In this Big Sky winter adventure guide, you will find things to do, what to wear in winter, & where to stay. Big Sky is located in the state of Montana in the United States. The community is within the southern Rocky Mountains about halfway between Yellowstone & the city of Bozeman. This small town is called a community, as there is no official local government, and is primarily supported by locals and tourists, especially during the winter months. Visitors flock from around the world to Lone Mountain. This Big Sky winter adventure guide itinerary will help you while you’re planning the perfect winter getaway to Big Sky Montana!
This is the BEST Big Sky Winter Adventure Guide!
Big Sky Montana is known for some of the best ski-slope mountains in the Rockies! Offering tons of winter activities such as hiking trails to frozen waterfalls, snowshoeing up a mountain, and sledding! The mountain community offers something for everyone, making it a great place for a weekend getaway.
How to get to Big Sky Montana
The nearest airport to Big Sky Montana is Bozeman Yellowstone International airport (BZN). The quaint airport is warm and welcoming with beautiful stone fireplaces and wood accents throughout the halls. To get to Big Sky from Bozeman airport you can either take a shuttle or rent a car to reach the mountain village if you plan on exploring outside the Town Center. Bozeman is the largest city near Big Sky so fill up on groceries, gas, and any other essentials you may need.
Where to Stay in Big Sky During Winter
If you are worried about where to stay, no worries! Big Sky has plenty of places to stay and call home during your trip. Including epic ski resorts, a historic dude ranch, and incredible outdoor adventures. All bringing plenty of excitement to this friendly community year-round. The Town Center is centrally located and very walkable.
The Center is surrounded by vistas of snow-covered mountains and offers shopping, restaurants, a small grocery store, and medical facilities. The mountains provide coverage from brisk winds giving the village a mild climate. The center is just 7 miles below Lone Mountain and where trailheads to Ousel Falls and Lone Mountain Trail are located.
Recommended Read: Unique Places to Stay in Big Sky Montana
where to eat in big sky
Located at Lone Mountain Ranch, serving locally sourced, farm-to-table menus that reflect true Montana heritage. You’ll find a mix of on-the-range classics just off the beaten path like their FOIE GRAS PATE 39 – grade a foie gras, summer pickles, huckleberry mostarda, and crostini.
A continental bistro featuring fresh fish & seafood, steak, and game. Housemade desserts, a noteworthy wine list, and craft cocktails. Start off with a bowl of classic french onion soup before diving into the garden risotto all with unrivaled views of Lone Mountain.
Located at Big Sky Resort, The Montana Dinner Yurt offers an intimate and unique backcountry dining experience you will not soon forget. Nestled in the woods on the flanks of Lone Peak, our warm and cozy candlelit dinner yurt is accessed by snowcat and serves an indulging and savory meal in a casually elegant atmosphere.
Things to do & Winter Adventures
There isn’t a lack of things to do in the winter so when you are on your winter adventure don’t forget to plan! During my visit, I set out to explore the community and its surrounding area with some girlfriends. We spent the perfect weekend exploring the high summits and beautiful surrounding nature. Here are my tips and recommendations for things to do for the perfect Big Sky winter adventure!
Go on a winter wolf and wildlife tour and discover some of Yellowstone’s abundant and diverse wildlife.
Ski or Snowboard Down Lone Mountain
One of the most popular things to do is to ski or snowboard down the famous Lone Mountain. Snowboards and skis are both available for rent at rental shops in Town Center or Resort Village. If you are staying at the Moonlight or Big Sky resorts, you can skip the lines and have your equipment delivered right to your door upon arrival with Black Tie Skis.
Winter Clothing to Wear in Big Sky
Dressing properly is essential to enjoy your winter adventure. As you ascend the mountain the temperatures drop dramatically and winds pick up making the climate more hostile than the Town Center. If you are not wearing the right winter clothing your ski day may be cut short. LAYERS are the key to regulating your temperature during winter adventures.
Another fun thing to do in winter besides snowboarding or skiing is snowshoeing! Snowshoes and poles are available for rent at rental shops in Town Center or Resort Village. Bringing your own equipment will help keep your budget low.
Hiking Trails
Trail Information
Ousel Falls Trail
Great trail for snowshoeing or hiking!
Location: Gallatin Gateway Resort Hiking Loop 1
Length: 1.6 miles
Duration: 20 minutes – 4 hours depending on the trail
Trail Difficulty: Easy, Beginner
Scenery: gorgeous snow-covered forest views ending at a beautiful blue frozen waterfall
Moose Tracks Snowshoe Trail
Location: Custer Gallatin National Forest
Length: 2.3 miles
Duration: 1.15 hours
Trail Difficulty: Easy, Beginner
Scenery: gorgeous snow-covered forest views ending at a beautiful blue frozen waterfall
Winter Hiking Trails in Big Sky Montana
Trails
- Ousel Falls
- Beehive Basin trail No. 40: Moderate – 7.1 miles – 4 hours
- Yellowmule Loop: Moderate – 18.9 miles – 9.5 hours
- The Reflector Loop: Moderate – 4.1 miles – 2.15 hours
If you run out of water, just eat icicles like Lenka.
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Hiking Trails
- Porcupine Creek – Easy, 3.5 miles, 1.5 hours
- Ophir School – Easy, 5.3 miles, 2.14 hours
- Crail Ranch Trail – Easy, 2.8 miles, 1 hour
- North Fork – Moderate, 5.8 miles, 2.5 hours
- Elk Park – Moderate, 5 miles, 2.4 hours
- Buck Ridge – Moderate, 12 miles, 6.5 hours
- Lemon Knob Loop – Moderate, 3.5 miles, 2.10 hours
- Bear Basin: Moderate, 12 miles, 6 hours
- Big Sky Ski Resort Hiking Loop – Hard, 5.3 miles, 3.7 hours
- Summit Lake: Hard, 15.9 miles, 7.5 hours
- Gallatin Peak: Hard, 18.2 miles, 10.5 hours
Visit Yellowstone National Park
Drive just an hour south of Big Sky and you’ll be in Yellowstone National park. Imagine standing at the edge of a bright orange-yellow pool of boiling water, surrounded by a barren landscape of grey rocks. This is Yellowstone National Park, home to some of the most incredible natural wonders in the world. Take a tour of Yellowstone and explore all this beautiful park has to offer.
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