Montage Big Sky

Montage Big Sky is another hotel where the constituent parts of the name tell more or less the whole story — the Californian purveyor of lavish high-design resort experiences meets the rugged Rocky Mountain wilderness of southwestern Montana. This isn’t Jackson Hole or Aspen; until now, Big Sky hasn’t seen high-end hospitality on Montage’s level. And, likewise, it’s a long way from Laguna Beach; the untamed wilderness is close at hand, as is some of North America’s finest skiing.

With 139 rooms and suites it’s no small addition, and it also comes with a 10,000-square-foot spa, its own 18-hole golf course, and ski-in/ski-out access to the lift system at Big Sky Resort. There’s also a tubing hill, an ice rink, bike, horse, and Nordic trails, and a fly-fishing outfitter. The rooms and suites are expansive and lavishly outfitted, with enough rustic edge to the décor to retain an authentic sense of place.

For all its extravagant high-end comforts, Montage Big Sky’s atmosphere nevertheless remains unpretentious and down-to-earth. Alpenglow, the lobby bar, is a dramatic triple-height space with astounding views through full-length windows, and Backcast Bar & Grill and Beartooth Pub & Rec serve hearty Western fare with a casual, convivial atmosphere. Meanwhile Cortina, the more formal restaurant, adds a Northern Italian accent.