Yellowstone Club World
Partnerships

Just 20 miles north of Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone Club launched in 1997 with its own golf course and ski runs reserved for 864 of the world's most elite, including notable members like Bill Gates, Dan Quayle, and Annika Sorenstam. Protected by former Secret Service agents, the Yellowstone Club would be a place for the world's most public figures to relax without flashbulbs and reporters documenting their every move. Introduced as a companion to the Yellowstone Club, Yellowstone Club World would essentially be the global expansion of that vision.

Prior to the launch of Yellowstone Club World, founder Tim Blixseth set out on a globe trotting mission to find the signature properties for the invitation only destination club

When the club did launch, it would showcase the most fabulous properties the sector had seen, including a French castle, a Mexican resort, private island, and golf community in Scotland amongst others. Paying up to $40 million for each, Blixseth would obtain a loan from Credit Suisse of $375 million with Yellowstone Club used as collateral.

Shortly after the club's foundation was established, it was broken down as Tim and his wife Edra filed for bankruptcy and legal complications began to hamper the Yellowstone Club. In addition, property values began their sharp decline and the sales the club had envisioned never emerged. Late in 2007, Yellowstone Club World had already ceased their sales and marketing efforts and the future of the club appeared in doubt.

When the Credit Suisse loan came due, both the Yellowstone Club and Yellowstone Club World would be affected, compounded by the Blixseth divorce.

In early 2009, Yellowstone Club World would file for involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy as four creditors sought $4.65 million from the club and to decipher who controlled the club's assets.

"We're concerned the assets they do have are no longer in control of the Yellowstone Club World," said John Amsden, a lawyer representing the four creditors. "The involuntary bankruptcy was necessary because it appears that there is no one minding the club's business. We hope that the matter can be resolved with a minimum of expense."

Three of the four creditors were seeking $1.5 million each for membership deposits paid to join the club.

"The members of the Yellowstone Club World were promised access to very specific and significant properties in return for their significant membership dues," continued Amsden. "They anticipate that their interests to those properties will be respected."

During their brief time in the destination club industry, Yellowstone Club World did not publish any partnerships outside of their ties to the Yellowstone Club.

If you would like to learn more about Yellowstone Club World, please access the club's quick links found to the right.