Our Guide To The Best Places To Stay In Big Sky, MT
Big Sky Resort offers “the biggest skiing in America” with 5,800 skiable acres packed with runs suitable for skiers of all abilities from beginner greens to double blacks. You could ski for days and not revisit a single run.
My family has been skiing every year at Big Sky for over 15 years. It's our favorite ski resort due to the size and variety of terrain, consistently good snow (400" annually), the incredible views of Lone Peak and the Spanish Peaks, a forgiving base elevation (7500'), and the friendly people.
And although one can lament that the lift lines have grown over the years, Big Sky's amenities (hello heated lifts and new food hall!) and lodging choices have grown with it. So to help you figure out the best lodging at Big Sky, here is the breakdown of where to stay when visiting Big Sky Resort.
Where We Like To Stay At Big Sky
For those who want a simple list, here it is. If you want the details of each of the lodging choices listed below read on! We will cover all the pros and cons along with links to examples of each.
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Big Sky’s Most Convenient Slopeside Lodging
These properties are all in Mountain Village and are the first properties I look for because you can walk to the lifts, restaurants, a small grocery, rentals, lessons, and more. For us, walkability is a must with the kids.
Shoshone Hotel-Condos- 1 bedroom; note: living room has a sleeper sofa and murphy bed to accommodate 4-6 people
Huntley Lodge (hotel); sleep 2-4
Arrowhead Chalets- 3 bedroom sleeps 6-8
The Summit Hotel (hotel rooms and 1 and 2 bedroom suites)
Village Center Condos (studio, 1 bedroom, 3 bedroom)
Stillwater Condos (1 bedroom, 1 bedroom +loft, 2 bedroom)
More Spacious Ski-in Ski-out Chalets
If space is important, all of these lodging options in Moonlight Basin have beautiful views, a serene setting, and slopeside access. They are generally larger homes and would be super fun with another family or group of friends. However, access to resort amenities, particularly restaurants, is more of a hassle because you have to drive to them.
Cowboy Heaven Cabins (2 bedroom)
Ulery's Lake Cabins (3 bedroom)
Moonlight Chalet (6 bedroom chalet)
Powder Ridge Cabins (3, 4, and 5 bedroom)
Saddleridge Townhomes (2 and 3 bedroom)
The Best Areas To Stay In The Big Sky, MT Area
To pick your best lodging, it's helpful to know whether you want to go out to eat each night, whether you want ski-in ski-out access, or if you want to park the rental car and leave it for the duration of your visit.
It's also helpful to first understand the general layout of Big Sky Resort in relation to the town of Big Sky. I remember when I first looked into lodging here, I found it terribly confusing without having visited Big Sky before. Hope this helps!
To get to Big Sky, you'll fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and drive about 1 hour. Part of the trip is on a two-lane mountainous road through the scenic Gallatin Canyon winding along the beautiful Gallatin River.
Although well-plowed in the winter, it generally warrants an all-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle and might be better navigated during daylight rather than at night. When we have a late arrival or early departure, the town of Bozeman is a great place to stay and visit. See our One Day in Bozeman Guide.
Once you turn off Highway 191 to head up the mountain towards Big Sky Resort, you'll first pass through Big Sky's Meadow Village area and the Town Center, both of which reside at about 6300' elevation.
Big Sky Town Center is the town's “commercial hub” with shops, restaurants, a hotel, outfitters, a grocery store, movie theater, ice rink, and more.
Meadow Village is comprised of homes and townhomes along the Big Sky Golf Course (nordic skiing in the winter) with a small grocery store, two restaurants, a bank, and some shops. Located across the road from Town Center, this area is mostly residential compared to Town Center.
To get to Big Sky Resort and the ski lifts, you'll continue past Town Center and Meadow Village and climb up the mountain to reach Big Sky Resort Mountain Village- about a 10-15 minute drive. Moonlight Basin area is 10 minutes further up the mountain from Mountain Village.
Photo courtesy of google.com with my annotations. Click to enlarge.
