Big Sky Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Chris Kamman/Big Sky Resort
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 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 Ramcharger Express 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 Big Sky Resort 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 Black Bear Ski Lift, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Powder Ridge
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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 Big Sky Resort and Pony Express Ski Lift.

Saddle 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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Antler Ridge

Antler Ridge might not have many top sights, but Cabin Ski Lift and Big Sky Town Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Antler Ridge
Whitewater Inn
Whitewater Inn
2 out of 5
47214 Gallatin Road, A quarter mile south of MT 64, Gallatin Gateway, MT
The price is NZ$258 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
NZ$258
per night
1 Oct - 2 Oct
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (845 reviews)
"Beautiful suite, loved it."

Reviewed on 19 Sep. 2024

Whitewater Inn
320 Guest Ranch
320 Guest Ranch
3 out of 5
205 Buffalo Horn Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, Gallatin Gateway, MT
The price is NZ$460 per night from 6 Oct to 7 Oct
NZ$460
per night
6 Oct - 7 Oct
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly ranch in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (924 reviews)
"Wonderful breakfast and stay. Everyone was so kind and beautiful property."

Reviewed on 19 Sep. 2024

320 Guest Ranch
Huntley Lodge at Big Sky Resort
Huntley Lodge at Big Sky Resort
3.5 out of 5
50 Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Big Sky. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (630 reviews)
"We loved our recent stay at Huntley. The staff was exceptional! Our room was lovely and the grounds were well-kept. Breakfast was unexpectedly delicious. We also took a complementary Ski- lift ride up to the top of the mountain and it was breathtaking. We can’t wait to return in the winter."

Reviewed on 17 Sep. 2024

Huntley Lodge at Big Sky 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.
Condo walking distance to lifts/Mountain Village
Condo walking distance to lifts/Mountain Village
big sky
Stay at this condo in Big Sky. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Big Sky Resort and White Otter Ski Lift are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (24 reviews)
Cozy
"Nice unit in Big Sky. We traveled to Yellowstone."

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2024

Condo walking distance to lifts/Mountain Village
Winter Availability! One-of-a-Kind Home with Incredible Views on 60-Acre Property with Hot Tub
Winter Availability! One-of-a-Kind Home with Incredible Views on 60-Acre Property with Hot Tub
Big Sky
Stay at this vacation home in Big Sky. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Big Sky Resort and Little Thunder Ski Lift ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (12 reviews)
MAGICAL property!
"We loved our stay at Lone Peak View. The 360-degree mountain views are absolutely incredible and we loved sitting up in the living room watching the sunrises & sunsets. The hot tub is nice and big and it was cleaned well. The WiFi and LTE speeds were slow but adequate for a vacation (just keep that ..."

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

Winter Availability! One-of-a-Kind Home with Incredible Views on 60-Acre Property with Hot Tub
Moonlight Magic!  Best Views In Big Sky!  True Ski-In/Ski-Out!  Heated Ski Room!
Moonlight Magic! Best Views In Big Sky! True Ski-In/Ski-Out! Heated Ski Room!
Big Sky
Book a stay at this ski chalet in Big Sky. Enjoy free WiFi, private spa tubs, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Big Sky Resort and Pony Express Ski Lift ...
10/10 Exceptional! (102 reviews)
Short stay in Big Sky
"Spectacular."

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2024

Moonlight Magic! Best Views In Big Sky! True Ski-In/Ski-Out! Heated Ski Room!
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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Cities near Big Sky