Big Sky Resort

Chet Huntley was one of the most recognized voices in America in the 1960s, but he never stopped being a Montanan. As he neared retirement he threw himself into creating a destination resort in the Gallatin country, lining up partners and land and selling the idea of a place that could stand beside the great resorts of the West.

Big Sky opened for its first ski season in the winter of 1973 to 1974. Huntley died in 1974, just as his dream took shape, and did not live to see it grow. Over time the resort expanded onto neighboring mountains and, through mergers and lift links, became one of the biggest ski complexes on the continent, still anchored by the mountain he loved.

Lone Peak rises to 11,166 feet, a near-perfect rocky pyramid that dominates every view of the resort. The Lone Peak Tram carries riders to the summit, where the terrain is steep, exposed, and thrilling, the kind of high-alpine skiing usually reserved for the Alps. Even non-skiers ride up in summer for the view.

Below the peak, the mountain fans out into an enormous spread of runs, from gentle beginner slopes to bowls and chutes, giving Big Sky one of the largest lift-served acreages in the United States and a reputation for uncrowded snow. The scale is the point; you can ski for days without repeating yourself.

In summer the lifts keep turning for hikers and mountain bikers, and the surrounding Lee Metcalf Wilderness and Spanish Peaks offer trails straight into country with grizzlies, elk, and mountain goats.

Winter is the headline, with a long, snowy season and high, dry Montana powder. Summer is quieter and lovely, with wildflower meadows, lift-served trails, and the Gallatin River running clear through the canyon just below, a blue-ribbon trout stream and whitewater run.

The resort sits at real elevation, so newcomers should take it easy the first day and hydrate. Its position halfway between Bozeman and Yellowstone's West Entrance makes it a natural pause on a Yellowstone road trip, whether you ride the tram, walk a summer trail, or simply stand and take in Lone Peak.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Big Sky Resort, in the mountains of southwestern Montana between Bozeman and Yellowstone, is one of the largest ski and mountain resorts in the country, offering vast terrain, spectacular scenery, and year-round recreation. Famous for its enormous skiable acreage and the dramatic Lone Peak towering above, Big Sky is a premier winter destination for skiing and snowboarding, while in the warmer months it offers hiking, mountain biking, scenic lift rides, ziplining, and access to the surrounding wilderness and nearby Yellowstone. A grand mountain playground amid stunning Montana scenery, it delights outdoor lovers year-round. With its slopes and mountain recreation, Big Sky Resort offers a spectacular destination in Montana.

You can ski and snowboard the vast terrain in winter, ride the lifts for scenic views of Lone Peak and the mountains, hike and mountain bike in the warmer months, zipline, and access the surrounding wilderness and nearby Yellowstone. The huge ski terrain, the dramatic mountain scenery, the summer hiking and biking, and the year-round recreation are the draws, making it a premier mountain resort. Its scale and scenery are remarkable. With its slopes and recreation, Big Sky Resort offers a rewarding experience in Montana.

Winter is the main season for skiing and snowboarding on Big Sky's vast terrain, drawing skiers to its slopes and dramatic scenery, while the warm months of summer through early fall offer hiking, mountain biking, scenic lift rides, and access to nearby Yellowstone, with beautiful mountain weather. Each season has its appeal. For skiing choose winter, or visit in summer through early fall for hiking, biking, and Yellowstone access, at Big Sky Resort in Montana.

Big Sky is a large mountain resort at high elevation, so the weather and terrain can be demanding, and for skiing, dressing warmly and choosing runs to your ability matter, while summer visitors should bring layers, water, and sun protection for the mountain. Booking lodging ahead in the busy winter and summer seasons is wise, and its location between Bozeman and Yellowstone makes it a great base for the region. Checking current conditions and seasonal offerings before you go helps. Planning ahead ensures an enjoyable visit to Big Sky Resort in Montana.

Big Sky Resort is in southwestern Montana between Bozeman and Yellowstone, within reach of Bozeman with the Museum of the Rockies, the Gallatin Valley and river, the West Entrance area of Yellowstone National Park, and the surrounding mountains. That makes Big Sky Resort a spectacular stop to combine with Bozeman, Yellowstone, and the other attractions of southwestern Montana on a visit to the state.