Big Sky Resort in Montana is a premier destination for hardcore skiers and snowboarders, with a wide variety of terrain, great powder, and scenic views. Big Sky offers everything from challenging runs to family-friendly slopes, combining adventure with Montana’s rustic charm. The après and nightlife scene aren’t nearly as built up as some other ski resorts, but Big Sky makes up for it with over 5,850 acres of skiable terrain and 39 lifts. Big Sky is, well BIG! Last year during our trip we pulled up to the parking lot on a busy Saturday and felt dread seeing so many people, cue long wait times for lifts and crowded trails, right? Wrong! Big Sky is so big everyone has room to spread out, there were several trails we felt like we had all to ourselves!
Where to stay in Big Sky
The Wilson Hotel
$$
Good for: people with dogs who want to be in town center close to shops and restaurants.
Proximity to the slopes: 10 minute drive to the lifts
Amenities we love: Free breakfast in the lobby every morning, free ski shuttle to and from the lifts, huge outdoor pool and hot tub.
The Montage Big Sky
$$$
Good for: luxury seekers, who want top-tier dining and great après.
Proximity to the slopes: ski-in ski-out
Amenities we love: Alpenglow an awesome on site après bar, on site Compass Sports shop to help with gear, complimentary chauffeur service for guests.
Aspects Big Sky
$$
Good for: big groups who want to have more space, long term stays, people with dogs.
Proximity to the slopes: 15-20 minute drive from the lifts
Amenities we love: lots of privacy, fully equipped kitchen, and signature homes have their own outdoor hot tub. There is also a sauna and fire pit on the grounds for all guests.
Best après in Big Sky
Tips Up
$$
Where: Big Sky Town Center
When: early evening after the slopes close.
What to order: try the friend chicken sandwich.
Vibe: Fun, social, lots of games and live music.
Après in Mountain Village Plaza
$$
Where: Mountain Village Plaza at the bottom of the Ramcharger 8 lift.
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday starting at 3-6pm.
What to order: Grab drinks from one of the plaza bars, Montana Jacks or Umbrella Bar.
Vibe: DJ gets going for a huge après dance party
Alpenglow
$$$
Where: The Montage.
When: late afternoon, early evening, with live music Friday and Saturdays.
What to order: one of their specialty martinis
Vibe: elevated après with craft cocktails and stunning mountain views.
Where to eat in Big Sky
The Montana Dinner Yurt
$$$
Cuisine: a three course hearty meal of mountain classics.
Reservations: required, this is a one-of-a-kind dining experience, a snowcat will bring guests to a cozy yurt for dinner, dress warmly for this 3-3.5 hour experience.
Best for: a romantic date night, special occassion.
Mi Pueblito Taco Bus
$
Cuisine: Mexican
Reservations: take-out only, there are a few picnic tables by the food truck (bus) but most people take their food to go.
Best for: A quick bite at the end of a long day on the slopes, an affordable dinner.
Everett’s 8800
$$
Cuisine: Alpine inspired.
Reservations: required, located at the top of the Ramcharger 8 lift. Dinner reservations come with a lift ticket, if you do not have a lift ticket for lunch you can purchase one at a discount.
Best for: cozy but upscale lunch on mountain.
What to do if you don’t ski
Sno-Go Bikes
$$
Where: Mountain Village
When: Can sign up for a guided experience or just rent and go on your own.
Why we love it: a unique experience that offers a new challenge, sno-go bikes combine biking with skiing.
Enchanted Forest
$$
Where: atop Andesite Mountain
When: Wednesday – Saturday, self guided 1 hour experience. Book tickets online.
Why we love it: Family friendly, fun outdoor experience featuring 10,000 lights along a peaceful winter walking trail.
Snowshoe Tours
$$
Where: Mountain Sports in Mountain Village
When: 2 hour long tour, Wednesday – Saturday, book online ahead of time for either a group tour or private tour.
Why we love it: Explore the terrain of Lone Mountain up close with a chance to spot wildlife.
Yellowstone in Winter
$$
Where: a short drive from Big Sky in Yellowstone National Park.
When: throughout winter, great for a day off from the mountains.
Why we love it: Yellowstone is one of the most visited national parks, going in the winter offers less crowds explore via snowmobile, snow coach, or snowshoe.
How to get to Big Sky and getting around
The nearest airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, located about an hour from Big Sky. Shuttles, private cars, and rental options are available to get you from Bozeman to the resort. If you’re staying right in town or right on the mountain you won’t need a car, but if you’re staying a little outside, we recommend renting a car to help you get around.
Big Sky does have several great public transportation options. The Skyline Bus is free and runs 7 days a week with several stops throughout Big Sky including Mountain Village. The Link Express offers transportation between Big Sky and Bozeman. Then there is the Skyline Big Sky Connect, Big Sky’s own personal version of Uber, but way better. Skyline Connect is a fare-free, on-demand service that takes passengers between Big Sky’s Meadow Village Center, town center and confluence areas. However, it does not go up to the mountain.
Ski passes and ski rentals
Big Sky is part of the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective, providing flexibility for multi-resort pass holders. Ikon pass holders can ski up to 7 days at Big Sky and you must make a reservation on the Ikon app ahead of time. Keep in mind the Ikon and Mountain Collective passes do not include access to the Lone Peak Tram, you will be charged separately for that. However, starting this year for the 24-25’ winter season, single day or multi-day lift tickets bought directly through Big Sky do include unlimited access to the Lone Peak Tram!
Rentals are available at a variety of shops throughout Big Sky. If you rent directly through Big Sky Resort there are slopeside shops in mountain village and at Madison base. Big sky offers rental delivery, early pickup, and a ski valet for ultimate convenience. They also offer demos for skiers and riders looking to test something new. The demo shop is located in Mountain Village in the Snowcrest Building.
Want more destination guides? Check out our complete guide to Jackson Hole.
