Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Out here, a little guidance can go a long way. Use the Auster FAQs to find answers about reservations, cabins, dining, experiences, amenities, and more.
General FAQ
Where is Auster located, and how do I get there?
Auster is located at 200 Dome Drive in Emigrant, Montana, in the heart of Paradise Valley. The nearest major airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in nearby Belgrade, approximately 45-50 miles away. For travelers looking for Paradise Valley Montana lodging or places to stay near Yellowstone National Park, Auster offers a convenient home base for every kind of exploration.
When does Auster open?
Auster will welcome its first guests in November 2026, inviting visitors to experience Paradise Valley from the comfort of cozy, private cabins.
When do bookings open and how do I make a reservation?
Reservations are open now for stays beginning in November 2026 and beyond. Guests can book their stay online through Auster.com.
What is the pricing structure for the cabins?
Pricing varies depending on cabin type and seasonality.
What is the cancellation policy?
The cancellation policy varies by season and the rate selected at the time of booking. A 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Depending on your travel dates and rate plan, cancellations must be made 7, 14, or 30 days prior to arrival to avoid penalties. Your specific cancellation terms will be outlined during the booking process and included in your confirmation.
When is check-in/check-out?
Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m., and check-out is 11:00 a.m. Early check-in and late check-out requests are subject to availability and may incur an additional fee. Prior to your arrival, you’ll receive everything you need for a smooth check-in. If you expect to arrive outside of regular check-in hours, please contact our team in advance.
Can I arrive before check-in?
Absolutely. You’re welcome to arrive before the 4:00 p.m. check-in time and begin enjoying the property. While we can’t guarantee early access to your cabin, you’re invited to relax in our public gathering spaces or enjoy Auster’s dining and amenities while your accommodations are prepared.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes. A $25 resort fee is charged per night, per accommodation, and is added at the time of booking. The fee will appear as a separate line item on your reservation and is subject to applicable taxes.
Does Auster offer a military discount?
Yes, we are honored to offer a booking discount to active-duty members of our military. Valid military ID will be required at check-in. Please contact reservations@auster.com for more information.
Does Auster allow group bookings or buyouts?
Yes, Auster at Dome Mountain is a wonderful place to host gatherings and special events. We are committed to remaining open to the public at Southwind Kitchen, but several alternatives are available for private dining events and gatherings on property. Please contact reservations@auster.com for more details.
What's included on the property?
Auster is designed to be a place to gather, unwind, and soak up the natural splendor of Paradise Valley. At the heart of the property is a central lodge, home to Southwind Kitchen, Southwind Saloon, Southwind Coffee, Southwind Market, and inviting spaces for gathering and relaxing. Surrounding the lodge are 20 serene cabins ranging from one to three bedrooms.
Additional amenities, including a pool, two hot tubs, outdoor gathering spaces, lawn games, and trails throughout the property, are available for Auster’s lodging guests.
Is Auster open year-round?
Yes. Auster welcomes guests throughout the year, offering a different experience with every season in Paradise Valley.
Is Auster family- and/or pet-friendly?
Yes. Auster welcomes families and offers designated pet-friendly cabins for guests traveling with dogs. Pet-friendly accommodations are available at the time of booking and are subject to a nightly pet fee and occupancy guidelines. Please contact our team with any questions before your stay.
Is Auster accessible?
Yes. Auster is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible experience for all guests. Our lodge, restaurant, and saloon are accessible via ramps and an elevator, and we offer one ADA-designed two-bedroom cabin. Because accessibility features vary by accommodation, we encourage guests to contact our team before booking so we can help you choose the best option for your stay.
Is smoking permitted on the property?
To help keep Auster comfortable for all guests, smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes are not permitted inside any public spaces or cabins. A designated outdoor smoking area is available at the base of the Southwind Saloon stairs on the south side of the restaurant. Additional cleaning fees may apply if this policy is not followed.
What are the cabin options, and how many people do they sleep?
Auster offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom cabins designed for couples, families, and small groups. Each cabin combines rustic Montana character with modern comforts.
What dining options are available?
Whether you’re starting the day with coffee, gathering over dinner, or picking up provisions for your next adventure, Auster offers several dining options on property. Enjoy casual meals at Southwind Kitchen, drinks at Southwind Saloon on its rooftop deck, coffee and light bites from Southwind Coffee, or grab-and-go fare, snacks, and essentials at Southwind Market.
Is the restaurant, market, or coffee stand open to the public?
Yes. Auster welcomes lodging guests, locals, and visitors passing through the valley. Southwind Kitchen, Southwind Saloon, Southwind Market, and Southwind Coffee are open to the public, creating a gathering place for the Paradise Valley community and visitors alike.
Is there a pool, and who can use it?
Yes. Auster features an on-property pool available exclusively to lodging guests as part of the property’s guest amenities. The pool is open May 15th – September 15th. Auster’s two hot-tubs are open to lodging guests year round.
