Whether you’re curious to hit the slopes with the family, enjoy world-class cuisine in some of the world’s clearest open expanses, or simply let yourself wander, Big Sky, Montana has something to offer everyone. Since opening in 1973, Big Sky and the Big Sky Resort has grown from a remote site on 22 million acres of land in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to one of the nation’s most quaint and charming towns drawing thousands of visitors per annum.
But vacationers, skiers, and globe-trekkers aren’t all you’re likely to meet on the streets and trails of Big Sky. Sit back while we explore what makes Big Sky such a special place to call home for a weekend—or a lifetime.
Legendary Big Sky Country
Despite Big Sky’s reputation as one of the most out-of-the-way locations in the US, it’s easier to visit the area and enjoy the world-renowned flora and fauna than you might think. Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN) is the preferred airport for visitors flying into Big Sky, while drivers can enter the town between Bozeman and West Yellowstone via Highway 191 then Highway 64. The area divides up into three neighborhoods:
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Meadow—including the Town Center, Westfork, and Meadow Village
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Mountain—where travelers can visit Big Sky Resort
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Canyon—surrounding Highway 191 and adjacent shops and homes
Year-round activities populate the local events calendar for certain, but if you’re visiting to enjoy the calm and quiet of the nearly untouched wilderness in Big Sky, you don’t have to look far. An average snowfall of 33 feet and 5,800 acres of skiable terrain guarantee that you’ll find a peaceful corner of the city that you’ll be writing home about for years.
Relax in a luxury mountain home or condo
Photo courtesy of Big Sky ResortFinding comfortable housing in Big Sky is remarkably simple given the healthy number of options for long and short-term visitors. No matter if you’re planning on spending most of your time skiing, patronizing local shops and restaurants, or enjoying the après-ski way of life—it’s essential to find a place to call home after a long day in the wild.
The Big Sky Resort offers a wide range of cabins and condominiums on both the ski-side or outer-side of the slopes. Snowcrest, Black Eagle, Beaverhead, and Big Horn communities all book housing all year, while the Moonlight Basin provides private luxury accommodations with a restaurant and bar attached. The Summit Hotel at Big Sky and the Huntley Lodge are two more locations with stellar reviews to try out if you’re looking for an elegant, exclusive experience.
Try local fare
If you’re traveling to Big Sky expecting to taste the hardy food and drink of the cowboys and frontiersmen who settled down in the area, you’ll be surprised at all your options. High dining and exclusive international foods are all within reach on the mountain.
Everett’s 8800, the Cabin Bar and Grill, and the Scissorbills Saloon continue to serve up regional cuisine that attracts some of the USA's highest-class diners. Sushi and ramen bowls, down-to-earth saloon offerings, and European beers, wines, and cocktails are all available year-round. What’s more, you can stroll down to the famous Ousel & Spur Pizza Co. for a gourmet slice late at night or head over to the Horn and Cantle for an upscale breakfast whenever the mood suits you. Just remember to make a reservation, because these dining spots fill up fast!
Ski and snowboard on Lone Peak
Skiing at Big Sky has been the biggest draw for the town since its founding. And no wonder—nearly 6,000 acres of mountainside makes this resort city the second-largest skiable area in North America after Whistler-Blackcomb. Lone Peak is the area’s main hub for visitors looking to take advantage of one of the US’s most exhilarating ski scenes, and it’s all located within Big Sky Resort. Winter activities available on Lone Peak and the neighboring areas include:
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Cross Country Skiing on nearly 90 kilometers of trails that span Lone Mountain Ranch and some of the most expansive wilderness in the state of Montana
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Snowboarding slopes are open for all skier levels and ages
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Alpine and downhill skiing adventures for veteran skiers
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Nordic and backcountry ski trails voted #1 in North America by Cross Country Skier magazine
Enjoy the après ski lifestyle
Photo courtesy of Big Sky Yurt
Skiing in Big Sky isn’t just a matter of adventure and athleticism. You’ll also want to kick your feet up at one of the innumerable après ski lodges and chalets around the area after you’re done for the day. The Montana Dinner Yurt at the base of Lone Peak is a local institution well worth visiting for its private, rustic atmosphere with multi-course French food. The Beehive Basin Brewery and Carabiner Lounge provide even more dining options for après skiers of all ages. Lastly, check out the Vista Bar for the perfect aperitif—from spiked hot chocolate to a stocked shelf of cold beers to a long day on or off the slopes.
