The Unhurried Summer Day at Big Sky
Some days are built for covering ground. Others are built for going slowly and noticing everything. A summer day at Big Sky tends to start as the former and, if you let it, become the latter.
Here's one version of how that goes.
Morning: Kircliff & Mountain Exploration
Take the Explorer Gondola from the base of Lone Mountain, then the Lone Peak Tram carries you the rest of the way, above the treeline, to the Kircliff glass observatory at 11,166 feet. The structure itself is worth seeing—glass and steel perched at the summit, designed to meld unobtrusively with the form of the mountain, providing stunning views. On a clear morning, the surrounding mountain ranges stretch for miles, and you may even catch a glimpse of the Tetons.
Your Kircliff ticket includes access to the Explorer Gondola and Ramcharger 8 lift for the rest of the day. Explore the mountain at your own pace, taking in the views from above and meandering the trails as they call to you.
Mid-Day: Lunch at Carabiner Lounge
Lunch hour belongs on the patio at Carabiner Lounge in the Summit Hotel. The menu draws from local Montana farms and producers and doesn't overcomplicate itself, which is exactly right for mid-day when you've been at altitude. The patio seating allows you to gaze up at the view you just came down from.
Afternoon: Golf or Solace Spa
The afternoon has two good answers. The Big Sky Resort Golf Course is one of the quieter pleasures of a Montana summer—wide open, scenic, and unhurried in a way that's hard to find. Another option is booking a service at the Solace Spa in the Huntley Lodge. A few hours of relaxation after a morning at altitude is a straightforward proposition. Book in advance.
Evening: Dinner at Chet's
And Weekend Drinks at the Umbrella Bar
Dinner at Chet's Bar & Grill brings a menu that leans into regionally-sourced proteins and game, cocktails with a Montana twist, and a draft list full of local brews.
After dinner, take a walk to the Umbrella Bar, open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Order one of their inspired cocktails and find a seat with a siteline of Lone Peak. On a clear evening, the alpenglow on the summit is something you'll remember.
Overnight: Stay in Big Sky
The best argument for an overnight at Big Sky is simple: the morning after a day like this, the mountain is right there—no drive, no logistics, no reconstituting yourself in a car. The door opens, and you're already where you want to be.
