10. SKINNY SKI

Cross country skis make it easy to get into the backcountry, or just enjoy the groomers at Lone Mountain Ranch (they can rent you equipment if you don’t have your own). At the annual Glide and Gorge every March, you can fuel up on gourmet fare while working it off on immaculately groomed trails.

9. EARN YOUR TURNS UP BEEHIVE

Advanced backcountry skiers with avalanche gear and training can head into Beehive Basin for stunning vistas, fun chutes, and fresh shots. (Local tip: mind the private land and the snowpack on the Beehive-Bear Ridge.)

8. SHUFFLE IN THE MOONLIGHT

Watch for full-moon snowshoe tours—a chance to see Big Sky’s spectacular winter scenery lit just by moonlight. Snowshoeing is a workout, but no special ability is needed to join—bring adventurous kids. (Of course, there are day tours too…)

7. DINE IN A BACKCOUNTRY YURT

We’ve never found a more unique dinner date. Take a 15 minute snowcat ride to a secret location, feast on a three-course gourmet meal in a toasty yurt, then unwind with sledding, a bonfire and hot chocolate.

6. LUNCH UNDER THE LIFT

Eating lunch at high altitude is one of our favorite things about skiing Big Sky. Pop into the tiny Black Kettle soup shack under the Powder Seeker Lift for a bread bowl full of warmth, grab a burrito at the top of Swift Current Lift, or for a finer experience, head to Everett’s 8,800 perched on Andesite Mountain with beautifyl unobstructed views of Lone Peak (reservations recommended).

5. BIG SKY, MONTANA SKIING

It’s hard to think of Big Sky without also thinking of America’s largest ski area, but we can’t leave it off our list. 5,800 acres offer big views, natural terrain and dry west coast dumps for skiers and riders of every skill level.

4. BOOGIE TO BLUEGRASS

Every year, Big Sky Big Grass brings rising stars and established acts to resort stages with bands like the Kitchen Dwellers, Trout Steak Revival, Laney Lou and the Bird Dogs and more. Individual tickets let you catch a single show, or dive deep into those bouncy bass lines all weekend.

3. GO ON A DOG-POWERED ADVENTURE

With Spirit of the North Dog Sled Adventures, experience surprisingly fast and fluffy huskies pulling you through angles of Big Sky scenery you can’t see any other way (well, legally). Guests are welcome to simply hang on for the ride, or learn everything about harnessing and steering the pups.

2. REV YOUR ENGINES

We’re just down the road from the snowmobile capital of the world (West Yellowstone), but you don’t have to own your own machine to enjoy the extensive trails around Big Sky. Canyon Adventures will rent and guide you close to Big Sky, or pick one of many tour operators in West Yellowstone.

1. SEE YELLOWSTONE SPARKLE

It’s a little-known fact outside these parts, but Yellowstone National Park is open in the winter to those brave enough to ski, hike, or snowcoach in (and the Lamar Valley road is always open for wildlife cruising). Of course you’ve seen Old Faithful—but have you seen it surrounded by white snow, pumping plumes of fog into the cold air? 

For more inside tips on what to enjoy in Big Sky, please don’t hesitate to contact us.