FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BIG SKY

First time on the slopes? No problem! Big Sky Resort provides ample beginner terrain with a world-class Mountain Sports program and performance rentals. Fill your rest days with plenty of off-mountain activities, shopping, and dining, true to the Montana mountain experience.

Get details on where to rent skis and more by visiting our Skiing and Snowboarding page. 

If you're looking for the ultimate flexibility to go where you want and stay where you want, then we recommend renting a car. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport offers a variety of national car rental companies, as well as Turo car rentals.

If you prefer not to drive in Montana's snowy conditions or looking for a more budget-friendly trip, there are several shuttle options available. Private transport to public shuttles are available from the Bozeman airport to Big Sky.  Once in Big Sky, you can use our free public Skyline Bus and Skyline Connect options.  Please be aware that public transportation is limited and may not provide as much schedule flexibility. We recommend booking private shuttles in advance. 

If you plan to fly to Montana, we recommend renting gear from one of our ski shops, as checking ski luggage can be expensive. However, if you intend to drive, bringing your ski gear is a great option. Most lodging provides ski storage, or you can opt to store your skis with ski valet at Big Sky Resort for a small fee. 

Learn more: Where to Rent Skis in Big Sky

The best way to answer this question is to ask, what activities do you want to do?  

Winter is our busiest season of the year.  Peak visitation is around Christmas and from February through March. Skiing and snowboarding at Big Sky Resort is the main event, but that's not all there is to do.  From Nordic skiing and ice skating to snowmobiling and sleigh rides, winter in Big Sky is a picturesque time to visit.  Big Sky is also especially beautiful during the holidays.

Summer is another popular time to visit Big Sky (late June through August). You can easily fill the long summer days with hiking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, horseback riding, golfing, and more.  We should also mention that it's one of the busiest times of the year for travelers to visit Yellowstone National Park. 

Fall and Spring are referred to as our shoulder seasons.  We enjoy both of these seasons as they are a much quieter time to visit.  Spring is ideal for spring skiing.  Historically, we get some of our best snow in April.  It's also a great time to score incredible lift tickets and lodging deals.  Due to the lack of crowds, Fall is a perfect time to visit Yellowstone National Park while staying in Big Sky. Please note: Spring and Fall are known for unpredictable weather. So be prepared for anything. It is also a slower time of year. Many local businesses may be running on shorter hours and smaller staff. 

It's all about layers. For strolling through town, embrace Montana mountain casual with a cozy sweater or base layer topped with a warm coat and a beanie. Ensure you have grippy, waterproof footwear for walking in the snow. 

On the mountain, layer with an activewear base layer, a fleece or light puffy jacket, and a waterproof outer shell or coat. Wool ski socks are essential for keeping your feet warm in your boots. Thick leggings or long underwear are ideal under waterproof snow pants. Avoid cotton-based materials and choose wool or synthetic fabrics that don't retain moisture. Complete your outfit with a helmet, goggles, and insulated waterproof gloves or mittens.

Big Sky has several lodging styles and options.  From luxury hotels to rustic dude ranches, you'll find a spot to fit your budget and travel style.  Explore our lodging page for more information. 

Big Sky is 15 miles north of the Yellowstone National Park boundary and less than 50 miles north of Yellowstone’s West Entrance. It is the second closest town to Old Faithful and provides an easy two-hour drive, though it can take longer depending on traffic.

The year-round population of Big Sky is approximately 2,500 people. During the summer and winter months, it can increase to about 3,000 to 4,000 people.

The elevation in the Meadow Village/Town Center area of Big Sky is about 6,200 ft. The base of Lone Mountain is 7,500 ft., and the summit of Lone Mountain sits at 11,166 ft.

Big Sky summers start cool, with the average temperature in May at about 60 ºF and reaching mid-70s to upper 80s in July and August. Summer evenings cool off to about 60 ºF (sometimes cooler with the mountain air). The average daily temperature in the winter stays at about 25 ºF.

Big Sky has over 50 restaurants, bars, and eateries and over 40 shops that retail everything from art to clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more. There are full-service spas to help you relax and rejuvenate in the finest of surroundings. Our hotels, cabins, guest ranches, lodges, and vacation homes offer spectacular ACCOMMODATIONS and options for unparalleled cuisine.

The nearest airport serving the Big Sky area is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, situated just 45 miles north of Big Sky. This airport is served by Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country, and United, offering direct flights to various cities across the country! For more details, visit Getting Here. 

While there are some age and weight restrictions for guided activities like whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and ziplining, there is still plenty to do to keep your young ones happy! Ski and summer camps are popular among kids of all ages, as is the ice skating rink, and Big Sky Resort’s Basecamp to Yellowstone activities – bungee trampoline, high ropes course, and scenic lift rides.

Big Sky also has a wonderful community park with a playground, soccer field, skate park and climbing walls. A trip to West Yellowstone’s GRIZZLY and WOLF DISCOVERY CENTER is always a favorite.

Glacier National Park is located in northwest Montana and is about a 6-hour drive from Big Sky to the West Entrance. The time varies depending on which entrance you’re driving to.