The winter season starts early in Big Sky, MT. Wednesday, November 26th marks the opening day for the '25/26 winter ski season at Big Sky Resort. But, Big Sky's bucket-list experiences don't stop at skiing and snowboarding. Big Sky's winter calendar is packed full of family-friendly activities and thrilling events that promise to make this winter season unforgettable.
So, bundle up, embrace the crisp mountain air, and come to Big Sky Montana this winter! In the meantime, check out this handy calendar of winter events to help you plan your unforgettable trip.
Opening Day at Big Sky Resort
Join in on the fun on Wednesday, November 26th, as Big Sky Resort kicks off the '25-26 winter ski season.
WHEN: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Mountain Village
Celebrate opening day with your friends and family at Big Sky Resort! Check back again for the most up-to-date information on opening day festivities, terrain, and Mountain Village amenities. Get a head start on winter and book your lift tickets, lodging, lessons, and rentals now for the best prices with Big Sky Vacation Rentals.
Local's Tip: For the most up-to-date info and happenings click HERE!
Kircliff Scenic Tour
Kircliff, perched at 11,166 feet, is a two-story glass observation deck reaching out over terrain shaped by millions of years.
WHEN: December 20th, 2025 through April 12th, 2026
Starting this winter season, take the new Explorer Gondola to the Lone Peak Tram and then step inside Kircliff, a two-story glass observation deck reaching out over terrain shaped by millions of years.
Local's Tip: To learn more & buy tickets click HERE!
Kircliff Scenic Ticket InformationValid from December 20th, 2025 through April 12th, 2026Ticket includes all-day pedestrian access to ride the Explorer Gondola and Lone Peak Tram up to Kircliff on a single day, any day of the winter season.Load the Explorer Gondola between 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM daily. Kircliff closes at 3 PM. Scheduled times are weather-dependent.Select a single-guest ticket or a 4-pack for additional savings.Children 6 & under ride for $1.Kircliff Scenic Tickets are for non-skiers or snowboarders to access Kircliff. Skiers and snowboarders can access Kircliff by riding the Lone Peak Tram.Lift tickets are loaded onto a reusable Big Sky Resort Sky Card, which you will need to scan through the gates to ride the lifts. If you already have a Sky Card, load your ticket onto the card at checkout, and you can head straight to the lifts.New or replacement Sky Cards can be picked up when you arrive at a Sky Card Express Box by scanning the QR code in your confirmation email.For cancellation information, see our Cancellation Policy page. Products are non-refundable.If you have any questions, check our Help Center online or contact our Guest Services team at the phone number below.
Warren Miller's Performance Arts Center
WHEN: All Winter!
The Warren Miller Performing Arts Center (WMPAC) opened its doors on March 12th, 2013 through a collaborative effort of the Big Sky Community, Friends of Big Sky Education, and the Big Sky School District. This incredible venue brings creative vision to the stage in Big Sky, through world-class acts, local performers, and community inspiration. The venue features only 280-seats that create an intimate experience, with dynamic sound and up-close visuals that draw in the audience members and engage the senses.
Local's Tip: Check out their schedule for this winter season HERE!
December to Remember
WHEN: December 12, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Celebrate the magic of the holidays in Big Sky. Join in on the fun throughout the month of December for festive events and activities for the whole family.
Enchanted Forest
WHEN: December 17, 2025 - March 28th, 2026
WHERE: Andesite Mountain
On December 17th enjoy a special lighting ceremony to open the Enchanted Forest for the winter. If you cannot make it that day, don't fret! The enchanted forest will be open through March 28th, 2026
Christmas Stroll
WHEN: December 12, 2025 – December 14, 2025
WHERE: Big Sky Town Center, Nordic Center, & Meadow Village
Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a long-standing Big Sky tradition – a weekend of family-friendly events and holiday cheer!
Full Schedule & Details
The Nutcracker
WHEN: December 14, 2025
TIME: 5:00 PM
WHERE: Warren Miller Performing Arts Center
A holiday favorite, see the classic Nutcracker performed by the renowned Montana Ballet Company right here at Big Sky's favorite local performing arts venue, the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center.
