has 139 guest rooms and suites plus 39 residences (all now sold), ranging from two-six bedrooms and up to 8,100 square feet, with designer finishes and open-plan kitchens. As well as the six different restaurants, spa and bowling alley and golf simulator at the hotel, owners get access to a new clubhouse. During the summer months, there is also the 18-hole Tom Weiskopf championship course at Spanish Peaks.

Montana-inspired photos and pictures are ubiquitous, with over $1 million of curated art on the walls, including bold monochrome landscapes by Kene Sperry and the engaging faces of David Yarrow.

For a year-round lesson in beauty and nature, Montana really does have it all.

The vision behind Tom’s 10 at Spanish Peaks Mountain Club

A top-10 experience

We started back up in June 2023, coming off one of the biggest snow years and wettest springs that I have ever experienced. Because of the snowpack and wet weather, we couldn’t get out to do any work on the par 3 until late June.

It was a busy 2023 season with final shaping, cartpath installation, grassing and native establishment. We sodded the last green in early September and laid the last bluegrass sod in the rough surrounds at the end of September. We were able to mow the greens a few times before spraying our snow mold protection, preparing the course for winter, and for the most part, all the sod had rooted before we got our first snowfall. The course was ready for winter, and we felt good about where we were at.

We dedicated the par-3 course to Tom by calling it Tom’s 10. All the holes were homages to his favorite par-3 holes he had played throughout his career:

 

I often am asked, “Why a 10-hole par-3 course instead of a traditional nine-hole course?” The original design was a nine-hole par 3, but during the routing exercises, Tom made it a 10-hole routing. Tom’s answer was, “If we could fit more holes in this parcel, we would; I want to give them as much golf as we can see fit.” So we ended up with 10 holes and a practice putting green.

Why Autumn Is The Perfect Time To Visit Big Sky, Montana

Burrowed in Montana’s Madison Mountain range, near Yellowstone National Park’s northwestern border, Big Sky is year-round destination full of exciting outdoor activities for folks of all ages. From skiing, snowboarding, fat biking, tubing, and snowmobiling in the snow-filled months to hiking, mountain biking, golfing, or white water rafting in the warmer seasons to marveling at the towering Lone Peak, which stretches 11,166 feet into the air, there’s much to do at Big Sky Resort and the surrounding area to keep your entire family entertained no matter what season. Autumn, however, is an extraordinary time to visit Big Sky. You’ll find that not only is the weather crisp and clear, but also, there are fewer crowds and plenty of special offers and packages during this shoulder season.

“Autumn is an especially awe-inspiring time to visit our destination, for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the tranquility of nature,” says Victorio Gonzalez, Montage Big Sky General Manager. “The air turns crisp, and the foliage begins its vibrant transformation, the pace of life slows, and the wildlife returns to the forefront of the land, allowing guests to fully immerse in Montana’s untamed beauty.”

The rooms are spacious and well designed, giving guests the opportunity to relax and sink into the mountain culture. Montage Big Sky

For comfortable luxury with a modern alpine feel, look no further than Montage Big Sky, where the spirit and character of the mountain west is alive and well. From eye-catching photography, found throughout the hotel and in the guest rooms, to ambient lighting and plush linens, fabrics, and furnishings, each of the 139 spacious guest rooms, suites, and residences are designed with nature’s palette of colors and natural materials.

Where to Eat

Enjoy sips and noshes at multiple places around the resort, including Backcast, a casual option for vacationers. Montage Big Sky

Dine at Cortina, for mouthwatering Italian fare, where you may order handmade pastas or something off of the wood-fired grill. Open for breakfast and dinner, this is the elevated spot to fill your belly before or after an adventurous activity in the outdoors.

Enjoy live music, bites, and inventive cocktails at Alpenglow, named after the lovely sunsets Big Sky is known for. An all-day menu is available to keep you satiated no matter what your vacation’s itinerary holds. Choose from bison tartare, cucumber soup, chicken schnitzel, caviar, or a number of other seasonal favorites.