Hike, fish, snowshoe, and much more
Skiing and snowboarding are just the tip of the iceberg if you’re looking for ways to enjoy the year-round snow at Big Sky. During the spring and summer months, several hiking routes take off from the Meadow neighborhood on a 1.5 miles round trip tour of Ousel Falls. Snowshoeing excursions are open from Big Sky Resort, Lone Mountain Ranch, and Moonlight Basin. Fly fishing, a favorite Montana pastime, is also available on the Gallatin River for travelers searching for some of the most difficult and rewarding fishing in the country.
Trek over to Yellowstone
Long known as the US’s oldest national park, Yellowstone has been in operation since 1872. Whether you’ve had Old Faithful on your ‘must-see’ list for years or simply want to explore one of the country’s most elusive and wild landscapes for yourself, Yellowstone and its legendary geysers are only a hop, skip, and a jump away from Big Sky.
Located halfway between Bozeman and West Yellowstone, Big Sky is perfectly located to serve as a home base for daily visits to the national park. Just stop by the Big Sky Visitor’s Center at 88 Ousel Falls Rd, Unit 1A to learn more about how easy it is to make the jaunt between some of the West’s most popular outdoor traveling spots.
Attend local events
Big Sky, Montana isn’t just a one-trick pony when it comes to skiing and winter activities on the snow. There are dozens of events happening on the streets and on the slopes to suit any traveler’s to-do list. From June to August, the local Farmer’s Market takes place every Wednesday showcasing over 90 local vendor’s edible goods, while the Music in the Mountains concert series pulls in talent on Thursdays From July to September at Len Hill Park. The Artisan Festival during early July features a range of regional artists and cooks, and the PBR bull riding series comes in late July to host “Big Sky’s Biggest Week,” a full seven days of community events and professional rodeo that will excite the child in everyone.
Visit in the summer
Big Sky may be known for its winter activities, but the area is just as popular in the summer and fall months. Take part in the Haunted Peaks Halloween Festival in late October for costume parties and the legendary Big Sky pub run or hit up the slopes in April for the Big Sky Big Grass four-day music fest. Whitewater rafting, dozens of bike trails, horseback riding arenas, and hundreds of acres of hiking trails await you and your family when the snow isn’t falling as quickly as it does in the winter.
The Ousel Fall trail provides one of the most popular landscapes for summer exploration as well. From there, you can pick out a picnic spot or roam the mountain’s profusion of wildflowers along the Gallatin River. Families with lots of children and canines can take advantage of the mountain’s most scenic hiking and walking trails in private from May to September when the views from Big Sky are still wide-open.
Check out the art and film scene
There’s so much more to do in Big Sky than indulge in world-class skiing, snowboarding, and hiking opportunities. Big Sky artists and performers provide visitors year-round with a calendar’s worth of events. The Arts Council of Big Sky is the area’s top non-profit cultural organization, and the best place to visit to read up on the area’s current events and festivals. These include sites and experiences such as:
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Montana Shakespeare in the Park
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Music in the Mountains festival
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Classical Music Festival
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Lone Peak Cinema
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Creighton Block Gallery
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Gallatin River Gallery
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Yellow Stones Natural Art Gallery
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Jill Zeidler Ceramic Art Studio
Reach out to a local real estate agent today
Interested in learning more about the Big Sky area and the surrounding communities like Bozeman and Paradise Valley that make it one of the nation’s top locations to visit for slopeside adventure? Reach out to Annie Kreder today to learn about Big Sky real estate and more!
