Travel to Big Sky, Montana
By Air: The closest airport to Big Sky is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). Major airlines that service BZN include Delta, United, American, and Alaska Airlines. Furthermore, Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Airlines and JetBlue Airlines also offer flights to BZN. Upon arrival, you can rent a car or use a shuttle service to get to Big Sky, which is about an hour’s drive away.
By Car: If you’re driving, be prepared for winter driving conditions, including snow and ice on the roads. The primary access route to Big Sky is US Highway 191. From Bozeman, you would take I-90 W to US-191 S. It’s approximately 50 miles to Big Sky from there. From West Yellowstone, you would head north on US-191 for about 50 miles.
Shuttle Service: Various companies offer shuttle services between Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and Big Sky. These include Karst Stage, Big Sky Shuttle, and Classic Limo. It’s recommended to book these services in advance.
Ride Share: Uber and Lyft operate in the area and can be an option for getting to Big Sky, but availability may be limited in peak seasons or bad weather.
Car Rental: Major car rental services are available at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. A Four-Wheel-Drive or All-Wheel-Drive vehicle is recommended for winter driving conditions.
Big Sky Mountain Info
Lone Peak Summit Elevation: 11,166′
Six Shooter Lift Elevation: 9,000′
Six Shooter Lift Base Elevation: 7,140′
Lone Peak Summit Drop to Six Shooter Lift Base: 4,026′
Mountain Village Base Area Elevation: 7,500′
Lone Peak Summit Drop to Mountain Village Base Area: 3,666′
Madison Base Area Elevation: 7,400′
Lone Moose Lift Base Elevation: 6,800′
Big Sky Hourly Uphill Capacity: 42,000
Big Sky Number of Named Runs: 300
Big Sky Ski-able Acres: 5,850′
Big Sky Vertical Feet: 4,350′
Big Sky Number of Ski Lifts: 38
Big Sky Total Number of Chair Lifts: 1,800
It took a while to orientate myself to this map after having studied the Big Sky Winter Main Trail Map first. Once I turned the above Mountain Village Streets Map a little more than 90 degrees clockwise it made more sense.
2024: I got lucky and enjoyed excellent weather and skiing conditions when I visited Big Sky last winter. I loved the super long gradual runs that seemed to go on forever. What a blast Big Sky is. I can’t wait to go back next year – Yeehaw!
Prior to 2024: Wow – This place is huge! I’ve been looking at the Big Sky Winter Main Trail Map for over an hour and am still trying to absorb it all. I visited Big Sky back in the summer of 2018 as a commercial drone pilot shooting a golf course but have never skied here. I’m looking forward to it – Big Time!
BigSky.com says: The replacement of the Lone Peak Tram has been long-awaited after its 25 years of operation. The top terminal of the new tram will include an all-glass viewing platform with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and down the fall line of Lone Mountain through a glass floor. A completely re-imagined scenic experience on the summit of Lone Peak complements the ski access, offering guests a must-do activity during both winter and summer seasons.
Everett’s 8800 is located at the top of the Ramcharger 8 ski lift at 8,800′, naturally! Awesome views of Lone Peak are visible through Everett’s large windows. A world-class culinary experience awaits!
Located on Lone Mountain under the Shedhorn Lift on Middle Road at the Bottom of Sunlight Bowl. The Shedhorn Grill offers excellent Montana Wagyu burgers, Korobuta pork bratwurst fresh off the outdoor grill, famous beef tenderloin chili, or hot local made soup! A variety of Montana micro-brews, non-alcoholic beverages and other snacks are available!
The base area at Big Sky Mountain Village has a great deal to offer. Several dining options, a Basecamp, slopeside lodging, several Shopping options, a Spa & Recovery Lounge, a Fat Bike & Ski Rental shop, Private & Group Lessons, just about everything you might need is available at the Big Sky Mountain Village!
Big Sky Lodging
BigSky.com says: The Summit Hotel is Big Sky’s premier Mountain Village hotel with timeless alpine ethos and warm Montana hospitality!
BigSky.com says: The heart of the Big Sky Mountain Village beats at the Huntley Lodge, the landmark property of our mountain retreat.
Slopeside, condominium-style hotel accommodations.
