Big Sky, Montana is well known for amazing skiing on big terrain without the crowds you find in other large resorts. As amazing as the skiing is in Big Sky, there are a lot of other activities to keep you busy for weeks anytime of there year! Here are the most asked questions about Big Sky to help you navigate your way to the best experience.
Where is Big Sky, Montana located?
Big Sky, Montana is located in the Southwestern part of Montana in the Gallatin Canyon halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Bozeman. This area of the Rocky Mountains has an abundance of natural attractions from Lone Peak to the famous Gallatin River.
How do I get to Big Sky, Montana?
Drive: Big Sky, Montana is located just off Highway 191 halfway between Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park.
Fly: Bozeman International Airport is about an hour away during normal weather and traffic conditions. Rental cars and shuttle services are available.
Hike: Yes, you can hike into the area from multiple directions including Yellowstone National Park!
What is there to do in Big Sky, Montana?
Big Sky is an outdoor lover’s dream! The area is famous for its snow skiing and winter sports at Big Sky Resort and summer activities like fly fishing and rafting on the Gallatin River. But trust me, Big Sky is a year-round destination! Big Sky also offers some of the best hiking trails, horseback riding, mountain biking, ziplining, kayaking, hot air ballooning, cross country skiing, and wildlife watching in the Rockies. To really enjoy everything Big Sky has to offer, I recommend you have a love for outdoors. You can sit in the hot tub at The Wilson Hotel, catch a movie at Lone Peak Cinema, or dine at The Spanish Peaks Mountain Club or Yellowstone Club, but to truly enjoy Big Sky, you need a love for adventure! Big Sky visitors thrive on its abundance of endless nature and outdoor lifestyle activities.
Is there fly fishing in Big Sky, Montana?
Yes! Not only does Big Sky offer fly fishing, it’s on the famous Gallatin River! Remember the movie “A River Runs Through It”? That is the same Gallatin River that is in Big Sky. The water is clear and the rainbows bite!
To have the most enjoyable day possible, I recommend going with a guide with knowledge of the best fishing holes, what the trout and other fish like to eat during that time of year and day, stream access, and fishing regulations. Fishing licenses can be purchased at these outfitter locations. For license cost information, visit the Fish, Wildlife & Parks website. I recommend Gallatin River Guides, but there are a lot of other great companies in the area with a lot of experience.
Once you are on the river, disconnect and take in the Montana scenery. Don’t be like me. I lost the biggest rainbow of the day because I stopped working the fish to hit record on a GoPro mounted on my chest.
What ski resorts are near Big Ski, Montana?
Big Sky Resort is located in Big Sky, Montana and is one of the largest ski resorts in America based on the size of its skiable terrain, has one of the largest vertical drops in America, exceptional terrain, and isn’t as crowded as many resorts of its size! Big Sky Resort offers skiing on 4 mountains with more than 300 runs serviced by 36 lifts. The name for the resort is fitting. It’s big!
What type of terrain is Big Sky Resort?
Big Sky terrain is 15% beginner, 25% intermediate, 42% advanced, and 18% expert. That translates to more than 2,300 acres of beginner and intermediate terrain and more than 3,525 acres of advanced and expert terrain. It is a great mix for all abilities from learning to ski all the way through big mountain terrain!
What is the elevation of Big Sky Resort?
The top of Big Sky Resort at Lone Peak is 11,166-feet.
The base of Big Sky Resort is 6,800-feet.
Can you ski off Lone Peak at Big Sky?
Yes! You can ski 300-degrees from the peak. Take the Lone Mountain tram to the top and enjoy the unreal scenery including Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, multiple states, and well, Montana!
Does Big Sky Resort offer more than skiing?
Yes! Big Sky Resort is practically a city within itself. It offers shopping, dining, golf, mountain biking, rock climbing, adventure zipline, nature zipline, climbing wall, canoe and paddle boat rentals, bungee trampoline, giant swing, gemstone mining, archery, disc golf, guided hikes, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, wildlife viewing, an escape room, and other entertainment and activities.
