Nestled within the Madison Range of southwest Montana, surrounded by thousands of acres of protected forest and backcountry wilderness, towering mountain peaks, and the scenic Gallatin River, Big Sky is an idyllic vacation destination for outdoor thrill-seekers and laid-back nature enthusiasts.
Though best known for its amazing skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling, the fun in Big Sky doesn’t end when the snow does. Warmer months see grassy meadows blooming with wildflowers and miles of hiking and biking trails leading up and around the mountain terrain.
The Big Sky Resort offers year-round indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, including 18 holes of classic, link-style golf. And fly-fishing opportunities attract anglers looking for calm days on the river, casting in for native whitefish and the abundant rainbow, brown, and brook trout found in the Gallatin’s cool, clear water.
Off-mountain, visitors can relax and unwind in Big Sky’s Mountain Village, Meadow Village, or popular Town Center, enjoying the wide variety of boutique shops, restaurants, spas, and live entertainment options offered there.
With so much to see and do (for skiers and non-skiers alike), we’ve come up with three different ways to vacation in this friendly Montana mountain town.
Way #1 – Family Vacation: Outdoor fun for all ages
Things to Do:
The town of Big Sky offers plenty of kid-and-teen-friendly activities to keep young visitors occupied and happy.
During ski season, take advantage of the resort’s ski school for private or group lessons, a teen mountain experience, and seasonal kids programs. Or explore the wide variety of trails — from beginner to advanced — across multiple mountain areas.
In warmer months, get outdoors for family hikes along the many easy-to-intermediate trails in the area. The Ousel Falls Park Trail is a great one to start with. Well-maintained, with bridges and groomed paths, it’s accessible for many hikers and features overlooks, lush green forest, and the big payoff — an up-close look at a spectacular 100-foot waterfall.
June through August, kids ages 6–13 can also sign up for Camp Big Sky and enjoy a full week of activities from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.
Places to Go:
Take a self-guided tour of historic Crail Ranch Homestead to get a glimpse of what life was like for homesteaders in the early 1900s. Or set aside a day for a private guided tour of Yellowstone National Park. Equity Estates’ Big Sky homes are only about an hour’s drive from Yellowstone’s West Entrance, making it an ideal destination for a full-day adventure.
Sit back and enjoy the ride over while your expert guide shares some of the interesting stories and history of the area. Once inside the park, you’ll drive Yellowstone’s scenic roads, past wild landscapes, to some of its most iconic landmarks, stopping for photos along the way. Walk the park’s historic boardwalks, hike forest or riverside trails (keeping an eye open for wildlife), and see Old Faithful and the technicolor Grand Prismatic Spring in person.
Restaurants to Try:
The double-smashed burgers and specialty shakes at Blindside Burger on Town Center Avenue are a hit with kids and adults alike, with sides of loaded fries and cheddar cheese curds rounding out the tasty fast-casual dining experience.
At the family-friendly Horn & Cantle, you’ll enjoy farm-to-table favorites like fried chicken with potatoes and gravy or the popular Montana steelhead trout. And for a sweet treat even in the coldest months, make sure you stop by Big Sky Scoops for an ice cream (cone, cup, or sundae). You can choose from a variety of rotating, seasonal flavors, and dairy-free options are also available.
Way #2 – Friends Trip: mountain adventure and intown exploration
Things to Do:
In winter, take advantage of the resort’s ski school for private or group lessons if you’re new to winter sports or feeling a little rusty. Explore the wide variety of trails — from beginner to advanced — across multiple mountain areas. And experience the thrill (and panoramic views) of Lone Peak with a tram ride to the top.
In summer months, head out together on bikes to explore over 40 miles of community trails. Take a leisurely self-guided nature walk across dozens of marked mountain paths that wind through green meadows and shaded woodland. Or kick-up the adventure with an exhilarating zipline experience. Big Sky is truly an outdoor playground, with mountain activities to suit just about every interest.
Places to Go:
If you’re in Big Sky June through September, pay a visit to the Big Sky Farmers Market for live music, entertainment, and a community of vendors showcasing produce, baked goods, artwork, and crafts. The market is held every Wednesday night from 5pm to 8pm.
You may also want to spend an afternoon exploring Town Center and doing some shopping at the dozen or so local boutiques there. You’ll find everything from specialty gifts and souvenirs to home goods, designer fur coats, sporting goods, and clothing. While there, step into the Art Gallery of Big Sky and the Big Sky Artist Collective for a look at works from local artists and photographers.
