These hotels, ranches, and vacation rentals offer proximity to Yellowstone, a taste of the cowboy life, and a little mountain magic. I’ve visited Big Sky, Montana, a handful of times over the past six years, and I’m still completely smitten. This corner of the Rockies, roughly 45 miles south of Bozeman, is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of city. Winter ski days beneath the hulking silhouette of Lone Peak give way to summer rafting trips and fly-fishing on the Gallatin River, while fall brings horseback rides that sprawl across open ranchlands, and spring offers hikes through wildflower-strewn meadows.
The iconic Yellowstone National Park is about an hour south too, putting geysers, steaming hot springs, and roaming bison within day-tripping distance. The city itself is a quaint yet buzzy collection of restaurants, shops, and watering holes, all adding a welcome dose of small-town charm to all that wilderness. And lately, the destination’s hospitality scene has been booming, with a new wave of stylish hotels and mountain retreats bringing some fresh takes to the city’s rugged Western roots.
From luxe resorts with front-row views of the towering peaks to authentic dude ranches and design-forward Airbnbs with cozy fireplaces, there’s an accommodation for every style of Big Sky getaway on the list below. Read on for the best places to stay in Montana’s sweet mountain hub. *** Number of guests: 5
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Why we love it: Ski-in/ski-out access, hot tub, gas fireplace, mountain views, outdoor seating on the patio
There’s something pretty splendid about staying at 8,300 feet, especially when the mountains are quite literally at your doorstep.
This standalone cabin in Big Sky’s (iconically named)
This standalone cabin in Big Sky’s (iconically named) Cowboy Heaven neighborhood is a haven for folks who wish to spend their days outside, whether that means skiing straight from the deck in the winter or taking advantage of the area’s hiking and wildlife spotting in the warmer months. It’s especially ideal for couples, small families, or friend groups, with one caveat for your crew: The second bedroom has a queen-over-twin bunk, so five adults looking for equal amounts of space may want to look elsewhere.
A big plus? The town center is less than a 10-minute drive away. Neighborhood: Cowboy Heaven
Things to do nearby: Big Sky Resort, Lone Mountain, Moonlight Lodge, Big Sky Town Center
Number of guests: 6
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 3 baths
Why we love it: Private hot tub, in-unit washer and dryer, indoor wood-burning fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, patio with outdoor furniture, longer stays allowed
With three floors and two separate living areas, this Big Sky rental gives small groups room to spread out between outings.
And there’s plenty to get out for: Big Sky Resort is about 1.2 miles away, Beehive Basin Trailhead is roughly 2.6 miles, and Ousel Falls Park is another nearby option for low-key but scenic walks. Inside the light-filled abode, fun Western touches are everywhere. In true Big Sky fashion, you’ll find everything from hanging longhorns and antlers to framed photographs of bison and horses.
Through a wall of windows, you can look
Through a wall of windows, you can look past the cozy fireplace into the hilly woods—the towering trees are gorgeous year-round. Do note this base might be best for four, rather than six, despite what the listing says. There are two generously sized bedrooms, but two sofa beds in the living room. Neighborhood: Moonlight Basin
Things to do nearby: Big Sky Resort, Beehive Basin Trailhead, Gallatin River, Lone Mountain, Big Sky Town Center
Number of guests: 8
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
Why we love it: Hot tub, firepit, spacious design, game room, fully equipped kitchen, patio space with seating and grill, proximity to Yellowstone National Park
For a fun departure from the usual cabin-in-the-woods vibe, this modern mountain retreat sleeps up to eight and puts you in a handy spot for mountain treks, foodie-forward itineraries, and all the trips in between.
It’s incredibly spacious, with a large patio for grilling local ingredients, warming up around the fire, and stargazing. In winter, take advantage of the trails practically right next to the property for snowmobiling; you’re also in a prime position for skiing at Moonlight Basin, Big Ski Resort, or Bridger Bowl ski area (a bit further north). According to the listing, a sauna is set to open on the property—check in with the hosts to see if it will be set up by the time you visit.
