A Week at Big Sky - Your base camp to yellowstone

Day 1

AM: Start your vacation off right with a hearty breakfast in Chet's Bar & Grill. After breakfast, pamper yourself on your first day of vacation with “Adjusting to Altitude” massage at Solace Spa.  This treatment was designed specifically to help you adjust to our 7,500 ft elevation.  A rejuvenating welcome massage focusing on the head and neck will help increase circulation, reducing the likelihood of any altitude inspired headaches. . Midmorning, enjoy the ride on our scenic lift to 8,800 feet on Andesite. Take in the stunning views of the Mountain Village and the surrounding mountains, while eating lunch at the Pinnacle Restaurant located on the top of Andesite. Then play our 18 hole Frisbee golf course that starts at the top of Andesite (rent a disc from Big Sky Sports before loading the lift), or hike our self guided nature trail back down to the hotel or ride the lift back down if you wish.

PM: Head down the mountain mid-afternoon and play 18 holes of golf on Big Sky's beautiful, Arnold Palmer designed course. 

EVENING: Take leisurely stroll along the banks of Lake Levinsky.  Then enjoy the excellent menu selections and extensive varieties of wine and beer available at Chet's Bar and Grill.

Day 2

Fortify yourself with a gourmet breakfast at the Carabiner in the Summit. Tour nearby Yellowstone National Park with an expert naturalist as your guide. A choice of two full day excursions are available. The Lower Loop tour focuses on the southern half of the park which is home to a great number of geysers, including the famous Old Faithful. The Lower Loop tour also visits Yellowstone Lake and the historic Lake Hotel, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Firehole Canyon. The Upper Loop tour takes in the northern and more mountainous portion of the park. Highlights of the Upper Loop tour include wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley, the vigorous thermal features at Norris geyser basin, lunch at Mammoth Hot Springs, and sweeping mountain views all along your route. Both tours feature the geothermal features unique to Yellowstone National Park, beautiful scenery, and plenty of wildlife. Bison, elk, antelope, moose, and coyotes are commonly seen. The lucky visitor may see a bear, a wolf, or a bald eagle. If you prefer to do your own driving, you should still plan to see just one loop of the park in one day. For hiking recommendations or to set up a horseback ride or fishing trip in the park, stop by the concierge desk.

EVENING: Have a savory dinner at Whiskey Jack's in the Mountain Mall. Indulge in Southwestern faire paired with a local Montana Brew.

Day 3

AM: Take a two hour horseback ride up into the surrounding mountains with a wrangler from area stables. The mountain views are stunning, and there's a good chance of seeing some wildlife, so bring a camera!

PM: Get your wings on the Big Sky Zipline, make sure to contact the Snowcrest Adventure Center in advance to reserve your spot.  Meet your guide at the Adventure Center at 1PM and get geared up.  Enjoy a short guided hike to the start and then zip away.

EVENING: Take advantage of the long hours of summer, and play a few sets of tennis on the courts beside the Huntley Lodge (contact the concierge to arrange court times and rent tennis racquets). Next, have some legendary ribs or a steak at MR Hummers in the Mountain Mall.

Day 4

AM: Spend the morning fishing the Gallatin River with a guide who will provide all of your equipment and instruction. Catch Brown, Rainbow, or Cutthroat trout in this world famous trout stream. Whether you are angling for your first or your thousandth wild trout, your guide will provide you with a thrilling and memorable fly fishing experience! Check in with the on mountain fly shop East Slope Anglers to arrange for your guide.  Also, sign up for weekly casting clinics available at the Mountain Village Lake Levinsky.

PM: Take a guided whitewater rafting trip through the class III and IV rapids of the Gallatin River with Geyser Whitewater. Or, if you prefer floating peacefully, take a tamer float trip. Your raft guide will point out spots on the river that you may recognize from the film "A River Runs Through It." Professional photographers will be on the banks, ready to capture your magic moment.

ALTERNATE: If you are not interested in fishing or rafting, try a hike. Options include short easy strolls through the forest, moderate hikes in search of wildflowers, to longer, more challenging hikes to mountain summits and alpine lakes. If you'd like to learn about the flora, fauna, and geology of this area, several guide services are available, and there is also a group of local people that hike together every Thursday morning. Big Sky offers guided hikes Tuesday and Friday at 1PM, sign up at the Snowcrest Adventure Center.  If you prefer not to hire a guide or join a group, stop by the concierge desk for hiking recommendations and tips.

EVENING: After your tour, take a dip in the pool, relax in the hot tub, or enjoy a relaxing Solace Spa sport massage body treatment after all this activity. Have dinner at The Cabin Bar & Grill, where you can sample some excellent wild game. For the less adventurous palate, The Cabin offers traditional fine dining from an extensive menu. Periodic musical and cultural events are held in the Meadow Village's outdoor pavilion. Ask for a schedule at the concierge desk.

Day 5

Head out of Big Sky for a day trip of scenic driving, antiquing and sightseeing. First stop: The "Antique Trail" around Fours Corners near the intersection of Highway 191 and Huffine Lane, about 33 miles north of the Big Sky turnoff. There you'll find numerous antique shops and country malls with a sampling of the historic old West. While you're in the area, have a bite at the Kountry Korner Cafe or Mama Mac's.

Next, visit the Museum of the Rockies on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman. Famous for their dinosaur exhibits, you can also learn about the Native American, natural, and cultural history of Montana. Check out a show in their planetarium or walk through their "living farm." After the museum, head into downtown Bozeman. As you stroll the quaint streets of the old downtown district, you can do some souvenir shopping or just browse. Stop in one of the many coffee houses for an espresso or tea and be sure to visit the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture with its studios and galleries.

EVENING: On your way back to Big Sky, have dinner at Choppers, a local favorite.  Located in the Big Sky Town Center, 6 miles down from the Mountain Village.

Day 6

Head out of Big Sky for another day trip of scenic driving and sightseeing on the southern route. Head down to the Hebgen and Earthquake Lake areas, just outside of Yellowstone National Park. Your route will take you through this beautiful area to the Ennis Valley, where you will head West to Virginia and Nevada City. Located about 10 minutes away from each other, these two cities offer visitors a glimpse back into the Old West history of Montana. Try your luck at panning for gold, take a walking tour of Virginia City, or watch a troupe of actors stage a shootout on the streets of town! Once you leave, you'll drive through the Bear Trap Wilderness area, along the banks of the Madison River. In July and August, you may want to bring along some innertubes and float the calm Madison waters. From the Bear Trap, head to Four Corners, and then take Hwy. 191 home. Stop by the concierge desk for a map and more information on this trip.

EVENING: Enjoy fine new Western cuisine and a wide range of specialty cocktails at the Carabiner in the Summit, before taking the short walk to your room.

Day 7
Spend a quiet day unwinding before returning to real life. Relax at Solace Spa with a manicure and facial.  Take time to collect your thoughts in one of the many peaceful chairs around the Mountain Village to reflect on your vacation in a journal, send some postcards, and buy some gifts and souvenirs. 
You now have discovered why Big Sky is called a place all your own.