Just finished a 5-night award stay and was very impressed. The only major thing lacking is the restaurant and bar, which we were told will open Jan 31.

The staff, in particular, was excellent. Sarah - front desk manager - was friendly, helpful and attentive.

The one-bedroom suite was large and had great views on the 4th (top) floor. The $700/night rate was a stunner, but that made the 100,000 point redemption all the more appreciated.

The room microwave, dishwasher, cooktop and refrigerator all came in handy. The basement laundry has enough machines to keep backups short to non-existent. We never waited more than a minute for one of the three elevators.

As a ski hotel, there will need to be another shuttle added to the single 13-passenger one at present. The system for travel to the slopes (15-20 minute trip) works well enough, although they need more vouchers to allow for sign-ups more than one day in advance. The first-come, first-served return system won't last. There is no way to throttle the demand. Plus, there is no place at Big Sky designated for the start of the line for Wilson returns - everyone just rushes the shuttle when it gets close. More than once, people lost in this musical chairs game and had to wait for the next shuttle, 45 minutes later.

Breakfast is better than average for Residence Inn. The 24-hour coffee/tea/hot chocolate station gets lots of use.

Parking is free and the plows are very much on top of the snow (nine inches fell during our stay).

There's a large heated pool and a large spa.

While still small, the village is growing. Sold-out restaurants were commonplace. Retail shops are a bit lacking in number.

We might return in summer, but Big Sky skiing has jumped in price dramatically in just a year or two. $170 for a peak-season one-day lift ticket. And all the hype about "no lift lines" is in the past, unfortunately.

If cross-country or wildlife viewing is your thing, you would be very satisfied with this area.