Our Detailed Guide To Where To Stay In Big Sky, MT
Trying to figure out where to stay in Big Sky, Montana can be surprisingly confusing. Big Sky is spread out, and where you stay can give you a very different vacation.
We’ve been visiting Big Sky with our families for more than 15 years during both ski season and summer.
We’ve stayed in hotels, slopeside condos and vacation rentals, and we’ve learned that the best place to stay really depends on what you want to do and what season you are visiting.
Are you skiing with the family? Attending a summer festival? Need more space? Each of these questions has a different answer for the best area to stay in Big Sky. (Answers in order- Mountain Village; Town Center; Moonlight Basin).
Below, we’ll break down the best areas to stay in Big Sky, the pros and cons of each and the hotels, condos and vacation rentals we’d choose.
So to help you figure out where to stay in Big Sky, here is everything you need to know!
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Big Sky Lodging Areas Explained
It’s helpful to first understand where Big Sky Resort is located 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!
The town of Big Sky has four main areas to consider for lodging.
Town Center and Meadow Village sit lower on the mountain, while Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village and Moonlight Basin put you closer to the mountain and ski lifts.
Once you turn off Highway 191 to head up the mountain towards Big Sky Resort, you’ll first pass through the Meadow Village area on the right and the Town Center on the left, both of which reside at about 6300′ elevation.
1, Big Sky Town Center is the town’s “commercial hub” with shops, restaurants, two hotels, several vacation rentals, outfitters, a grocery store, movie theater, ice rink, and more.
2. Meadow Village is comprised of homes and townhomes along the Big Sky Golf Course (nordic skiing in the winter) with a small grocery store, a few restaurants, a bank, and some shops. This area is mostly residential compared to Town Center.
To get to Big Sky Resort, you’ll continue past Town Center and Meadow Village on Lone Mountain Road for about 15 minutes.
Big Sky Resort is separated into two main lodging and ski base areas: Big Sky Mountain Village and Big Sky Moonlight Basin. Both areas have lots of lodging options but differ in their amenities.
3. 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 hotel rooms.
4. Big Sky Resort’s Moonlight Basin Area is about 10 minutes further up the mountain from Mountain Village. The Moonlight Basin area consists primarily of larger townhomes and beautiful mountain homes, most with ski in ski out access to Moonlight Basin’s Madison Base lifts while also connecting you to all the runs of Big Sky’s Mountain Village.
I’ll list places to stay in each of these areas below.
Quick Look At Our Favorite Big Sky Lodging
If you are just here for my top recommendations, here they are:
- Best Luxury Hotels In Big Sky– The Montage Big Sky and the One & Only Moonlight Basin (both are amazing and super expensive!)
- Best Hotels In Big Sky Mountain Village- Shoshone Hotel/Condo and Summit Hotel (both are in the middle of it all!)
- Best Hotel In Big Sky For Families– Shoshone Hotel/Condo (walking distance to lifts, pool access, private bedroom for the parents, and full kitchen are a definite bonus here!)
- Most “Affordable Hotel” In Mountain Village– Huntley Lodge (recently renovated, walk to lifts, pool access, and excellent location)
- Best Ski-In Ski-Out Chalets– Spacious Vacation Rentals in Moonlight Basin, Powder Ridge Cabins, Arrowhead Chalets, and Cowboy Heaven Cabins (more bedrooms, private hot tubs, and ski to the lifts)
- Hotels in Town Center– Gravity Haus and Wilson Hotel (take the shuttle up the mountain to ski but return to a hotel surrounded by restaurants)
If you want a more detailed description of each place along with photos, keep reading. I’ll also include additional lodging options, the pros and cons, and links to examples of each.
Mountain Village- Best For Skiing And Families
Lodging in Mountain Village, the hub of Big Sky Resort, is the best place to stay especially for family ski trips.
Lodging here puts you within walking distance to the 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 new Explorer Gondola or covered magic carpet if you are a beginner or 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 lodging is generally limited to smaller condos and hotel rooms. To counter that, however, the prices are generally less than the larger homes found in the Moonlight Basin area.
To read an overview of the resort, including our favorite runs, ski rentals, and where to eat, see our Big Sky Skiing- Everything You Need To Know
During the summer, Mountain Village offers excellent access to the lifts for mountain biking.