It’s worth noting that this is the closest Airbnb to Yellowstone on this list. You can drive to the West Yellowstone entrance in around 45 minutes. Neighborhood: Gallatin Valley
Things to do nearby: Gallatin River, West Yellowstone, Lone Indian Peak, Buck Ridge Trailhead, Crown Butte, Big Sky Town Center
Number of guests: 7
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
Why we love it: Private hot tub, shared firepits and sauna, board games and books, kid-friendly amenities
This gem of a rental is high on my Big Sky bucket list for more reasons than one.
To start, the tastefully designed home is all
To start, the tastefully designed home is all about panoramic views of misty, moody Ramshorn Ridge. With heaps of walking paths and a mountain-facing hot tub under string lights, guests will be almost poetically connected to Montana’s wide-open landscape. But you won’t be too far from the mountain town’s buzz: This home is part of Aspects, a 10-home village set in a ryegrass field in the Gallatin Valley, meaning you’ll have access to the community’s saunas and two firepits, which you can share with like-minded travelers.
Downtown Big Sky is just a five-minute drive away, while hiking trails branching from Yellowstone are within 15 minutes of the home. Along with its great location, I’m personally captivated by this home’s aesthetic design touches—from the light wood walls that warmly envelop the dining space to the vibrant art that brings fun, unexpected pops of color throughout the home. Neighborhood: Gallatin Valley
Things to do nearby: The Riverhouse BBQ, West Yellowstone, Downtown Big Sky, Cinnamon Mountain, Gallatin River
Number of guests: 4
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Why we love it: Unique design, minutes from Big Sky Resort, sauna, private walking/biking trail from the property
A little off-grid, a bit otherworldly, and just a couple of miles from Big Sky Resort, this Earthship Airbnb is a unique kind of Montana hideaway.
Set on 20 private acres in Michener Meadows, the solar-powered house is designed to bring the outdoors in, with its own potable spring water and a private walking and biking trail winding around the property. You can spend the day out on the mountain, head into town for dinner, or stay close to home and listen to the creek from the back patio before warming up in the wood-fired sauna.
While the setting feels wonderfully tucked away, you’re
And while the setting feels wonderfully tucked away, you’re still within easy reach of Big Sky’s restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities, with Yellowstone only about 45 minutes away. The home can accommodate four guests, but with one bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room, I’d recommend it for a couple or a small family rather than a group of adults who appreciate privacy.
Neighborhood: Michener Meadows
Things to do nearby: Ousel Falls Park, Dudley Creek Trailhead, Table Mountain, Horn and Cantle, Big Sky Town Center
Number of guests: 4
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Why we love it: Walkable to Big Sky Town Center; patio with grill; indoor fireplace; fully equipped kitchen; shared access to indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna
For those in search of an easy, breezy Big Sky stay, this convenient condo is a boon.
Tucked just outside of the city’s small but mighty town center, you’ll be within walking distance of cozy cafés, outdoor gear and gift shops, and hyper-local pubs and restaurants. Back at “home,” your launchpad is as design-friendly as it is inviting. There’s a snug living room with an electric fireplace, a raised patio with a barbecue, string lights, and a table for enjoying meals made in your fully equipped kitchenette.
It’s pretty spacious for a condo—each
It’s pretty spacious for a condo—each of the bedrooms boasts a king bed, and there’s a bathroom for each duo. You’ll also be a short drive to the ski resort and practically right next to Big Sky Golf Course, where you can enjoy an award-winning 18-hole expanse and Nordic skiing, depending on the season. A plus for those chasing the snow? There’s an in-unit washer and dryer for all your ski gear, so it’ll be clean and dry for more mountain fun the next day.
Neighborhood: Meadow Village
Things to do nearby: Big Sky Golf Course, Big Sky Resort, Big Sky Town Center, Lone Mountain Trail, Blue Moon Bakery, Historic Crail Ranch, The Reflector Trail Loop
Source: www.cntraveler.com
