Big Sky, MT

Big Sky Resort is the brain child of Chet Huntley, famous NBC newscaster who unfortunately passed away (March 20, 1974) just a few short months after Big Sky Resort opened in December 1973. Home to Boyne Resorts (since 1976) and now www.TheBiggestSkiingInAmerica.com, includes Big Sky Resort and Lone Peak (11,166 ft), and Moonlight Basin.

Situated in the heart of Gallatin National Forest, just 48 miles north from the West entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky just might be the best kept secret in Montana. Home to Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin ski areas, Big Sky boasts some of the best settings for winter and summer scenery in Southwestern Montana. Nestled equidistance from Bozeman and West Yellowstone, Big Sky is surrounded on all sides by vast wilderness areas, unparalleled landscapes, and the famed Gallatin River. It encompasses the feeling of the modern day ski and summer Rocky Mountain destination area while capturing the lure of true western hospitality in the same token. Nearby Bozeman is home to the closest airport serving Big Sky, with daily direct flights offered by a number of major carriers, from Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis, Boise, Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and seasonal from Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. West Yellowstone also boasts an airport which has 3 daily commercial flights serviced by SkyWest Airline.

Home of The Biggest Skiing in America, Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin boast a combined 5,512 acres of unparalleled acreage, with 26 lifts serving all levels of terrain between them. Big Sky Resort continues to make a mark on the mountain vacation industry, and more importantly, make fond memories for guests.

As the newer of the two ski areas serviced by Lone Peak, Moonlight Basin continues to wow visitors as the newest ski resort destination in the United States. At Moonlight Basin, you'll find extraordinary snow, amazing new ski terrain, the only “6 pack” chair lift in MT, and service that makes you feel as welcome as you do in your own home.

Adding to the lure of the winter experience is Lone Mountain Ranch, the Nation’s number 1 Nordic center and guest ranch. Sleigh ride dinners or a trip at the helm of a dogsled team will round out your perfect winter experience.

In the summer months, the surrounding mountains offer an abundance of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, while the Gallatin River beckons fly-fishing, rafting, and kayaking enthusiasts alike. It’s no wonder that year after year, fly fishermen flock to the area to cast into the Blue Ribbon Rivers and streams; the serenity is overwhelming. Summer also means concerts, fairs, rodeos and theatrical performances. During the months of June, July, August, and September, the Arts Council of Big Sky http://www.bigskyarts.org/ , hosts many musical talents ranging from blue grass to jazz to country to the Bozeman Symphony, and everything in between. The outdoor pavilion located in Big Sky’s new Town Center area is home to many musical evenings and local events (and a ice skate/hockey rink in the winter!).

A trip to Big Sky would not be complete without dining in one of the many superb restaurants that thrive in this little corner of Montana. Whether its bison tenderloin or grass range elk, New Zealand red deer or fresh local caught trout, the cuisine found in area restaurants will leave you wishing for more.

The real reason for a visit to Big Sky isn’t the food, the music or even the outdoor activities… Mother Nature has provided Big Sky with something far more powerful than all of those combined. Big Sky has the type of beauty and serenity that most people only dream of and few can recreate.