Why should I visit Big Sky Montana?

Big Sky Montana sits high in the Madison Range and just northwest of Yellowstone National Park. High end lodging options make Big Sky seem like a luxurious winter and summer destination, but there is a ton to do here for any budget traveler. Yellowstone visitors might stop over here for a day or two while on their way to or from the park to enjoy hiking trails, mountain biking, rafting, fishing, golf courses, and a number of kid-friendly activities. In the winter, Big Sky is a destination town and visitors come here for a week at a time to enjoy skiing, cross country skiing, and luxurious amenities.

Where is Big Sky?

Big Sky Montana is located in the heart of the Gallatin River Canyon, roughly equidistant from West Yellowstone (to the south) and Bozeman (to the north). The turnoff for Big Sky is located at the bottom of the canyon along the Gallatin River and the resort, Town Center, and Meadow Village are all a short drive up the hill from the road in the Madison Mountain Range.

What sort of services and amenities does Big Sky offer?

Big Sky defines a resort town. Lodging options, although pricey, are endless and include hotels are resorts close to the base area of the ski resort, as well as tons of vacation rentals and condos. The term motel isn't used here and RVs and tent campers will find a number of Forest Service campgrounds that line the Gallatin River, a short drive from Big Sky itself.

There are a couple small and expensive grocery stores (located in Town Center and Meadow Village) and a number of delicious restaurants. Big city services can be found north of Big Sky in Bozeman, Montana.

What can I do and see in Big Sky?

• Yellowstone National Park: While Big Sky is located a little over an hour north of the West Entrance, you can easily access a number of trailheads along the northwest corner of the park, great for backpacking or hiking without the crowds.
• Skiing/Snowboarding: Winter is definitely the busy time of year in Big Sky and for good reason. Now encompassing Moonlight Basin, Big Sky Resort offers some of the largest terrain around.
• Fly Fishing: Big Sky is located just uphill from the Gallatin River, an angler's paradise.
• Kid Friendly Activities: Other than skiing and mellow hiking trails, Big Sky offers a number of kid friendly activities including a zip line, frisbee golf, climbing wall, bungee trampoline, and more.
• Mountain Biking: Big Sky's lift accessible trails are some of the best downhill and all mountain trails around.
• Hiking: The Ousel Falls trail is an easy hike to a spectacular waterfall. Or try something a little longer and hike into Beehive Basin, just below the Spanish Peaks.
• Cross Country Skiing: Lone Mountain Ranch is mecca for nordic skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. You can stay in one of their cabins or just buy a day pass.
• Annual Events: Annual summer events like free Music in the Mountains and the weekly Farmer's Market appease locals and visitors alike.