BigSky.com says: Located in the heart of Big Sky Resort, the Village Center hotel combines a rustic Montana feel with elegance inspired by the chalets of the alps.
Located on the bank of the Gallatin River, the Whitewater Inn is the perfect family- and pet-friendly option a quick 15-minute drive from Big Sky Resort.
After doing a lot of research on lodging options near Big Sky, I’ve discovered due to my budget I will need to stay in Bozeman. So far, Big Sky has the most expensive slopeside lodging I have seen – way out of my price range! So it looks like I’ll be doing some driving each morning before skiing. I hope the weather will be good…
This is more in my price range! Super8 says: Tucked into the northern Rocky Mountains, our smoke-free hotel is dog-friendly and a perfect mountain getaway. We are perfectly positioned off of I-90, making travel to Yellowstone National Park easy. For those looking to ski, Bridger Bowl is just 16 miles from our hotel. Hmm, I may have to try Bridger Bowl while I’m there…
Big Sky Food & Drink
The VisitBigSky.com website has a great deal of info on all the Food & Drink options in addition to lodging and other important places to know about in the Big Sky Town Area. I highly recommend it!
Above is a Google map with links to Restaurants in the Bozeman, Montana area.
Big Sky Tickets & Passes
BigSky.com says: Be part of Big Sky’s biggest season yet. Celebrate our 50th anniversary and experience the new Lone Peak Tram. Purchase your lift tickets now for the best price and availability.
Great news – Big Sky is an Ikon Pass member for the 2024-2025 season! You do need to get Reservations at Big Sky to use your Ikon pass.
Big Sky is once again a Mountain Collective Pass member for the 2024-2025 ski season.
Big Sky Resort will be requiring reservations for Mountain Collective access for the 24/25 season. All guests must have the MCP ID issued by Mountain Collective to reserve their days. Reservations must be made to access Big Sky Resort to use your 2 (or 3) days.
Lone Peak Tram access is not included in your Mountain Collective Pass.
Big Sky Other Info & Stuff to Do!
Big Sky, Montana is renowned for its skiing, but there are plenty of other winter activities and attractions to enjoy in the area. Here’s a list of fun things to do near Big Sky during the winter months besides skiing:
A night skiing experience like none other. Fasten on a headlamp and a guide will ski you down a variety of terrain at night.
Enjoy the beautiful Yellowstone winter sights whatever the weather is like outside in the comfort of a climate-controlled snowcoach.
Snowshoeing: Explore the serene winter landscapes of Big Sky on snowshoes. Many trails are available for all skill levels.
Dog Sledding: Experience the thrill of being pulled through snowy landscapes by a team of energetic sled dogs.
Snowmobiling: Explore the backcountry or take guided tours on a snowmobile.
Sleigh Rides: Enjoy a cozy, romantic sleigh ride pulled by horses through the snow-covered meadows and forests.
Ice Climbing: For the adventurous, the frozen waterfalls in the area offer a challenging climb.
Cross-Country Skiing: It’s a bit different from downhill skiing and allows you to explore scenic trails in a tranquil setting.
Ice Skating: Find a local rink or a frozen pond for some classic winter fun.
Winter Wildlife Watching: Spot animals like elk, bison, and moose in their natural habitats.
Ice Fishing: Try your hand at fishing in frozen lakes or rivers.
Visit Yellowstone: While parts of Yellowstone National Park are inaccessible during winter, you can still access some areas via guided snow coach tours or snowmobiling, offering a unique perspective on the park’s geothermal features and wildlife.
Hot Springs: Visit a natural hot spring, such as those in nearby Yellowstone, and relax in the warm waters surrounded by a snowy landscape.
Winter Photography: The snow-covered landscapes, especially around sunrise and sunset, offer breathtaking photo opportunities.
Nordic Skiing: This is another form of cross-country skiing, and Big Sky has beautiful trails to offer.
Attend Winter Festivals or Events: Keep an eye out for local winter festivals, events, or markets to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Spa Day: After a day in the snow, unwind and warm up with a relaxing spa treatment at one of the local resorts.
Remember, while engaging in outdoor winter activities, it’s important to dress appropriately, stay safe, and be aware of changing weather conditions. Enjoy your winter trip to Big Sky, Montana!
