Big Sky is one of the top-ranked ski resorts in the west, but the fun doesn’t end when the snow melts on the mountaintops. Summer in the mountains is so fun & special! Crisp mountain air for early morning hikes, sunny days spent in waterfalls, rivers and alpine lakes and warm evenings for summer cocktails and live music under the stars.
Big Sky delivers all of this, and more. Ride the scenic chairlift to the summit of Lone Peak, engage in fun Big Sky Resort summer activities geared to the whole family and mingle with locals and Big Sky visitors in Town Center with open air eateries, breweries, unique shopping and a fun line up of activities throughout the summer months.
Wherever you choose to stay in our charming mountain town you’re guaranteed a relaxing getaway, easy social distancing, scenic alpine vistas and easy access to the top summer activities in Big Sky. Browse our neighborhood guide and selection of luxury Big Sky rentals and start planning your vacation with our 5-Day Summer Itinerary for Big Sky.
DAY 1: STAY LOCAL IN BIG SKY
Breakfast in Town Center
Start your Big Sky vacation in the heart of Town Center. Acre Kitchen is a welcoming introduction to Big Sky’s food scene with wholesome and organic farm-to-table breakfasts for sit down and healthy grab and go options. If a quick coffee and breakfast pastry is more your style, head to Caliber Coffee Roasters, Big Sky’s only local roaster.
Hike to a Waterfall or Alpine Lake
Big Sky is surrounded by some of the best hiking trails in Montana with streams, alpine lakes, blooming wildflowers and snow clad peaks! Some of our favorites are the easy 1.6 mile family trail to Ousel Falls and the more strenuous 7.1 mile hike to Beehive Basin and a tranquil alpine lake. We suggest packing a picnic and making a full day of Big Sky’s trails.
Dinner in Town Center
Reserve a table at Michelangelo’s for award-winning Italian, dine on fresh sushi at Blue Buddha or head to Lotus Pad for tasty Thai. For late night drinks, make your way to Big Sky’s late night hot spot, The Standard cocktail lounge in Mountain Village, with over 50 handcrafted cocktails and a delicious dessert bar.
DAY 2: GET ON THE WATER!
Breakfast in Bed
After indulging in late night drinks, breakfast in bed sounds inviting! Our Big Sky rentals boast some of the best vacation kitchens in Big Sky, we’ll even arrange grocery delivery so you can lie in! If you’re keen to explore more of Big Sky’s foodie scene, we suggest the organic gourmet coffee, hot breakfasts and freshly baked cinnamon rolls at Blue Moon Bakery in Big Sky Town Center.
On the Water Activities
Book a scenic tubing trip or whitewater expedition on the Gallatin River, an exhilarating adventure for the whole family. If you prefer calmer waters, Lake Levinsky is a 10 acre lake nestled in the shadows of Lone Peak near the entrance to Mountain Village with boat rentals, pedal boats, canoes, SUPs and fishing.
Lunch in Town Center
Enjoy a laid-back lunch at The Rocks in the heart of Big Sky Town Center. This is one of Big Sky’s top lunch venues with a tasting room, restaurant, small outdoor patio and liquor store to pick up your favorite Montana spirits to take home.
Explore Big Sky
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Big Sky. Get some retail therapy in the local stores, pick up gifts and souvenirs, browse the art galleries, and perhaps even sneak in a massage or spa treatment.
Happy Hour and Dinner
Hit the happy hour and sample Big Sky’s best craft beer at the Beehive Basin Brewery. Stay in Town Center for hand-tossed pizza at Ousel & Spur (with a Bambino menu for the kids!), traditional noodles at Niseko Ramen Bar or good food, fun games and live music at Tips Up.
DAY 3: YELLOWSTONE PARK TOUR
Grab & Go Breakfast
Pick up some fresh pastries for a quick breakfast from Caliber Coffee Roasters or grab a coffee and breakfast to go from Café 191 before you head out for a day at Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone Park Tour
It’s a one hour drive to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park and well worth the day trip from Big Sky. If you’re driving or have a rental car, take a self-guided tour or book a bucket-list safari adventure or guided tour of Yellowstone. The scenic route from Big Sky to Yellowstone passes through a corner of the park that is prime for viewing wolves and bears in their natural habitat so be sure to bring your binoculars and camera.
Dinner on the Gallatin River
A trip to Big Sky is not complete without authentic Texan BBQ at the Gallatin Riverhouse Grille. The Riverhouse is enroute back to Big Sky with patio dining on the Gallatin River, live music, spectacular views and the best barbeque in Montana. It’s a pit stop you won’t regret!
DAY 4: THE BEST OF BIG SKY RESORT
Slopeside Breakfast
Savor a hearty breakfast overlooking the slopes of Big Sky Resort at the Carabiner Lounge on the terrace level of the Summit Hotel. Feast on decadent pancakes or a healthy omelet while soaking up spectacular views of Big Sky’s iconic Lone Peak from the outdoor patio. The Carabiner Lounge opens at 6:30am for an early start.
Relax in the Great Outdoors
Big Sky offers an abundance of relaxing outdoor activities. Spend the morning fishing the blue ribbon rivers and trout streams with a local fly fishing guide, tee off on Big Sky’s award-winning golf course, go birdwatching and wildlife viewing on the trails or book a hot tub home and spend the morning relaxing in the comfort of your Big Sky vacation home.
BBQ Cook-Out
The benefits of a vacation home over a hotel are many, but you can’t BBQ in a hotel room! Our Big Sky rentals offer high-end amenities, fun games rooms and inviting outdoor living spaces with views and private hot tubs, so we encourage you to spend some time enjoying your home-away-from-home.
Big Sky Resort Activities
Book an adventure to Montana’s highest scenic overlook on the Lone Peak Expedition, an unforgettable Big Sky experience with views from the summit spanning three states and two national parks. Return to Big Sky Basecamp in Mountain Village for bungee trampolines, disc golf, archery and zipline tours.
Happy Hour & Dinner on a Ranch
Lone Mountain Ranch is a historic guest ranch near Big Sky, a symbol of American West heritage that is not to be missed. Share a round of drinks in the Saloon Bar followed by a unique western fine dining experience at Big Sky’s favorite Horn & Cantle. Reservations are essential.
DAY 5: A DAY OF BIG SKY ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Breakfast
It’s your last day of vacation so why not sleep in and enjoy a slow start to the day at home. Today is adventure day so carbo-loading is allowed!
Big Sky Adventure Activities
Adventure close to Big Sky for the day! If you are looking for some adrenaline, head off the beaten path on the ATV trails nearby in the Gallatin Canyon. If you are looking for a calmer activity, horseback riding in Big Sky offers spectacular views, trails and adventures. Depending on what you are looking for, you can enjoy pack trips, fishing trips, trail rides or big game hunting via horseback.
Happy Hour at Copper Whiskey Bar
Spend your final evening in Big Sky at the Copper Whiskey Bar and Grill in the Wilson Hotel in Town Center. Copper has happy hour snacks and drinks from 3pm to 6pm and elevated pub grub served till 9pm, so you can settle into the laid-back atmosphere and stay put for your last night in Big Sky!