Can you bike at Big Sky Resort?
Yes! Big Sky Resort offers more than 40-miles of biking trails. My favorite is the Mountain To Meadow Trail. This trail takes you from Big Sky Resort down to Big Sky Town Center. It’s about 6-miles of quality biking featuring single track, fantastic views, switchbacks, and a few sections of smooth road riding. It is an intermediate run that doesn’t require a lot of technical skills, but steep enough for advanced riders to have fun. You can access the trail for free by riding 2-miles uphill or get a lift pass and ride Big Sky Resort’s lifts. If you park at the resort, take the free Skyline Shuttle Service from town center back to the resort.
What are the best hiking trails in Big Sky, Montana?
Big Sky, Montana has some of the best trails in the Rockies and plenty of them! Two of the most popular hiking trails in Big Sky are Beehive Basin Trail and Ousel Falls Trail. If you want a great hike on less crowded trails, try one of dozens of other trails in the area. If you want a place to start, I recommend Porcupine Creek or Sage areas. Don’t just stick to Beehive Basin and Ousel Falls, there are endless trails that surround Big Sky!
Are there waterfalls near Big Sky, Montana?
Yes! Ousel Falls is easily accessible from town center or Big Sky Resort, is pet friendly, kid friendly, ADA accessible, and doubles as a fantastic swimming hole in the summer months. Ousel Falls is best accessed May through October to avoid ice and snow conditions.
How do I get to Ousel Falls in Big Sky?
To get to Ousel Falls from Big Sky Town Center, take Ousel Falls Road about 2-miles to the designated parking area on your left. From there, hike or bike about 1.5-miles on Ousel Falls Park Trail to the falls. The trail is easy to moderate and smooth. You can view the falls from an overlook across the ravine, making the hike wheelchair and ADA accessible to this point. To reach the base of the water fall, walk down steps near the overlook and enjoy a view of the South Fork Ravine. You will return on the same trail.
You can also walk or bike from Town Center. Take the easy Ousel Falls Trail towards to the Ousel Falls parking area and Ousel Falls Park Trail from there. If you don’t have a bike, rent one from Grizzly Outfitters in Town Center. They offer a variety of bikes including road, mountain, kids, full suspension, downhill, and more. If you stay at The Wilson Hotel in Big Sky, they offer free cruiser bike rentals!
What is the closest major airport to Big Sky, Montana?
The Bozeman International Airport (BZN) is about an hour from Big Sky depending on traffic. BZN airport is growing at a rapid pace with new airlines and non-stop flights emerging. The airport has expanded in recent years and is still expanding.
Current airlines include Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Jet Blue, Sun Country, and United Airlines with nonstop service to 21 locations in the United States. Locations include Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Los Angelas, San Fransisco, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, Detroit, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, and others.
Transportation from Bozeman International Airport (BZN) to Big Sky Montana
One of the best and cheapest ways to get from Bozeman International Airport to Big Sky is a short Lyft or Uber in Bozeman then the Skyline shuttle service from Bozeman to Big Sky. They offer service to and from areas close to the airport in Bozeman for just $5! Yes, you read that right, $5. There are no missing zeros, it’s the number between four and six! You can ride for as little as $2.50 per-trip if you buy a punch pass. Season passes are also available. Frequency of service depends on the season. View Skyline’s Big Sky shuttle service schedule for its current schedule.
Other shuttle service providers from BZN to Big Sky include Karst Stage, Shuttle to Big Sky & Taxi, Big Shuttle Inc., and Classic Limo.
Bozeman International airport also offers onsite rental cars including Alamo, Avis, Blacksford, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hurtz, National, and thrifty. Offsite car rentals include Bozeman Car Rentals, Explore Rentals, Journey Rent-A-Car, Rocky Mountain Expeditions, and Toyota Rent-A-Car at Ressler.
