BIG SKY STORY IDEAS

Big Sky, Montana: The Most Room to Roam in North American Skiing

For skiers and snowboarders seeking wide-open terrain, reliable powder, and big mountain adventure, Big Sky, Montana delivers an unmatched alpine experience. As the third-largest ski resort in North America, Big Sky offers more than 5,850 skiable acres, 300+ named runs, and 400+ inches of annual snowfall across four interlinked mountains. Whether you’re carving mellow groomers, tackling expert terrain like the legendary Big Couloir, or riding the Lone Peak Tram to the 11,166-foot summit for 300 degrees of descent, Big Sky offers something for every level. Cutting-edge lift technology—including Swift Current 6, the fastest six-person chairlift in North America—means more time on the mountain. With sweeping views, consistent snow, and an authentic mountain-town feel, Big Sky is the kind of ski destination that delivers both exhilaration and space to breathe.

The Elevated Western Spirit of Big Sky’s Cowboy Style

Big Sky isn’t just a mountain town—it’s where rugged Western heritage meets modern luxury in unforgettable ways. Lone Mountain Ranch, a historic guest ranch that’s been welcoming travelers for over a century, sets the stage with weekly summer rodeos showcasing classic cowboy skills, complete with barrel racing, bronc riding, and live music under the stars. With a legacy spanning decades, locally owned Jake’s Horses provides everything from short, family-friendly trail rides to full-day backcountry adventures through alpine meadows, pine forests, and along the Gallatin River. For a taste of the Old West, head to the nearby 320 Guest Ranch for a traditional chuck wagon dinner, where guests ride out to a riverside cookout with grilled steaks, cowboy poetry, and mountain views. A stay at Rainbow Ranch Lodge along the Gallatin River offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and peaceful riverside relaxation. From cozy cabins to elevated outdoor excursions, Big Sky delivers a Western experience that blends grit with grandeur—perfect for the modern traveler seeking both adventure and indulgence.

Exploring Big Sky Country Beyond the Slopes

Big Sky is just as magical off the slopes as it is on them. Winter visitors can explore the snow-covered wilderness by snowshoe, sleigh ride, or snowmobile, and enjoy 85 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails at Lone Mountain Ranch. For a truly memorable experience, go dog sledding with a team of energetic huskies, eager to lead you through the snowy forest. Just a short ride away, Yellowstone National Park transforms into a serene winter wonderland, where guided snowcoach and snowmobile tours offer a front-row seat to its steaming geysers, frozen waterfalls, and roaming wildlife. Back in town, visitors can ice skate in the Town Center, sled behind the shops (sleds available at the grocery store), unwind with spa treatments, or browse Big Sky’s boutique shops and galleries.

Big Sky is Nature’s Wellness Sanctuary

Tucked away in southwest Montana, Big Sky is chock-full of heart-nourishing natural beauty in every direction. Travelers seeking to enhance their healthy lifestyle can nurture their mind, body, and spirit by taking deep breaths of crisp mountain air, basking in the beauty of picture-perfect postcard views, and soaking away stress in nearby healing hot springs. Those needing a dose of pampering can indulge in a restorative massage, facial, or spend time by the pool to unwind at a full-service spa. Slow-paced travel may be as simple as getting a good night’s sleep in a quiet mountain town, taking time to read a good book, alpine forest bathing, or an outdoor yoga class with awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain vistas that remind us to be present now. In Big Sky, you can hike, bike, or ski in a place that feels remote and rejuvenating, letting the restorative powers of nature wash over you.

Summer in Big Sky: Adventure All Day Long

When the snow melts, Big Sky transforms into a summer playground. Hike to Ousel Falls, bike 40 miles of lift-served trails, or raft the Gallatin River’s whitewater rapids. Fly fishing on the Gallatin is a rite of passage. Families will love horseback rides, zipline tours, and exploring nearby Yellowstone National Park. Big Sky Resort’s Arnold Palmer-designed golf course delivers championship play with awe-inspiring Lone Peak views. Hikers can explore trails in the Gallatin National Forest or Lee Metcalf Wilderness, while the Lone Peak Tram provides jaw-dropping vistas across three states and two national parks.

Big Sky Dining & Après Ski

Whether you need to fuel up before or after hitting the slopes, or you just come for the après ski culture, Big Sky’s gastronomic scene will warm your belly. Mountain-inspired food is all about hearty indulgence, and it’s not hard to find locally sourced game and fish, five-course meals, or even a rustically elegant bistro perched 8,800 feet above sea level. There are also many causal options to delight your inner foodie, including a gourmet hotdog stand, a food emporium offering everything from sushi to street tacos, or a family-friendly tavern serving up the best barbecue in the Rockies. Quaint bars offer diverse hand-crafted cocktails and wine menus while relaxing next to a warm fire, and local breweries serve up crisp, cold beer. Big Sky’s luxury dining scene shines at One&Only Moonlight Basin and Montage Big Sky, where alpine elegance meets world-class cuisine. Unique dining experiences include a slope-side dinner in a casually elegant yurt, accessed by snowcat. For the ultimate hygge experience, hop on a horse-drawn sleigh for a ride through a winter wonderland under starry skies to a cozy oil-lantern-lit cabin for a prime rib dinner.

The Quiet Luxury of Big Sky

From elevated lodging to high-concept dining and bespoke outdoor adventures, Big Sky’s luxury offerings are as expansive as its mountain views. The ultra-exclusive One&Only Moonlight Basin brings the brand’s signature blend of sophistication and seclusion to the Montana wilderness, offering sleek accommodations, curated alpine experiences, and exceptional dining rooted in local ingredients. Nearby, Montage Big Sky delivers refined mountain hospitality with 150 beautifully appointed guest rooms, 39 private residences, a full-service spa, and its signature restaurant Cortina, where rustic Italian flavors meet mountain elegance. Complementing these resorts is the Summit Hotel at Big Sky Resort, along with an extensive selection of private luxury homes, mountain cabins, and ski-in/ski-out condos that offer refined comfort and direct access to Big Sky’s premier alpine adventures. For a rustic-luxe experience, Lone Mountain Ranch offers elevated dude-ranch adventures, from Nordic ski lessons to sunset horseback rides with wine tastings. Travelers can explore nearby Yellowstone National Park on private, guided tours in luxury SUVs, tailored to their group’s interests. Big Sky’s dining scene rounds out the experience, from contemporary culinary standouts to timeless icons.

A River Runs Through It

Big Sky sits in the heart of blue-ribbon trout country. The legendary Gallatin River—famous for its starring role in A River Runs Through It—flows just minutes from town. With up to 3,000 fish per mile, the Gallatin offers exceptional year-round fly fishing. Local guides provide expert instruction and insight into the best casting spots and seasonal hatches. Other nearby rivers include the Madison, Big Hole, and Yellowstone, making Big Sky a basecamp for some of the best fly fishing in North America.