The Family Guide to a Summer Day in Big Sky
Big Sky is full of adventure—of multiple kinds. From the awe-inducing views of Kircliff that make you feel like you've trekked to the top of a remote peak (without the effort), to adrenaline-filled ziplines and mountain biking trails, there's almost too much to pack into one day.
The easy part is knowing wherever your day takes you, it's time well spent with your family—disconnected, but connecting in the best way possible.
Start at the Top
The ride up to the Kircliff glass observatory at 11,166 feet is worth the trip on its own. The 360-degree views from Lone Peak are the kind that make people stop mid-sentence. Take your time up there to soak in the views, and keep your eye out for mountain goats.
Before you head back to the parking lot, there’s more to explore. The resort is bigger than most people expect, and your Kircliff ticket is your way to experience it all, giving you access to the Explorer Gondola and Ramcharger 8 lift for the entire day. More riding, more trails, and more angles of the mountain at no extra charge.
Lunch with a View
By midday, someone will be hungry. Montana Jack in the Mountain Village is the move for lunch. The menu has something for everyone, and the outdoor patio seating puts the mountains directly in front of you. It's also convenient: centrally located in the village with easy access before or after your next activity.
Get Out There
This is where a family day at Big Sky gets properly full. Choose your own adventure:
Ziplining – Fly over the trees with the mountain as your backdrop. Lines are designed for a range of ages and experience levels, and the views on the way don't hurt.
Mountain biking – Whether you're brand new to the sport or already comfortable on trails, Big Sky has an option for you. Rent a bike and explore on your own, book a coaching session to build skills, or take the lifts to access downhill terrain and let gravity do some of the work.
Adventure Mountain & Archery – Adventure Mountain runs on tokens, so everyone picks their own thing — bungee trampolines, gemstone mining, a marble run, and disc golf. For a uniquely Montana experience, try the archery range.
Golf – If someone in the group needs a slightly lower heart rate after all of that, the Meadow Village golf course is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. Wide open, scenic, and fun even for occasional players.
Carabiner Lounge
Chet's Bar & Grill
After a day on the mountain, no one wants to drive anywhere. Carabiner Lounge in the Summit Hotel draws from local Montana farms and producers with a full dinner menu that has enough range for everyone at the table. Chet's Bar & Grill is the more tavern-leaning option — Montana comfort food, a solid cocktail program, and a dedicated kid's menu.
The Reason To Stay
The most common thing we hear at the end of a summer day at Big Sky is some version of: "I wish we had more time." The solution to that is straightforward: stay the night. Waking up in the village means the mountain is right there when you open the door.