Big Sky Mountain Village Lodging
The Mountain Village lodging options I’ve listed here (with the exception of Powder Ridge Cabins and Arrowhead Chalets which are ski-in ski out) are all within walking distance to chairlifts, dining, and activities found in Mountain Village.
See descriptions of each below the list.
- Shoshone Hotel-Condos (hotel-condo- our first choice!)
- Huntley Lodge (hotel); sleep 2-4; generally more affordable
- The Summit Hotel (hotel rooms and 1 and 2 bedroom suites; amazing location)
- Village Center Condos (studio, 1 bedroom, 3 bedroom)
- Stillwater Condos (1 bedroom, 1 bedroom +loft, 2 bedroom; somewhat dated)
- Powder Ridge Cabins (3, 4, and 5 bedroom cabins-ski-in/ski-out or walkable to shuttle if needed)
- Arrowhead Chalets– 3 bedroom ski-in ski-out, sleeps 6-8
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 When Skiing at Big Sky
If we’re skiing Big Sky with our family, the Shoshone Condo Hotel in Mountain Village is usually the first place we check, but I would stay at any of the Mountain Village lodgings listed above.
At the Shoshone, you get a separate bedroom, kitchen and living area while staying within walking distance of the lifts, restaurants and ski school.
And better yet, guests of Shoshone have access to a hot tub and a heated outdoor pool that the kids will love.
For our full review, see “7 Reasons To Stay At Shoshone Big Sky” to help you decide if this is the place for you.
Tip: Look for a “corner unit” at the Shoshone–they are just a bit larger than the regular units and have more windows in the living area. If available, request 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. View Shoshone vacation rentals available on VRBO.
Summit Hotel- Best Traditional Hotel
The Summit Hotel is another great option in Mountain Village. It’s a bit more upscale than the Shoshone Condos with more of a distinct hotel feel but has an excellent location literally 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. Guests also have access to an outdoor heated pool.
Huntley Lodge- Best Value In Mountain Village
Huntley Lodge is the “budget” option at Big Sky Mountain Village. Huntley Lodge offers standard hotel rooms and is physically connected to the Shoshone, so it has the same great location as well as access to a heated outdoor pool.
The rooms at Huntley Lodge have recently been renovated, and we have enjoyed our stays there. It’s a cozy space and the rooms have surprisingly good storage.
I miss access to a kitchen when I stay here with the family, but the room has a refrigerator and a community microwave is located on each level if you want to heat something up from the nearby Hungry Moose Market.
Stillwater Condos
Stillwater Condos in Big Sky’s Mountain Village can sometimes be a better price point. Although they are not typically as nice as the Shoshone or other lodging found in Mountain Village, 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.
Here are some examples of vacation rentals at Stillwater. Tip- Look for recently renovated units.
Village Center Condos
Village Center Condos are a smaller development right in the middle of Mountain Village.
The first floor of the development is occupied by a variety of shops including Treeline Coffee.
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- Ski In/Ski Out In Mountain Village
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 is close to two restaurants, the Cabin Bar & Grill and Scissor Bill’s Saloon (which we like though it’s loud), as well as a ski rental shop.
See examples of Arrowhead Chalets available on VRBO.
Also see our “Family Ski Trip Packing List” to make your trip planning that much easier!
Powder Ridge Cabins
Powder Ridge Cabins are located in the far northern end of Mountain Village. With 3, 4, and 5 bedrooms options, these would be great for families vacationing with another family.
Although not walkable to the lifts or restaurants in the Mountain Village Plaza, you’ll have more space and it’s a quick drive to Mountain Village.
You can ski straight to the base of the “White-Otter” ski lift to catch a ride up to the base area. It’s also close to a shuttle stop that takes you from the parking area to the Mountain Village Base.
The open air decks would make it a nice option in the summer as well but you might want to make sure the cabin you are renting has air conditioning.
The Lodge At Big Sky
The Lodge At Big Sky has intrigued me because of its location in Mountain Village. (It’s adjacent to the Shoshone.) It’s unusual, however, that it’s not run by Big Sky Resort. It’s a bit further of a walk to the lifts (maybe 10 minutes), but they do provide a shuttle to the lifts as well as a free breakfast.
The reviews reflect an outdated decor, but its lower price tries to make up for that. Might be worth a look if you want a good location at a lower price.
