High Altitude Tips

You are visiting one of the premier areas in the Rockies, and we hope you enjoy every minute of your stay. Some of the very features, which make these mountains so spectacular, can cause problems unless you know how to prevent them. Following are some suggestions.

Altitude

Big Sky ranges from 6,500 feet in the Meadow Village to 7,500 feet at the base of Mountain Village and 8,000 feet at Moonlight Basin, increasing to 11,166 feet at the summit of Lone Peak. The air is thinner and there is less oxygen available. You may already have noticed that you are breathing deeper or faster and feel a bit short of breath at times.

This is one of the body’s first reactions to the altitude. Your heart probably beats faster. These are normal, helpful responses. You may have a headache, a touch of nausea, or feel tired. About 15 percent of all vacationers have such symptoms, which usually disappear 24 to 36 hours after arrival.

Sun and Temperature

The sun has more power in this thin air and a bad sunburn can spoil your stay. Use protective sunscreen. It also gets very chilly at night, so take extra warm clothes if you might be caught outside after dark.

Hypothermia (low body temperature) can occur in summer or winter, if you are wet or chilled by even a light breeze. It can also occur when you’re tired and haven’t eaten properly. Clumsiness, trouble thinking or talking clearly, and overwhelming tiredness are warning signs. Keep an eye on your companions. If these warning signs appear, stop, warm up, eat, take a hot drink, and if necessary, send at once for help.

In winter, most people wear enough warm clothes, but be sure your boots and gloves aren’t wet or too tight. If you lose sensation in fingers, toes, cheeks, ears or nose, stop, look for frostbite (white, cold, numb skin) and take time to warm up.

Snow blindness from snow glare and ultraviolet rays from bright summer sunlight are real hazards, so wear dark glasses, even on a cloudy day.

Injuries

Accidents can happen at any time to anyone, but they are more common when you’re cold, tired or hungry. Whether you are skiing, hiking, bike riding, playing golf or tennis, give your body plenty of food and water and keep your muscles warm so they function efficiently. Don’t keep going when you’re very tired; quit while you’re ahead!

Winter in Big Sky

The BIGGEST SKIING IN AMERICA is right here!

Although Big Sky is an outdoor paradise no matter what time of year, many visitors to Big Sky choose either the winter or summer seasons to vacation here. The winter season traditionally runs from late-November, through the holidays and into mid-April. Summer gets into full swing in early June and lasts late into autumn ... usually late September.

Winter in Big Sky, Montana brings the obvious recreational opportunities including alpine and Nordic skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. A few other popular activities include snowcoach rides through Yellowstone National Park, horsedrawn sleigh ride dinners, dogsled excursions and night-lit photography expeditions.

Winter in Big Sky can be cold, especially during the months of January and February. Average temperatures hover around the 20-degree mark, with the mercury rarely dipping below zero. Big Sky receives a generous portion of snow to fuel your outdoor endeavorsoften in excess of 400 inches annually.

Big Sky Resort & Moonlight Basin interconnect with 5,512 acres of downhill terrain, 4,350 feet of vertical, plus 80 kilometers of Nordic Trails! From the top of Lone Peak, enjoy unobstructed views of three states, and Yellowstone National Park is only 48 miles away!

World-Class Downhill Skiing

In 2003, Moonlight Basin became the first destination ski resort to open in the U.S. in nearly 20 years. Since then, Moonlight Basin has grown into a world-class destination resort. Moonlight Basin terrain has something for every ability level, including long, gentle groomers, glades, open bowls and truly hair-raising steep chutes. Lone Peak typically receives more than 400 inches of snow annually, and Moonlight Basin’s north-facing slopes promise lighter, drier powder throughout the year. Skiable acreage expanded for the 2004/2005 season with the addition of the new Lone Tree quad chair and more than 25 new runs. In 2005/06, the resort added a chair lift into the Headwaters terrain and eight new gladed runs. Guests now have nearly 2,000 acres to explore with a vertical drop of 4,150 ft. Future expansion plans include up to 3,500 acres of skiing accessed by 12 lifts, positioning Moonlight as an attractive addition to Montana’s ski areas.