What Is The Difference Between Big Sky Mountain Village and Moonlight Basin?
Big Sky Resort itself is separated into two main lodging and ski areas: Big Sky Mountain Village and Moonlight Basin. Both areas have lots of lodging options but differ in their amenities. Big Sky Resort’s Lodging and Street Map might also be helpful to get your bearings.
Map courtesy of bigskyresort.com
Big Sky Resort's Mountain Village serves as the primary base area of the ski mountain. Here you'll find a few restaurants, the new Vista Food Hall, ski rentals, chair lifts, etc. Mountain Village lodging options are generally smaller, hotel-like condominiums as well as standard hotels rooms.
As an alternative to the Mountain Village area, you can continue even further up the mountain (about 10 minutes) to Moonlight Basin in the Madison Base Area of Big Sky Resort. This area is primarily comprised of larger townhomes and beautiful mountain homes, most with ski in ski out access to the Moonlight lifts while also connecting you to all the runs of Big Sky.
Where We Like To Stay At Big Sky
I'm going to cut to the chase here. I think the best place to stay, especially if visiting with kids, is any option that puts you within walking distance to the lifts at Big Sky Resort's Mountain Village. It is the hub of the resort and therefore has better access to the resort's ski lifts, restaurants, and activities.
With kids, it's simply easier. Suit up and walk to two high speed, heated, and covered chairlifts (Ramcharger and Swift Current) or head to the Explorer lift or covered magic carpet if just learning to ski.
The majority of our favorite ski runs, Mr. K, Lizette, and the Shedhorn area are also accessed from Mountain Village, and you'll find plenty of variety for any skill level. Lots of greens for beginners and plenty of challenging blacks for the expert skiers in the family.
A potential downside to this area is that it is generally limited to smaller condos and hotel rooms. To counter that, however, the prices are generally less than the larger homes found in Moonlight Basin area.
To read an overview of the resort, including our favorite runs, ski rentals, and where to eat, see our “Big Sky Resort-Our Favorite Ski Destination”
The Best Big Sky Mountain Village Lodging
The lodging options I’ve listed here, along with a few examples of each, are all within walking distance to chairlifts, dining, and activities found in Mountain Village. Click here to see Big Sky’s Resort’s map of Mountain Village Plaza lodging and dining options. It shows where all of the places mentioned below are located.
Shoshone Condos- Our First Choice at Big Sky
This is where we like to stay. Shoshone Condo at Big Sky. VRBO 1512365. Photo courtesy of vrbo.com
The Shoshone Condo Hotel in Mountain Village is our first choice for winter lodging at Big Sky Resort, but I would stay at any of the lodgings listed below. The Shoshone Condominium Hotel combines the service of a hotel with the comfort of a condominium.
The one-bedroom condo offers a cozy, western decor, mountain views, plenty of space and a full kitchen. The bedroom is separate from the living area where a murphy bed and sofa bed (the mattresses are actually comfortable) can be pulled down to sleep extra guests (for a total of 6 guests).
From Shoshone, it is walking distance to the ski lifts, restaurants and the food hall, a few shops, and a small but perfectly adequate grocery store. You'll find a few fireplaces scattered throughout the complex, and better yet, guests of Shoshone have access to a hot tub and connected heated outdoor pool.
Tip: Look for a “corner unit”--they are just a bit larger than the regular units and have more windows in the living area. Also look for a unit that is on a higher floor level (4th floor or higher). You will have better views and the early morning snow plow won’t be quite as loud.
How To Book the Shoshone Condos
We have booked the Shoshone both directly through the resort and through VRBO (vacation rental by owner.) It largely depends on the resort’s “ski and stay” prices at the time of your trip and the time of year that you are visiting. The week between Christmas and New Year’s and the month of February is considered peak season.
Central Big Sky Condo w/Mtn Views-Hike, Ski, Fish! VRBO 4647832ha. 3rd floor.
Gorgeous views! Visit Big Sky and Yellowstone! VRBO 8511435. 4th floor.
