Winter

With 5850 acres of skiable terrain and an average snowfall of more than 400 inches per year, Big Sky Resort has earned the right to call itself "The Biggest Skiing in America." Offering 2300 acres of beginner and intermediate terrain, as well as jaw-dropping descents and some of the most challenging runs in the world, Big Sky satisfies the needs of all types of skiers. Take this season’s new tram to the top of Lone Peak for a truly unforgettable, triple black diamond adventure. Have fun practicing jumps and tricks at one of seven terrain parks, or sharpen your skills at Big Sky Resort’s well-regarded ski school. No matter how you decide to spend your ski days, you will enjoy high-speed heated bubble lifts and uncrowded slopes.

At Lone Mountain Retreat, you are ideally positioned to make the most out of your skiing or boarding experience. We offer a true ski-in/ski-out experience that is appropriate for all levels of skiers. Walk 20 steps to the edge of the White Wing Run, then ski down to the Explorer Lift. Upon exiting the lift, skiers are able to easily connect to the rest of the resort utilizing green level runs. When returning to the condo, take the White Wing Run (also green) and ski directly to the garage. Pop off your skis and come in for lunch or a break - it’s truly that easy.

At Lone Mountain Retreat, you are at most an easy 5 minute walk to Big Sky’s Mountain Village - the center of everything. You’ll have access to après-ski bars, fine dining, family-friendly restaurants, cafeteria-style options, as well as a small grocery and deli. You can spend a few hours in the Firehole Lounge sipping hot chocolate next to a roaring fire, watch Warren Miller films at The Yellowstone Theater, or relax and recover from all that skiing at the Solace Spa. You’ll also be able to rent your gear and purchase tickets/passes for skiing and the following other resort activities:

• The Enchanted Forest: Take the heated Ramcharger lift to the top of Andesite Mountain and arrive at a winter wonderland. Follow the lights as you explore this part of the mountain on foot. A magical family experience that everyone can enjoy.

• Night Skiing: Long awaited night skiing has arrived! Ride the Ramcharger lift with its heated seats and weatherproof bubble up Andesite Mountain and ski down under the stars. Beautiful! Appropriate for Blue (level 6) skiers and up. Consider hiring a private guide for your group. Headlamps are provided.

• Snowshoe Tours: This outing is offered twice per day and it is an easy activity that can be enjoyed by most of the family. Your group will leave in the morning or early afternoon for a peaceful two hour journey through Moose Tracks Gully.

• Adventure Zipline Tour: The location of Lone Mountain Retreat is ideal for those whose adrenalin surge requires heights. Access the Adventure Zipline from the Explorer Lift, located just down the hill from us. Zip down lines spanning up to 1500 feet long and 150 feet above the forest floor. If that’s not enough, choose the Twin Zipline so you can race your brother down the hill.

• Nature Zipline Tour: Take a 10-minute walk up Moose Tracks Trail, then zip down lines that crisscross Moose Tracks Gully suspended at 30-50 feet in the air. This course is a bit more tame and appropriate for our younger or less adventurous guests.

• Sno-Go Biking: Similar to mountain biking and apparently a lot of fun! Riders are recommended to be a minimum of 14 years or older, 5'2" or taller, and at least 100 lb. Available at Madison Base only.*

• Ski/Snowboard School: Take your skiing or riding to the next level with private or group lessons, numerous kids’ programs and clinics, adaptive programs, and opportunities for specialty clinics and guided experiences. Whether you want to improve your technique, learn a new sport, or master the mountain, Big Sky Resort’s staff of certified instructors can help you become your personal best.

Load up into a horse-drawn sleigh and take a 30 minute journey to a charming cabin in the woods for a family- style dinner. After taking a seat in the North Fork Cabin, lit by only soft, glowing oil lanterns, you’ll be welcomed with a shot of smooth honey moonshine to warm you up. Cowboy singer-storytellers provide your dinner entertainment as the first course is served - housemade sourdough with honey butter and a butternut squash soup. The main course features a salt & pepper crusted prime rib, smoked turkey pot pie, crème fraiche mashed potatoes, and sautéed vegetables, all prepared over an a 100-year-old railroad stove. Dinner concludes with apple huckleberry cobbler à la mode. For over 35 years, the Lone Mountain Ranch Sleigh Ride Dinner is a tradition for many repeat Big Sky visitors. Be sure to book well in advance to experience this truly unforgettable Old West experience.

