Big Sky is now on the radar of thrill seekers and powder hounds searching for exhilarating winter activities, active families looking for outdoor adventures and city slickers seeking a secluded mountain getaway. Whatever the adventure, Big Sky ticks every box! If you’re looking for reasons to visit Big Sky this winter season, here’s our list of the top winter activities in Big Sky to add to your vacation itinerary.

Big Sky Resort is world famous for its legendary skiing and snowboarding on the ‘Biggest Skiing in America”. With 5,850 skiable acres, 4,350 feet of vertical drop, expansive terrain with 300 named runs and over 400 inches of the greatest snow on Earth, what’s not to love about skiing and snowboarding Big Sky Resort. Be sure to take a journey to the 11,166 ft Lone Peak Summit, where experts can ski the biggest vertical drop in the US! Ski lessons are available at the Big Sky and Madison base areas.

Big Sky is surrounded by miles of backcountry snowmobiling trails through the Montana Wilderness. Stay close to home and explore the secluded groomed trails on a snowmobile tour through the Gallatin Canyon to Buck Creek Ridge, just south of Big Sky, or take a day trip to West Yellowstone. 

Big Sky is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, only an hour north of the west entrance. Winter is a magical time to visit Yellowstone with fewer crowds, frozen waterfalls, vibrant geysers, colorful thermal pools and an abundance of winter wildlife including moose, elk, deer, mountain lions, snow hares and wolves. Experience the geological wonders of Yellowstone on a scenic winter tour leaving right from Big Sky’s Meadow Village.

Strap on your snowshoes (you can rent locally) and hike the Big Sky winter trails. Snowshoe the easy 1.6 mile Ousel Falls Trail to a frozen waterfall, follow the Gallatin River on the easy 1 mile South Fork Loop Trail or meander through Moose Tracks Gully on a guided snowshoe tour. For a festive, fun-filled family adventure be sure to book tickets to stroll the 1K fairy-lit trail in Big Sky’s Enchanted Forest, best done in snowshoes!

Big Sky offers a large trail network with over 85 km of groomed Nordic trails for classic cross country skiing and skate skiing. Begin your Nordic adventures at the Big Sky Nordic Center which connects to the many trails of Lone Mountain Ranch, voted #1 Nordic ski destination in North America. Rental packages are available from Big Sky’s local outfitters.