Once you are in Big Sky, Skyline offers free shuttle service to several locations in the area, including Town Center, Big Sky Resort, Mountain Village, Buck’s T-4 restaurant, Corral/Rainbow Ranch, Gallatin Riverhouse Grill, Meadow Village Center, and more.
Does Uber or Lyft operate in Big Sky, Montana?
No. Currently, there are no app-based ride sharing services in Big Sky. Skyline Bus offers free shuttle services to many places in town, including Big Sky Resort, Town Center, and other places in the area including Bozeman. Big Sky also has a taxi service called Shuttle To Big Sky & Taxi. Call 406-995-4895 to book a ride.
Does Big Sky Montana have restaurants?
Yes! Big Sky offers a large variety of food for any budget. Here are some restaurants I recommend.
Budget dining
Gallatin Riverhouse Grill: Barbecue and comfort food
Hungry Moose Market & Deli: A variety of food
Quality, but affordable dining
Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro: Fantastic seafood, steaks, and more with an international flare and chef-owned
Fine dining
Buck’s T-4: A Big Sky mainstay with mouthwatering food
Horn and Cantle: A craft food experience
Does Big Sky, Montana have fast food restaurants?
No. Big Sky does not have fast food chain restaurants. If you want affordable restaurants, I recommend the Hungry Moose Market & Deli or the Gallatin Riverhouse Grill.
Does Big Sky, Montana have hotels?
Currently, the only hotel in Big Sky’s Town Center is The Wilson Hotel. Other lodging is available on the mountain near Big Sky Resort, off Highway 191, and in the region. Many places are ski in and ski out. Here is a list of my favorite places.
The Wilson Hotel: Big Sky Town Center’s only hotel. Built in 2019, The Wilson Hotel offers free parking, wifi, bike rentals, an exceptional staff, probably the best free breakfast I’ve had at a hotel, easy access (across the parking lot) to Roxy’s grocery, close to everything in town center, and by Grizzly’s Outfitters. The downside is it’s further away from Big Sky Resort, although free shuttle service is offered by Skyline Bus.
Lone Mountain Ranch: An all inclusive resort with luxury, friendly and helpful staff, exceptional food, a ropes course, and access to all activities Big Sky has to offer. Want to ride horseback in the Rockies? Lone Mountain Ranch has several horses. Want to ride a full-suspension mountain bike on single track trail? They have you covered with bikes by Rossignol! The downside is the price that comes with an “all inclusive” experience, although in recent years, Lone Mountain Ranch has allowed shorter stays and opened its doors to non-guest dining and some attractions. Visit during shoulder seasons in the spring and fall for even more access and savings!
Covered Wagon Ranch: Nothing says Montana better than a dude ranch. Kurt, Melissa, and the staff at Covered Wagon Ranch know how to show western hospitality. Lodging is in historic log homes with private baths, wood burning stoves, and authentic decor. This ranch offers great dining, horseback riding, fly fishing, and hiking in nearby Yellowstone National Park and several areas around Big Sky. The downside of Covered Wagon Ranch is the distance it is away from Big Sky Resort and town center. It is located about 14-miles south of Lone Mountain Trail Road off Highway 191, but that also makes it close to Yosemite! I call that a win!
Buck’s T-4 Lodging: Buck’s T-4 is a Montana tradition that was established in 1946 as a hunting camp. Buck’s T-4 is one of best values in Big Sky and still includes amenities like free wifi, outdoor spas, a large and cozy fireplace in lobby, and a hot breakfast including meat, eggs, potatoes, cereal, pastries, juice, and fresh fruit. Want one of the best meals in Montana? Visit their restaurant and try their famous wild game. I also highly recommend its charcuterie board! The downside of Buck’s T-4 Lodge is it is further away from Town Center and off Highway 191, but it is next to the Gallatin River and there is free shuttle service by Skyline Bus to nearby Big Sky Resort and Town Center.
