A Winter Guide to 5 Days in Big Sky, Montana
Welcome to Montana! The state, known to some, as ‘Big Sky Country’, is renowned for its wildlife, skiing, snowboarding, fly fishing, and overall outdoor lifestyle. I’m here to share with you a five day itinerary of everything you need to do and see while visiting Big Sky, Montana during winter.
If you’re looking for tips on where to stay, how to get around and my favorite restaurant recommendations, you’ll find those at the end!
Day 1
Day 1 is always about getting your bearings. Get checked into your hotel (or Airbnb) and get outside! Take the time to explore the downtown area, check out the boutiques, grab a quick bite to eat. Feeling antsy to do something else? Head south out of town towards Ousel Falls. An easy hike at just 1.6 miles round trip, it will take you alongside the South and West Forks of the Gallatin River. This stunning hike takes you to multiple stopping points so that you can view the river, where it ultimately ends at the falls. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get a chance to see climbers practicing climbing on the ice!
Day 2
Did you know that Big Sky became well known due to its close proximity to Yellowstone National Park? No trip to this region is complete without going to America’s First National Park! And let me tell you, it is absolutely stunning and definitely worth a visit! While visiting you’ll have the chance to see many different types of wildlife and explore the thermal basins. The most famous being, of course, Old Faithful. If you visit in winter, a Snow Coach is the only way you will get to experience the park. Unless, of course, you choose to cross country ski, snowshoe, or use a snow mobile. Hop on a tour with Yellowstone Vacation Tours for a unique and fun way to get around the park!
Pro tip: Grab a sandwich and snacks from the Hungry Moose before heading out to Yellowstone; its a long day!
Day 3
As a recently Certified Yoga Teacher, I enjoy getting the opportunity to take a yoga class or two, especially on a vacation filled with hiking. Santosha Wellness Center not only offers yoga classes, but they are your one stop shop for massages and facials as well! If you would rather get outside, check out the Hummocks and Uplands Trailhead, it’s just a quick walk away from The Wilson Hotel. In the afternoon, hop in your car and head to Bozeman to visit the Museum of the Rockies. You’ll find an immersive experience into the cultural and natural history of Northern Rocky Mountain region, along with seeing my personal favorite exhibits – the ones on dinosaurs!
Day 4
If you would prefer something different to the traditional downhill skiing or snowboarding, take the day and try cross country skiing! Andrea, with Big Sky Adventure Tours, is the most patient teacher! She also taught me the ins and outs and helped me up each time I fell down. Our adventure began when she took us to explore a part of Yellowstone. From there, we skied through feet of snow along the frozen river. I think the most interesting part was enjoying a light lunch on my skis in all of that snow. I’ve certainly never done that before! Spend your evening enjoying one of the great restaurants in downtown Big Sky. They’re also fun after dinner!
Day 5
One of my favorite winter activities is getting a chance to dog sled. Gliding through the mountains with the team from Spirit of the North, is an experience you’ll definitely never forget. I will say though, this was probably the most intense dog sled experience. The terrain is not as flat and that means helping the dogs uphill by walking or jogging next to the sled. If you’re thinking this might not be for me, don’t worry! I recommend driving over to Virginia City instead. This once booming mining town is fun to explore and offers fun activities for all ages.
My Favorite Restaurants
Montana is known for their bison. If you’re adventurous enough to try it, this would be the place to do it! These are some of my favorite restaurants in and around the Big Sky area (and yes, you will find bison on some of their menus!).
- The Hungry Moose
- Lotus Pad
- Ousel Spur & Pizza Co.
- By WOM
- Buck’s T-4
- Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro
- Bunker Deck & Grill
- Horn & Cantle
Tips and Where to Stay
If you’re flying into Montana, then you’ll land at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Big Sky is about an hour away from the airport and in winter time, the canyon you will have to pass through can be a little difficult to navigate if you’re not used to driving in snow or icy conditions. If that’s you, consider one of these options instead – rent a car, grab a taxi or schedule a car to pick you up (and drop you back off when it’s time to leave). The most affordable option is Karst Stage, but there are two other options to consider, Big Sky Shuttle, Inc. and Shuttle to Big Sky.
When it comes to where to stay, there also a few options and things to consider. I personally love The Residence Inn by Marriott / The Wilson Hotel and that is simply due to its location. In the heart of the downtown, you are in walking distance to restaurants, shops and even the post office if you need to mail any purchases home that don’t fit in your suitcase. However, if you are more of a skier or snowboarder and know you’re going to want to spend all of your time on the mountain, I recommend staying at The Summit Hotel at the Big Sky Resort.
Have you visited Big Sky, Montana? Is there anything I might have missed? Share with me in the comments below!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally use and love, and the income goes towards this site so I can continue to provide you with free posts, tips, and tricks. Thank you for supporting The Life of a Tourist!