With over 85 kilometers of nationally ranked, groomed trails, Big Sky’s cross country trail system provides a means to enjoy the outdoors in quiet alpine solitude.

You can begin at the Big Sky Resort Nordic Center and venture into spacious, easy terrain great for learning, or connect with Lone Mountain Ranch to take lessons from their professional instructors. If you are already experienced, head directly to Lone Mountain Ranch, consistently rated as one of the best cross country ski destinations in North America. Spend your day gliding along mellow trails, or working through more rigorous terrain.

There are also a number of backcountry trails to explore throughout the Gallatin National Forest. Area outdoors shops can assist you in choosing trails with the best ski conditions. Finally, you can access a groomed trail at the Historic Crail Ranch that connects up with a greater trail network. Regardless of which options you choose, you will find it easy to enjoy gliding through the beautiful meadows and forests that make this area special.

You may not realize just how close we are to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, or that there are plenty of things to do there in the winter. In about an hour, you can be touring the park via snowcoach or snowmobile, photographing wildlife, visiting geothermal features, and watching Old Faithful erupt as reliably as it does during the summer months. You can also sign on for guided snowshoe tours, cross country ski tours, or winter wolf and wildlife safaris. The park is open for winter season from November to April, and guests can either take a tour that initiates in Big Sky, or make the journey to West Yellowstone to meet their tour operator there. Private vehicles are not allowed access into the park during the winter season.

For those making the drive to West Yellowstone, there are some great things to see. Consider a visit to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center where the whole family can enjoy seeing bears and gray wolves up close while learning about their behaviors and interactions. All bears that live at the center were unable to survive in the wild for various reasons, and the wolves are all captive born and adopted. Seeing and hearing a pack of howling wolves up close is something you won’t soon forget! There are also educational programs, an Otter Exhibit, and Riparian Habitat to enjoy.

Be sure to also stop in at the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theater. Take in the Yellowstone IMAX film to learn about the park’s history in detail before you venture in.

Take a snowcat ride to a secret destination deep in the woods on the flanks of Lone Peak. Arrive to a warm, candlelit yurt filled with the sounds of acoustic guitar and smells of your pending three course dinner. You’ll be seated at family-style tables covered with linens and candles, providing an opportunity to socialize with your group and other guests as well. When the dinner bell rings, you’ll start with baked French onion soup and warm bread, followed by tender Filet Mignon with peppercorn sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables. Dinner concludes with warm Toblerone chocolate fondue served with fruit and pound cake. Vegetarian and child-friendly substitutions are available, and we recommend bringing a nice bottle of wine (or two) as alcohol is not included.

Be sure to dress warmly for your evening, as the leisurely pace allows times for sledding, stargazing, and socializing. While not inexpensive, the Montana Dinner Yurt is a classic and unforgettable Big Sky experience. Book well in advance to be sure your group gets in.

The Big Sky region provides an impressive variety of rivers, lakes, and creeks in pristine mountain settings. You’ll drive along the beautiful Gallatin River on the way to Big Sky Resort, so spending a day fly fishing is as convenient as it can be. Get set up for a half-day walking and wading trip with Gallatin River Guides or Wild Trout Outfitters. All gear is provided, it is a year-round activity, and they will certainly put you on some fish. You’ll also be able to brag to your friends that you fished where “A River Runs Through It” was actually filmed.

If you enjoy winter hiking, many of Big Sky’s most popular trails are available year round. Many consider it an ideal place to get outside and enjoy the beautiful landscape while it is covered by a blanket of snow. With proper preparation, visitors to the area can have a great time hiking while the bears are in hibernation.

• Ousel Falls: Don’t miss this classic Big Sky hike just because it’s chilly outside. This short, 1.6 mile round trip hike brings you the the (most likely) frozen Ousel Falls. It’s a beautiful photo op and makes for a lovely outing.

• Beehive Basin: For a more challenging hike (6.6 miles round trip), head to Beehive Basin, rated as one of the top 5 World’s Greatest Hikes. At times, the snow can become deep, making it more of a snowshoe trek. However, this journey boasting spectacular views and welcome silence remains a winter favorite.

• Uplands Trail: An interesting 2 mile loop that provides great views of the Town Center, Lone Peak, and the chance to view wildlife. Add nearby Hummocks Trail to make this a 5 mile roundtrip hike, and spend more time in the forest.

