Big Sky 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

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Lazy Acres

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

Lazy Acres
Default Image

Horse Butte

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

Horse Butte
Default Image

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
The price is ₹10,930 per night from 19 May to 20 May
₹10,930
per night
19 May - 20 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their 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 ₹15,781 per night from 18 May to 19 May
₹15,781
per night
18 May - 19 May
Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (999 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 ₹24,723 per night from 24 May to 25 May
₹24,723
per night
24 May - 25 May
Stay at this 3-star ski hotel in Big Sky. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (207 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.
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 Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their 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
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews)
"Clean cabin with what we needed to be comfortable"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2023

West Glacier Cabin Village
Great Northern Resort
Great Northern Resort
3.5 out of 5
12127 Hwy 2 E, West Glacier, MT
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (271 reviews)
"No TV"

Reviewed on 9 May 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

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
0
" "4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Jul 2019

The route westwards from Four Corners is amazingly beautiful!

Cities near Big Sky