Families love the ease and fun of Beartooth Pub & Rec, the perfect casual place for a game of bowling, darts, or pool. Be sure to sample a wood-fired pizza or giant pretzel while you play arcade games with your loved ones for the evening.

Other options in include the Wildflower Market for grab-and-go snacks and coffee; Backcast, for mountainside ambiance and imaginative fare; and in-room dining.

How to Save

Kids get to pick out their very own stuffed animal, a special on-arrival amenity. Montage Big Sky

Several packages and extra savings are offered during the fall season at Montage Big Sky. For example, for the Autumn Away Package, enjoy a complimentary fourth night, when you reserve three consecutive nights. For the Advance Purchase package, reserve your vacation 30 or more days in advance and enjoy discounted rates. The Spa Memories package includes a $200 daily spa credit, a $75 daily breakfast credit, and complimentary valet parking. The Discover Big Sky Package offers discounts for bike rentals, guided hikes, and archery.

The extra savings make this property the perfect basecamp for adventure before you head out to explore Big Sky or visit Yellowstone National Park. Plus, the the added benefit of fewer tourists this time of year really makes this a special experience for families.

What to Do

The large outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs provide perfect places to relax and enjoy some down time with your family in tow. Montage Big Sky

“The inherent solitude of this vast landscape creates a sense of peace that is hard to find elsewhere,” says Gonzalez. “The fall season at Yellowstone National Park is a hidden gem that offers a truly spectacular experience and prime viewing opportunities, without the elevated number of visitors that the park experiences in the summer months. Guests can enjoy a privately guided tour led by one of our expert naturalists and witness the famed rut season, where bison, elk, and other wildlife put on a dramatic display of dominance to attract their mates, a truly captivating time to observe animals in their natural habitat.”

When you’ve explore Big Sky and the surrounding area enough and are ready for some rest and relaxation, book a treatment at Spa Montage Big Sky. Make sure you give yourself extra time to enjoy the heated plunge pool, steam rooms, and exclusive indoor swimming pool. From body treatments to facial therapies to massages to skin care to sound therapies to couples’ treatments, there’s something for everyone here.

“Complement these moments with a cozy fireside nook to enjoy a warm beverage and a comforting meal featuring locally harvested fare at Cortina, leaving you rejuvenated and grounded in Montana’s natural beauty”, says Gonzalez.

How Big Sky, Montana Became The Hottest New Mountain Town

Residences at Montage Big Sky

After its much-celebrated opening in 2021, Montage Big Sky has doubled down on its coveted mountain hospitality with new residences. In addition to its 139 guest rooms, Montage now offers residences from two to six bedrooms available for short-term rentals. Many of these are two-story and come complete with expansive living spaces, outdoor patios, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens for entertaining and staying awhile. Located right in the heart of the hotel or a quick walk to the other side of the property (through an underground tunnel to stay warm in winter), the residences still have a luxury hotel feel and, of course, offer all the same amenities.

The Montage recently unveiled 14 free-standing Mountain Homes right next door to the main lodge. These state-of-the-art five- or six-bedroom homes are ideal for those who want to enjoy the best of mountain home ownership and the five-star hotel experience.

Best of all, the Montage Big Sky resort is conveniently at your fingertips, including its three signature restaurants, massive spa facilities, fitness center, daily yoga, event spaces, cozy lounge areas with sweeping views, daily curated live music, and impressive art collection of work by David Yarrow, Sperry Kane, and more. The hotel and residence alpine hospitality offerings pay homage to welcoming Montana culture. 

Nestled within the private Spanish Peaks Mountain Club, the hotel is a luxury hub for mountain activities in any season. It has direct access to the rest of the resort and all the amenities of its resort community, including an 18-hole golf course. 

For those wanting to make Montage Big Sky a more permanent investment, a purchase of a coveted residence also buys you an automatic membership to the neighboring Yellowstone Club, the famously posh 2,200-acre playground with rumored members including Bill Gates, Justin Timberlake, and more. 

Owning a residence at Montage Big Sky means enjoying all the state-of-the-art spaces including ski-in ski-out services, boot rooms, and private entrances.

To read the full article on Paper City Mag, click here.