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, suites and residences it’s no small addition, and it also comes with an 11,000-square-foot spa, ski-in/ski-out access to the lift system at Big Sky Resort, and access to Spanish Peaks Mountain Club’s Tom Weiskopf–designed 18-hole golf course. There’s also a tubing hill, bike and Nordic trails, and Compass Sports, a recreational outfitter. Meanwhile the rooms and suites are expansive and lavishly furnished, 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, while Backcast is the après-ski venue, and Beartooth Pub & Rec serves hearty fare in a casual, convivial atmosphere. Meanwhile Cortina, the signature restaurant, adds a Northern Italian accent.