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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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!