Big Sky Resort is recognized as some of the best alpine skiing available in North America. Known for its lack of crowds and lift lines, Big Sky offers outstanding skiing at all skill levels. By riding the tram, skiers and riders will experience the extraordinary panoramic views and incredible steep skiing afforded by the very summit of Lone Peak. Big Sky’s award-winning Skisports School will get beginners on the slopes quickly. From the top of 11,166 ft. Lone Peak to the lowest lift-serviced runs at the resort, visitors have an unprecedented 4,350 vertical feet to ski Montana’s perfect powder. Big Sky also offers 3,600 acres of in-bounds skiable terrain on more than 150 named runs, making it among the largest ski areas in the world. From long groomed cruisers to open bowls to steep chutes, Big Sky offers an unbelievably wide variety of terrain.

Now, Moonlight basin and Big Sky Resort have teamed up to offer the Biggest Skiing in America and Pass, giving skiers the ability to ski seamlessly between the two resorts. The joint ticket gives skiers and riders access to 5,300 skiable acres over 220+ runs on 23 lifts some of the biggest skiing in America!

Winter in Big Sky

Nordic Skiing

The Big Sky area also offers excellent cross-country skiing. The Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky boasts more than 75 km of groomed trails, with equipment rental and lessons also available. For backcountry enthusiasts, there are several ungroomed trails into the Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone Park. Moonlight Basin also offers its own Nordic system on the future home of the new Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available from one of Big Sky’s many outdoor shops.

Snowmobiling/Snowcoaches

Snowmobiling and snowcoaches in Big Sky and Yellowstone Park offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience Montana’s backcountry. You may choose to visit Yellowstone by either snowmobile or snowcoach, available through many rental companies and guides in West Yellowstone, only 48 miles away. Locally, there are miles and miles of snowmobile trails into the Gallatin National Forest. Rentals are also available right here in town.

Dogsled Excursions

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.

Sleigh Rides

During the winter months in Big Sky, the sun begins to set around 5:00 p.m., 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!

Other Winter Adventures

Local companies offer a wide variety of ways to experience Montana’s great outdoors in the winter. For more info call or stop by the Big Sky Visitors’ Center/Chamber of Commerce, centrally located in Westfork Meadows (406-995-3000).

Summer in Big Sky

Summer season in Big Sky, Montana can be described in one word ... perfect! The thermometer climbs to around 60 or 70 degrees, making wildlife viewing a possibility all day long. In early summer, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and many other animals can be found in the low-elevation valleys caring for their newborn young. During mid-May, the Gallatin River experiences the renewing power of spring melting and runoff, setting the stage for blue-ribbon trout fishing just minutes from the Big Sky Town Center. Wildflowers grow abundantly in grassy, mountain meadows and provide a beautiful backdrop to our outstanding alpine trails.

Summer Adventures

The surrounding mountains offer an abundance of trails for hiking, mountain hiking, and horseback riding, while the Gallatin River and surrounding rivers and lakes beckon flyfishing, rafting, and kayaking enthusiasts alike. Moonlight Basin offers dining and luxurious spa treatments at the Moonlight Spa. Big Sky Resort offers a scenic lift, hiking and biking trails, a zipline, dining, and shopping.

Summer in Big Sky

Blue-Ribbon Fly-Fishing

It’s no wonder that, year after year, fly fishermen flock to the area to cast into the blueribbon rivers and streams - the absolute beauty is overwhelming. Big Sky is home to several outfitters who can provide the equipment, guide service, or simply directions to the best holes. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a complete novice, Big Sky’s fishing guides can create an experience you will never forget. The Gallatin River in Big Sky offers tremendous fishing for wild rainbow and cutthroat trout. Within two hours of Big Sky are the legendary Madison River, the Yellowstone River, and Ruby and Henry’s Forks, not to mention the numerous blue-ribbon fisheries in Yellowstone National Park.

