Boutique luxury hotel group One&Only has just opened reservations for its newest property, and it’ll likely be among the best ski resorts in the United States.
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Basics of the One&Only Moonlight Basin, Big Sky
The One&Only Moonlight Basin is located in Big Sky, Montana, and is now accepting reservations for stays as of November 18, 2025. This is One&Only’s first location in the United States, and for that matter, it’s the brand’s first ski resort anywhere in the world.
The One&Only Moonlight Basin has 73 guest rooms and suites, in addition to residences. The resort is located in the high-end ski town of Big Sky, Montana, which has year-round activities, from skiing in winter (the resort has ski-in, ski-out access to Big Sky Resort), to hiking in summer.
Accommodations at the One&Only are generously sized, with entry level rooms starting at 725 square feet, which is typically what you’d expect from a suite. Entry level rooms even have fireplaces, double sinks, and a soaking tub. Suites, meanwhile, start at 1,100 square feet.
The One&Only Moonlight Basin includes several distinct food and beverage concepts, including Wildwood (the all-day dining restaurant), Dear Josephine Lounge (the main lodge bar), and Moon Shack (a whisky shack).
As you’d expect, the property boasts a wellness area with a full-service spa, gym, and indoor pool.
The property’s design looks gorgeous, and I love the Alpine lodge vibe it has going. A lot of very wealthy people have homes in Big Sky, though historically, hotel options have been limited. Currently, the Montage Big Sky is the best hotel in the area, though I imagine the One&Only will be better.
I have no doubt that the property will be physically beautiful, though I’m curious what service will be like. While the United States has some resort towns with amazing ski conditions, everything else leaves a bit to be desired, from the food and drinks, to the service, to the overall inclusions and value. For example, I recently reviewed the Montage Big Sky, and while it’s physically quite a nice property, the service and overall nickel-and-diming left a bad taste in my mouth, especially given the rates being charged.
One&Only Moonlight Basin rates & how to book
As you’d expect, the One&Only Moonlight Basin isn’t cheap, as is the case with virtually any luxury hotel in the United States. That’s especially true in a place like Big Sky, which has very limited hotel inventory.
Currently reservations are primarily open for the ski season, and rates generally start at $2,360 per night. Those rates are inclusive of taxes and fees, meaning the “base” rate is $1,950 per night, and then there’s a 9% resort fee, 8% tourism tax, and 4% resort tax.
If you are going to book the One&Only Moonlight Basin, I’d recommend doing so through Virtuoso. You’ll pay the same rate you find directly with the hotel, and you’ll receive a room upgrade subject to availability, a $100 property credit, and early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability.
As far as the rates go, of course $2K+ per night is a lot of money to charge. But then again, that’s exactly what you’d expect pricing to be, as that rate is lower than the cash rate at properties like the St. Regis Deer Valley, St. Regis Aspen, etc. (then again, those are sort of points farms, and the rates being charged probably don’t reflect anything close to their average daily rate).
Bottom line
The One&Only Moonlight Basin is expected to open in Big Sky, Montana, in November 2025. This will be the second new luxury property to open in Big Sky in recent years. The property looks very nice, and will probably offer a bit more intimate and elevated of an experience compared to the Montage.
I just have a hard time getting too excited about US ski resorts in terms of the overall experience, given the prices. The US has amazing skiing, but other aspects of the ski experience pale in comparison to what you’ll find in parts of Europe, like at Airelles Courchevel and Airelles Val d’Isère.
What do you make of the One&Only Moonlight Basin?
Manage your expectations.
Big Sky, a stunning destination known for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities, unfortunately faces significant challenges in maintaining a qualified hospitality workforce. The region's dependence on seasonal and foreign workers often results in a workforce that, while eager and enthusiastic, is subjected to suboptimal working conditions. These employees, primarily foreign nationals, often face exploitation and inadequate compensation, which contributes to high turnover rates and staffing shortages.
That translates into...
Manage your expectations.
Big Sky, a stunning destination known for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities, unfortunately faces significant challenges in maintaining a qualified hospitality workforce. The region's dependence on seasonal and foreign workers often results in a workforce that, while eager and enthusiastic, is subjected to suboptimal working conditions. These employees, primarily foreign nationals, often face exploitation and inadequate compensation, which contributes to high turnover rates and staffing shortages.
That translates into a level of service that is substandard for what you pay.
