
How to Save on Your Trip To Big Sky
The mountains are calling, and you must go. Planning a trip to Big Sky means more than just visiting Montana—it's about immersing yourself in the transformative power of the mountains. From panoramic alpine views to thrilling outdoor adventures, the experience is priceless, but with a few smart tips, it doesn't have to be as costly as you think.
This dream vacation is just a few clicks away, and the sooner you book, the more you’ll save. Below are some tips to ensure you have the best experience at a great price.
1. Book Early
Big Sky Resort lift tickets, lodging, and even season passes all go up in price the closer you get to the season. Not only that, but lessons and rentals can be sold out over busy dates. It’s always best to book as far in advance as possible to ensure you’re getting the best price and options for your stay.
Big Sky Resort Lodging can be booked up to a year in advance, season passes go on sale in the spring for the upcoming season, and lift tickets, lessons, and winter activities can be booked in the early summer.
You can also check out packages and promotions at the resort. But don’t wait for a sale if you can book earlier—locking in your trip early is always the best way to save.
2. Choose the Right Ticket or Pass
When buying lift tickets, the best per-day rate is for a multi-day ticket—the more days you book, the more you save. And always, the further in advance you book, the lower the prices.
Even if you’re just coming to Big Sky for a few days, a season pass might be a good option. Big Sky Resort offers a variety of season passes with different mountain access for flexibility. The Twin Tips and Freestyle Passes are great options for getting a low price on ski days.
The Twin Tips Pass includes unlimited skiing over Big Sky's early and late seasons. The Freestyle Pass offers flexibility and allows you to choose three, four, or five days of skiing to use throughout the season outside of blackout dates.
The Twin Tips and Freestyle Passes can be combined, making this a great option to get lots of ski days at a steep discount. Both passes include season pass holder perks and a discount off the full-day window ticket rate for extra ski days or during blackout periods. Neither pass includes Lone Peak Tram access, which can be purchased separately.
3. Lock in Your Rentals
Save up to 25% on your ski or snowboard rentals by reserving them online ahead of time. There are two conveniently located slopeside rental shops at the Madison Base and Mountain Village Base, where you can stop by and fine-tune your gear. Early pickup is available for rentals between 2 - 4 p.m. the day before your start date, meaning you can hit the slopes right at 9 a.m. on the first day when the lifts start spinning.
4. Take A Lesson
Whether you’re just starting out on the slopes or are a seasoned skier, a lesson can help you make the most of your days on the mountain. Our certified instructors know the mountain like the back of their gloves and can help guide you around the mountain and show you the best of Big Sky, tailored to your level and goals.
Booking early ensures you’ll get the dates and lesson product you want at the best rate. You’ll save even more when you book multi-day group lessons, and you’ll have more opportunities to grow your skills.
Learn more about the lessons, clinics, and guided experiences, and make sure to book early, as lessons sell out during busier times.
5. Time Your Visit
The ski industry has dynamic pricing based on peak times during the seasons. This means hotel rooms, lift tickets, lessons—pretty much everything will be more expensive during popular times to visit. Big Sky Resort’s best rates are available in early December, late January, early February, or anytime in April. (Read: avoid Christmas, New Year's, and long weekends, including Martin Luther King Day or Presidents Weekend). Plus, the slopes will be even more wide open. Go ahead and make some wide turns!
Gabrielle Gasser is a writer and photographer who grew up in Big Sky, Montana and is currently based out of Bozeman. In the winter you'll find her ski instructing out on the slopes at Big Sky Resort or curled up with a good book.