Beautiful Trails

Big Sky is located within the Gallatin National Forest and adjacent to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. Access to several backcountry trails awaits within just a few miles. Our Front Desk staff can help you select the right trail or mountain pass for your taste and experience level. If you’d rather ride off into the sunset, there are also several horseback outfitters located right in Big Sky, offering trail rides by the hour and by the day, and even dinner rides. Pristine mountain lakes, peaceful meadows and towering peaks await you. Ride the scenic lift or go on the new zipline.

Golfing

Big Sky Golf Course – Keeping your head down and your eye on the ball takes on new meaning at Big Sky. Enjoy the 18-hole, par 72 Arnold Palmer designed golf course while basking beneath the backdrop of beautiful Lone Mountain. At Big Sky’s only public golf course, we have a full-service pro shop, bar and grill, putting greens, driving range and lessons all on site. Open May through early October.

The Wonders of Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first and greatest national park, offers a myriad of activities for the summer vacationer. Breathtaking vistas, teeming wildlife and spouting geysers make a visit to Yellowstone a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Big Sky is located 18 miles from Yellowstone’s border, and just 48 miles from the park’s West Entrance.

Whitewater Thrills

The Gallatin River, made famous by the film A River Runs Through It, provides a thrilling whitewater ride for the adventurous. The river descends from Yellowstone National Park through the Gallatin Canyon to eventually meet the Missouri. Traveling through roaring rapids, the wild ride culminates at the infamous “Mad Mile.” Calmer scenic floats are also available.

Community Events

In Big Sky, summer also means concerts, fairs, rodeos and theatrical performances. During the months of July and August, the Arts Council of Big Sky hosts many musical talents ranging from blue grass to jazz to the Bozeman Symphony to country, and everything in between. The new Tone Center has become home to many musical evenings and local events. Big Sky also hosts a food festival, country fair, rodeo and a spectacular Independence Day fireworks display.

No trip to Big Sky would be complete without dining in one of the many superb restaurants that thrive in this little corner of Montana. Whether it’s beef tenderloin or bison, New Zealand red deer or salmon, the cuisine found in area restaurants will leave you wishing for more. Check out the Big Sky Food Festival in July, when area restaurants collaborate to host an evening of culinary delight.

Summer in Big Sky

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.

So, grab your hiking boots, fly rod, golf clubs and camera, and enjoy all of the reasons why summer is Big Sky’s best kept secret.

Big Sky Area Information

“Just as important as working for the good life is finding a place to enjoy it.”

Chet Huntley

In 1902, Frank Crail visited the Big Sky area while elk hunting and fell in love with its natural beauty. He purchased the land from the original homesteaders, Frazer, Inabnit and Sprague, and created the first cattle ranch in Big Sky. The actual Crail Ranch house still stands in the meadow area by the golf course.

During the following years, many dude ranches developed and grew in popularity: The 320 Ranch, Lone Mountain Ranch, Elk Horn Ranch, Covered Wagon Ranch and the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch are still in full operation today.

Dude ranches were the beginning of Big Sky’s tourist trade. Today, Big Sky’s lodging facilities include over 2,400 hotel rooms and condominiums.

In 1969, newscaster Chet Huntley began his dream of creating a year-round resort community in his native Montana. Along with a group of investors – Conoco, Burlington Northern, Montana Power, Chrysler Corporation and Northwest Orient Airlines – Huntley purchased the old Crail Ranch land. And in 1973, Huntley’s dream was made true with the official opening of Big Sky Resort.

The Big Sky Ski & Summer Resort is currently owned and operated by Boyne U.S.A. Since 1976, Boyne has developed the area into what has become a world-class resort and a secluded haven for a variety of winter and summer activities. The region surrounding Moonlight Basin, and the resort itself, has a rich history. The Gallatin and Madison mountain ranges were exploited heavily beginning in the mid-1800s. Some areas of the region were found to have gold, and prospectors tramped through the area constantly. Others were drawn by the rich stands of timber on the mountains. Still others homesteaded in the broad, fertile valleys at the foot of the mountain ranges.

For an exquisite breathtaking view of Lone Mountain, stop by Soldier’s Chapel, built in 1955. This small church of native stone and logs was built as a memorial to the fallen soldiers of World War II, and to serve the spiritual needs of the ranchers and families living in the Gallatin Canyon and their many summer visitors.