Looking for world-class skiing, mountain views, and outdoor adventure? Head to Big Sky! Tucked between Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky, Montana is a year-round alpine paradise. Whether you're carving powder in winter, hiking wildflower trails in summer, or enjoying riverside dining, Big Sky blends rustic luxury with unforgettable mountain scenery.
Big Sky, MT Highlights:
- For Skiers & Snowboarders: Ride Big Sky Resort – Over 5,800 acres of terrain, 38 lifts, and the iconic Lone Peak Tram make this a premier winter destination.
- For Hikers: Explore Ousel Falls Trail – An easy, scenic hike to a stunning waterfall just minutes from town.
- For Anglers: Fly fish the Gallatin River – Legendary blue-ribbon trout streams wind through Big Sky’s scenic canyons.
- For Thrill Seekers: Try ziplining or mountain biking at Big Sky Resort – Summer brings high-altitude thrills and panoramic views.
- For Families: Visit BASE Community Center – A public hub for climbing, swimming, fitness, and year-round activities for all ages.
Best Time to Visit Big Sky, MT
The best time to visit Big Sky depends on your interests: December–March is peak ski season, with deep powder and world-class slopes. June–September offers warm weather for hiking, biking, and fly fishing. Fall is quieter with golden aspens, and spring brings early season wildlife watching.
How to Get to Big Sky, MT
- By Plane: The nearest airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), about 1 hour north of Big Sky.
- By Car: Big Sky is located along Highway 191, between Bozeman and West Yellowstone.
- By Shuttle: Shuttle services are available from Bozeman Airport to Big Sky year-round.
Where to Stay in Big Sky, MT
- Recommended for Skiers: Huntley Lodge at Big Sky Resort – Ski-in/ski-out access with rustic Western charm and on-site dining.
- For Couples: Montage Big Sky – A luxurious alpine retreat with spa, heated pool, and high-end dining.
- For Budget Travelers: Whitewater Inn – Comfortable, affordable lodging with pool and proximity to the Meadow Village area.
Best Things to Do in Big Sky, MT
1. Big Sky Resort
Ski snowy slopes and enjoy exciting winter attractions on a mountain trip.
The Big Sky Resort is about an hour from Bozeman in the southwestern region of Montana and is the country’s second largest ski resort by acreage. The resort offers meeting facilities, fine dining, excellent lodging accommodations, and numerous outdoor recreation activities. Big Sky is also known for its gracious hospitality, abundant wildlife, and stunning scenery. Guests can enjoy snowshoeing, zip lines, seven terrain parks, snowboarding, and skiing during the winter season, while the summer brings opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, tennis, archery, and more zip lines. Horseback riding and golf can be found nearby as well.
50 Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716, Phone: 800-548-4486
2. Big Sky Chapel
Visit this peaceful spot and admire scenic views on a quiet weekend.
Nestled among the lush fairways of a golf course and majestic mountains, Montana’s Big Sky Chapel has served the local community since 1999. This interfaith chapel is home to several different congregations, including Jewish, Christian Fellowship, Lutheran, Episcopal, and Catholic. The Big Sky Chapel also hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, such as artistic and musical performances, as well as civic gatherings, Girl Scouts, Veterans’ Day services, and other special events. Educational classes, Sunday School, Bible studies, memorials, weddings, and other congregational activities are also hosted at the chapel, in addition to weekly church services.
510 Little Coyote Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716, Phone: 406-995-3336
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Yellowstone Club
Explore private trails and savor luxury sights on a romantic couples retreat.
The Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana is a gated, private community that spans across more than thirteen thousand acres. The club boasts itself as the only private golf and ski community in the world and includes thousands of acres for private skiing, as well as a championship golf course that was designed by Tom Weiskopf. In addition to skiing and golf, the Yellowstone Club also provides opportunities for a wide variety of other activities, including biking and hiking trails, fly fishing, taking in panoramic mountain vistas, spa services, and fine dining. There are also activities for children.
1 Yellowstone Club Trail, Big Sky, MT 59716, Phone: 406-995-4900
4. The Soldiers Chapel
Look at historic details and enjoy a quick, meaningful stop on a fall trip.
Situated at 6,017 feet in elevation, The Soldiers Chapel in the scenic mountain town of Big Sky is a non-denominational Christian memorial, dedicated by the Nelson Story family in 1955 as a tribute to a fallen member of the family who had served in the 163rd Infantry Regiment. This regiment was part of the National Guard of Montana during the time of World War II. The Soldiers Chapel is one of the area’s oldest structures and is open seven days a week to visitors from Memorial Day until Labor Day, offering services on Sundays at 11:00am.
47875 Gallatin Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716, Phone: 406-995-4089
Where to Eat in Big Sky, MT
- Recommended for Families: Blue Moon Bakery – Casual breakfast and lunch with pizza, bagels, and baked goods that everyone loves.
- For Fine Dining: Horn & Cantle – Upscale mountain cuisine with game meats, hearty steaks, and a refined rustic setting.
- For a Casual Meal: The Riverhouse BBQ – Delicious smoked meats and Montana craft beers with mountain views and live music.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Music Lovers: Music in the Mountains (Summer) – A popular free outdoor concert series in Big Sky Town Center Park.
- For Rodeo Fans: Big Sky PBR (Professional Bull Riding) (July) – Nationally recognized bull riding event with a festival-like atmosphere.
- For Art & Culture: Big Sky Art Auction & Art Walk (Summer) – Support local artists through open galleries and exhibitions downtown.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–60 Minutes of Big Sky, Montana:
- For Wildlife & Wonders: Yellowstone National Park (50 min to West Entrance) – Watch geysers erupt, bison roam, and explore thermal basins.
- For Scenic Drives: Gallatin Canyon – Take Highway 191 for a stunning drive along the river, with plenty of pull-offs and photo ops.
- For Museums & Shopping: Downtown Bozeman (1 hour) – Browse boutiques, dine in chic restaurants, or visit the Museum of the Rockies.
- For Waterfalls: Lava Lake Trail (40 min north) – A moderate hike through pine forests ending at a gorgeous alpine lake.
- For Hot Springs: Bozeman Hot Springs (1 hour) – Soak indoors or outside in naturally heated mineral pools with live music on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
What is Big Sky, Montana known for?
- While the town of Big Sky invokes an image of exclusive mountain getaways and amazing ski trips during the winter, this scenic area of Montana offers so much to do during the summer months as well.
-
Is Big Sky a good destination year-round?
- This makes a visit to Big Sky, Montana a great choice any time of year, and the town is just forty-five minutes from Yellowstone National Park.
-
What outdoor activities are available in Big Sky?
- This destination for the “biggest skiing in America” also offers opportunities for whitewater rafting, outdoor concerts, mountain biking, camping, fishing, hiking, and more.
Plan Your Trip