Get Tickets
Avalanche Dog Demo
WHEN: Wednesdays starting December 15, 2025
TIME: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
WHERE: Explorer Gondola Mid-Station
Meet the avalanche dogs of Big Sky Resort! Learn about the dogs, their training, and how they support our ski patrol team.
Pictures with Santa Claus
WHEN: December 23 - 24, 2025
TIME: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
WHERE: Explorer Gondola mid-station
Take your annual pictures with Santa Claus in Big Sky with the snowy mountain backdrop at the Explorer Gondola mid-station.
Letters to Santa
WHEN: December 21 - 24, 2025
TIME: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
WHERE: Kircliff
Embark on a wintery journey to the top of Lone Mountain and deliver your letters to Santa in his special mailbox.
Christmas Celebrations
WHEN: December 24th & 25th, 2025
WHERE: Big Sky Resort
Celebrate Christmas at Big Sky Resort with fireworks, meetings with Santa, a celebratory feast, and more.
Skiing with Santa
WHEN: December 24th & 25th, 2025
Ski with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves! See them on the mountain and in the base areas on Christmas and Christmas Eve.
Christmas Religious Services
WHEN: December 24th, 2025
TIME: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE: Talus Room, Summit Hotel
Celebrate Christmas Eve with Catholic and non-denominational services at Big Sky Resort.
Fireworks & Torchlight Parade
WHEN: December 24th, 2025
TIME: 8:00 PM
WHERE: Visible from Mountain Village
Watch a stream of lights ski down Andesite mountain and our traditional Christmas Eve fireworks show. Visible from Mountain Village.
Christmas Eve Dinner
WHEN: December 24th, 2025
TIME: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
WHERE: Huntley Dining Room
Gather around the dinner table to celebrate the holiday with delicious food and festive drinks. Reservations required.
Local's Tip: Make a reservation as soon as possible, spots fill up quick! Make a reservation HERE!
New Year's Eve
WHEN: December 31st, 2025
WHERE: Big Sky Resort
Ring in the New Year with an evening of gourmet dining, live music, family-friendly activities, and fireworks.
New Year's Eve Party
WHEN: December 31st, 2025
WHERE: Montana Jack
Indulge in a night of music, dancing, and celebration as we bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026 | 21+, tickets required.
Big Sky OUT: Winter Pride Week
WHEN: January 6 - 11, 2026
WHERE: Big Sky
Celebrate pride in winter style with events all week long. Bring your brightest pride gear to the mountain with Big Sky OUT for ski parades, après, and more.
Best In The West Showdown
WHEN: February 7th & 8th, 2026
WHERE: Big Sky Town Center
The Annual Best in the West Showdown transforms Big Sky Town Center into a hub of winter-themed activities and live entertainment. Presented by Big Sky Skijoring, this four-day family-friendly festival features fast-paced skijoring competitions, silent discos and street dances, pro ice carving competitions, Viking races, sledding, kids obstacle courses, and so much more! If you're looking for the coolest way to enjoy winter in Big Sky, book your stay near Big Sky Town Center now!
IFSA Freeride Junior Regionals
WHEN: January 29, 2026 - February 1, 2026
WHERE: Big Sky Resort
Come watch junior freeride ski & snowboard athletes as they compete for regional championships.
Shedhorn Skimo
WHEN: February 21, 2026
TIME: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Big Sky Resort
Take on your next challenge with Big Sky's classic ski mountaineering race. Test your athleticism in one of three courses from advanced to expert that climb and descend Lone Mountain.
Special Olympics of Montana
WHEN: March 2, 2026
TIME: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Madison Base
Special Olympics of Montana returns to Big Sky Resort for a day of winter sports competitions. Come watch and cheer on the athletes!
International Women's Day
WHEN: March 8, 2026
WHERE: On-Mountain + The Umbrella Bar
Celebrate International Women's Day with a group ski & ride and happy hour with the women of the Big Sky Resort community!
