Big Sky Resort: The Summit Hotel - A Rad Traveler Review
Welcome to Big Sky Resort, Montana, where the majestic mountains meet the thrill of winter sports! Nestled in the heart of this winter wonderland is the Summit Hotel, a luxurious haven that offers an unforgettable ski vacation experience. Let's go through our first class journey through the powdery slopes and cozy retreats of not only The Summit Hotel, but the Big Sky area as well.
Getting Here
Flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) was a fine experience. Plenty of flights going to and from for a seemingly remote location. The airport itself is fantastic for the size - an almost luxurious lodge aesthetic to it that I thought was very nice. For transportation we decided to use Turo, the airbnb of car rentals, for the first time and I have to say - I will do it every time I can from here on out when available. It was unbelievably easy when compared to your traditional rental car company. I picked my vehicle (a new Sequoia) and our host just told me where the vehicle was parked and that the keys were on the tire. No lines, no shuttle - just got our bags, found the car and we were off. An easy 45 minute drive later and we're pulling into The Summit Hotel at Big Sky Resort.
The Summit Hotel
Stepping into the Summit Hotel felt like entering a cozy mountain retreat. We were greeted by polite men in cowboy hats ready to get our bags and park our car. The lobby was cozy and warm - with refreshments and treats off to the side by the fireplace. Staff were courteous and helpful, but not too overbearing with the niceties. We had a Summit King room which was warm, comfortable and adorned with rustic furnishings and modern amenities. We had a view of the pool and the Ramcharger lift with the mountain as the backdrop. Our first impression of Big Sky and The Summit Hotel so far was high and we were ready to see more.
Food and Drink
One of the highlights of staying at the Summit Hotel was the unassumingly awesome Carabiner restaurant - the après lounge/bar with great views of the mountain. I usually don't have high expectations for lounge type bars as far as food goes, but Carabiner was on another level when it came to the food. Every dish, appetizer to dessert, was truly incredible. My wife and I loved it so much that we ended up eating there three different times (we were only there four nights). It's all good - but I personally would recommend getting the Korean Fired Caulilini as a starter. Both the Dandan Noodles and Pad Thai were my favorite entrees. Finish it with some Mountain-Berry Cobbler and you'll go to sleep happy.
Other fantastic spots include Peaks Steakhouse which we sat at the bar one evening and it was fantastic. Not part of The Summit but definitely requires mentioning is Everett's 8800. This sits at the top of the Ramcharger lift, a heated, bubble speed lift. Just a luxurious lodge-style building with five-star food. There are other restaurants around the base area that we heard were excellent. One thing to take note of was that Uber/Lyft was hard to come by. It could have been the winter conditions, but rideshare availability was scarce.
Ski-In/Ski-Out Convenience
My family goes skiing most years and a lot of places we stay will tout that they have ski-in/ski-out, but it's always a trek to get your skis, then a trek to the lift and it's not the experience you hoped for. The Summit Hotel was different. First thing, the on-site ski shop came to our room to fit us with our boots and delivered our skis/poles to the valet for us, which was extremely nice. When we were ready to ski, just outside the back doors of the hotel, you walk about 18 steps and you're at the welcoming ski valet. The friendly individual there asks your room number and they grab your skis and poles for you. The lift is only about 30 yards from there but the ski valet walks them about 20 of those yards and lays the skis down for you to strap in and go. At lunch time or the end of the day, you can literally ski down to within five feet of the valet, pole out of the skis and you're inside 18 steps later. The only piece of this that wasn't perfect was you had to wear your boots inside the hotel and then back to your room. The hotel is relatively small, so it's not a long walk at all, but no one wants to walk around in their ski boots for long. That piece aside - the ski-in/ski-out experience is truly phenomenal and what we always want - a short walk to our skis and then another short walk to the lift.
The Mountain
Whether you're a seasoned skier or a beginner hitting the slopes for the first time, Big Sky Resort has something for everyone. The resort boasts a diverse range of terrain, including groomed trails, challenging bowls, and thrilling tree runs. I characterize myself as an intermediate skier with a cautious attitude. I don't feel the need to do a double black diamond - I'd rather enjoy a tough blue and keep my knees intact. The skiing was awesome - I've skied Utah, Colorado and West Virginia and I'd rank this at the top. The size of the mountain and the quality of the lifts were what I liked most.
The Fitness Center
For those looking to stay active and maintain their fitness routine during their stay, is well-equipped and spacious. With a range of exercise machines and equipment, it has everything you'll need to get a good workout in before your workout on the mountain. My wife and I enjoy exercise and would go workout each morning before hitting the mountain.
The Solace Spa
If you're seeking ultimate relaxation, the on-site spa at the Summit Hotel is the perfect retreat. Indulge in a variety of treatments, ranging from massages to facials, designed to pamper and rejuvenate your body and mind. This was one part I did not get to experience - not for lack of desire, just a lack of time and greater desire for the pool (which is coming next). Disclaimer - we did talk with others who went to the spa and they thoroughly enjoyed it.
Outdoor Pool/Hot Tub
Of everything the Summit Hotel and Big Sky has to offer, this may have been the most enjoyable part of it all. With a 6-pack of local beer in hand, we'd head down to the steamy, indoor/outdoor pool to find us a spot near a jet to unwind. The pool was a relaxing and social experience. Most people had a drink in hand and were with their group in this oversized vessel of goodness. We'd hang out in the pool for probably an hour each afternoon before getting ready for dinner. It was the perfect way to unwind and just enjoy life.
Big Sky Resort Base
The Summit Hotel isn't the only place at the base of the mountain. There's The Huntley Lodge, the Shoshone Hotel and numerous shops and restaurants. Westward Social is a trendy and cozy apres spot for drinks and apps. Montana Jack has some of the best burgers I've ever had and you can't pass up the Yeti Dogs gourmet hot dog shop. One letdown was the Umbrella Bar. Typically these places are where I want to be after a long day of skiing but it was pretty small and cramped and honestly difficult to get to, at least from where we'd come in after skiing. Other than that, there are plenty of spots to shop for clothes and gear - even a nice market for some groceries, drinks and other necessities.
If I haven't made it clear enough, traveling to Big Sky Resort in the winter for skiing is an experience that will leave you in awe. From the vast skiable terrain to the breathtaking mountain vistas, every moment spent on the slopes is an exhilarating adventure. The Summit Hotel, with its luxurious accommodations and convenient amenities, provides the perfect base for your winter escapades. Whether you're a seasoned skier seeking challenging runs or a beginner looking to hone your skills, Big Sky offers something for everyone. And after a day of carving through fresh powder, there's nothing quite like relaxing in a heated pool, surrounded by a winter wonderland. Big Sky Resort and The Summit Hotel is a true haven for winter sports enthusiasts, couples and families, promising unforgettable memories and a sense of awe-inspiring natural beauty that will stay with you long after you leave.
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- Rad Dad
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