I Was Intimidated by Planning My First Cold-weather Vacation — but This Montana Lodge Exceeded All My Expectations

When you think of Montana, you may think of rustic ski lodges, not an intimate chalet of luxury accommodations with a staff that knows you and your family by name. While I was at first intimidated by planning my first cold-weather destination vacation, waking up to stunning views and having our entire trip itinerary planned from start to finish took away all reservations.

Our stay at Sage Lodge completely transformed our travel to the American West. It was an unforgettable and unparalleled experience, including plush accommodations, the best food we’ve ever had, and a luxury chauffeured safari tour with black-car service throughout Yellowstone National Park.

Sage Lodge opened just before the pandemic started in 2020,but has since become the ultimate Montana luxury ranch resort, a one-stop destination for travelers who want the ease of an all-inclusive adventure in the American West and nothing lacking in between.

When we reached Paradise Valley, I immediately understood the name. When you arrive, you can tell you are about to experience something special as soon as the iconic view of the Emigrant Mountains greets you from the lodge’s two-story atrium, where you can check in, dine, or relax.

This resort challenges you to explore and enjoy. Encouragement is everywhere, from the s’mores kits for the fire pits to the long list of included resort amenities and rental gear. We never felt like we had to be backcountry experts because the staff was ready to help at every turn. With just 50 guest rooms, it was clear that our experience would be different and more intimate than any other luxury resort we’ve ever stayed in.

I am convinced that this is Montana’s best-kept secret. Here is my complete review of Sage Lodge.

The Rooms

Sage Lodge is a boutique hotel with 50 guest rooms in the main lodge, as well as free-standing ranch houses ideal for larger family gatherings and group trips. The rooms are plush and cozy, which is exactly what one would expect from a Western lodge getaway.

Guest rooms range from 400 to nearly 700 square feet, sleeping around four guests comfortably. Bathrooms are spacious and spa-like, with walk-in showers and a soaking tub perfect for soaking or relaxing after a day of adventure. Each room offers a gas fireplace, ideal for keeping warm on cold Montana nights, and walk-out patios or windows with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There’s no wrong answer, regardless of which room style you choose.

The free-standing ranch houses make this property the perfect multi-generational getaway or group trip paradise. They provide all the comforts and luxuries of the main lodge guest rooms with more space and amenities, such as private rooms and bathrooms for up to 16 guests. In addition, they have a fully equipped kitchen and common areas for family entertainment.

Food and Drink

Dining at Sage Lodge is part of the experience. Two on-site restaurants offer rustic Montana fare, as well as in-room and on-the-go dining services.

Ingredients are sourced locally where possible, and I had the best steak I’ve ever had at The Grill, a casual steakhouse. The meats are house-aged and arrive from local ranches, the veggies are grown in the garden, and local beers are served on tap.

The fireside room is located right in the main lodge atrium. It is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, and the chef has designed a menu that offers comfort foods for any taste bud or preference.

Activities and Experiences

Activities and experiences at Sage Lodge are the true selling points for first-time Montana travelers. The resort has an incredible excursion coordination team that provides guests with a printed calendar of daily on-site activities.

On-site activities vary based on the season and range from fly fishing classes to wine tastings and on-site guided hiking trails to luxury guided safari tours of nearby Yellowstone National Park in a private SUV black car service with a personal tour guide. First-time visitors to Montana may feel overwhelmed by the experience of visiting a cold weather destination for vacation and need help deciding what activities are right for them, especially when traveling with children. However, the Sage Lodge team considers your interests when planning your trip itinerary. Many iconic Montana outdoor activities are offered right on the property, which leaves guests feeling immersed in the mountain lifestyle without leaving the comfort of their resort.

For a relaxed day on the property, there are many “at your leisure” activities, such as board games, nighttime stargazing, crafts, and more.

The Spa

Despite outdoor activity being such a large part of what makes the Montana experience, relaxation and rejuvenation is one of the top priorities at Sage Lodge. The spa at Sage Lodge is located on the main ranch property, with modern amenities and iconic mountain views. The natural setting invites calm and peace, giving you a truly transformational experience regardless of your spa package or service. The same “local” mentality is carried throughout the resort, with spa packages like the Yellowstone River rock massage therapy using locally sourced stones during the treatment.

They offer unique spa packages you cannot receive anywhere else, including wellness services tailored to your specific needs, from whole-day experiences for mind, body, and soul to energy wellness packages. Property guests can also take advantage of the spa at a discounted rate by booking a spa pass to access the lounge, saunas, and soaking areas.

Family-friendly Offerings

Not only are children welcome at Sage Lodge, but they are also celebrated with offerings tailored to their interests.

In addition to most of the 30-plus on-site experience offerings being suitable for all ages, the Sage Lodge Junior Rangers program encourages children to explore and try new things. Complimentary guidebooks and challenges allow children to earn Junior Ranger badges for the activities they complete. The adventure calendar printed daily will have the dates and times for scheduled activities, allowing you to plan your schedule to participate with your family in advance.

One of the best on-site activities that we took advantage of as a family was the painting class. For an additional fee, families can use the inspiration of the mountain views to learn painting techniques from a local artist.

Family-friendly activities included in your resort fee are: snowshoeing, mountain trivia, crafting, biking, and more.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Sage Lodge offers several ADA-compliant rooms that vary in size and configuration. All accessible rooms include roll-in showers, accessible toilets, grab bars, sinks, and more. All public spaces and rooms offer braille and tactile signage, and common areas accommodate wheelchair accessibility. The intimacy of this resort lends to the care for travelers with accessibility needs. The staff is very accommodating and happy to meet any needs or requests mentioned when booking or at check-in.

Location

The lodge is located in Paradise Valley, Montana, a rural location approximately an hour from Bozeman International Airport. Renting a vehicle is necessary for the one-hour drive, but with scenic views of beautiful Montana, this quick drive will make you instantly fall in love with the state. If driving in the snow makes you anxious, booking a shuttle with one of the lodge’s preferred partners may be a better option. Booking this service in advance is as simple as calling the concierge.

While there are no local activities within walking distance of the ranch aside from the offerings on the property, venturing to local Yellowstone National Park is also easy. Booking your private or group safari excursion with the Sage Lodge team or renting a car and paying for a National Park pass are great options.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Offers and deals at this hotel are ever-changing, but package deals often include spa discounts or Champagne breakfasts. Also, if you’re a spontaneous traveler, your flexibility is rewarded with discounts of up to 20 percent off.

American Express cardholders also enjoy exclusive rates and benefits. As members of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts collection, the hotel offers Platinum cardholders a $100 on-site credit for experiences, dining, or the spa, as well as a free room upgrade upon arrival.

Finally, be sure to capture the memories. This lodge is iconic, and your stay deserves to be documented. For a fee, on-site photography is available to capture your experience on the property. Take advantage of this service as a keepsake to preserve the memory of your experience for years to come.