Big Sky Winter Adventure Weekend Itinerary
Updated December 2020
In this Big Sky winter adventure guide, you will find things to do, what to wear in winter, & where to stay. Big Sky is located in the state of Montana in the United States. The community is within the southern Rocky Mountains about halfway between Yellowstone & the city of Bozeman. This small town is called a community, as there is no official local government and is primarily supported by locals and tourism, especially during the winter months. Tourists flock from around the world to Lone Mountain. This Big Sky winter adventure guide itinerary will help you while you’re planning the perfect winter getaway to Big Sky Montana!
This is the BEST Big Sky Winter Adventure Guide!
Big Sky Montana is known for the some of the best ski slope mountains in the rockies! Offering tons of winter activities such as hiking trails to frozen waterfalls, snowshoeing up a mountain, and sledding! The mountain community offers something for everyone, making it a great place for a weekend getaway.
Getting to Big Sky
The nearest airport to Big Sky Montana is Bozeman Yellowstone International airport (BZN). The quaint airport is warm and welcoming with beautiful stone fireplaces and wood accents throughout the halls. To get to Big Sky from Bozeman airport you can either take a shuttle, or rent a car to reach the mountain village if you plan on exploring outside the Town Center. Bozeman is the largest city near Big Sky so fill up on groceries, gas, and any other essentials you may need.
Where to Stay in Big Sky During Winter
If you are worried about where to stay, no worries! Big Sky has plenty of places to stay and call home during your trip. Including epic ski resorts, a historic dude ranch, and incredible outdoor adventures. All bringing plenty of excitement to this friendly community year round. The Town Center is centrally located and very walkable. The Center is surrounded by vistas of snow covered mountains and offers shopping, restaurants, a small grocery store and medical facilities. The mountains provide coverage from brisk winds giving the village a mild climate. The center is just 7 miles below Lone Mountain and where trailheads to Ousel Falls and Lone Mountain Trail are located.
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Things to do & Winter Adventures
You won’t be lacking things to do this winter when you are on your winter adventure. During my visit I set out to explore the community and its surrounding area with some girlfriends. We spent the perfect weekend exploring the high summits and beautiful surrounding nature. Here’s my tips and recommendations for things to do for the perfect Big Sky winter adventure!
Ski or Snowboard Down Lone Mountain
One of the most popular things to do is to ski or snowboard down the famous Lone Mountain. Snowboards and ski are both available for rent at rental shops in Town Center or Resort Village. If you are staying at the Moonlight or Big Sky resorts, you can skip the lines and have your equipment delivered right to your door upon arrival with Black Tie Skis.
Winter Clothing to Wear in Big Sky
Dressing properly is essential to enjoy your winter adventure. As you ascend the mountain the temperatures drop dramatically and winds pick up making the climate more hostile than the Town Center. If you are not wearing the right winter clothing your ski day may be cut short. LAYERS are the key to regulate your temperature during winter adventures.
First Layer: Shirts to Wear in Winter
Second Layer: Vest & Sweatshirts
Pants & Leggings:
You will want to wear soft and flexible cotton or leggings under your snow pants *not jeans*
Winter Jackets:
I recommend bringing a 3-in-1 winter jacket like my Marmot. My Marmot Women’s Featherless Component Jacket is a 3-in-1 jacket system that makes it easy to adapt to changing weather. The outer shell features MemBrain waterproof breathable fabric for protection against heavy snow and spring showers. The insulated jacket underneath is filled with synthetic 3M featherless insulation designed to mimic goose down while providing improved performance in wet weather.
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Snow Pants:
The bib style snow pants are my favorite type of snow pants because they don’t fall down everytime I do! 🙂 They may not be as fashionable but they are very practical. When you fall skiing or boarding, depending on how you land, your pants can slide down uncomfortably. Pulling your snow pants up with gloves on is not something you want to try, trust me.
Hats & Gloves
While you are deciding what winter gloves you want be sure to get a pair that best suits your planned activities. The first pair below is great for snowshoeing and hiking because it offers better dexterity. The second & third pair are good for snowboarding and skiing.
The cuffs tighten and go over your jacket to keep the snow from getting in your gloves. They’re padded and insulated to keep your hands warm and dry. Depending on your mobility preference there are mitts or gloves – I always pack two pairs of gloves because after a day on the mountain they might get wet and not dry in time.
PRO TIP: put your snow gear on a heating vent back at your hotel room to get them extra toasty and dry for the next day!
Just keep fire safety in mind!
