It never really does to face off one ski resort against another, but as skiing becomes ever more expensive those with significant budgets are becoming selective about the holidays they value. Yes, the Yellowstone Club is top of the US luxury ski resort bucket list but consider Big Sky or Sun Valley instead. Both are ideally suited to a big American ski holiday, not just for the skiing and the glamourous luxury trappings, but because they still retain the low-key authenticity and sense of adventure that drew the discerning elite to The Land of Opportunity in the first place.

There is no official information about Yellowstone Club membership criteria or costs. Unofficially, it is believed that the cheapest lodge costs at least $5 million and annual fees top $50,000. You must be a member to ski there.

Rooms at the five-star Montage hotel cost from $2,000 per room night. Rooms at Lone Mountain Ranch cost from $750 per person per night. Airport transfer from Bozeman airport to Big Sky costs from $300 (private car) or $75 (shared shuttle) each way with bigskycountrytransport.com. 

Lift passes are priced for one day, three days and six days based on a dynamic pricing system – the average price this season was $175/day. Standard equipment rental costs $74/day, better quality demo skis are $94/day, via bigskyresort.com. Dan Egan’s Steeps Camp includes three days’ instruction, including the descent of ‘Big C’ – ability and conditions permitting – from $1,700. For more information visit bigskyresort.com.

Rooms at the Sun Valley Lodge cost from $436 per night. Rooms at the Limelight hotel, Kethcum, cost from $454 per room per night. LIft tickets costs $189/day and $1,089 for six dayss. Standard equipment rental costs $59/day, with demo upgrades available from $79/day. A two-hour snowshoeing tour with guide at Galena Lodge costs $70. For more information visit sunvalley.com.

For more information on visiting Montana and Idaho visit greatamericanwest.co.uk.

Will was a guest of Dan Egan, Big Sky Resort, Sun Valley, and Great American West.