Big Sky
Western United States Ski Resorts, Montana Ski Resorts
Discover Big Sky: Your Montana Ski Dream Awaits
Big Sky Resort in Montana lives up to its reputation as “The Biggest Skiing in America.” With 5,850 acres of terrain, it offers some of the most expansive skiing in the country — without the long lift lines or heavy crowds, thanks to its remote, off-the-beaten-path location.
The resort dates back to 1973, thanks to NBC’s Chet Huntley, who wanted to create a premier Western destination. It began with just four lifts, and today has evolved into a network of 40 lifts, all converging under the 11,166-foot Lone Peak. Off the slopes, the resort maintains quintessential Western charm, that is classic Montana.
With one of the U.S.’s most-loved natural parks, Yellowstone, just an hour’s drive away, winter visitors have an overwhelming number of things to do in Big Sky. Our team of Mountain Travel Experts can help make those tough decisions. With 50+ years of expertise, they can coordinate everything from flights to lift tickets to snowmobile safaris in Yellowstone. A Big Sky ski vacation promises a rugged, authentic Montana experience, so book your dream Big Sky vacation today.
Your Best Ski Vacation Is Just a Click Away
With 50+ years of ski travel experience, we know how to plan a memorable mountain getaway. Take planning off your plate and let our Experts handle the details.
5 best things about Big Sky Resort according to our Mountain Travel Experts
Where to stay in Big Sky Resort
Skiers and snowboarders have four areas to choose from when it comes to accommodations. There are two base areas at the resort, Big Sky Mountain Village and Big Sky Moonlight Basin. About 10 minutes away is Big Sky’s Meadow Village and the Town Center.
Staying on the mountain offers unparalleled convenience with ski-in ski-out hotels and condos. There are five-star choices like the One&Only Moonlight Basin and Montage Big Sky as well as condos and slope-side lodges that cater to a range of budgets.
Down the road is Meadow Village. Here, visitors will find a laid-back, local vibe. There’s a wider variety of restaurants, shops and bars, along with grocery stores, a movie theater and an ice rink. Lodging here can often be more budget-friendly, including a range of vacation rentals, hotels and private homes. While not ski-in ski-out, many accommodations offer shuttles to the resort.
Near Meadow Village is Town Center, which is a residential neighborhood with homes and townhomes along the Big Sky Golf Course. The golf course transforms into a Nordic skiing area in the winter, and Town Center has a smaller selection of restaurants and stores.
Getting around Big Sky
Navigating Big Sky is convenient thanks to shuttles and taxis. Additionally, the Skyline Bus offers transportation around the Big Sky area and to nearby attractions.
How to get to Big Sky Resort
Getting to Big Sky Resort is relatively easy thanks to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), which is 51 miles from the resort, about an hour drive, offering nonstop flights from 24 domestic cities and a slew of international departures.
Once you’ve arrived at BZN, you can choose a shuttle service, private car or rental car to get to the resort.
Skiing in Big Sky Resort
There's a lot of skiing to be had at Big Sky for skiers and boarders of all levels. For experts, the resort hosts a 4,350-foot vertical drop from the impressive 11,166-foot Lone Peak. As for beginners, they have their own private area separated from high-speed slopes. Intermediates have plenty to discover across the mountain.
Lift Tickets and Ski Pass Access
Depending on your lift ticket and pass, access on the Lone Peak Tram may or may not be included. Talk to a Mountain Travel Expert to make sure you can explore the Lone Peak region of Big Sky Resort.
- Ikon Pass: Includes 7 days at Big Sky Resort — perfect if you’re visiting multiple resorts. Costs around $1,500 depending on purchase date.
- Mountain Collective Pass: 2 days at Big Sky Resort, along with access to 25 other resorts. Early-bird adult prices started around $660.
- Daily lift tickets cost between $80 and $280, depending on the day.
Tip: Book early for the best pricing and talk to a Mountain Travel Expert to discover what pass is right for you.
Terrain
Terrain for Beginners
Terrain for Beginners
- Big Sky’s ski and snowboarding school is fit for all levels, and their team of instructors offers both group and private lessons
- For novices, start at the Mountain Village base area, where you can smooth out the basics on the magic carpets and Poma lift
- Madison Base area’s left half is green trails only, while the area’s lack of crowds is perfect for beginners looking to pick up the sport in a comfortable environment
- The Explorer Lift brings beginner skiers to several meandering green trails, including Lower Mr. K and White Wing
- The Southern Comfort Lift offers novice skiers their own little private playground, with plenty of green cruisers like Deep South and Sacajawea
Terrain for Intermediates
Terrain for Intermediates
- Intermediates have their choice from rolling, scenic terrain to fast descents across the entire mountain
- Andesite Mountain and the Spanish Peaks zone are teeming with blue runs like Mr. K and Calamity Jane
- Intermediates and experts also have access to the resort’s six terrain parks
Terrain for Experts
Terrain for Experts
- For experts, Lone Peak is the centerpiece of Big Sky’s terrain. It slopes into challenging bowl skiing, complete with steep chutes and challenging couloirs
- The resort’s legendary triple-black-diamond Big Couloir drop is accessed from the Lone Peak Tram, along with other extreme terrain like The Gullies and South Wall
- Extreme seekers also have steep options on the South Face, which provides access to the south aspect from the Lone Peak summit
Family vacations in Big Sky Resort
Hop on a snowmobile or dog sledding tour
Trade skis for horsepower — or paws — and explore Big Sky’s backcountry in a new way. Snowmobile tours zip through snowy meadows and snow-draped forests, offering access to remote terrain and sweeping mountain views. Dog sledding, on the other hand, takes you through winter landscapes at a slower pace, led by a friendly team of huskies
Take a wildlife safari into Yellowstone National Park
Just a short drive from Big Sky, Yellowstone National Park transforms into a serene winter wilderness. Guided wildlife safaris venture into the park in search of wildlife like bison, elk, wolves and bald eagles.
Visit Kircliff, a two-story glass observation deck
Located at 11,166 feet, Kircliff is Big Sky’s two-story glass observation deck that sits dramatically over the mountainside. Designed to showcase the raw beauty of the landscape, the platform offers jaw-dropping views of the terrain. It’s a must-stop for photos, reflection and soaking in the scale of the surrounding peaks.
Wander through Big Sky’s Enchanted Forest
After dark, Andesite Mountain comes alive with Big Sky’s Enchanted Forest, where more than 10,000 lights illuminate a winter trail. The experience features immersive light installations woven through snow-covered trees.Explore More of Big Sky
Top 5 Reasons Skiing in Big Sky is a Must This Year
Ready to Plan your Dream Getaway?
Connect with a Big Sky Resort Expert to get started.