Safety Helmet:
In many situations, falling on the mountain is unavoidable. Catching an edge on your snowboard you don’t know if you’ll fall forward or backwards. People often get concussions from hitting their head as they fall back onto the icy snow (like I did once). There is also the possibility of crashing into a tree, pole, or another person on your way down. Wearing a safety helmet when skiing is highly encouraged and sometimes required.
Snow Goggles:
Trust me when I say THESE ARE IMPORTANT TO HAVE. When you are riding down the mountain snow will be blown into your face and visibility can be limited. The snow also reflects the sun making it bright and difficult to see where you are going. Goggles will help remedy both of those situations.
Avalanche Safety Gear:
If you plan on adventuring any Big Sky ski slopes or hiking trails that are in avalanche territory, don’t go unprepared. Avalanches happen quickly with little time to respond and nowhere to go. Prepare for the worst and keep yourself safe with an ultralight pack for avalanche safety. Don’t weigh yourself down when headed into avalanche country, but you still have to stay safe with the proper gear. The Alpride 2.0 cartridge system in the Black Diamond pack is lighter than a single system and its travel-friendly. The cartridges are NOT included, but you can pick them up separately. The pack features 26 liters of space, which allows you to hang onto probe, shovel, water, food, extra layers and more. All the essentials for a full day on the mountain.
Boots & Snow Shoes:
Ski and snowboard boots can be rented with the other gear, helmets are also available for rent. Boots are very different than regular snow boots, providing ankle support and stability. For snowshoeing or hiking, you will want a pair of boots like these from Sorel. They are waterproof, warm, and keep the snow out of your boots! These are the boots I wore for snowshoeing and they worked wonderfully.
Go Snowshoeing
Another fun thing to do in winter besides snowboarding or skiing , is snowshoeing! Snowshoes and poles are available for rent at rental shops in Town Center or Resort Village. Bringing your own equipment will help keep your budget low – here are some good options to choose from.
Hiking Trails
Trail Information
Ousel Falls Trail
Great trail for snowshoeing or hiking!
Location: Gallatin Gateway Resort Hiking Loop 1
Length: 1.6 miles
Duration: 20 minutes – 4 hours depending on trail
Trail Difficulty: Easy, Beginner
Scenery: gorgeous snow covered forest views ending at a beautiful blue frozen waterfall
Trail Information
Moose Tracks Snowshoe Trail
Location: Custer Gallatin National Forest
Length: 2.3 miles
Duration: 1.15 hours
Trail Difficulty: Easy, Beginner
Scenery: gorgeous snow covered forest views ending at a beautiful blue frozen waterfall
Winter Hiking Trails in Big Sky Montana
Trails
- Ousel Falls
- Beehive Basin trail No. 40: Moderate – 7.1 miles – 4 hours
- Yellowmule Loop: Moderate – 18.9 miles – 9.5 hours
- The Reflector Loop: Moderate – 4.1 miles – 2.15 hours
If you run out of water, just eat icicles like Lenka.
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Hiking Trails
- Porcupine Creek – Easy, 3.5 miles, 1.5 hours
- Ophir School – Easy, 5.3 miles, 2.14 hours
- Crail Ranch Trail – Easy, 2.8 miles, 1 hour
- North Fork – Moderate, 5.8 miles, 2.5 hours
- Elk Park – Moderate, 5 miles, 2.4 hours
- Buck Ridge – Moderate, 12 miles, 6.5 hours
- Lemon Knob Loop – Moderate, 3.5 miles, 2.10 hours
- Bear Basin: Moderate, 12 miles, 6 hours
- Big Sky Ski Resort Hiking Loop – Hard, 5.3 miles, 3.7 hours
- Summit Lake: Hard, 15.9 miles, 7.5 hours
- Gallatin Peak: Hard, 18.2 miles, 10.5 hours
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I hope you enjoyed my winter adventure guide to Big Sky Montana! Drop a comment about what you like and any other info you would like to see!
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Big Sky looks amazing!!! I would love love to visit and go skiing!!!
this looks like such a fun adventure! your photos are amazing too!
Big Sky looks so beautiful! I visited Montana this past September and loved it. I also spent some time in Bozeman. Would love to go back in the winter. 🙂
Girl I am craving to be in the snow around this time of year! Hopeful I can visit Montana or somewhere with snow before the end of 2020!
I love Big Sky! I’ve been visiting for the past 3 years during the summer, but I’ve still never made a winter visit, which is crazy because I love to ski! Saving this post for when I finally make a winter trip!
We’re getting into summer here in Australia and it’s pretty hot already… When that happens, I always have a thought for cold weather destinations and having a Christmas in the snow… I love the combination of skiing and hiking in Big Sky, what a great name too!
