Big Sky Country Provides Room to Roam for Elite Travelers at Top Resorts

In addition to the warm weather options of the Caribbean, Central America and Pacific islands, a somewhat unlikely source has emerged recently as one of the top elite travel destinations - Montana. We have found that private air travel to Montana is up as much as 50 percent in the last four years.

Top resorts like The Ranch at Rock Creek (pictured above), Triple Creek Ranch, Firehole Ranch, Paws Up and the Yellowstone Club are drawing more vacation interest to the state than ever. These resorts bring together upscale amenities such as outstanding cuisine and full-service spas with the outdoor recreational opportunities and wide open spaces of Montana.

"It's exciting and rewarding to see so much interest in Big Sky Country," said Jim Manly, owner of Ranch at Rock Creek. "Resorts like ours have made Montana an up-and-coming and luxurious destination, and we thoroughly enjoy catering to visitors' needs with all that Montana has to offer."

Paws Up luxury tent

The state offers a great balance of adventure, natural beauty and relaxation. Although some may think of Montana as only for cattle ranching, these Montana-based resorts provide plenty of opportunities for fun. Horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, golfing, kayaking and white water rafting are just some of the outdoor activities visitors can enjoy. Ranch guests can also play a round of golf, visit retail shops or spend some time at the spa. Travelers can be as active or as relaxed as they choose.

Montana also offers beautiful scenery regardless of when you travel there. The landscape is breathtaking year round, and the locals offer an innate hospitality unique to most of the country.

In addition to the presence of these luxury resorts, travel to them has been made even easier and more convenient. Butte and Missoula service the area, and the private aviation industry – Jet Edge in particular – has evolved to make the customer experience even more pleasant, customized and tailored.



In the past, private aviation providers were too rigid in their offerings. Now, a private flight to Montana can be tailored to customer needs, itinerary changes or aircraft preference. Some companies like ours provide special onboard touches for birthday or anniversary flights, which can make a getaway to one of these resorts even more unique and memorable. Through our partnership with Ranch at Rock Creek, we also offer benefits such as extended stays when time is purchased on our aircraft. Another one of our partners – XOJet – has a partnership with the YellowStone Club offering similar perks.

Montana is garnering the elite traveler attention usually reserved for the Kona-Kohala Cost, Maui and Cabo San Lucas. With several luxury ranches to choose from, beautiful surroundings and airport accessibility through Butte and Missoula, we believe this will continue to be a sought after destination for the elite traveler set.



Bill Papariella, President of Jet Edge International is a seasoned senior executive within the aviation industry. Before co-founding Jet Edge International, he spent the previous six years working at NetJets, Marquis Jet, and Sentient. As senior vice president at NetJets, Marquis Jet and Sentient, Bill was responsible for advising and educating individuals, as well as corporate clients, on a variety of private aviation solutions including fractional ownership, jet card membership, charter and whole aircraft management. During his tenure in the private aviation industry, Bill's efforts have consistently propelled his sales teams to #1 in total new business year over year. Bill is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. and was educated at Ohio University.

Visit: Jet Edge International website

Where to stay: Montana Luxury Lodges & Guest Ranches