Summit Hotel
The Summit Hotel is another great option in the Mountain Village. It’s a bit more upscale than the Shoshone Condos with more of a distinct hotel feel but has an excellent location right next to the main lifts (Swift Current and Ramcharger), ski school, rentals, dining, etc. It offers standard hotel rooms as well as 1 and 2 bedroom options. Guest also have access to an outdoor heated pool.
Summit Hotel in the middle of Mountain Village.
Huntley Lodge
Huntley Lodge is the “budget” option at Big Sky Mountain Village. It’s a standard hotel room right next to the Shoshone condos so it has the same great location and access to all of the village’s amenities, including a heated outdoor pool. It's recently been renovated and looks really nice. We have stayed here several times and highly recommend it. Rooms are updated and cozy and have surprisingly good storage.
Huntley Lodge. Photo courtesy of hotels.com.
Stillwater Condos
The Stillwater Condos in Big Sky’s Mountain Village can sometimes be a better price point. Though typically not as nice as the Shoshone, they share the same great location. The general aesthetic of the condos seems a bit dated but the location is within walking distance to the lifts. Studios, 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom +loft, and 2 bedroom options.
Cozy Slope-side Vacation Home_Luxury Amenities, WiFi, Just Steps to the lifts! VRBO 1941838. 2 bedroom 2 bath. 4 beds. It sleeps 7 people comfortably; includes 1 bedroom with 1 king bed. The 2nd bedroom has 1 queen and a twin over full bunk style bed.
Perfect Family Spot... Walk To Lifts And Restaurants! VRBO 1568313. 2 bedroom 2 bath, sleeps 7.
Slope Side Vacation Home Just Steps to lifts!! Luxury Amenities FREEWIFI & MORE! VRBO 1628400. 1 bedroom 1 bath with murphy bed. Sleeps 4. The condo is located in the "A" building, which is the closest building to the base of Big Sky Resort.
Village Center Condos
Village Center Condos
Village Center Condos is a smaller development right in the middle of Mountain Village. Lodging options include studio (sleeps 2-4), 1 bedroom (sleeps 2-4) and 3 bedroom (sleeps 6-8). It's another excellent location in Mountain Village within walking distance of everything.
Arrowhead Chalets
Arrowhead Chalets VRBO 3446610. Photo courtesy of vrbo.com
If you're looking for more room but still want Mountain Village convenience, the Arrowhead Chalets would be a great option. They provide more room for larger groups yet are within walking distance to shops and restaurants in the Mountain Village.
Built into the side of the mountain, this cluster of individual, three bedroom, three bathroom chalets with 2000 square feet puts you right near the base of the Silver Knife run and adjacent to the Ramcharger high-speed quad ski lift. Arrowhead has its own small commercial building which includes two restaurants, The Cabin Grill and Scissor Bill’s Bar & Grill (which we like), as well as a ski rental shop.
Remodeled Ski-in, Ski-out Chalet in Big Sky Mountain Village w/ Excellent Views. VRBO 2403179. 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 2500sf. Sleeps 10. Ski-in ski-out chalet and walking distance to Mountain Village restaurants, ski school, etc.
Big Sky Arrowhead Chalet | Ski In/Out | Base of Resort & Private Hot Tub! VRBO 3446610. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, sleeps 14.
Ski-In Ski-Out Chalets in Moonlight Basin
Although I like Mountain Village for its ease when skiing with kids, staying at Moonlight Basin in a large mountain chalet with a big kitchen and private hot tub certainly has its appeal.
Located about 10 minutes up the mountain from Mountain Village, Moonlight Basin lodging options offer more space in larger townhomes and mountain chalets. Most have an amazing view of the mountains. Moonlight's Madison Base area offers ski rentals, lessons, etc.
If you wanted, you could just ski the runs at Moonlight but you can also access all of Big Sky's ski terrain from here using the Six Shooter Lift. However, expect to traverse trails to and from your lodging which could be challenging if you have little kiddos or prefer snowboarding.
