Big Sky Resort

Lone Peak, a tram to the top and 5,850 acres.

One of the biggest ski areas in North America, built around the pyramid of Lone Peak and now including Moonlight Basin. Fast bubble chairs and a tram to 11,166 ft mean steep chutes up high and long cruisers below, with lots of room per skier. Best for strong skiers and families who want a full week, and it’s about an hour from Yellowstone’s west entrance.

The mountain

Vertical drop

4,350 ft

Summit

11,166 ft

Skiable terrain

5,850 acres

Trails

320

Lifts

40

Average snowfall

400″ a year

Longest run

6 mi

Snowmaking

10% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 21%
• Intermediate 29%
• Advanced 50%

What’s here besides skiing

• Terrain park
• Scenic lift rides
• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country
• Sleigh rides
• Snowmobiling
• Dog sledding
• Ice skating
• Spa
• Nightlife
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasDec 21–25

  Christmas celebrations

  A week of holiday events with Santa visits, fireworks and a Christmas feast. Details posted closer to the date.

• ChristmasDec 24, evening (annual)Usually

  Christmas Eve torchlight parade and fireworks

  Ski school instructors ski down with flares, then fireworks light up the mountain. Watch from the Mountain Village base.

• New Year’sDec 31

  New Year’s Eve

  Daytime DJ at Everett’s 8800, music on the Mountain Village plaza, a 9 pm fireworks show and a party at Montana Jack (last year’s format).

• Opening dayWed Nov 25, 9 am–4 pm

  Opening Day

  The 2026-27 season starts the day before Thanksgiving, with festivities in Mountain Village.

• Pond skimMid-April (annual)Usually

  Pond Skim

  Costumed skiers try to cross an icy pond in the Bowl, with a DJ set after. Ski-in only; a ticket or pass is required.

Where to stay

• ski-in/ski-outMontage Big Sky

  Luxury resort in the Spanish Peaks with ski-in/ski-out access to the Big Sky terrain, a big spa and several restaurants.

  Ski-in/ski-out
• slopesideSummit Hotel

  The resort’s top hotel in Mountain Village, recently renovated, with rooms, condos and penthouses a few steps from the lifts.

  Slopeside
• slopesideHuntley Lodge

  Big Sky’s original landmark hotel, with big family rooms, a pool and hot tubs, and the Huntley Dining Room downstairs.

  Slopeside
• hotelThe Wilson Hotel

  Modern hotel in Town Center with studios and suites, walkable to shops, the ice rink and the best of the town’s restaurants.

  15 min drive
• innRainbow Ranch Lodge

  A 21-room riverside lodge on the Gallatin, quieter than the resort, with the Wild Caddis restaurant on site.

  20 min drive
• cabinLone Mountain Ranch

  Historic guest ranch of log cabins with its own nordic trails and the famous sleigh-ride dinner.

  10 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Lone Peak Tram and Kircliff · On mountain

  Ride the tram to 11,166 ft and step into Kircliff, a glass observatory with views into three states and two national parks. Included with lift tickets.

• Montana Dinner Yurt · On mountain

  A snowcat ride up Lone Mountain to a lantern-lit yurt for a three-course dinner with live music. Bring your own drinks; kids sled while dinner cooks.

• Lone Mountain Ranch sleigh-ride dinner · 10 min drive

  Horse-drawn sleigh to a lantern-lit cabin for a family-style prime rib dinner with cowboy music.

• Spirit of the North sled dogs · 20 min drive

  Drive your own husky team on trails in Moonlight Basin, with a snack stop along the way. All ages.

• Yellowstone snowmobile tours (Two Top) · 1 hr drive

  Guided day tours from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, past bison and elk.

• Canyon Adventures · 15 min drive

  Guided snowmobile rides in the Gallatin Canyon just south of the Big Sky turnoff.

• Lone Mountain Ranch nordic trails · 10 min drive

  Groomed classic and skate trails through meadows and forest, with rentals and lessons.

• Marty Pavelich Ice Rink · 15 min drive

  Outdoor community rink in Town Center with open skate sessions and Lone Mountain in the background. Rent skates in town.

Après and nightlife

• Montana Jack

  Lively tap house at the base in The Exchange, with 30 local beers on tap and burgers.

• Iglu Big Sky

  A snow-and-ice bar in the Bowl at the base of the tram, now reachable on foot from the Explorer Gondola.

• Westward Social

  Craft cocktails and shareable plates in Mountain Village, with views of Lone Peak.

• Lone Peak Brewery

  Big Sky’s brewpub down in town, a locals’ spot for a pint and a burger.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN) · about 1 hr drive
• Salt Lake City · about 6 hr
• Denver · about 10 hr

Directions in Google Maps