Family Travel, Packing Lists, Travel

Big Sky Skiing Guide: What I Know After 5 Trips

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Big Sky Skiing: Everything I’ve Learned After 5 Trips

It brings me so much joy to hear that a packing list, an itinerary, or a tip I’ve shared of traveling with kids has helped you in some way. I’ve shared our ski trip packing lists, but have yet to do a full Big Sky, Montana guide! We will revisit for the sixth ski break in 2026, and I felt like it was probably time to share some of our favorite places, and tips. I think one reason I’ve been slow to share a guide to Big Sky, is for selfish reasons… I don’t want the word to get out about how great it is. But the word is already out! I have only been to Big Sky in the winter season. Once for spring break, and the other four times for our ski week in February. I am sure it’s equally as beautiful in the summer, but for the purpose of this guide, it will just be what we’ve found we love in the winter! Earlier this year, I wrote about “how to not hate skiing” … lol. So if you’re a newby skier – that post may be just for you!

Where TO STAY IN BIG SKY MONTANA

We are incredibly spoiled to stay in our friends beautiful home, that is ski in / ski out, no less. But there are many options!

Summit Hotel – Centrally located, you are right in the mix of everything and the main lifts!

Big Sky Montage – Luxurious and kid friendly.

One & Only – just opened! I think this would be a cozy couples trip.

Lone Mountain Ranch – very Montana!

WHERE TO EAT

We do a lot of cooking at the house. Sometimes it’s a lot to shower everyone and get ready to go out after a full day of skiing.

Off the ski run for a quick bite:

The Cabin Bar & Grill: One of my ski instructors introduced me to this. I love their chili and look forward to it every year!

The Summit Hotel: We seem to always find ourselves warming up here for lunch or a cup of coffee in the morning. They have a couple options. The breakfast spot has the most delicious avocado toast.

Shedhorn Grill: Does lunch in a yurt sound good? Then this is the place. It’s a casual spot with some good options. I have loved the soup I’ve had here.

Everetts 8800: We always go here on the last day of our trip with the adults for lunch, and then ski down to meet up with the kids. It’s an incredible view. I love their french onion soup.

For a night out:

Horn & Cantle – Such a fun experience for the whole family. This year, we are doing the Sleigh Ride to dinner. The dinner is delicious, and it’s a fun atmosphere with a roaring fire.

Lotus Pad: Thai food with some good cocktails.

Blue Buddha: We love the sushi here!

Beartooth Pub: Inside the Montage is always a hit with the kids. They have an arcade and a bowling alley. Perfect for the first night you get in.

Montana Dinner Yurt: Truly an incredible experience inside a yurt. You take the snowcat ride to and from dinner too. A family favorite!

Olive B’s: Might be my favorite spot. It’s cozy, and feels local. I love their menu!

WHY BIG SKY SKIING

I have limited skiing experience outside of Big Sky, with weeks here and there in Colorado and bunny slopes in Switzerland. So you can take it all with a grain of salt! But what I love about Big Sky skiing the most are the lift lines are low, and the Bubbles! The heated seats on many of the lifts make for the comfiest ride. I also love how big the mounatin is. My husband goes all over the mountain, and there’s a lot he hasn’t covered still. It’s great for all ages and abilities, and you won’t get bored.

Some of my favorite Blue/Green runs:

Upper and Lower morningstar
Mr K (easy breezy)
Deep South
Sacajawea
Africa (when I’m feeling confident!)
Lizette (my favorite tree run)

Tips for your trip to BIG SKY

You’ll most likely fly into Bozeman. There’s a whole foods there. We always get groceries prior to going to Big Sky. Things are so much more expensive on the mountain. There is a grocery store. But things can get limited and it may be hard to find certain items.
Book ski school early. It does sell out!
Pack for a real winter. Especially if you’re going between December – March

There’s no wonder we keep coming back. It really is beyond special!

Big Sky

It’s always a good time! I love it because it’s so laid back. But if you wanted to get up to something fancy, you definitely could. The skiing is amazing and you’ll never get bored on the mountain!