Moonlight Basin– Best for Large Families and Ski-In, Ski-Out Vacation Rentals
Moonlight’s lodging is located closer to the Madison Base area of Big Sky Resort rather than the Mountain Village Base. It’s generally a quieter side of the resort compared to Mountain Village but still offers ski rentals, lessons, etc.
Ski-In Ski-Out Chalets
Big Sky Resort’s Moonlight Basin lodging mostly consists of spacious townhomes and mountain chalets. They are generally larger homes, most with hot tubs, and would be super fun with another family or group of friends.
If you wanted, you could just ski the runs at Moonlight and be perfectly happy. But you can still access all of Big Sky’s ski terrain from here using the Madison Lift.
However, expect to traverse trails to and from your Moonlight Basin lodging which could be challenging if you have little kiddos or prefer snowboarding.
Moonlight is great for beginner skiers with long greens but also provides more difficult terrain for more experienced skiers. See our post “Is Big Sky Good For Beginner Skiers? Yes!“
Access to resort amenities from Moonlight Basin, particularly restaurants, is more of a hassle because you have to drive to them. You’ll need to go to Mountain Village or Big Sky Town Center to find the majority of restaurants.
The closest restaurant in Moonlight Basin is The Landing at the One & Only Moon, and the Madison Base Area has one cafeteria-style lodge, Headwaters Grille, that serves breakfast, lunch, and apres.
If you like the idea of cooking in your nice kitchen at your vacation rental, the proximity to restaurants won’t be an issue.
Keep in mind that ride share 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 depending on weather conditions.
Also note that Moonlight’s Madison Base chairlifts often open later in the season and closer earlier than Big Sky’s Mountain Village Base, so make sure they are open for ski-in ski-out access for your arrival dates.
One & Only (Luxury Hotel)
The luxury hotel, One & Only, has recently opened in Moonlight Basin with rooms, suites, and private cabins. Their private Gondola delivers you to the Madison Base ski area. Nice!
If space is important, all of these lodging options below in Big Sky Resort’s Moonlight Basin have beautiful mountain views, a serene setting, and most are ski-in ski-out.
- Cowboy Heaven Cabins (2 bedroom)
- Ulery’s Lake Cabins (3 bedroom)
- Mountain Homes like this awesome ski-in, ski-out retreat
- Saddleridge Townhomes (2 and 3 bedroom)
Cowboy Heaven Cabins
The stand alone Montana-style log Cowboy Heaven Cabins have 2 bedrooms, private hot tubs, mountain views, and sleeps 4-6. We have stayed here in the summer and the views are absolutely amazing.
During the winter, 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)
Here’s an example of a Cowboy Heaven vacation rental that shows the fantastic mountain views: 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
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.
During the summer, you can canoe, explore a tree fort, roast marshmallows at the fire pit, or simply relax by the lake’s sandy beach.
Big Sky Vacation Rentals: Lake Cabin 26 Lakewood. VRBO 1942466 and Big Sky Vacation Rentals: Lake Cabin 11 Lakewood. VRBO 1384108. These 3 bedroom, 3 bath cabins sleep 8 with 1534sf.
SaddleRidge Townhomes
These cozy two and three bedroom ski-in, ski-out 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 at Saddle Ridge every year and love it.
Ski In/Ski Out 3-Bedroom Moonlight Basin Saddleridge 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- Best for Restaurants and Summer Festivals
Located about 15 minutes down the mountain from Big Sky Resort, the areas of Town Center and Meadow Village have a variety of lodging options including two hotels and several condos and homes to rent.
The lodging here is generally more affordable (but still expensive), and you’ll be able to walk to restaurants, shops and events while still having easy access to hiking, biking and activities at Big Sky Resort
A shuttle is available if you don’t want to drive up the mountain to Big Sky Resort.
Skyline Bus offers free shuttles 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.
Big Sky Town Center Lodging
At Town Center, you’ll find plenty of vacation rentals (mostly condos) as well as the new Wilson Hotel (a Residence Inn by Marriott) and the even newer Gravity Haus.
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.)
See our “Where To Eat In Big Sky” for suggestions or their Big Sky Town Directory of shops and restaurants.
And although Big Sky is not known for its nightlife, you’ll find more to do in this area with the Waypoint, ice rink (winter), shops, restaurants, Beehive Basin Brewery, hiking trails, the popular Ousel Falls Trail, etc.
Town Center is my first choice of lodging during the summer to take advantage of easy access to the Saturday Farmer’s Market, free Thursday night concerts, a variety of festivals including Wildlands and Big Sky PBR.
