Luxury in Big Sky Montana

​I was recently invited by one of my best luxury suppliers to experience two luxury resorts in Big Sky, Montana. They believe, as I do, that to truly be able to describe a resort or area you must experience it for yourself! Hard job, but somebody has to do it!

Big Sky, Montana was once known primarily among hardcore skiers and fly-fishing devotees, but it has rapidly evolved into one of North America’s most compelling mountain destinations. This transformation has been accelerated by the arrival of two world-class luxury resorts: Montage Big Sky and One & Only Moonlight Basin. Together, they elevate the region’s accommodation offerings while showcasing why Big Sky itself is one of the finest ski resorts in the world.

At the heart of Big Sky’s appeal is its extraordinary skiing. With 5,850 skiable acres, Big Sky Resort is the largest ski resort in the United States, offering unmatched variety and room to roam. Unlike more crowded mountain destinations, Big Sky’s sheer scale allows skiers to spread out, resulting in fewer lift lines and a sense of freedom that is increasingly rare. Big Sky's terrain caters to all ability levels with wide, groomed runs for beginners and intermediates and steep chutes, bowls, and cliffs for expert skiers. This diversity makes Big Sky especially appealing for families and mixed-ability groups, where everyone can find terrain that suits their style.

Located in the northern Rockies, Big Sky enjoys consistent snowfall, averaging around 400 inches annually. Cold temperatures help preserve snow quality, while high-alpine terrain ensures long seasons that typically stretch from late November through April. Perhaps Big Sky’s most defining ski advantage is its lack of congestion. Even during peak season, skiers often remark on the absence of crowds compared to resorts like Aspen, Vail, or Park City — a rarity for a resort of this size and quality.

This site inspection trip involved two luxury properties, The Montage, and the newly opened, One and Only.  

Opened in December 2021, Montage Big Sky became Montana’s first ultra-luxury resort, setting a new standard for mountain hospitality. Located in the private Spanish Peaks enclave, the resort offers ski-in/ski-out access paired with refined alpine design and warm Western character.



The 5-star resort features 139 guestrooms, suites, and residences, many with panoramic mountain views. Guests can enjoy a full-service spa, multiple dining venues highlighting regional flavors, and family friendly activities such as bowling, pools, and outdoor recreation spaces. 

Montage’s appeal lies in its balance — equally suited to ski vacations, summer escapes, and multigenerational travel — making it a cornerstone of Big Sky’s luxury scene.



The arrival of One & Only Moonlight Basin marks a milestone not just for Big Sky, but for U.S. mountain resorts as a whole. As the brand’s first American property, One & Only brings its signature blend of privacy, design excellence, and personalized service to Montana’s dramatic Moonlight Basin. You may have stayed in one of their other properties outside of the states.  The One and Only Palmilla has been one of the most popular and celebrity visited properties in Cabos for years. 

With rooms, suites, private cabins, and estate homes, the resort emphasizes immersion in nature while maintaining effortless luxury. Skiers benefit from seamless mountain access via an on-site gondola, while non-skiers are drawn to a world class wellness center, including the first Chenot Spa in the United States.  Architecturally, the lodges are designed to blend in with the landscape.  They have elevated dining experiences inspired by the surrounding wilderness.  

One & Only Moonlight Basin raises the bar for Big Sky alongside elite global destinations like Aspen, Courchevel, and St. Moritz — while preserving Montana’s sense of space and solitude.

With Montage Big Sky and One & Only Moonlight Basin anchoring the high end, Big Sky has evolved from a well-kept secret into a destination that offers both authentic mountain adventure and refined luxury — all beneath Montana’s famously wide, open sky. The combination of massive uncrowded terrain with reliable snow and different levels of skiing, Big Sky is a standout not only in the American West, but globally.