Hideaway Heaven: The Exclusive Yellowstone Club
Highlighting the Elite's Elusive Gathering: World's Prestigious Private Social Circle Unveiled
Nestled in the heart of Montana, where fewer than 900 fortunate souls reside, lies a haven of wealth and laudable distinction - the Yellowstone Club. The combined fortunes of these select inhabitants exceed a staggering $290 billion, with many boasting either immense wealth or notable celebrity status.
Five years ago, Robert Herjavec, a tech entrepreneur and Shark Tank co-host, found himself enamored with the Yellowstone Club, a private retreat tucked an hour from Bozeman, Montana, and 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park. This exclusive paradise boasts an entirely private mountain that offers more skiable terrain than any resort on the East Coast, making it the perfect sanctuary for families.
Herjavec, along with his wife Kym (who he met on Dancing with the Stars), first purchased a condo within the club in 2019, eventually deciding to build their own palatial abode. With a hefty investment of $28 million and three years of dedicated work, they crafted a lavish 13,500-square-foot, eight-bedroom home boasting breathtaking Rocky Mountain vistas. Among all their homes, it was their Yellowstone Club property that captured their hearts.
This scenic masterpiece is just one of 885 memberships held at the Yellowstone Club, encompassing a vast 15,000 acres. The current inhabitants have access to an array of exclusive amenities, including skiing, golfing, fly fishing, and horseback riding. The club's offerings extend beyond the ordinary, offering unique attractions such as a kid-friendly movie theater, a concert venue where artists like Sting and Norah Jones have performed, and “sugar shacks” providing endless snacks and warm soups. The club's mountain also boasts 21 chairlifts, 2,900 skiable acres, and unparalleled, line-free skiing experiences.
Roy Carroll, a North Carolina real estate billionaire and neighbor to Herjavec, notes that it's not uncommon to find yourself alone on a ski run within the club. This secluded paradise serves as a serene sanctuary for all ages, though its exclusivity remains the greatest draw for its members. The club restricts its membership to 914 individuals, ensuring the terrain remains spacious and uncluttered. Aspiring members must acquire strong recommendations, undergo comprehensive background checks, and invest heavily in property - the least expensive plot starting at $10 million, and homes ranging from $20 million upwards.
In addition to the financial commitment, members are also expected to fork out a $500,000 deposit and annual dues of $78,000. These fees cover skiing and golfing for their family as well as 140 guest days per year.
The club's membership may seem exclusive, but notable figures have graced its halls. Aside from Herjavec, celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Mark Zuckerberg, and Tom Brady have been linked to the club. Some mask their presence by purchasing property through LLCs, while it's estimated that the club houses 50 to 80 billionaire members.
Attempts to reveal the full membership list have yielded information on 19 billionaires, including high-profiles figures such as hedge fund tycoon Bill Ackman, Waffle House chairman Joe Rogers Jr., and Slack founder Stewart Butterfield. Melinda Gates, following her divorce from Bill, also acquired a property within the club.
The Yellowstone Club was founded in 1991 by Tim Blixseth, who traded land near Yellowstone for the current property. The club officially opened in 1999, but Blixseth's mismanagement of funds led to bankruptcy in 2008. The Boston-based real estate firm CrossHarbor Capital, in partnership with approximately 40 club members, purchased the club out of bankruptcy in 2009. CrossHarbor has invested over $1 billion in the club since then, with early investors already reaping returns of 4.5 times their original investment. CrossHarbor's Sam Byrne extols the club's unique charm and incomparable experience, making it a singular destination for the privileged few.
- The lifestyle at the Yellowstone Club, a home for billionaires and celebrities, offers a blend of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, entertainment, and sports.
- The club, nestled in the heart of Montana, offers an array of exclusive activities, such as skiing, golfing, and horseback riding, along with unique attractions like a kid-friendly movie theater and sugar shacks.
- Sports-betting enthusiasts may find solace in knowing that the club, despite its refined ambiance, also caters to their interest, remaining a haven for various forms of entertainment.
- As pop-culture icons like Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Mark Zuckerberg, Tom Brady, and even Melinda Gates have been linked to the club, it serves as a melting pot of wealth, power, and influence.
- The Yellowstone Club has transformed from a modest retreat to an iconic symbol of wealth and distinction, offering its select inhabitants an experience that is unmatched in the realms of luxury and exclusivity.
