Montana

Located just about an hour south of Bozeman and an hour east of Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky, Montana is an amazing destination for travelers, and adventure seekers. It is a haven for those looking to escape the every day 9-5 and soak in some fresh crisp air as they become one with nature. Big Sky is an absolutely breathtaking hideaway in the mountainous terrain of Montana that houses the nations largest and often times least visited Ski Resort.

Big Sky is a great year round destination for those looking for summer and winter activities. No matter your ability Big Sky is an ideal location. From their slopes, to ski school, backcountry skiing and camping, to the mountain biking and hiking, Big Sky has it all.

Spend the day at Big Sky Resort

Big Sky Resort is the largest Ski Resort in the United States and one of the coolest experiences that I have ever had snowboarding! It was awesome. The resort is located just north of the town center and offer stunning views of Montana. When you first get into town you can’t help but notice the resort in the distance with its unreal and spine chilling peak (It’s up there!!!).

Winter Activities:

With over 5,400 skiable acres of terrain, Big Sky is most known for its slopes and views. From greens to double black diamonds, to backcountry skiing, Big Sky is a snow lovers heaven. I recommend taking some blue and black runs to get your legs underneath you before you take on the summit of the mountain. The Lone Peak is accessible via the scenic trail and if you are not an expert, I would avoid trying to go down. The lift lines are pretty small compared to many resorts we have been to, and the lifts themselves are heated, enclosed and very comfortable. We had an amazing time snowboarding for a few days and cannot wait to return.

You can also take zipline tours, snow mobile, sleigh ride, horseback ride along with many other activities. So if hitting the slopes is not your thing, the resort offers a wide array of activities not including their amazing lodge and restaurants for you to hang out in. Let’s not forget the stunning and oftentimes a little scary, Lone Peak Tram. Taking you from bottom to top the tram is a must do (on a sunny day with a good view) when in the resort.

Summer Activities:

Besides being known for its skiing, Big Sky is an adventurers destination in the summer months. The resort offers over 50 miles of mountain biking trails. Mountain biking is the most popular attraction for summer visitors to the resort. Open from 10am-5pm daily, make sure you get your tickets before hand to ensure access to the lofts and trails.

Just like mountain biking, adventure seekers flock to Big Sky for its hiking trails as well. You can schedule a guided tour to take you throughout the backcountry and high elevation terrain, or head off on your own. If you do plan on hiking out in the back country or just yourself, the terrain is very rocky with steep drops, sop make sure people know where you are or where you plan on being.

You can also zipline, and play golf. Golf is a popular summer activity in Big Sky and there’s a reason why. Big Sky is fixed with an award winning executive 18 hole course for you to enjoy. Located at the southern end of the resort, the Big Sky Golf Course features stunning views, an Arnold Palmer design, and tough holes, this is truly an excellent course. Book a tee time here:

Explore Big Sky Meadow and the Town Center Village

Big Sky has a scenic and rustic downtown scene filled with shops, stores, markets, restaurants, and local businesses. Big Sky itself sits nestled in between stunning and massive maintain ranges with breathtaking sites that make you feel like an ant to the world. The town center offers visitors a unique getaway. Here you can appreciate the work of local artists, local musicians, farm to table food as well as traditional fares, and delicious cocktails. Markets selling local culinary give you ample amounts of take home fares. Take a stroll through he town, embrace the views, and grab some drinks with family and friends.

For me 2 places stuck out from our visit to Big Sky. Lotus Pad is a delicious Thai restaurant located right in the heart of the village. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is great for a get together and evening join the town. As for drinks, we went to Scissorbills Saloon. A local watering hole filled with locals and tourists alike, the bar is a great spot to chill, play pool, and listen to live music as you enjoy and evening in Big Sky.

Take a Drive through Big Sky Canyon

Big Sky is located right in the middle between Bozeman, and Yellowstone National Park. Along this passage is Big Sky Canyon, a sprawling canyon cut down the middle by the Gallatin River and filled with stunning views, winding turns and amazing wildlife. In order to enter Big Sky you have to pass through the canyon to either side.

I definitely recommend taking a nice scenic drive through the canyon, stopping at scenic overlooks, and even picking 1 or 2 hikes that are scattered throughout the canyon. Fly fishing and bird watching are common activities within the canyon.

We found ourselves one day needing a little rest from the endless amounts of snowboarding that we were doing, so we decided to take a trip through the canyon. Along the way we stopped at overlooks, and saw some bighorn sheep along the road (obviously had to stop and snag a few snapshots of those beauties). We ended up doing a few little hikes, only about a mile each along they and brought some food to enjoy on the trails. Even though it was winter, the trails were well maintained and we were able to easily navigate them (in boots of course).

Go Whitewater Rafting

If you find yourself visiting Big Sky in the summer months, I highly recommend you checking out and even booking a whitewater rafting trip in the beautiful Gallatin or Yellowstone Rivers.

Gallatin River:

Most trips start in Big Sky and run a few miles down river towards Yellowstone National Park. There are a few companies that offer tours, but we recommend you using Montana Whitewater Rafting and Zipline Tours as they the premier company for booking an amazing trip. Offering stunning views and beautiful water, the Gallatan River rafting trip will not leave you disappointed.

Yellowstone River:

Yellowstone River rafting is a great family activity and great especially for families with younger children. Fixed with endless amounts fun, wide open water, and navigable rapids, the Yellowstone River tour is a great way to experience the beauty of Americas First National Park. Most trips start in Gardiner, Montana just north of the Yellowstone northern entrance, running through park.

Again, I highly recommend using Montana Whitewater Rafting and Zipline Tours as they offer great prices, and family focused tours as well as fun for individuals or couples.

Hike to the Ousel Falls

Ousel Falls Park Trail is a 1.7 mile easy out and back located near Gallatin Gateway, Montana just outside of Big Sky. Pets are welcome on the trail and it is an ideal sunny day hike especially for families. The trail has a slight elevation gain of 400 ft and sits along the Gallatin River. There are a few routes within the hike that offer hikers a different view from each end. The Yellow Mules trail is densely forested trail that hikers take until about a mile into the hike. From Yellow Mules, you have 4 avenues to take to the view of the falls via overlooks, and the base of the falls.

The Ousel Falls Park Trail is an ideal hike during summer months as the altitude, dense forests and shade keep the majority of the trail cool. You can access the falls in the winter months with snow shoes and poles to be safe.

Hopefully this post was helpful in gathering a few ideas of what to do during your stay at Big Sky. no matter what you choose to do, you won’t be disappointed.

BRICK