The great thing about skiing at Big Sky is that with nearly 6,000 acres and more than 300 runs, all situated among vast forests, sprawling landscapes and beautiful mountains, you can be one with nature while having fun and safely connecting with friends and family.

Thankfully, for those times when your legs need to recover from carving, the wide-open landscape that makes the downhilling so amazing also provides countless other activities to try on rest days. Here are some of our favorite vacations within a vacation, most of which can be done individually or in private groups, that’ll help you recharge and relax while at Big Sky Resort.

FLY FISHING

Thanks to A River Runs Through It (which was filmed on the Gallatin River in Big Sky), many people know Montana is a summer fly fishing hot spot. But did you know it’s also a great winter activity? Leave the crowds behind with one of our recommended fishing guides who’ll provide you with everything you need to catch fish in one of the nearby blue-ribbon trout streams. (Brad Pitt not included.)

YELLOWSTONE

The world’s first National Park gets millions of summer visitors, but the locals know the best time to see it is during the snowy months when almost all the roads are closed and sightseers can only enter in limited numbers. Book a guided snowmobile or snow coach Yellowstone tour and immerse yourself in a winter wonderland of snow-covered bison, ghost trees, and steaming geothermal features.

DOGSLEDDING

It’s your day off so let the dogs do the work on a tour of the wintery wilderness that surrounds Big Sky. Whether you want to learn to run the huskies yourself or just kick back on a sled, these guided dog sledding tours along frosty rivers, through quiet canyons, and in majestic national forests connect you with the rhythms of nature and reignite the primal bond between humans and animals.

SPA

What’s more relaxing than a getaway from your getaway? Whether you’ve got sore muscles from your first days on the slopes or want to find personal serenity that’s on par with Montana’s natural surroundings, let the resort’s Solace Spa & Salon pamper you from head to toe with our array of premium body treatments, facials, massages, and salon services.

SNOWSPORTS

You came here for the snow and the space. Enjoy them with our snowshoe tours that let you set your own pace so you don’t miss anything Mother Nature has to offer. If your vibe is to glide, get an aerobic workout on the miles of cross-country tracks in the area, including the world-class trails in Big Sky and backcountry options in Yellowstone National Park.

EAT & DRINK

Hitting the slopes burns a lot of calories so treat yourself to a tasty meal at one of the dining options at Big Sky Resort. The town of Big Sky also has casual and upscale restaurants that feature a variety of options, including local farm-to-table fare. For those looking to unwind with an adult beverage, the Big Sky/Bozeman area is home to dozens of breweries and distilleries serving frothy flavors and craft creations.

SHOPPING

Every vacation needs a little retail therapy. At the resort, the shops of Mountain Village provide the apparel and equipment you need to make the most of a Montana winter. At the Big Sky Town Center and further afield on Bozeman’s classic American Main Street, you can find regional goods and locally-made treasures so that you can bring a piece of the Mountain lifestyle home with you.

Just remember, if you pick up a souvenir or not, it’s really the memories you make and the adventures you have that are the hallmark of a Big Sky Resort vacation. Go big. Shop small. Broaden your horizons. Push your boundaries. There’s plenty to do here and plenty of room to do it.