"Why book? The first five-star resort in Big Sky is ushering in a whole new era of luxury for this mountain destination, with white-glove service, a buzzy cocktail lounge, off-the-charts restaurants, and—finally—a legit spa. Set the scene A local musician croons from behind the piano in Alpenglow, the Montage’s buzzy après bar. The lifts have stopped for the day and skiers have shed their Bogner gear by the roaring central fire. As the evening progresses, the ski-chic crowd mixes with Yellowstone and Spanish Peaks Club members decked out in stylish cowboy hats and boots and Filson sweaters. Tech execs in their 30s and 40s mingle with local artists and philanthropists—and yes, that just might be Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel in the corner, but the crowd doesn’t seem to care. The backstory Developed in partnership with Lone Mountain Land Company, the $400 million resort is the second mountain property from the Montage brand (Deer Valley was the first). Montage founder, Alan Fuerstman, personally moves into every new property for its first month of operations to ensure the brand’s signature five-star service is up to snuff. The rooms Thoughtful layouts and timeless design create a sense of home versus hotel. The 139 rooms, suites, and residences are done up in neutral earth tones inspired by the hotel’s natural setting; most have terraces and balconies with mountain views. There’s a refreshing lack of antler decor, and instead photography and coffee table books pay homage to the American West. Gas fireplaces turn on with a flip of a switch and deep Italian marble tubs are easily large enough for two. Residences range in size from two to six bedrooms. Food and drink Alpenglow has fast become the hottest après spot for the Yellowstone and Spanish Peaks Mountain Club crowds, thanks to its fantastic lineup of local music, stellar cocktails (ask Zach to mix a negroni with cold brew-infused Campari), and fancy nibbles like caviar and potato chips. There’s also bubbles (the champagne by the glass selection is excellent) and raclette cart service. Cortina transports guests to Northern Italy with dishes such as braised ossobuco and paccheri Bolognese topped with white truffle, while Beartooth Rec and Pub has a menu of comfort foods like wagyu nachos and oversized hot pretzels served alongside cold-smoked beer cheese dip. Skiers who like to get an early start will appreciate Wildflower Market, which serves coffee, breakfast burritos and house-made pastries, as well as grab-and-go sandwiches and salad for picnic lunches and meal kits. The spa The area’s first serious spa is a knockout with an indoor lap pool, facials utilizing products from lauded Swiss brand Valmont and L.A.-based Arcona, and innovative therapies like sound healing and massages that help guests acclimate to the altitude. The neighborhood/area Located within the 3,530-acre Spanish Peaks enclave, the resort is about a 20-minute drive from the Big Sky Resort base area and main town. A complimentary Cadillac program makes it a breeze to get around. The ski-in/ski-out location is about five turns to the Lewis & Clark lift, which accesses beginner-friendly terrain including cruisey, wide-open groomers like Deep South and approachable gladed runs like Lizette. Experienced skiers will want to shuttle down to the base to access the resort’s double black diamond runs. The service The brand is known for its polished service, and it comes with a genuine Western warmth here. Staff are highly attentive without being overbearing. One day we shuttled down to the base of Big Sky, and the bellman realized my friend had left her ski poles leaning on the wall of the hotel. He raced down behind us to deliver them. For families Montage nails it when it comes to family fun for all ages. In winter, an ice skating rink, tubing hill, and designated beginner’s ski area are steps from the hotel door, and a resident “marshmallowgist” hosts end-of-day s’mores sessions by the fire pit. Paintbox, the brand’s signature kid’s program, includes educational (animal print tracking) and active (obstacle courses) outdoor pursuits. Beartooth Pub and Rec is a parent’s dream, with a menu of wood-fired pizzas, ice cream sundaes, and craft beers, plus arcade games and an adjacent bowling alley. Eco effort This is the first Montage property that’s 100% plastic-free. Accessibility There are eight designated ADA accessible rooms and suites. Anything left to mention? The on-site activity center, Compass Sports, makes outdoor recreation effortless. In winter, you can purchase lift tickets directly at the shop and the team arranges ski lockers, rentals, boot fittings, and lessons and guides. And there’s plenty to do beyond downhill skiing, from guided snowshoe treks with a naturalist to Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. In summer, the resort is less than an hour from Yellowstone National Park and golfers can play the private 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf. The hotel’s art collection—all from Montana artists—is museum-worthy, and the carefully curated boutique features gorgeous custom cowboy hats from Bozeman-based Montana Territory Hat Company. Finally, in 100 words or less, what makes this hotel worthy of Hot List? Big Sky has always been more rugged than refined, but the debut of this slopeside resort has Aspen and Jackson Hole loyalists rethinking their next ski vacation. With a 10,000-square foot spa (the first true spa in the region), buzzy bar scene, and stellar restaurants, the property ensures even non-skiers will keep occupied. In fact, Montage is already the favored hangout of locals, including neighboring Yellowstone Club members." - Jen Murphy
