BIG SKY FAQ

Big Sky Resort opened for its first winter season in 1973. It was the vision of NBC newsman Chet Huntley, a Montana native. The Lone Peak Tram arrived in 1995, and in 2013 Big Sky joined with Moonlight Basin to grow to more than 5,850 skiable acres.

Huge, uncrowded terrain. Big Sky has more than 5,850 skiable acres, 4,350 vertical feet and about 400 inches of snow a year, and the Lone Peak Tram rises to 11,166 feet. Experts love the steeps and bowls, intermediates love the long cruisers, and families love the ski-in/ski-out lodging. Yellowstone National Park is close by.

The 2026/27 season opens November 25, 2026 and runs into mid-to-late April. February and March usually bring the most snow, and late March and April are sunny spring skiing. The holidays are festive, but book early.

Average high and low temperatures during ski season:

• November: 38°F / 15°F

• December: 28°F / 6°F

• January: 31°F / 8°F

• February: 35°F / 8°F

• March: 43°F / 16°F

• April: 50°F / 22°F

Summers are warm and sunny, with July highs in the upper 70s. It's colder at the top of Lone Peak, so dress in layers.

Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), about an hour away, with nonstop flights from 19 cities. The drive follows Highway 191 through Gallatin Canyon along the Gallatin River. Book your airport transportation in advance, and we can arrange it with the rest of your trip.

The free Skyline bus runs between the slopes and Town Center, and in winter, free shuttles run every few minutes from the outer Mountain Village parking lots. Uber and Lyft aren't available in Big Sky, so plan your airport transportation ahead of time.

It depends on where you stay. If you're in Mountain Village, Town Center or the Montage, the free Skyline bus and shuttles cover most trips. Lodging elsewhere usually calls for a car. If you rent one, an SUV or 4WD with winter tires is best, and most parking at the resort is free.

No. Uber and Lyft aren't available in Big Sky. Book your airport transportation from Bozeman in advance, and once you're here, the free Skyline bus runs between the slopes and Town Center.

Big Sky is about 15 miles north of the Yellowstone boundary and less than 50 miles from the park's West Entrance. In winter, guided snow coach and snowmobile tours are the way to see the park.

Mountain Village has ski-in/ski-out hotels and condos at the base of Lone Peak, with dining and shopping steps from the lifts. Meadow Village and Town Center, about 10 minutes away, have a relaxed small-town feel with shuttle service to the mountain. For luxury, Spanish Peaks and Moonlight Basin offer ski-in/ski-out homes and cabins.

Cross-country skiing on 85 km of Nordic trails at Lone Mountain Ranch, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ziplining, horseback rides and sleigh ride dinners. You can also take a guided snow coach tour into Yellowstone. Big Sky has two luxury spas, more than 50 restaurants, bars and eateries, and more than 40 shops.

Yes. Lone Peak Playhouse cares for children 6 months to 8 years old, with locations in Mountain Village and at Madison Base. Reservations are required before you arrive. We can help arrange childcare with the rest of your trip.

Early December, late January, early February and any time in April usually have the best rates. Christmas, New Year's, Martin Luther King Jr. weekend and Presidents' Weekend cost the most. Lift ticket prices are dynamic, so the earlier you book, the more you save.

We recommend renting. Ski bags often get lost or delayed by airlines, checking them adds fees, and renting gets you tuned, current equipment fitted just for you. In Big Sky, skis, snowboards and boots are delivered and fitted at your lodging, so you skip the rental shop line.

Yes. The Ikon Pass includes 7 days at Big Sky Resort, and the Ikon Base Pass includes 5 days.

After you book, we email your confirmation with a QR code. Print your Sky Card at any Sky Card Express Box, open 24/7, or at Mountain Services with your confirmation and photo ID. We order a new Sky Card with every ticket and cover the $5 card fee.

Months in advance if you can. Lift ticket prices are dynamic and rise as your dates get closer, and lodging for the holidays fills first. Many guests book next season's trip in March or April, when most deals are released. We can still book lift tickets up to 24 hours before your first ski day.

Book early, since prices rise as dates get closer, and travel outside the holidays. Book lift tickets with your Big Sky vacation through Ski Trip Advisors to save 5%. Bundling lodging, lift tickets and Equipment Rentals saves even more, our Low Price Promise covers every package, and there's never a cost to work with us.