Is there Wi-Fi and cell service?
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and guests can expect reliable cell service during their stay.
Experiences FAQ
What activities are offered on the property?
Adventure takes many forms at Auster. Guests can enjoy guided fly fishing on the Yellowstone River, casting lessons on our nearby private lakes, scenic hiking trails, guided excursions, horseback riding, golf, and seasonal paddleboard and kayak rentals. Additional experiences, including Yellowstone National Park tours, whitewater rafting, and e-bike adventures, are available through trusted local partners.
What fishing experiences are available?
Guests can enjoy Yellowstone River fly fishing float trips, including full- and half-day guided excursions, as well as walk-and-wade trips in Yellowstone National Park. Casting lessons and fishing opportunities on Auster’s riverside beach and private lakes are also available seasonally.
What water activities are offered (kayak, paddleboard, rafting, etc.)?
During the warmer months, guests can enjoy kayak and paddleboard rentals on our nearby private lakes, providing an uncrowded and relaxing way to experience the beauty of Paradise Valley from the water. Additional adventures, including whitewater rafting excursions, are available through trusted local partners.
Can guests play golf, and how does access to Rising Sun Golf Course work?
Guests will have access to tee-times at Rising Sun Golf Course, an 18-Hole Championship level course located nearby on Auster’s sister property Mountain Sky Guest Ranch. Tee times are limited, so plan ahead by contacting activities@auster.com for availability.
How close is Yellowstone, and how do I visit the park?
Auster is located approximately 20 miles from Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance in Gardiner, making it an ideal home base for exploring the park. Guests can arrange guided Yellowstone tours through Auster’s trusted experiential partners or set out on their own adventure. If you’re planning a self-guided visit, we recommend reviewing the National Park Service’s website before your trip for current conditions, entrance information, safety guidance, and trip-planning resources.
Do experiences need to be booked in advance, and are they included or an added cost?
Auster offers a menu of experiences available for our lodging guests to accommodate every style of itinerary. For guests that want an authentic Montana experience, fly fishing, golf, Yellowstone tours, horseback riding, hiking, and more are available for additional fees. Guests are encouraged to book their preferred activities before their arrival. Our most popular summer activities include fly fishing, golf, and horseback riding. We recommend guests book their experiences well in advance to confirm preferred dates and times.
Auster FAQ
Why the name "Auster"?
In the Latin tradition, Auster is the god of the south wind — the current that signals arrival, movement, and the turning of seasons. In Paradise Valley, Montana, the south wind funnels through the canyon between the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges, shaping the weather, bending the river, and guiding the ancient migration of wildlife between Yellowstone National Park and the lowlands to the north.
Auster at Dome Mountain sits at the exact point where the wind, river, and migration converge.
Who owns and operates Auster?
Auster is owned and operated by AMB West, part of The Blank Family of Businesses founded by Arthur M. Blank. Across every organization, six core values guide the way people work and serve others: Put People First, Listen and Respond, Include Everyone, Innovate Continuously, Lead by Example, and Give Back to Others. Those same values help shape the guest experience at Auster.
What properties are included as part of AMB West?
AMB West manages four properties in Paradise Valley: Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, West Creek Ranch, Paradise Valley Ranch, and Auster at Dome Mountain. As the first year-round AMB West property open to the general public, Auster was created as a welcoming destination for both overnight guests and the local community.
What organizations are included in the Blank Family of Businesses?
Along with AMB West, The Blank Family of Businesses includes NFL’s Atlanta Falcons; MLS’ Atlanta United; PGA TOUR Superstore; Atlanta Drive GC; NWSL Atlanta 2028; and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
How does Auster approach stewardship and community impact?
Every AMB West property is guided by a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. Auster’s facilities are located largely within the footprint of the original 1960’s guest lodging, repurposing the cabins as employee housing and utilizing sustainable building materials
The property features EV charging stations and preserved mature landscaping. Construction remains outside the Yellowstone River floodway and activities are tailored to protect crucial wildlife corridors.
Auster is a place for our neighbors, community members and visiting guests to gather and share in the everyday moments that make this corner of Montana so special. We are proud to serve and give back to our community through the work of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the AMB West Community Fund.
What is planned for the rest of the property's acreage?
Auster at Dome Mountain is located on the riverfront section of a 6,278-acre property. There are currently no commercial plans for the remaining acreage; the long-term goal for the property is for it to serve as a refuge for wildlife; where our guests can enjoy them in their natural environment. Future uses will be carefully evaluated with environmental and community priorities in mind.
Does Auster hire locally, and how do I apply?
Yes. We’re always looking for people who share our passion for hospitality and the great outdoors. Visit our Careers page to explore current opportunities and learn more about joining the Auster team.
Who do I contact for press or media inquiries?
For press or media inquiries, please get in touch with our communications team.