Visiting Big Sky, Montana, is a magical experience no matter what time of year it is. When you add a blanket of glistening white snow to the landscape, it gets even better! Pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on a winter road trip to Big Sky. We’ll help you out with some travel tips and fun-filled places to stop along the way.
Once you arrive in Big Sky, you’ll want to pack your days with unforgettable adventures. Check out our Winter Activities Guide to learn about the best things to see and do in the area!
The Best Winter Road Trip to Big Sky Awaits
Whether you want to visit charming towns or scenic parks, the options for fun places to stop on a winter road trip to Big Sky are virtually limitless!
Bozeman – 1 hour north of Big Sky
If you don’t want to take a full-on road trip, you can fly into the Bozeman airport and drive from there to Big Sky. If you want to make the most out of your stop in Bozeman, Montana, you’ll find plenty to do! The area is known for its top-notch fly fishing, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and backcountry exploring. The city is also home to the Museum of the Rockies, which houses the Siebel Dinosaur Complex, with a notable collection of T. rex specimens.
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Idaho Falls – 2 hours and 40 minutes south of Big Sky
Idaho Falls is Eastern Idaho’s commercial, cultural, and healthcare hub. Locals are proud of the city’s famous river, which can be admired from paths throughout a series of beautiful waterfront parks. The Idaho Falls Zoo and Highland Park (home of the Idaho Falls Spuds minor league baseball team) are also popular attractions.
Earthquake Lake – 1 hour south of Big Sky
Earthquake Lake, also known as Quake Lake, sits in southwestern Montana on the Madison River. It was created in 1959 when a powerful earthquake struck the area. Today, this gorgeous lake is a fantastic spot for fishing, boating, swimming, and more.
Lamar Valley – 3 ½ hours southeast of Big Sky
Lamar Valley is a breathtaking area found within Yellowstone. It’s often called the Serengeti of North America (Serengeti is an ecosystem in Africa with the largest annual animal migration in the world) due to its large and easy-to-see populations of large animals. The best time to visit the valley is at dawn or dusk, where you can catch glimpses of pronghorns, coyotes, bald eagles, bears, and more.
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West Yellowstone – 1 hour south of Big Sky
West Yellowstone is a one-of-a-kind town in southern Montana. It’s a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, where you can see the Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Keep your eyes peeled for spectacular wildlife, such as elks, bison, and bighorn sheep.
Spend Your Winter Vacation at the Wilson Hotel
Once you arrive in Big Sky, you can look forward to a winter vacation you’ll never forget! Stay with us at The Wilson Hotel and experience the best accommodations and amenities in the area. We offer an array of suites, each with outstanding features, such as kitchenettes, oversized couches, and snow-covered mountain views. Plus, our hotel is conveniently located, so you can always have access to the best winter activities and attractions. Get ready for dog sledding, sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and more!