How to spend 4 days in Big Sky, Montana

11.09.2024 - 14:57 / lonelyplanet.com

Sep 10, 2024 • 9 min read

Skiing in Montana is particularly synonymous with one place: Big Sky. Just an hour from Bozeman , over 300 ski runs crawl all the way up to the summit of Lone Peak, just begging for fresh powder and thousands of skiers (or snowboarders!) to glide down them annually.

There’s only one problem for me: I don’t ski. I have skied – in fact, I learned how to ski in Big Sky, and I’ll admit I’m not very good at it – but I cannot fathom how one could argue that freezing your toes off in brutal temperatures compares in the slightest to this:

That’s summer in Big Sky. It's all about wildflower fields, towering pine trees and gentle streams, and since Yellowstone National Park is only an hour away, a day trip there is also a must. Let me show you how to swap ski runs for hiking trails and visit before the first snow falls.

When to arrive: The earlier in the day you arrive, the better, because it is a journey to get here. I’d book an early morning flight (usually cheaper in summer than winter!) that lands in Bozeman mid-morning (Thursday, if this is a long weekend trip) so you can explore some before the hour-long drive to Big Sky.

Getting here from the airport: The most convenient option is a rental car. Driving to and from Big Sky and the numerous trailheads, as well as exploring nearby Yellowstone, will require a set of wheels that you can pick up at the airport. Disclaimer: this itinerary is very car-friendly. There's also a zero-fare shuttle to Big Sky called the Skyline Bus, which leaves from the Bozeman Walmart. You’ll need to take a rideshare to the Walmart.

Getting around: If you don’t plan to rent a car and venture beyond Big Sky, the same shuttle from the airport operates local buses around Big Sky, 30 minutes to an hour apart at each stop on the schedule, which can be found on their website .

Where to stay: That depends on how much time you'll spend in the room and how wedded you are to home comforts.  If you only need a place to sleep and shower, book a budget-friendly cabin at Cinnamon Lodge , right on the Gallatin River. For all the amenities and more, splurge on a room at Montage Big Sky, or a rental in  Moonlight Basin , where you’ll have access to their two lodges, pool, lake and golf course (depending on where you are staying). And for the authentic big sky country experience, camp !

What to pack: Big Sky is not a fashion show. Jeans are always acceptable for nicer dinners. Also, pack layers for hiking – yes, even in the summer. 

Your hiking ‘fit should look something like: an outdoor backpack, a hat, hiking boots (not athletic sneakers), thick hiking socks, pants or shorts, a non-cotton base layer and a non-cotton mid-layer. Bring a raincoat and a light down