If you are traveling with another family or simply need more space, it would be super fun to share a mountain home in Moonlight Basin. However, there are no restaurants close to your lodging so you'll need to go to Mountain Village or Big Sky Town Center for dining. If you like the idea of cooking in your nice kitchen at your rental, the proximity to restaurants won't be an issue.
Keep in mind that rideshare apps are not a reliable mode of transportation in the Big Sky area, and I wouldn't personally want to drive down Lone Mountain Road after the sun has set. It can be a white knuckle drive at times.
Powder Ridge, Ulery Lake Cabins, Cowboy Heaven cabins, Saddle Ridge Townhomes, along with private mountain homes (like this awesome one) are popular ski-in ski-out options in Moonlight Basin. Also note that Moonlight chairlifts often open later in the season than Big Sky's so make sure they are open for ski-in ski-out access for your arrival dates.
Powder Ridge Cabins
Powder Ridge Cabins. VRBO 2817760. Photo courtesy of www.vrbo.com and Two Pines Properties.
Powder Ridge Cabins are not technically in Moonlight Basin but actually the far northern end of Mountain Village. With 3, 4, and 5 bedrooms options, these would be great for families vacationing with another family. In the winter, you can ski straight to the base of the "White-Otter" ski lift to catch a ride up to the base area.
Powder Ridge Cabin 3 Rosebud Loop - Ski Access. VRBO 2154888. 4 bedroom/3 bath sleeps 11. This three-story 2,550 sq. foot with a downstairs recreation room.
Cowboy Heaven Cabins
Cowboy Heaven Cabin. VRBO 470074. Photo courtesy of www.vrbo.com
The stand alone Montana-style log Cowboy Heaven cabins have 2 bedrooms, private hot tubs, and sleeps 4-6. We stayed here in the summer and the views are absolutely amazing. The cabins have true ski-in ski-out access and are located just off the Powder River Run. This will take you to the Ironhorse chair lift. (Green Access)
The Wrangler" Ski-in/ski-out Cowboy Cabin/Private Hot Tub/Ski from Front Porch! VRBO 470074. 2 bedroom, 2 bath sleeps 5. 850sf. Just step off of your front porch on to the slope and ski to the Iron Horse or Pony Express lifts.
Ski-in/Ski-out home w/hot tub in Moonlight Basin - Cowboy Heaven Cabin - The Lookout. VRBO 2873356. 2 bedroom, 2 bath sleeps 5. Accessing all of Big Sky's skiable terrain via the Iron Horse and Pony Express lifts.
Ulery Lake Cabins
Ulery Lake Cabin. VRBO 1384108. Photo courtesy of www.vrbo.com
These modern lakeside cabins have recently been built and look beautiful with a stunning blend of modern glass panels and rustic contemporary hardwoods. You'll have your own private hot tub and can follow the trail out to the Stagecoach Lift to connect to Natawista run and ski directly to Madison Base and Six Shooter.
Big Sky Vacation Rentals: Lake Cabin 26 Lakewood. VRBO 1942466 and Big Sky Vacation Rentals: Lake Cabin 19 Lakewood. VRBO 1384108. These 3 bedroom, 3 bath cabins sleep 8 with 1534sf.
SaddleRidge Townhomes
Saddleridge Townhomes. VRBO 2873362. Photo courtesy of www.vrbo.com.
These cozy two and three bedroom slopeside townhomes come with a private hot tub. Although they are one of the original Moonlight housing complexes, they are well appointed with ski-in/ski-out via the Iron Horse and Pony Express lifts. We have friends who stay here every year and love it.
New Listing! Ski In/Ski Out 3-Bedroom Moonlight Basin Townhome. VRBO 3606852. 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, sleeps 9. Step out of the front door and ski across Saddle Ridge Road to ski down the access trail between the Saddle Ridge complexes. This will take you onto Powder River Ski Run down to the Pony Express chairlift.
Big Sky Town Center Lodging
Town Center Condo. VRBO 929856. Photo courtesy of StayMontana.com
If slopeside lodging is not that important to you, then Big Sky Town Center, located 15 minutes down the mountain from Big Sky Resort Mountain Village, is another option for lodging. Here you'll find plenty of townhomes as well as the new Wilson Hotel, a Residence Inn by Marriott.
