I landed in Big Sky, Montana, lugging an overpacked snowboard bag. Ahead of me were days exploring one of the largest resorts in North America. But there was a catch: it was late March after a lean snow season, and most of the mountain was closed, icy or somewhere in between.
This meant my snowboard would spend more time in its bag than on the slopes. But that wasn’t entirely a bad thing. Between work meetings and conference sessions, I had the chance to experience a different side of Big Sky — one beyond the chairlifts.
The snowboarding I did manage was a blast, but I quickly realized Big Sky is built for more than just skiers and snowboarders. Whether you’re traveling with a non-skier, taking a rest day or simply hoping to experience Montana beyond the mountain, Big Sky delivers — in a big way.
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You don’t need skis to experience the mountain at Big Sky. The tram to Lone Peak — the resort’s iconic summit — climbs to 11,166 feet in just a few minutes, taking visitors from the mountain base to the highest scenic viewpoint in Montana. At the top, a two-story glass observation deck makes it easy to soak in the panorama without facing the elements for too long. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles across the peaks of the Gallatin Range, into Yellowstone National Park and even toward Idaho and Wyoming.
The ride itself is part of the experience. As the tram travels above cliffs, chutes and wide-open bowls, you get a bird’s-eye view of the sheer scale that makes Big Sky one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Watching skiers carve lines below with snow-covered peaks in the distance gives you a whole new appreciation for the landscape.
As someone who usually rides gondolas with a snowboard in tow, I wasn’t sure a board-less trip up the mountain would feel the same. But standing on the summit without any rush to click into bindings or catch the next chairlift felt surprisingly special. It gave me time to take in the vastness of Montana.
I didn’t make it to Yellowstone National Park on this trip, but I’ve visited the park on past visits, and it’s worth a place on the itinerary. Just an hour south of Big Sky, the park feels like an entirely different world in winter.
As America’s first national park, Yellowstone sits atop one of the largest active volcanic systems on Earth. It’s home to more than 10,000 geothermal features, and in winter, that activity feels more dramatic. Steam rises from hot springs, thermal pools glow against snow and geysers erupt across a landscape covered in white. Without summer crowds, the park feels both quieter and wilder.
Wildlife sightings are often better during the colder months, too. Bison roam snow-covered valleys, elk gather near rivers and bald eagles circle overhead.
You can enter through the West Yellowstone gateway and explore portions of the park yourself, but winter tours can make the experience even more memorable. Heated snow coaches and guided snowmobile trips travel deep into the park, taking visitors past waterfalls, geothermal basins and iconic landmarks like Old Faithful.
Après is not, thankfully, just about skiing. It’s about spending time with others and celebrating winter in whatever form that takes.
That might mean a peppermint hot chocolate around a fire, Champagne shared with friends or a cold beer at the top of the mountain. Big Sky has no shortage of après options — from The Landing at the luxurious One&Only Moonlight Basin to the beloved, no-frills Scissorbills Saloon. But my favorite après experience was at the resort’s new igloo bar high on the mountain.
Without my snowboard, I took the gondola up, made the short hike down to the venue and spent the afternoon soaking up sunshine, listening to music and sipping an Aperol spritz with sweeping mountain views in every direction.
Big Sky's Town Center is a walkable hub worth an afternoon of its own. While plenty of shops cater to skiers, the options go beyond gear.
Montana Supply Co. leans into the mountain lifestyle with locally inspired goods. The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company is a must for families with kids. Bluebird curates high-end fashion for those looking to shop beyond base layers. Art lovers should make time for Courtney Collins Fine Art, which features a contemporary and western fine art collection. And if you do need cold weather gear, Christy Sports has you covered.
Outside of the stores, there are restaurants and bars to explore and every winter, an ice skate rink sits in the heart of town.
The outdoor options at Big Sky go beyond the chairlift. Fat biking lets you cover ground on snow-packed trails. Snowshoeing opens up the backcountry at your own pace. And snowmobiling is an experience best had in a place like Montana where there’s wide-open terrain, mountain views and a sense of freedom.
I also had the Enchanted Forest on my list — a groomed, illuminated loop through the trees that comes alive after dark. While I ran out of time to get there, it's on the itinerary for my next visit.
Whether your ski bag makes it out of the closet or not, Big Sky is worth every bit of the trip. Yes, the skiing is world-class, with massive terrain, dramatic Lone Peak views and wide-open runs that make Montana famous. But what surprised me most was everything beyond the slopes: scenic tram rides, unforgettable national parks and mountain-top après.
That’s what makes Big Sky such a compelling winter destination. You don’t have to ski to feel immersed in the experience. Ski.com’s Mountain Travel Experts know the destination inside and out and can help craft an itinerary that works for everyone in your group — skiers, non-skiers and everyone in between.
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