Top 10 Reasons to Visit Big Sky in Springtime

The spring equinox falls on Sunday, March 20th this year and as the snow melts in the Big Sky Resort base areas and the first signs of spring spread across the mountains, the temptation of a getaway in the mountains with fresh, crisp air, high-altitude sunshine and enticing experiences in the great outdoors grows. Here’s our Top 10 Reasons to Experience the Splendor of Spring in Big Sky, MT!

1. Spring Skiing in Big Sky

Spring skiing is awesome! If you’re planning a spring ski trip to Big Sky, you’re in for bluebird days, warmer weather (meaning less layers!), soft snow and a chance of powdery refills, thinner crowds, and warm sun on your skin. The closing date for Big Sky’s winter season is April 24th and snow remains on the higher elevations well into May for epic skiing in the backcountry. Due to Covid-19, the Pond Skim, Big Sky’s annual closing season event is on hold, but there’s always something fun happening on closing day in Big Sky!

2. Colorful Wildflower Hikes

If you’re visiting Big Sky in early spring, you’ll need to rent a pair of snowshoes to explore the local trails. As the snow melts, native wildflowers begin to bloom across Big Sky painting the scenic meadows, glacial basins, alpine lakes, and mountain trails a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. The best wildflower trails in Big Sky include beautiful Beehive Basin for a moderate hike and Ousel Falls, an easy family-friendly hike to a once frozen waterfall, flowing at its finest with the spring runoff and snow melt.

3. Mountain Biking & Fat Biking

Springtime is also mud season in the mountains! The trails may be muddy, but spring is a great time to experience road biking, mountain biking and fat biking in the Montana mountains. The oversized tires on fat bikes make it easy to cruise through the spring snow and mud on Big Sky’s diverse network of trails, or take the cleaner route road biking on the scenic byways through the Gallatin Canyon.

4. World-Class Fly Fishing

“A River Runs Through It” captures the art of fly fishing and was filmed right here on the Gallatin River near Big Sky. Big Sky is a haven for anglers of all abilities with many access points along the Gallatin River, tranquil mountain streams, secluded fishing holes and remote alpine lakes for world-class Blue Ribbon trout fishing. There’s a wide selection of local Big Sky outfitters offering guided fly fishing trips including float trips, wade trips and even fly-fishing on horseback. A fishing license is required and easily available at most Big Sky fly shops and online.

5. Thrilling Whitewater Rafting

The whitewater rafting season usually begins in mid-May on the Gallatin River near Yellowstone, a world-class destination with Class I to IV+ rapids to ride. Take a scenic float on the mellow flat stretches or experience a wild and exhilarating ride on Class IV+ rapids on the lower white water of the Gallatin. Whatever thrill level you’re seeking, our professional Big Sky river guides offer the ultimate whitewater experience in Big Sky.

6. Tranquil Natural Hot Springs

Spring is the best season to take a scenic drive and a soothing soak in the natural hot springs surrounding Big Sky. You’ll find developed natural hot springs in nearby Bozeman, Norris and Chico, as well as lesser-known thermal springs and pools off the beaten path, just ask a local!

7. Free Entrance to Yellowstone National Park

April 16th marks the first day of the presidentially proclaimed National Park Week and visitors to Big Sky benefit with free admission to Yellowstone National Park, only an hour from Big Sky. Yellowstone National Park is the second most visited national park in America, adorned with natural beauty, geological wonders, and prime wildlife viewing. Take a scenic drive and self-guided free tour of Yellowstone or discover the best of Yellowstone’s world-famous natural wonders on a private or group Yellowstone tour with an experienced guide.

8. Discover BASE

Discover Base in Town Center is Big Sky’s Community & Recreation Center and opens to the public on March 15th, 2022. BASE offers day passes for visitors to Big Sky with access to fitness and wellness classes, a full gym and workout facility, a climbing and bouldering wall, and a childcare area to entertain the little ones. A perfect addition to Big Sky’s year-round adventure activities.

9. Live Music, DJs & Outdoor Patios

End your day of mountain adventures soaking up the afternoon sun on an outdoor patio and unwinding to the sound of local tunes. Big Sky offers aprés ski with live music during the week at Montana Jacks at The Exchange, weekend DJs at Westward Social for aprés ski, and the Big Sky Big Grass Festival, the largest winter Bluegrass music festival in the northern Rockies!

The 14th annual Big Sky Big Grass event takes place at Montana Jacks and the Big Sky Resort Ballroom from Thursday, March 31st to Sunday, April 3rd with toe tapping tunes from the Sam Bush Band, The Travelin’ McCoury’s, Keller Williams, the Drew Emmitt Band, and so much more! Get your tickets now!

10. Secluded Homes & Cabins in the Mountains

Surround yourself with the beauty of Mother Nature at a luxurious secluded Big Sky home or cabin in the mountains. Ski and snowboard the slopes, step out to the wildflower trails from your front door, cuddle up in front of a cozy fire, watch the wildlife roam from your private hot tub, and settle into spring with a smile, from the comfort of a safe and secluded BSVR luxury rental.