320 Guest Ranch: This ranch offers riverfront log and deluxe cabins, chalets, and luxury log homes. 320 Guest Ranch also has live music and entertainment, free parking, wifi, and is pet friendly. Try their “Cowboy Gourmet” dining featuring wild game and steaks with about 100 wines to choose from. A free continental breakfast is included with each stay. The downside, like others in this list, is 320 Guest Ranch’s proximity to Big Sky Resort. It is located about 12-miles south of Lone Mountain Trail Road off Highway 191, which makes it that much closer to Yellowstone National Park!
BONUS LODGING
Yellowstone Club and Spanish Peaks Mountain Club: Although these are two private clubs, if you rent a house from an owner. You will also receive access to dining, outdoor activities, and other amenities. Google homes and see what you find!
When is the best time to visit Big Sky, Montana?
The best time to visit Big Sky would depend on your goals and what you want to do.
If you want to ski: Obviously winter is your only option. If you want to save money, wait until January or late winter. Make sure to avoid the Presidents Day and Martin Luther King Jr. holidays to avoid crowds and receive the best rates.
If you want to save: come during shoulder season. Visiting Big Sky, Montana in the Spring and fall and save a lot of money!
If you want to raft or kayak: visit earlier in the summer when the water has had time to warm. Each company is offered a limited number of permits per year, so you might miss out later in the summer!
If you want to horseback ride: During each season, you will have a different type of experience while horseback riding in Big Sky, Montana. I enjoy horseback riding during the fall when the leaves turn bright. During the fall, you have warm days and cool nights.
Is there shopping in Big Sky, Montana?
The classic shopping destination in Big Sky, Montana is at Big Sky Resort. The Village Center and mountain mall at the base of Big Sky Resort is bustling with shops from Burton and The North Face to Pendleton wool blankets.
In recent years, Big Sky Town Center has emerged as a go-to destination with ski rentals and outdoor gear at Grizzly Outfitters, East Slope Outdoors, and Black Tie Ski Rentals to jewelry at Ari O Jewelry to Montana-style clothing at Rhinestone Cowgirl and Antlers Clothing Co.
If you have a rest day from the ski slopes and want to shop, you will not have trouble finding quality places to shop!
Is there a grocery store in Big Sky, Montana?
Yes! You have three main options for groceries.
Roxy’s Market & Cafe: Located in Town Center off Lone Mountain Trail Road and across from The Wilson Hotel. This is the same Roxy’s that is in Aspen, Colorado and Montecito, California. Roxy’s is the largest grocery store in Big Sky.
Country Market: Located off Market Place next to Lone Peak Brewery.
Hungry Moose Market and Deli: Located in Town Center off Ousel Falls Road near Grizzly Outfitters.
These grocery stores offer quality food, as well as essentials for your stay.
Is there a brewery in Big Sky, Montana?
Yes! Beehive Basin Brewery and Lone Peak Brewery & Taphouse are located near Big Sky Town Center.
Beehive Basin Brewery: A microbrewery located near Bozeman Big Sky Medical Center and Roxy’s Market. They offer a variety of ale, IPA, porter brews, as well as seasonal choices.
Lone Peak Brewery & Taphouse: Located near Country Market and Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro. They offer 14 brews on tap, a full-service bar and restaurant, burgers and even events like lobster and crab feasts!
Does Big Sky, Montana have a hospital?
Yes! Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center is located close to Big Sky Town Center off Lone Mountain Trail Road. They offer emergency services, family medicine, diagnostics, laboratory, primary care, and Telehealth.
Does Big Sky, Montana have an official visitors guide?
Yes! Visit Big Sky’s official visitor’s guide can be found on its website.
Do you have videos of Big Sky?
Yes! Visit my Kevin Flint Youtube channel or go directly to the videos below.
Do you still have questions? Have I missed anything?
Add a comment below with anything I might have missed! If you have questions about Big Sky, ask below, email me at kevin at kevinflint.net, or visit the official page for Visit Big Sky at visitbigsky.com.
