Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking

Seasons Available: Spring, Summer, Fall

The nearby Gallatin River offers a great way to beat the summer heat - and catch some thrills along the way! Big Sky has two local whitewater outfitters with years of river experience.

Local Tip: If it’s wilderness and seclusion you seek, consider booking a trip on the Beartrap Canyon of the Madison River. These trips are usually smaller in group size and offer a glimpse of the Montana backcountry that few will ever see.

Horseback Riding & Wagon Rides

Seasons Available: Spring, Summer, Fall

Whether you want to ride for just a few hours or explore deep into the backcountry, one of Big Sky’s equine outfitters will lead the way!

Local Tip: Combination horseback and flyfishing expeditions into Yellowstone offer a spectacular combination of scenery and mountain lake angling. Many outfitters offer multi-day excursions as well.

Flyfishing & Mountain Angling

Seasons Available: Spring, Summer, Fall

Montana is renowned for it’s trout population and blue-ribbon streams... Big Sky is no exception to that rule. The Gallatin River and nearby Madison and Yellowstone Rivers offer endless opportunities for the fishing enthusiast.

Local Tip: Talk with your outfitter about combining a full-day raft trip with flyfishing. Each outfitter covers different territory and all are happy to customize a trip just for you.

Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding

Seasons Available: Spring, Winter

Big Sky, Montana offers more than 4,350 vertical feet of steep mountain powder, groomed trails, and beginner "bunny hills" - making it some of the biggest skiing in America! Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin are this area’s public resorts, with Spanish Peaks and Yellowstone Club offering private trails and lift access.

Local Tip: The Lone Peak pass is a combination lift ticket that allows access to both Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin resorts. If no-boundaries terrain and early-bird powder is your goal, you can’t go wrong with this pass.

NORDIC SKiing & snowSHOEING

Seasons Available: Winter

Big Sky, Montana’s Lone Mountain Ranch has more than 75 kilometers of groomed trails that pass through the beautiful North Fork area of Big Sky and down into the Meadow Village. Lessons, rentals and guides are also available.

Bozeman and West Yellowstone are host to Bohart Ranch and Rendezvous Ski Trails.

Local Tip: For additional ski terrain and even more natural beauty, talk to your favorite outfitter about skiing in Yellowstone National Park. Visiting Yellowstone during the winter months will offer you a glimpse into an ecosystem that has to be experienced to believe.

When at higher elevations, keep an eye out for pine martens, weasels, coyotes and elk.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Seasons Available: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Big Sky, Montana’s close proximity to Yellowstone - just 15 miles from the north-western border - means that it is easier than ever to access the wonders of America’s first national park.

During the winter months, you can choose to explore Yellowstone Park by snowmobile or snowcoach. There are also several areas that you can access by snowshoe or cross-country skis. Talk with a local guide or outdoorsman to get the low-down on the best trails. If motorized access is more your thing, snowcoach offers the perfect way to see as much of the park as possible.

Summer is an amazing time to visit Yellowstone. In the late-spring months, newly born bison, elk, deer and bighorn sheep can often be found in the lower-elevations. Summer offers trail access to geysers, hot pots, mountain lakes and excellent flyfishing. As fall creeps into the mountains, look for the elk to begin their annual rut - or mating season - with the bulls fighting and bugling for the female’s attention.

Local Tip: Early morning and late evening are the best times to find wildlife in Yellowstone as the cooler temperatures make the animals more active. If you're a photography buff, these times of day produce the best lighting conditions too.

Golf

Seasons Available: Summer

The Big Sky Golf course is an 18-hole, Arnold Palmer design that winds through Big Sky’s Meadow Village.

Moonlight Basin, The Club at Spanish Peaks and Yellowstone Club all offer outstanding mountain golf for members.

Mountain Biking & Hiking

Seasons Available: Spring, Summer, Fall

Big Sky has an extensive trail system perfect for any level of biker or hiker. The Gallatin National Forest, Lee Metcalf Wilderness and Yellowstone Park all offer trails for additional exploration.

Grizzly Outfitters in the Big Sky Town Center has a wealth of knowledge on local trails, maps and rental gear.

Local Tip: For an out of the ordinary adventure, consider contacting Big Sky Resort about a scenic lift ride up Lone Mountain. You can take your bike up with you and ride or walk down.

DOGLSED EXCURSIONS

Seasons Available: Winter

Harness a bit of canine power to glide through Big Sky, Montana’s alpine forests. No other method of travel over snow can compare with dogsledding.

Snowmobiling

Seasons Available: Winter

If adrenaline powered adventure is more your game, or you simply want to explore Big Sky’s backcountry with a group of friends, snowmobiling may be just the ticket!

Big Sky is centrally located within Gallatin National Forest to offer miles upon miles of the finest terrain for powder hounds.

Local Tip: Two person snowmobiles offer the perfect way to experience the wonders of Montana winter with your loved one or child.

MoonliGHt SLEIGH RIDES

Seasons Available: Winter

During the winter months in Big Sky, the sun begins to set around 5 o’clock in the evening, setting the stage for spectacular views of our alpine paradise. Book an evening of dining, entertainment and backcountry hospitality with one of Big Sky’s guest ranches. Make your reservations well in advance as these excursions fill up fast!