Head to Big Sky Resort in winter to discover over 250 ski trails covering more than 9 square miles (23 square kilometres). In summer, hit the scenic hiking trails, fly down the mountains on an adrenaline-pumping zip-line tour and mountain bike through an award-winning park.
Winter is the most popular season to visit Big Sky Resort and with good reason. Strap on a pair of skis or a snowboard and take on runs with names like Mad Wolf, Snake Pit and Wounded Knee. Beginner skiers should head for the more gentle trail called White Wing. Those with more experience should take on the Liberty Bowl to Mountain Mall run, a 6-mile (9-kilometre) ride that winds through the resort.
Enrol the kids or the whole family at the Big Sky Mountain Sports School and perfect your skiing technique or take advantage of the guide services on offer. Sign up for a snowshoe tour which meanders through the Moose Tracks Gully or take a snowmobile tour through Yellowstone National Park.
Although less than an hour’s drive away from the nearest airport, Big Sky Resort’s slopes remain relatively uncrowded compared to some of America’s more established destinations.
Big Sky is not all about snow though and as the weather warms up many other activities become available. Take a ride on the giant swing, which sends riders 30 feet (9 metres) into the air. Bounce and flip on the bungee trampoline or challenge yourself on the 25 feet (7 metre) high climbing wall. Take the Lone Peak Expedition Tour which is a three-part activity. It includes a scenic chairlift ride, a rugged expedition truck ride and a ride on the Lone Peak Tram to 11,166 feet (3,403 metres).
Explore some of the 40 miles (64 kilometres) of mountain bike trails to see why Big Sky was voted one of the Top 5 in the MTBparks.com Riders' Choice Best Bike Parks Awards for the Northwest Region in 2014.
If you are ready to take a break from all the activities on offer at the resort, rent a car and head to Yellowstone National Park to enjoy scenic hikes amongst a backdrop of the Gallatin Range.
Reach Big Sky by flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and driving along the canyon road for about 45 minutes.