Big Sky

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 kilometres). 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 Centre, 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 cosy bar.

Where to stay in Big Sky

Big Sky Resort featuring a hotel and interior views

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
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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

When in Powder Ridge, you can plan a visit to Big Sky Resort and White Otter Ski Lift, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Powder Ridge
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Lazy Acres

You might consider checking out Two Top Mountain while you're exploring Lazy Acres and the larger West Yellowstone area.

Lazy Acres
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Horse Butte

Plan a visit to nearby attractions like Hebgen Lake while you're exploring Horse Butte and the larger area.

Horse Butte
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Skywood Preserve

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Skywood Preserve and surrounding area, you can visit Big Sky Chapel and Big Sky Community Park.

Skywood Preserve
Whitewater Inn
Whitewater Inn
2 out of 5
47214 Gallatin Road, A quarter mile south of MT 64, Gallatin Gateway, MT
The price is RM655 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
RM655
per night
4 Jun - 5 Jun
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 15 Oct 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 RM842 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
RM842
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
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 27 Apr 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 RM1,518 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
RM1,518
per night
1 Jun - 2 Jun
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! (208 reviews)
Great hotel and even better Staff
"We stayed for 2 nights for an Anniversary trip. The staff was friendly and the room was very clean. Even the maintenance in our suite was very well taken care of. The only odd standout was the shower had no door. After bit we understood it is by design but it left us with an odd first impression. ..."

Reviewed on 18 May 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! (337 reviews)
"Kent the caretaker was an excellent host who provided great advice on sights to see and places to see."

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

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! (126 reviews)
"Cabin was perfect for us. Cozy but spacious. Cabin was clean and everything worked properly. Kitchen had all necessary supplies and it even had a small propane grill to use. Locations is just outside the west entrance of the park (less than 10 minute drive). There is a store onsite with basic items ..."

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

West Glacier Cabin Village
Paddle Ridge
Paddle Ridge
3.5 out of 5
12400 U.S. 2, West Glacier, MT
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in West Glacier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (553 reviews)
"Beautiful Spot!"

Reviewed on 18 May 2024

Paddle Ridge
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

Things to do

Reviews of Big Sky

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Jul 2019

The route westwards from Four Corners is amazingly beautiful!