Big Sky - Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide

Tourist 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 - Yellowstone National Park

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 Explorer 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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Saddle Ridge

Though Saddle Ridge may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Iron Horse and Challenger Ski Lift.

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 NZ$285 per night from 15 May to 16 May
NZ$285
per night
15 May - 16 May
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 reviews. ...
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 NZ$319 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
NZ$319
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Big Sky. Enjoy 4 spa tubs, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"Like that it is pet friendly."

Reviewed on 17 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 NZ$451 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$451
per night
26 May - 27 May
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! (206 reviews)
"It was a great location for my work trip"

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 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.
Bunkhouse 3 at Gallatin Canyon Cabins
Bunkhouse 3 at Gallatin Canyon Cabins
Gallatin Gateway
Stay at this cabin in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attraction Little Bear School House Museum is located nearby. Discover ...
10/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
Bunkhouse #3
"This was a great location for us to spend our weekend. Close enough to enjoy fishing and hiking as well as tour around Bozeman and hit the hotsprings. Being located right off the road, you do hear the traffic but it was not something that was bothersome for us. Bunkhouse 3 shares a deck with 4 and ..."

Reviewed on 14 Mar. 2024

Bunkhouse 3 at Gallatin Canyon Cabins
Mountain Retreat: private sauna + hot tub and stunning 365 views - Sleeps 10!
Mountain Retreat: private sauna + hot tub and stunning 365 views - Sleeps 10!
Gallatin Gateway
Stay at this vacation home in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy WiFi, barbecue grills, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Warren Miller Performing Arts Center and Soldiers ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
Skiing
"Cozy place to come home to after skiing. Close to one of our favorite BBQ spots."

Reviewed on 9 Apr. 2024

Mountain Retreat: private sauna + hot tub and stunning 365 views - Sleeps 10!
Quiet, family friendly, but minutes to everything
Quiet, family friendly, but minutes to everything
Big Sky
Stay at this apartment in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free WiFi, private spa tubs, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (168 reviews)
Wonderful Property, Awesome host!
"Clean, well appointed and comfortable two bedroom/two bath apartment with a full kitchen and laundry room in a great location. Easy drive to Big Sky skiing, restaurants and shopping but located in a quiet upscale residential area. Nice hot tub for apre-ski! Our host was accommodating and helpful! ..."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Quiet, family friendly, but minutes to everything
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.

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