High in the mountains of Montana lies a slice of paradise reserved for the ultra-wealthy and famous. The Yellowstone Club, with fewer than 900 homeowners, boasts a collective net worth of over $290 billion. Tech entrepreneur and Shark Tank cohost Robert Herjavec is one of the club’s 885 members who have fallen in love with its exclusive amenities, including world-class skiing, golfing, fly fishing, and more. Herjavec and his family spent $28 million building their dream home on the private mountain, complete with breathtaking views of the Rockies. The club’s appeal lies in its exclusivity, with a rigorous application process, high membership fees, and limited spots available.
Membership at the Yellowstone Club is a coveted status symbol, with applicants requiring gold-plated references and a detailed background check. Only 914 members are allowed, and owning land, a home, or a condo is a prerequisite for entry. Despite the high cost of entry, the club’s luxurious offerings, including unlimited skiing and golfing for immediate family members, keep the elite flocking to its pristine slopes and greens. Celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Mark Zuckerberg, and Tom Brady are among the club’s secretive members, who often use LLCs to maintain privacy.
The Yellowstone Club was the brainchild of former billionaire Tim Blixseth, who traded 140,000 acres near Yellowstone National Park for land for the club in 1999. However, financial mismanagement led to the club filing for bankruptcy in 2008. Boston-based real estate investment firm CrossHarbor Capital and individual members stepped in to purchase the club out of bankruptcy for $115 million in 2009. Since then, they have invested over $1 billion into the club, earning early backers a significant return on their investment. The club continues to attract the rich and famous with its unmatched luxury and exclusivity.
Forbes Magazine’s investigation into the Yellowstone Club uncovered the names of 19 billionaires and two children of billionaires who own properties within the club. Known personalities include hedge fund tycoons Bill Ackman and Felix Baker, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and Slack founder Stewart Butterfield. The club’s allure extends beyond billionaires, with dozens of centimillionaires like venture capitalist Chris Sacca and Burton snowboards owner Donna Carpenter enjoying its amenities. The club provides a rare opportunity for wealthy individuals to enjoy anonymity and luxury in the remote Montana wilderness.
From NFL legends like Tom Brady to tech moguls like Mark Zuckerberg, the Yellowstone Club attracts a diverse mix of members seeking refuge from the paparazzi and the pressures of their public lives. Exclusive events like former Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s annual conference attract the world’s smartest and most interesting people, creating a unique networking opportunity in the secluded mountain resort. Celebrities like Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have chosen to raise their children in the serenity of the club, contributing to the local community and enjoying a lower profile lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.
As the Yellowstone Club continues to evolve and expand, its reputation as a haven for the wealthy elite remains steadfast. With a meticulous screening process, luxurious amenities, and a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals, the club offers a truly unique experience for those seeking refuge in the mountains of Montana. Whether escaping the spotlight or simply seeking a retreat from the daily grind, members of the Yellowstone Club find solace and luxury in this remote patch of wilderness, creating a truly exclusive and unparalleled lifestyle in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
