Words by Melinda Sheckells
Theories abound about why Montana is known as the “Big Sky” state. Some say the wide-open sky appears infinite as the horizon sits low against long, endless roads. Others attribute it to the land’s limitless possibilities, which embody the frontier spirit—explorers venturing into unknown territory with a sense of adventure, resilience and freedom.
Big Sky, the southwestern Montana ski town, takes its name from this Western lore and has, in turn, created some of its own. Many regard the resort with more than 5,850 acres of skiable slopes and and flights from 20 airports/19 cities (to nearby Bozeman airport) as one of the best ski destinations in America, while others who have fallen under its spell try to keep it as their best-kept secret.
With a population of little more than 3,500 people, Big Sky is a study in contrasts: new luxury resorts and 100-year-old guest ranches, private members clubs and divey saloons, celebrities and cowboys, high-tech adventures and low-key ski vibes; and Yellowstone, the national park, and the fictional Dutton Ranch from TV’s Yellowstone.
“Big Sky has evolved over the years from a hidden mountain town to a world-renowned destination—fly fishing on the Gallatin River, hiking, horseback riding, and other outdoor adventures,” says Jason Liebman, co-founder and chief investment officer of Auric Road, proprietors of Lone Mountain Ranch. “The clientele has shifted … this trend mirrors the broader movement of high-net-worth individuals seeking unique, upscale mountain experiences.”
In 2014, Liebman and Paul Makarechian bought the historic ranch built in 1915 with visions of transforming it into a luxury guest ranch. The result is 25 private log cabins within 148 acres of untamed wilderness and 53 miles of pristine cross-country ski trails.
To meet the demands of the many part-time money-is-no-object residents and the skyrocketing number of guests flocking to this unassuming destination, Lone Mountain Ranch recently unveiled the Auric Room 1915 social supper club. Members and guests can access it through a hidden door. Inside, the ambiance takes you from a rustic log cabin charm down the rabbit hole into a Prohibition-era speakeasy.
Eric Cheong of N45 Projects (an Ace Hotel Group alum) designed Auric Room as a series of intimate vignettes. The antiques, dark and moody walls, custom wallpaper, banquettes and cabinets create the feeling of a hidden saloon where cowboys, cattlemen, and railroad barons frolic alongside starlets, ingenues, and grand dames.
The special touches also create their own character: barware sourced from Hermès – Saint-Louis, custom china from Bernardaud and silver from Christofle. Bespoke commissioned art from local artists and custom lamp shades tell the story of Montana and its treasured wildlife, and a collection of curated Montana artifacts circa 1915 are on display. The staff wears designs from Emmy Award-winning costume designer Janie Bryant, who outfitted the Yellowstone series prequels.
On the plate, Auric Room bears many distinctions to appease discerning palates. It is the first certified Kobe Beef Purveyor in Montana. Enjoy the simple pleasures of a cup of tomato soup and truffle grilled cheese sandwich, or walk on the wild side with Bison Milanese, Wagyu beef katsu sandos and an opulent Caviar presentation. Rare whiskies and antique scotch complete the vibe, as does one of Montana’s most extensive wine collections.
“All who enter are bound by a shared love for Montana and embody the spirit of cowboy kindness,” says Liebman of the cell phone-free environment. To become a member, you must have a home in Montana, spend at least two months of the year there, and be committed to the Big Sky community. Continuing to embrace Lone Mountain Ranch’s pioneering spirit, the Auric Room’s first-year members are gifted a custom belt buckle in Montana tradition.
Located six miles from Lone Mountain Ranch, the Big Sky resort is the epicenter of development. Brad Niva, CEO of Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Sky, says that for many years, Big Sky primarily attracted Montanans to “the closest thing they would be to a European skiing experience in the United States.” Then came those who were outpriced by Aspen and Vail and wanted to get in early on a mountain second home.
“We are a fantastic destination that is still very undiscovered. But at the same time, if someone wants to purchase a home here or be a part of the community, there’s an opportunity,” Niva says.
Beyond vacation homeownership, the main key to tourism success is offering hotel rooms. While Big Sky has more than 1,200 vacation rentals, it only has about 600 hotel rooms. “We haven’t been able to keep up with the demand for lodging,” he says. That, however, is all changing. Niva says three new hotels are under development in the Big Sky Town Center over the next five years, and other major hotel brands are scouting in the area. On the horizon, One&Only Resorts picked Big Sky for its first U.S. location in Moonlight Basin, opening in 2025. The One&Only Ski Lodge debuts this winter with restaurants and a gondola.
“This is a blank canvas, and we’re starting to develop great offerings because of ease of access and it’s still undiscovered. However, we are restricted in growth long term as national forests surround us,” Niva says, noting that as of now, Big Sky is only about half developed.
Centrally located within Big Sky’s 3,530-acre Spanish Peaks enclave, Montage Big Sky opened in 2021 and changed the hospitality landscape with 186 guestrooms, suites and residences. It features six restaurants, including the northern Italian Cortina; Backast, a ski-in/ski-out après venue located slope side, serving craft cocktails and Asian-inspired cuisine; and the Beartooth gastropub and recreation room with a bowling alley.
For the one percent who love the destination and simply cannot leave without taking a piece of home, the ski-in-ski-out Montage Mountain Homes, with five and six bedrooms, are complete. These 15 properties nestle among Douglas Firs Engelmann Spruces and have panoramic vistas of the Spanish Peaks. A bonus with homeownership is access to Spanish Peaks Mountain Club (operated by Montage), one of three of Big Sky’s illustrious private clubs, including the celeb-favored Yellowstone Club and Moonlight Basin.
“They can live anywhere, and they’re willing to spend tens of millions of dollars to buy a home to have the Big Sky experience,” says Montage Big Sky General Manager Victorio Gonzalez, who opened the resort and has been with the brand since the beginning. “There’s a brightness and modernity to the buildings. The architectural styles, the utilization of materials, light, interior design, architectural design—it’s not what you see in many ski destinations around the world.”
When Gonzalez meets people who might be new to Big Sky, he always imparts this wisdom.
“I tell everybody, from the bottom of my heart, I think this place is stunningly beautiful. You need to come and see it, and either it will speak to you or not. They’ve been to Vail, Aspen, Whistler, Jackson Hole, and Park City, and they’re looking for something new. Big Sky is a different experience than the busy, high-end retail, nightlife-driven ski towns,” he says. “If you are looking for the purity of skiing and nature or the beauty of just being somewhere that touches your heart and soul, this is the perfect place.”