Let's just say this is only the beginning of the future of Big Sky. I was part of a team who designed the master plan for the next 50 years of the resort/town and there's tons to be excited about coming down the road! The owner and his family are the nicest people with an incredible vision for the future of the area (and an impeccable taste in design/architecture that I am sure you will appreciate, Ben)
Your articles always mention skiing, ski resort, etc - is this a case of writing convenience on your part or indicative of a ski-centric culture? As I recall, in the past skiers have looked down on snowboarders. Is that still the case at a place like this or are all who participate in snow sports welcomed?
If it’s writing convenience I understand as saying “skiing” is a lot more concise than “plank-based downhill snow sports”...
Your articles always mention skiing, ski resort, etc - is this a case of writing convenience on your part or indicative of a ski-centric culture? As I recall, in the past skiers have looked down on snowboarders. Is that still the case at a place like this or are all who participate in snow sports welcomed?
If it’s writing convenience I understand as saying “skiing” is a lot more concise than “plank-based downhill snow sports” or the like. Just curious what the vibe is these days.
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Dusty Guest
March 26, 2025, 9:54 am
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MidSouthSkier Community Ambassador
March 26, 2025, 10:24 am
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Andrew Y Guest
March 26, 2025, 12:01 pm
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Some are Snowflakes Guest
March 26, 2025, 4:49 pm
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Ben Schlappig OMAAT
March 26, 2025, 12:04 pm
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Timtamtrak Diamond
March 26, 2025, 5:16 pm
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Jack Guest
March 26, 2025, 5:48 pm
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Timtamtrak Diamond
March 26, 2025, 10:30 pm
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7 more repliesAs a snowboarder, I typically always use "ski" unless the person I'm talking to asks for more information. It's due to brevity, that's it. I imagine Ben's the same way, and he also skis so for him it's more accurate as well. And yes, snowboarders are welcome at Big Sky.
Can you point to any "downhill snow sports" resort that touts itself as a "snowboard" resort, or are you just trying to make a mountain out of a molehill?
I'm with @Dusty that it's just plain easier to say "ski" vs. "ski/snowboard/monoski/snow bike", etc.
Big Sky does allow snowboarders. I think there are only a handful of large resorts in the US that do not allow it. Deer Valley, Alta, and Mad River Glen are the only major resorts I can think of that don't allow it.
And, as @UA-NYC said, I guess it's technically ski-in/ski-out because it has access to a gondola that...
I'm with @Dusty that it's just plain easier to say "ski" vs. "ski/snowboard/monoski/snow bike", etc.
Big Sky does allow snowboarders. I think there are only a handful of large resorts in the US that do not allow it. Deer Valley, Alta, and Mad River Glen are the only major resorts I can think of that don't allow it.
And, as @UA-NYC said, I guess it's technically ski-in/ski-out because it has access to a gondola that will take you to the base on the Moonlight side but don't confuse that with being near the main base of the resort.
All my snowboarder friends use the work “ski”. To be inclusive, you might say “ski and ride” which is what you do with a snowboard. But it’s not necessary as everyone knows what you are referring to.
Some snowboarders are very sensitive and cannot handle the fact that they can't shred at three places in the US. Not saying that's true for you. Just got accosted at Alta last year, it was wild.
@ Timtamtrak -- Fair question, thanks! As others have mentioned, nothing really meant by it, and when I say "ski" I mean any snow activity. It's the same as how resorts generally aren't called snowboard-in, snowboard-out, even if they offer that. :-)
Thanks for all the responses! I wasn’t trying to make a mountain out of a molehill (bunny slope?) at all. Since the last several ski resort reviews have been for pretty upscale places I wasn’t sure if they were going to make themselves like Alta.
Would be great if they took the Alta approach.
Why, Jack?
Part of it is actually open now. Sky Lodge / The Landing. Had dinner there a week ago. Expensive as you would guess, but good and drinks pretty good. Service pretty mediocre however.
The architecture and private homes built all around it are similar in style and quite stunning. But still as massive construction zone that is poorly signed.
It’s also a good 15 min drive to the main Big Sky resort, 20 or so into the town.
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Desperado Guest
March 26, 2025, 9:06 am
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I really wanna know Guest
March 26, 2025, 4:50 pm
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1 more replyThe burger at the restaurant is really good. Agree that service is super mid.
It’s not ski in/out, but the Wilson Hotel at the base of the mountain is good points option,
Best way to stay in Big Sky is to rent a home in Moonlight Basin community - they go for about $2k per night, but they are 5 bedroom/5 bath high end homes with ski in/ski out.
Real talk - did America have a good service culture in the past? Or has it always been this way?