Big Sky Resort is gearing up for the ’23/24 winter ski season! With so much snow, skiers and snowboarders from all over are keen to ride the slopes of Big Sky Resort, ranked one the “Best Ski Resorts in the West”, but the fun doesn’t end on the ski slopes. If you’re looking to fill your winter bucket list with fun outdoor activities and unique alpine experiences on and off the ski slopes, Big Sky Montana is a destination that has it all.
1. Ski the Slopes at Big Sky Resort
Boasting a massive 5,850 acres of diverse terrain with over 300 ski runs, the slopes at Big Sky Resort cater for your whole crowd – from tiny tot beginners to even the most radical expert skiers and snowboarders. Journey on the tram to the summit of Big Sky’s iconic Lone Peak, practice tricks at seven unique terrain parks, sharpen your skills at the Big Sky Mountain School, or venture out with a mountain guide to explore the vastness of Big Sky Resort.
However you choose to spend your day on the slopes of Big Sky Resort, you’ll love the uncrowded terrain and heated bubble lifts that get you there! Start planning your trip with our guide to the Best Time to Ski Big Sky and What to Expect at Big Sky Resort.
If you prefer classic cross-country skiing or skate skiing (or are keen to learn!), Big Sky Resort has 85km of groomed Nordic trails at the Big Sky Nordic Center in Meadow Village that connect with the world-class trail network at Lone Mountain Ranch. Lone Mountain Ranch is voted the #1 Nordic Ski Destination in North America with trails for all abilities, and lessons available for the whole family to learn a new winter sport!
2. Book a Sleigh-Ride at Lone Mountain Ranch
Nearly every winter bucket list includes an authentic sleigh ride experience! The legendary Lone Mountain Ranch Sleigh Ride takes you off the beaten path on a magical moonlit ride for a family-style dinner at the historic North Fork Cabin. It’s a classic Old West experience with oil lanterns, honey moonshine, a feast cooked over an old railroad stove, and live entertainment by cowboy singer storytellers. Sleigh rides are available December through March and be sure to book well in advance.
3. Learn to Drive a Dogsled
When you winter vacation in Big Sky, you can snuggle up for a husky powered adventure through the wild and scenic West Yellowstone landscapes or learn to mush your own team of sled dogs in beautiful Moonlight Basin. Whether you’re towing the line or relaxing watching the magnificent snowscapes pass you by, dogsledding is an exhilarating way to venture through the mountains of Big Sky and beyond.
4. Snowmobile the Gallatin National Forest
With over 100 miles of groomed trails and miles of breathtaking backcountry terrain, the Gallatin National Forest is a top winter destination for snowmobiling. Rent a snowmobile to navigate the canyons and peaks alone or take a guided snowmobile tour with a local expert that has an intimate knowledge of Big Sky, the Yellowstone Region, and the vast Montana mountains. Big Sky has a backcountry snowmobile adventure for every thrill seeker!
5. Snowshoe or Fat Bike the Winter Trails
Big Sky has miles of mountain biking and hiking trails that can be enjoyed year round, even in the snowy season. Favorite Big Sky snowshoe trails include the easy Ousel Falls Trail (with the bonus of a frozen waterfall!), scenic Beehive Basin (one of the world’s 10 greatest hikes!), and Moose Tracks Gully in Big Sky Mountain Village. If you’re yet to experience fat biking, it’s fun! Stop by Gallatin Alpine Sports near Big Sky Town Center for tips on rentals and the top trails to fat bike in Big Sky.
6. Take a Winter Tour of Yellowstone National Park
Touring Yellowstone National Park in winter is enchanting and yet another bucket-list experience you can tick off when you visit Big Sky. From November to April, guided winter tours of Yellowstone leave daily from Big Sky to explore the wintry landscapes of Yellowstone. There’s a tour for every adventure level from full day snowshoe tours, winter wolf and wildlife safaris, cross country ski tours of Lamar Valley, and snowmobile and snowcoach tours to Old Faithful (still faithful in the winter months!). Alternatively, you can customize your own private tour of Yellowstone with a local Big Sky tour company.
7. Dine in a Montana Mountain Yurt
The best après ski yurt experience awaits in Big Sky. The Montana Dinner Yurt experience at Big Sky Resort begins with an epic snowcat ride up Lone Peak to a cozy candlelit yurt nestled in the trees. After a warm welcome guests settle in for an evening of fine dining on French soup, filet mignon, and Toblerone fondue, fireside chats and stargazing, and gentle acoustic guitar. Popular dates often sell out by Thanksgiving so don’t delay!
8. Visit Big Sky Town Center
Big Sky Town Center is located only 7 miles from Big Sky Resort in Meadow Village with a great selection of shops, restaurants, aprés ski bars, and a free ice skating rink open daily. Town Center hosts fabulous winter festivals including the Haunted Peaks Halloween Festival, the Annual Christmas Stroll, and the Annual Big Sky Winter Fest centered around the Best in West Showdown Skijoring Competition.
9. Prepare for a Night Out On The Town
Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, prepare for a great night out on the town in Big Sky. Between Mountain Village at Big Sky Resort, Meadow Village, and Big Sky Town Center, you’re spoiled for choice with everything from family-friendly restaurants and fine dining to slopeside or 80s themed aprés ski, whiskey bars and tasting rooms, live music and dancing, and local Montana breweries.
10. Relax & Unwind in the Montana Mountains
Big Sky is one of the best small mountain towns in the US – the crisp mountain air, incredible natural beauty, and seemingly endless miles of untouched landscapes make it easy to relax and unwind.
Stay with Big Sky Vacation Rentals and take vacation relaxation to a whole new level! Our collection of 130 luxury vacation rentals are situated in Big Sky’s finest resort lodging neighborhoods with creature comforts including gourmet kitchens, games rooms, roaring winter fireplaces and fire pits, and private outdoor hot tubs with breathtaking views of Big Sky. We look forward to welcoming you to Big Sky this winter season!
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