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 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 which includes interior views and a hotel

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
Ousel Falls Park Trail is a 1.6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Gallatin Gateway, MT that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels.

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

While there might not be top attractions in Powder Ridge, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Big Sky Resort and White Otter Ski Lift.

Powder Ridge
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Lazy Acres

Two Top Mountain is one noteworthy place to stop while you're exploring Lazy Acres and the surrounding area.

Lazy Acres
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Horse Butte

Hebgen Lake is one noteworthy place to stop while you're exploring Horse Butte and the surrounding area.

Horse Butte
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Skywood Preserve

Skywood Preserve might not have many top sights, but Big Sky Chapel and Big Sky Community Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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 CA $199 per night from Jul. 1 to Jul. 2
CA $199
CA $243 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 1 - Jul 2
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! (733 reviews)
"It is bit far from Yellowstone West entrance, and the highway is too dark in the night to drive with many road curves. but the property location is scenic and good"

Reviewed on Jun. 2, 2024

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 CA $245 per night from Jul. 2 to Jul. 3
CA $245
CA $312 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 2 - Jul 3
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! (1,001 reviews)
The best!
"It was the cleanest hotel I've ever been in! The view was beautiful, breakfast was great, servicecwas fantastic!! Will stay there again in a heart beat!!"

Reviewed on Jun. 3, 2024

The Lodge at Big Sky
320 Guest Ranch
320 Guest Ranch
3 out of 5
205 Buffalo Horn Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, Gallatin Gateway, MT
The price is CA $403 per night from Jun. 10 to Jun. 11
CA $403
CA $436 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 10 - Jun 11
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (801 reviews)
5 stars
"We had a lovely stay in the shoulder season. Immaculate accommodations and lovely ranch ambience. We will be coming back!"

Reviewed on Jun. 2, 2024

320 Guest Ranch
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.
Yellowstone Cabin #5 at Gallatin Canyon Cabins
Yellowstone Cabin #5 at Gallatin Canyon Cabins
Gallatin Gateway
Stay at this cabin in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attraction Little Bear School House Museum is located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Beautiful view
"Perfect location for us. Clean and quiet. Great view from the deck."

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Yellowstone Cabin #5 at Gallatin Canyon Cabins
Cozy, Rustic Cabins near Chico Hot Springs & only 35 mins to YELLOWSTONE PARK!!
Cozy, Rustic Cabins near Chico Hot Springs & only 35 mins to YELLOWSTONE PARK!!
Pray
Stay at this cabin in Pray. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attraction Chico Hot Springs is located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (112 reviews)
A cozy hide away
"Sarah is an incredible woman she purchased the properties disassemble relocated and reassembled them where they are now located she lives on a third cabin on site and will answer all questions and gives great insight to the best unknown spots. oh yeah one more thing she does not just tell local folklore ..."

Reviewed on Sep. 11, 2023

Cozy, Rustic Cabins near Chico Hot Springs & only 35 mins to YELLOWSTONE PARK!!
Riverfront Home on the Madison River- week in June now open!
Riverfront Home on the Madison River- week in June now open!
Cameron
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Cameron. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Earthquake Lake Visitor Center and Wade ...
10/10 Exceptional! (48 reviews)
Amazing Trip to Yellowstone
"The location and property were amazing. The kitchen had everything we needed to have family meals. The decription of the proprry was stop on. We had an amazing trip."

Reviewed on May 30, 2024

Riverfront Home on the Madison River- week in June now open!
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

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 61.53846153846154%
4 - Good
5
" "4 - Good 38.46153846153846%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Worth return visits, Ski resort unique

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Big sky is amazingly beautiful but I would not recommend still water condos to anyone

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Zip lining was an amazing experience. Instructors were very helpful and made it a lot of fun.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great getaway on an epic mountain with tonnes of terrain and snow. The only thing that could be better is late night food delivery - nothing available if you are outside of the village/Bozeman

Cities near Big Sky