The story
Cortina sits at the heart of Montage Big Sky, set against the Spanish Peaks Mountain range with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the outdoor pool, firepit, and ski slopes beyond. The design draws equally from the warmth of an alpine lodge and the ease of a rustic Italian country estate — a combination that feels entirely at home in Big Sky's dramatic landscape.
The restaurant earned a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating, recognition that reflects both the quality of the kitchen and the care put into every aspect of the experience.
The kitchen's guiding philosophy is straightforward: Italian culinary tradition interpreted through what Montana's seasons and producers actually offer. Local sourcing shapes the menu — trout, venison, and other wild game sit alongside seasonal produce sourced from regional purveyors. The wood-fired hearth and grille handle meats, fish, and vegetables, while the pasta program anchors the Italian side of the menu.
Pasta is made fresh daily. Signature cuts include pappardelle, chitarra, and linguine, and dishes are commonly served family-style — antipasti, mains, and pasta courses meant to be shared and sampled across the table. The mezzaluna is another standout worth seeking out.
Breakfast runs until 11am and is designed to send guests out ready for a day on the mountain — steel-cut oatmeal, artisan pastries, and fresh fruit among the morning offerings. Come evening, Cortina shifts into a refined but approachable dinner service that has made it a genuine gathering point for the Big Sky community, not just resort guests marking a special occasion.
Montage Big Sky holds one of the largest public wine collections in Montana, and Cortina draws directly from that depth. Italian bottles are hand-selected to pair with the menu, and the resort's sommeliers are on hand to guide choices through the list of rare and exclusive selections from around the world.
Recognition
Ambience
Location