A Day For Jake
WHEN: March 14, 2026
WHERE: On-Mountain + Mountain Village
Celebrate the legacy of Jake Burton Carpenter—join us at Big Sky Resort for a global day of snowboarding. #rideonjake
IFSA Freeride Qualifier Competitions
WHEN: March 27 - 28, 2026
WHERE: Big Sky Resort
Come watch freeride ski & snowboard athletes at the professional and collegiate levels as they compete for entry to the Freeride World Tour 2026.
WEEKLY EVENTS IN BIG SKY
In addition to these annual events, Big Sky Montana offers a dynamic weekly calendar of winter activities and entertainment. From aprés ski, live music, and karaoke nights to fun family events, there's always something happening during winter ski season in Big Sky!
**EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
MONDAYS
LIVE MUSIC AT MONTANA JACK | 4 PM – 6 PM
LIVE MUSIC IN VISTA HALL | 4 PM – 6 PM
MONDAY FAMILY NIGHT AT WAYPOINT | 5 PM to 7 PM
MOVIE NIGHT IN THE HUNTLEY LODGE AMPHITHEATER | 7 PM
TUESDAYS
LIVE MUSIC AT MONTANA JACK | 4 PM – 6 PM
LIVE MUSIC IN CARABINER LOUNGE | 4 PM – 6 PM
WEDNESDAYS
AVALANCHE DOG MEET & GREET AT THE HUNTLEY MOUNTAIN SIDE PATIO | 4:30 PM
LIVE MUSIC AT MONTANA JACK | 4 PM – 6 PM
LIVE MUSIC IN VISTA HALL | 4 PM – 6 PM
MOVIE NIGHT IN THE HUNTLEY LODGE AMPHITHEATER | 7 PM
WEDNESDAY TRIVIA NIGHT AT WAYPOINT | 8 PM to 10 PM
LIVE MUSIC AT TIPS UP IN BIG SKY TOWN CENTER | 9:45 PM – 11:45 PM
THURSDAYS
LIVE DJS AT WESTWARD SOCIAL | 3 PM – 6 PM
LIVE MUSIC AT MONTANA JACK | 4 PM – 6 PM
LIVE MUSIC AT TIPS UP IN BIG SKY TOWN CENTER | 9:45 PM – 11:45 PM
FRIDAYS
LIVE DJS IN THE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE PLAZA | 3 PM – 6 PM
LIVE MUSIC AT MONTANA JACK | 4 PM – 6 PM
LIVE MUSIC IN CARABINER LOUNGE | 4 PM – 6 PM
MOVIE NIGHT IN THE HUNTLEY LODGE AMPHITHEATER | 7 PM
LIVE MUSIC AT TIPS UP IN BIG SKY TOWN CENTER | 9:45 PM – 11:45 PM
FRIDAY KARAOKE NIGHT AT WAYPOINT | 9 PM to 11:55 PM
SATURDAYS
AVALANCHE DOG MEET & GREET AT THE HUNTLEY MOUNTAIN SIDE PATIO | 4:30 PM
LIVE DJS IN THE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE PLAZA | 3 PM – 6 PM
LIVE MUSIC AT TIPS UP IN BIG SKY TOWN CENTER | 9:45 PM – 11:45 PM
SUNDAYS
SUNDAY FUNDAY AT WAYPOINT | 2 PM to 11:55 PM
LIVE DJS IN THE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE PLAZA | 3 PM – 6 PM
BOOK TODAY WITH Big Sky Vacation Rentals
When planning your winter escape to Big Sky, consider the comfort and convenience of a vacation rental! Stay near the best winter events in Big Sky with the flexibility of your own space and the freedom to create your own winter adventures.
Whether you're seeking a cozy mountain cabin, a contemporary condo, or a luxurious mountain chalet, you'll find a range of accommodations to suit your needs with Big Sky Vacation Rentals and a team of local experts to customize your stay!
We live here, we play here, we know Big Sky!
Stay with Big Sky Vacation Rentals
Pack your bags and get ready to explore all things eventful in Big Sky! When you're done for the day, come home to one of our 125+ luxury vacation rentals where you can sit back, relax, and plan your next adventure.