Oh man, I’ll take hot summer over this brutal cold in Michigan 🥶 we don’t have the mountain coverage Big Sky does! Haha you’ll love it there!
I just moved to the Bozeman area and have been curious about Big Sky! I’ll definitely check it out this winter!
It’s such a cute area! The ski mountains have something for all skill levels so if you’ve never snowboarded/skied before – it’s a great place to start!
This is such a beautiful area of Montana! I would either be doing some hiking, sledding, or snowshoeing! I used to ski, but quit several years ago. I would also be hanging out by the fire with some hot chocolate!!
Oh Chelsey this looks magical!
I love in Sweden, and I dont even like the snow (accept for John Snow 😛 ) but I like the visions of sitting in a cozy cabin when its snowing outside. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Awesome info on Big Sky! We went Snowboarding there last year and fell in love. Planning another trip for January!!!
Oh wow, how gorgeous! As beautiful as this does look, I’m by no means ready for the snow haha! I’d be in the cabin all day!
-madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Looks like you had a wonderful time! I love winter destinations/vacations! Thanks for putting Montana on my radar, and your photos are amazing!
This all looks so fun! I love all of those winter activities!
This is an exciting experience to enjoy with the hole family. The outdoors, the nature, all an stunning trip!
Amazing photos 😍 I love winter and the great views loads of snow brings
This looks like an amazing trip! Thanks for putting this on my radar. Your photos are awesome!
Omg the view looks fantastic. I love the cabin too! I would love to go there one winter.
Looks amazing! Beautiful scenes and a whole lot of fun. Looks like a trip to Big Sky is in order! Thank you for sharing.
I love winter, especially the holiday’s! I’m from Vermont so there’s lots of snow where I’m from!
I love winter! I so love your pictures!
I’ve always heard amazing things about Big Sky, but I never realized just how much there was to do there beyond just skiing.
It is a dream of mine to have a winter vacation with the family. The kids want to experience snow like this–in the mountains! Montana is absolute breathtaking!
Montana in winter sounds ethereal. would love to visit someday for sure. Thank you for sharing.
How much fun! I have always wanted to visit Montana, I would like to experience the snow in person.
This trip sure does look like an adventure! I wish I knew how to do more winter sports – I am only able to ice skate!
Winter is my fave season, here you go i said it lol…I just love winter sports especially snow boarding.
Looks like so much fun! Being on the East Coast…We are limited to the Poconos, Catskills, or Adirondacks. But, I look forward to visiting the Rocky’s one day in the future. Thanks for sharing!
What an amazing trip! The snow is beautiful. I think the frozen waterfall is my favorite part. I didn’t even know that was possible.
We ski all over the world; however, we have not yet visited Montana. Don’t know if we will.
Big Sky, Grand Tetons, and Colorado have some of the most incredible ski mountains
That looks like a great place to ski. So much snow reminds me that winter will be here soon.
I would absolutely love to stay in a place like that! Although I am a terrible Canadian and don’t know how to ski or snowboard, it is definitely on my bucket list to learn!
That was the first time I’ve been snowboarding in 15 years… I was surprised at how quickly I picked it back up. It’s worth trying no water what your skill level 🙂
I am NOT a winter person and I’m not into winter sports either, but I can’t deny how lovely this looks. As long as I don’t have to drive in it, hehe.
haha I grew up in Michigan where we have 6 months of winter… I’m used to the driving in the snow, but we never get snow like there was there.. it was breathtaking.
Travelling during the winter isn’t one of my favourite things but this place looks really good! My favourite part are those cozy room decor! Love love them!
How pretty! I admit, I do not like being cold, but I’d go here for the scenery! It looks like such a lovely spot.
It was truly gorgeous. Surprisingly it wasn’t as cold as I thought it would be in town..once you get higher in altitude/up the mountain the temp drops but sometimes its worth it. The most beautiful places are typically in the most challenging environments for humans. haha nature is funny. she knew.
This place looks amazing! I’ve never been in Montana… I would love to go either in Spring or Fall… Thanks for your beautiful post.
Spring or fall would also be great times to visit.. especially with the fall colors covering all the mountains.. OMG. I need to go back.
This place looks amazing… I’ve never been in Montana… during Summer time LOL! Thank you for sharing!
I would love to go back in the fall to see all the fall colors!
Personally I’m not a great lover of winter holidays, at least not in cold places, but maybe following your guide I could try and have fun too!
haha I grew up in Michigan with 6 months of winter often spending weeks in the negative temps. This was WARMER… I couldn’t believe it. The valleys are kept warmer by the mountains, so its not TOO COLD until you climb to higher altitude.