The advantage to staying in Big Sky Town Center area is the variety and quality of restaurants here. (Shout out to Ousel & Spur Pizza, Blue Moon Bakery, and By Word of Mouth.) And although Big Sky is not known for its nightlife, you'll find more to do in this area with the movie theater, ice rink, shops, restaurants, Beehive Basin Brewery, snowshoe trails, Ousel Falls Trail, etc.
Skyline Bus offers free shuttles from Town Center up the mountain but can sometimes be unreliable in terms of schedule. The downside of driving to Big Sky Resort from Big Sky Town Center is that the parking lots (which are free as of now) can fill up during peak ski season. In addition, the mass exodus down the mountain once the lifts close can create traffic bottlenecks.
Condo w/private hot tub close to Big Sky Resort & Town Center | Comfort Awaits At Deer Run. VRBO 1477802. 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Comfortably sleeps 9. This condo is not located in the heart of Town Center but is a 10-minute walk.
Smashing Location! - Affordable, Max. Amenities, Hot Tub, Views. VRBO 305981. 3 bedroom, 3 bath with loft. The unit is a 3 level townhome with lots of privacy for each bedroom and bathroom.
Meadow Village Lodging
Example of lodging in Meadow Village. VRBO 710340. Photo courtesy of www.vrbo.com.
Located across Lone Mountain Trail Rd from Big Sky Town Center, Meadow Village lodging is another option that requires a shuttle or car to reach the lifts of Big Sky Resort. Skyline Bus stops here as well, and you'll be relatively close to the restaurants and activities in Big Sky Town Center but not within walking distance.
However, Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro is a fantastic dining option right there in Meadow Village, and you’ll have convenient access to nordic skiing on the Big Sky Golf Course.
New this year, Big Sky Connect is piloting a free ride share program (think Uber/Lyft type of service) to transport you from Meadow Village to Town Center.
4 Bedroom Ski Haven. Private Hot Tub For Apres Ski. VRBO 3106141. Sleeps 11. Gorgeous home right off of the golf course!
A Million Dollar View! VRBO 1258278. 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo sleeps 7.
Montage Big Sky
And finally, if you are looking for ultra luxury, the new Montage Hotel is sure to please. The 520,000-square-foot post-and-beam lodge has seven restaurants, a grand spa, and a four-lane bowling alley. Their expert ski concierge service will fit you with perfectly warmed boots to access their own chairlift, bypassing the bustle of the base at Big Sky Resort. Talk about easy! Approx. $1500 night.
Booking A Vacation Rental
We have booked properties both directly through the resort and through VRBO (vacation rental by owner.) It largely depends on the resort’s “ski and stay” prices at the time of your trip and the time of year that you are visiting.
February is considered peak season. The resort’s “ski and stay” package includes lodging, hot buffet breakfast if staying at the Shoshone or Huntley Lodge, and discounted lift tickets.
In Summary
So in summary, Big Sky MT is quite a spread out place with lots of lodging choices for a fantastic ski vacation. You can:
Stay in Meadow Village or Town Center area, enjoying more restaurants and more things to do but you have to drive 15 minutes up the mountain to the ski resort itself.
Our first choice- Stay in hotel-like condos in Mountain Village and walk to the lifts but you have somewhat limited dining choices and definitely less for nightlife. (Keep in mind, however, that nightlife is fairly limited in all areas of Big Sky.)
Or stay in a spacious ski-in ski-out mountain chalet or townhome in Moonlight Basin enjoying more room and a full kitchen but no restaurants within walking distance.
No matter where you stay, it will be a fantastic time at Big Sky!
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If you’re thinking about skiing at Big Sky, Montana but can’t figure out where to stay, this guide is for you. Having skied here with our families for over 15 years, we have the best lodging recommendations for skiing with kids or that perfect mountain chalet to share with your friends or family. Our goal is make your visit to Big Sky, MT a simply awesome trip!