Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Big Sky from Yellowstone National Park?
Big Sky is located in the Gallatin National Forest just 48 miles north of the West entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The Park Boundary is actually only 19 miles from Big Sky, but the gate at the West entrance to the Park is another 30 miles south, in West Yellowstone.

What is the population of Big Sky?
The year round population of Big Sky is about 2200 people. During the summer and winter months, the population rises by about 300-400 people, accounting for those people with second homes and vacation homes in Big Sky.

What is the elevation in Big Sky?
The elevation in the meadow area of Big Sky is 6200 feet, and the elevation at the base of Lone Peak is 7500 feet. The elevation at the summit of Lone Peak is 11,166 feet.

What kind of summer activities are there in Big Sky?
Although Big Sky is known primarily as a ski resort, there are a ton of great summer activities as well. Because Big Sky is located within a National Forest and in such close proximity to Yellowstone National Park, there is a plethora of hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, rafting, kayaking, climbing, golfing, and other outdoor activities. Most activities in Big Sky can be accompanied by a guide, or can be enjoyed alone.

What kind of winter activities are there in Big Sky besides downhill skiing?
Although the Biggest Skiing in America means 5512 acres of ski-able terrain and the country's longest vertical at 4350 feet, there are plenty of activities to enjoy if downhill skiing or snowboarding are not your greatest interests. Big Sky is home to 80k of phenomenal cross country skiing trails, as well as trails for snowshoeing. In addition, you can enjoy dog sledding, sleighride dinners, or backcountry snowcat dinner rides.

What kinds of amenities are available in Big Sky?
Big Sky has over 25 restaurants, bars and eateries, and over 40 shops selling everything from groceries to toys, clothing, jewelry, books, fine art, antiques, and more. Big Sky is home to full service spas to help you relax and rejuvenate in the finest of surroundings. Our hotels, lodges and vacation homes offer the finest accommodations, and options for unparalleled cuisine.

What is the closest airport to Big Sky, and what airlines service that airport?
The closest airport that services the Big Sky area is the Bozeman airport, located just 38 miles north of Big Sky. The Bozeman airport is serviced by Delta, United, Alaska/Horizon, Frontier, and Allegiant airlines with direct flights from Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Atlanta, Minnneapolis, and Chicago.

What sorts of children's activities are there in Big Sky?
There is certainly plenty to keep the young ones busy in Big Sky.  While sometimes there are age or weight limits for the guided activities like whitewater rafting or horseback riding, it is always a good idea to check in with the outfitters so that you can see what your options are.  In addition, ski camps, summer camps, and all of the activities offered through Big Sky Resort's Basecamp are great options.  Scenic lift rides, zip lines, bungee trampoline jumping and more are all options in winter or summer.  West Yellowstone is home to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, and Bozeman has a great children's section at their Museum of the Rockies.  A trip to Yellowstone Park is always a favorite of children of all ages.

What is the distance from Big Sky to Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park is located just north of Kalispell, Montana, and is about an eight hour drive from Big Sky.

What other airports or major cities would be possible to fly into when visiting Big Sky?
West Yellowstone has an airport that is operational only in the summer months.  Billings, Montana is a three hour drive from Big Sky; Butte, Montana is about a three hour drive from Big Sky as well. Salt Lake City, Utah is a six hour drive, and Denver international airport is a bit further, at about a ten hour drive.

What are the average summer and winter temperatures in Big Sky?
Big Sky's summers start out cool, with average temperatures in May staying at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average temperature in July and August reaching mid 70s to upper 80s in the daytime, and in the 60s during the evenings. The average daily temperature in the winter stays at about 25 degrees Fahrenheit.