When you’re ready to unwind, take a break at Beehive Basin Brewery, a microbrewery in Town Center producing hand-crafted brews. There’s no food, but there’s a small tap room and guests are invited to come in and sample the rotating selection of beers they have on tap.
Restaurants to Try:
In Mountain Village, have lunch at Montana Jack, where you can refuel with fried pickle chips or onion rings, the customizable (and delicious) Jack Burger, or the recommended wild game chili. Everything is fresh and sourced from local farms. At night, the restaurant also features live music during dinner service.
At the cozy Westward Social you can dig into an elevated, tavern-inspired menu of fun comfort foods. The hushpuppies with bacon and sweet corn make a great starter, loaded potato soup with roasted bone marrow is rich and filling, and the handmade pasta and Brazilian moqueca entrees add a little global flavor.
For after-dinner or late-night fun with a totally cool vibe, check out The Drunken Monk for Japanese and classically-inspired cocktails, music, and special events.
Way #3 – romantic Getaway: Romance in the mountains
Things to Do:
In winter months, bundle up and go snowshoeing on Moose Tracks Trail or any of the easy-access community trails around town. Or take a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride beneath starry skies.
In warmer weather, take a morning hike to Beehive Basin where you’ll find some of Big Sky’s most beautiful views. The six-mile roundtrip basin trail there is nestled within a picturesque glacial cirque, complete with lovely alpine meadows, green forests, a small, crystal-clear lake, and meandering creeks.
For more outdoor excitement, consider a whitewater rafting trip on the Gallatin River (in summer), an adrenaline-pumping snowmobile outing (during the winter months), or a guided fly-fishing adventure (year-round).
If golf is your game, tee off for 9 or 18 holes on Big Sky Resort’s classic links-style course. The award-winning, Arnold Palmer-designed course features amazing views of the surrounding landscape, lush greens, long drives.
Places to Go:
Enjoy a fun stroll through Mountain Village to see the sights and so some shopping at Huntley Trading Post or any of the other resort-area boutiques. Lace up your skates for a winter glide around the outdoor Marty Pavelich Ice Rink in Town Center. Or step into the Art Gallery of Big Sky and the Big Sky Artist Collective to view works from local artists and photographers.
To unwind and relax, make time for a couples massage or other rejuvenating treatments at Solace Spa & Recovery Lounge. Or drop into a yoga or Tai Chi class at Santosha Wellness Center.
Restaurants to Try:
For a casual lunch or dinner, stop in at the family-owned Blue Moon Bakery for one of their gourmet pizzas. The Orion and Northern Lights pies are particularly good.
Michaelangelo’s, a romantic restaurant (and James Beard Award Semi-Finalist) serving up authentic Italian cuisine with a local twist, is a must-visit spot for an incredible dinner of wild mushroom risotto, pistachio-encrusted elk chops, and similar offerings.
For a unique dining experience, you can’t beat Everett’s 8800. Set atop Andesite Mountain, the restaurant is reachable only by the Ramcharger 8 chairlift. Once there, you’ll settle in to an elegantly rustic dining room to enjoy a seasonal menu of elevated comfort food — charcuterie, oysters, bison pappardelle, pan-seared trout, crispy truffle fries, and more — with a nice selection of wines and cocktails to accompany the dinner.
Before or after the meal, guests have access to the Enchanted Forest, a path through the woods illuminated with thousands of beautiful and interactive light displays.
At Home with Equity Estates:
We have two incredible homes in Big Sky that are perfect for any type of vacation.
Moonlight Basin I and Moonlight Basin II are both five-bedroom, ski-in/ski-out, slopeside homes featuring contemporary design and sleek, modern finishes. They are nestled within the tall pines at Moonlight Basin near Lake Lodge, with open gourmet kitchens, spacious rooms and expansive decks that provide stunning valley views for miles. One of the most exclusive communities in Big Sky, Moonlight Basin also offers outstanding amenities, including access to the 60,000-square-foot private clubhouse with an outdoor pool and hot tubs, fitness center, kids club and climbing wall.
Your Destination Manager will work with you to plan your Big Sky itinerary before you arrive and make sure your stay is effortless. Leave the details to us and arrive to a fully stocked kitchen and bar with groceries of your choice. With Equity Estates, comfort and luxury are yours.
Travel with Equity Estates for a unique and memorable experience. If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or click to schedule a call. Your personalized Big Sky getaway awaits!
