Big Sky, MT

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton
Ski or snowboard in winter, hike and fish in summer and enjoy spectacular scenery year-round in one of America’s finest mountain towns.

Visit Big Sky to enjoy skiing or adventure sports such as white water rafting and kayaking. Hike the mountain trails or fly-fish for trout in the famous Gallatin River.

Located on the northwestern border of Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky was a little-known ranch town until the early 1970s, when a television news reporter, Chet Huntley, noticed its potential to be developed as a ski resort. Now a popular year-round destination for lovers of the outdoors, Big Sky’s slopes remain relatively uncrowded compared to some of America’s more established destinations, making it a great place to come for a peaceful time alone in nature.

Winter is the most popular season to visit. Strap on your skis or snowboard and take on runs with names of Mad Wolf, Snake Pit, Wounded Knee and more. Explore over 250 ski trails covering 110 miles (177 kilometers). By summer the snow melts away to reveal a number of excellent hiking trails. Watch for bears, elk and birds as you explore the trails. Try catching trout in the Gallatin River, enjoy a round or two of golf in the fresh mountain air or drive an hour south to Yellowstone National Park.

Big Sky actually incorporates two towns: Mountain Village and Meadow Village, several thousand vertical feet below. The two hubs are a 10-minute drive apart with regular, free shuttle service between them.

Shop for local produce at the farmers market or watch summer rodeo tournaments. August welcomes the classical music festival when a number of venues in both villages host events. The Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, named for the international ski film director, hosts national and international acts year-round. 

The best way to get to Big Sky is to fly to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and drive along the canyon road for about 45 minutes. Once you get to Big Sky, hit the ski slopes, hiking trails or rivers or simply relax in a fireside chair in a cozy bar.

Where to stay in Big Sky

Big Sky Resort which includes interior views and a hotel

Big Sky Mountain Village

If you're spending some time in Big Sky Mountain Village, Big Sky Resort and Black Bear Ski Lift are top sights worth seeing.

Big Sky Mountain Village
Ousel Falls Park Trail is a 1.6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Gallatin Gateway, MT that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels.

Spanish Peaks

While visiting Spanish Peaks, you might make a stop by sights like Cabin Ski Lift and Southern Comfort Express Ski Lift.

Spanish Peaks
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Powder Ridge

While there might not be top attractions in Powder Ridge, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Big Sky Resort and White Otter Ski Lift.

Powder Ridge
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Lazy Acres

5/5(1 area review)

Two Top Mountain is one noteworthy place to stop while you're exploring Lazy Acres and the surrounding area.

Lazy Acres
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Horse Butte

Hebgen Lake is one noteworthy place to stop while you're exploring Horse Butte and the surrounding area.

Horse Butte
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Saddle Ridge

When in Saddle Ridge, you can plan a visit to Iron Horse and Challenger Ski Lift, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Saddle Ridge
Whitewater Inn
Whitewater Inn
2 out of 5
47214 Gallatin Road, A quarter mile south of MT 64, Gallatin Gateway, MT
Fully refundable
The price is ₩179,073 per night from May 16 to May 17
₩179,073
per night
May 16 - May 17
Book a stay at this ski hotel in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (725 reviews)
"I think it’s very good"

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2023

Whitewater Inn
The Lodge at Big Sky
The Lodge at Big Sky
3.5 out of 5
75 Sitting Bull Rd, Big Sky, MT
The price is ₩217,514 per night from May 13 to May 14
₩217,514
per night
May 13 - May 14
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Big Sky. Enjoy 4 spa tubs, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2024

The Lodge at Big Sky
Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel
Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel
3 out of 5
145 TOWN CENTER AVE, Big Sky, MT
The price is ₩360,060 per night from May 26 to May 27
₩360,060
per night
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 3-star ski hotel in Big Sky. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (207 reviews)
"It was a great location for my work trip"

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2024

Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Silverwolf Log Chalet Resort
Silverwolf Log Chalet Resort
3 out of 5
160 Gladys Glen, near Glacier Natl Park, Coram, MT
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Coram. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (335 reviews)
"Excellent location. Clean and very cute. Extremely relaxing."

Reviewed on Nov 23, 2023

Silverwolf Log Chalet Resort
West Glacier Cabin Village
West Glacier Cabin Village
4.5 out of 5
350 River Bend Rd., West Glacier, MT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury cabin in West Glacier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews)
"Clean cabin with what we needed to be comfortable"

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2023

West Glacier Cabin Village
Great Northern Resort
Great Northern Resort
3.5 out of 5
12127 Hwy 2 E, West Glacier, MT
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly cabin in West Glacier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (271 reviews)
"No TV"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Great Northern Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Big Sky

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
100
" "5 - Excellent 66.66666666666667%
4 - Good
40
" "4 - Good 26.666666666666668%
3 - Okay
8
" "3 - Okay 5.333333333333333%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6666666666666666%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.6666666666666666%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 7, 2020

Very friendly staff. Loved it

5/5 - Excellent

Ned
Feb 24, 2020

Wonderful Area

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 31, 2020

Love big sky, hated the hotel.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 31, 2020

Amazing ski area. Can’t wait to go back next year

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 22, 2020

Looking forward to visiting again.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 19, 2020

Big Sky has grown a lot in a past few years! Skiing was wonderful, even in early season. The slopes are long and terrain is true to color codes: black diamond is a true black, not blue and a half. The drive to airport is easy and relatively close.

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