• Moose Tracks: This 2.2 mile round trip hike leaves from Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village and meanders through the forests and meadows below Lone Mountain. You can also book this as a snowshoe tour.

• Lava Lake: Just down the road from Big Sky, this 6 mile round trip hike will take you to Lava Lake, hidden in the middle of the mountains.

Imagine gliding across the snow in a winter wonderland being pulled by a team of Alaskan Huskies. Their enthusiasm for running and big hearts will quickly win you over! With hands on experience you can learn to run your own team, or sit back and relax while an experienced guide takes you through beautiful snowscapes punctuated by stunning backcountry views. Consider a half-day, 8 mile dogsledding experience with Spirit of the North. It’s a solid family activity, with kids ages 6 and under free of charge. The non-skiers in your group will also appreciate the opportunity to experience views and backcountry terrain they would not otherwise have access to. Time with the dogs is a bonus for the animal lovers in your group.

With the greatest variety of wildlife in the lower 48 states, Montana is considered one of the best locations to see animals in their natural habitats. Directly outside Lone Mountain Retreat, we commonly see whitetail deer, a family of foxes, occasional baby elk, and black bears. As always, remember they are called wildlife for a reason - you should never approach them. For a more in depth experience, consider hiring a local guide.

• Elk: frequently present in the meadows around town or along Lone Mountain Trail.

• Big Horn Sheep: Begin looking for them at the turnoff to Big Sky from Highway 191. They like to lick the salt off of the roads, and they are a very common sight.

• Moose: Less than 200 live in the area, so it is a special moment to see one. Look along riverbeds or around bushes in the outskirts of town, as well as in Big Sky’s Meadow Village, particularly on or near the golf course.

• Mountain Goats: They live up on the ridge on Lone Peak. You can frequently spot them above the Upper Morning Star or Duck Walk runs. Occasionally we have seen them above the Swift Current lift.

• Bison: Other than the obvious place (Yellowstone), the Flying D Ranch between Big Sky and Bozeman has large herds of bison. You can see them while driving to/from the airport.

• Birds: Along the Gallatin River we commonly see Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and Osprey perched in trees, scanning the river for fish.

• Bear: Both Grizzly and Black Bears live in the areas surrounding Big Sky. They will be in hibernation throughout the winter season.

No matter where you are in Montana, you are almost guaranteed to get an amazing view of the night sky. If you are lucky and here during the right time, you may even experience the Northern Lights! Typically, this can occur between late September and early April. Download the app of your choice and sign up for alerts - For regions of Montana south of I-90, a Kp of 7 or higher is generally required to see the northern lights. Overall, great places for stargazers around the Big Sky area are as follows:

• Anywhere: Just escape light pollution and look up. This isn’t hard to do!

• Hyalite Canyon: a secluded area 15 miles south of Bozeman. The area near the reservoir is particularly good for stargazing.

• Yellowstone National Park: For star-studded skies and a serious lack of light pollution, look no further than Yellowstone National Park. Simply look up and see a magnificent display of planets, constellations, and nebulae, or sign up for one of their night-sky programs for the chance to see it all using telescopes.

Big Sky’s Town Center is a fun, festive place during the winter season. In addition to its usual offerings - restaurants, bars & breweries, art galleries, shopping, grocery stores, various outfitters, a movie theater and medical center - winter brings several fun events:

• The 26th Annual Christmas Stroll: Highlights of this festive evening include the tree lighting ceremony, photos with Santa, illuminated cross country ski/fat bike trails and walkways, sleigh/wagon rides, classic holiday films on the big screen at Lone Peak Cinema, carolers, music, good cheer, fireworks, and more! Tentatvely scheduled for the weekend of December 8-10, 2023.

• Annual Best in the West Showdown: Southwest Montana has become the epicenter for the growth of competitive skijoring. For those unfamiliar with the sport, a horse and rider pull a skier or boarder through jumps and gates over a 900+ foot course while crowds cheer for their favorites. This event features several competing legendary locals as well as many of the best skijoring teams in North America. February 2024.

• Len Hill Ice Rink: A skating, hockey, broomball and curling rink open to the public. During the week, there are open skate periods typically before 4:30 P.M. and after about 8:00 P.M., with all-day options over the weekends. Rental skates can be obtained from Grizzly Outfitters.