You could even take a day trip to Yellowstone National Park, just an hour’s drive to the park’s West Entrance.
See our Summer Fun In Big Sky for all the things to do!
Here’s an example of a vacation rental in Town Center:
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.
Meadow Village Lodging
Located across Lone Mountain Trail Road from Big Sky Town Center, the Meadow Village area is a quieter option to Town Center.
Although it has a few restaurants of its own (shout out to the wonderful Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro and Michaelangelo’s), you still have easy access to the restaurants and activities in nearby Town Center but it’s not within walking distance.
If you enjoy golfing, this is the place for you with access to the public Arnold Palmer-designed golf course. In the winter, it converts to an excellent place to nordic ski.
In the summer, hiking trails are nearby as well as a nice playground for the kids.
Skyline Bus stops here as well, and Big Sky Connect, a free ride share program (think Uber/Lyft type of service) can also transport you from Meadow Village to Town Center.
Here are some examples of vacation rentals in Meadow Village:
Meadow Village- A Million Dollar View! VRBO 1258278. 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo sleeps 7.
Montage Big Sky- Best For Luxury
And finally, if you are looking for ultra luxury near Big Sky Resort, the new Montage Big Sky 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!
Big Sky Lodging FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Big Sky?
For first-time ski trips and especially if visiting with younger children, we recommend Mountain Village because you can walk to lifts, rentals, ski school and restaurants.
Is it better to stay in Big Sky Town Center or Mountain Village?
Choose Mountain Village for skiing convenience. Choose Town Center for restaurants, shops, events and a more central year-round location. During the summer, Town Center is best for festivals, concerts, and even a rodeo during the summer.
Is it better to stay in Mountain Village or Moonlight Basin?
Lodging near Mountain Village Plaza is the most convenient for skiers. You can park the car and leave it because you have restaurants and lifts within walking distance.
Moonlight Basin is perfect for larger families or groups and is equally desirable in both winter (ski in/ski out) and summer. Keep in mind that Moonlight Basin chairlifts often open later in the winter season and close earlier than Big Sky’s Mountain Village.
Can you stay in Big Sky without a car?
Yes. If you stay near Mountain Village Plaza, you can walk to lifts and restaurants. Karst Stage offers a shuttle to and from the Bozeman Airport.
If you stay in Moonlight Basin, you will need a car to drive to restaurants and activities. If staying in Town Center, you can take a shuttle up the mountain but that can be a bit of a hassle.
When Is Peak Ski Season?
The week between Christmas and New Year’s and the month of February, especially President’s Day weekend, is considered peak season. Which means this is the most crowded time to visit the resort and the most expensive.
Should I book lodging through Big Sky Resort or VRBO/Airbnb?
We have booked properties both directly through Big Sky Resort and through VRBO (vacation rental by owner.) If you are planning to ski, it can sometimes be less expensive to bundle tickets, rentals, and lodging through Big Sky Resort.
But I would break down the costs and compare. The resort often has a less forgiving cancellation policy than the VRBOs so be sure to check that as well!
See our “Family Ski Trip Packing List” to make your trip planning that much easier!
So In Summary, Where Should You Stay in Big Sky?
As you can see, Big Sky MT is quite a spread out place with lots of lodging choices, each with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the season.
For a family ski trip, we’d stay in Mountain Village. Being able to walk to the lifts, ski school and restaurants makes the trip much easier, and Shoshone Condo/Hotel remains our first choice after years of visiting Big Sky.
If you’re visiting in summer, Town Center gets our vote. Vacation rentals, Wilson Hotel, and Gravity Haus are good bets here. You’ll be able to walk to restaurants, shops and events while still having easy access to hiking, biking and activities at Big Sky Resort.
If you are looking for amazing mountain views, Moonlight Basin accommodates larger families and is a beautiful and peaceful place to unwind with nature any time of year.
For a group that wants more space and ski-in, ski-out access, look at Moonlight Basin. Stay in a spacious ski-in ski-out mountain chalet or townhome like Saddle Ridge but be prepared to drive to restaurants.
And if luxury is the priority, Montage Big Sky in Spanish Peaks is in a category of its own.
Hope our guide to where to stay in Big Sky has helped you plan your trip. No matter where you stay, it will be a fantastic time at Big Sky! Happy Trails! – Amy
