Big Sky, Montana Named Top Trending Travel Destination for 2026

BIG SKY, Mont. (October 20, 2025) — Big Sky, Montana, has been ranked as the top trending travel destination for 2026, according to Expedia Group’s annual Unpack ’26 report. The study analyzed flight and accommodation searches from more than 24,000 global travelers across 18 countries and identified destinations showing the highest increases in interest over the past year.

Big Sky saw a remarkable 92% increase in travel searches, earning the top spot among global destinations that include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; and Phu Quoc, Vietnam.

According to the report, Big Sky has long been known for world-class outdoor recreation, offering skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking, mountain biking, and rafting in summer. The destination was also recognized for its evolving dining scene, growth in family-friendly offerings, and community events and cultural activities.

Introducing a first for 2026, Expedia also launched the Smart Travel Health Check, a framework inspired by the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) visionary report on destination management. The new framework highlights destinations that align with WTTC’s six actions for sustainable tourism management, evaluating areas such as community impact, environmental stewardship, and long-term planning.

“Big Sky’s recognition as the top trending destination underscores what locals and longtime visitors already know. This is a place where adventure and awe-inspiring landscapes come together in a way that’s truly special,” said Brad Niva, CEO of Visit Big Sky. “We work hard to balance the benefits of tourism with our responsibility to protect what makes Big Sky unique, ensuring the visitor economy thrives while listening to and supporting the residents who call this place home.”

​​Big Sky continues to grow as a premier year-round destination, with several highly anticipated developments for the 2025–26 season. This November, One&Only Moonlight Basin will open as the brand’s first U.S. resort, ushering in a new era of ultra-luxury hospitality with direct gondola access to Big Sky Resort. At the resort, visitors can also look forward to new experiences, including Kircliff, an all-glass viewing platform perched at 11,166 feet on Lone Peak, the debut of the Explorer Gondola, and a culinary residency by Chef Grant Achatz and The Alinea Group. In addition, Gravity Haus Big Sky opened in July, introducing a new boutique lodging property in Town Center.

About Big Sky, Montana

Nestled in the heart of the Northern Rockies, Big Sky, Montana, is a premier year-round destination known for its breathtaking natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and authentic mountain culture. Just an hour south of Bozeman and on the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky offers boundless recreation, including world-class skiing, hiking, and fly fishing, as well as vibrant arts, culture, and culinary experiences. At the center is Big Sky Resort, one of the largest ski areas in North America with more than 5,800 acres of terrain and over 300 named runs. For more information about Big Sky and travel to the region, visit www.visitbigsky.com.

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