Our Detailed Guide To Where To Stay In Big Sky, MT
If you’re thinking about skiing at Big Sky, Montana but can’t figure out where to stay, this guide is for you. Having skied here with our families for over 15 years, we have the best lodging recommendations for skiing with kids or that perfect mountain chalet to share with your friends or family.
Big Sky Resort offers “the biggest skiing in America” with 5,800 skiable acres packed with runs suitable for skiers of all abilities from beginner greens to double blacks. You could ski for days and not revisit a single run.
Big Sky is Expedia’s top traveling destination for 2026, so consider booking your lodging early this ski season!
And although one can lament that the lift lines have grown over the years, Big Sky’s amenities (hello heated lifts and new food hall!) and lodging choices have grown with it.
So to help you figure out where to stay in Big Sky, here is everything you need to know!
Also see our “Complete Guide to Skiing At Big Sky” and “Family Ski Trip Packing List” to make your trip planning that much easier!
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Big Sky Resort’s Location In the Town Of Big Sky, MT
It’s helpful to first understand where Big Sky Resort is located in relation to the town of Big Sky. I remember when I first looked into lodging here, I found it terribly confusing without having visited Big Sky before. Hope this helps!
Once you turn off Highway 191 to head up the mountain towards Big Sky Resort, you’ll first pass through Big Sky’s Meadow Village area and the Town Center, both of which reside at about 6300′ elevation.
Big Sky Town Center is the town’s “commercial hub” with shops, restaurants, two hotels, several vacation rentals, outfitters, a grocery store, movie theater, ice rink, and more.
Meadow Village is comprised of homes and townhomes along the Big Sky Golf Course (nordic skiing in the winter) with a small grocery store, a few restaurants, a bank, and some shops. This area is mostly residential compared to Town Center.
To get to Big Sky Resort and the ski lifts, you’ll continue on Lone Mountain Road past Town Center and Meadow Village and climb up the mountain to reach Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village– about a 10-15 minute drive. Big Sky Resort’s Moonlight Basin area is 10 minutes further up the mountain from Mountain Village.
What Is The Difference Between Big Sky Mountain Village and Moonlight Basin?
Big Sky Resort is separated into two main lodging and ski base areas: Big Sky Mountain Village and Big Sky Moonlight Basin. Both areas have lots of lodging options but differ in their amenities.
Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village serves as the primary base area of the ski mountain. Here you’ll find a few restaurants, the new Vista Food Hall, ski rentals, chair lifts, etc.
Mountain Village lodging options are generally smaller, hotel-like condominiums as well as standard hotel rooms.
As an alternative to the Mountain Village area, you can continue even further up the mountain (about 10 minutes) to Moonlight Basin in the Madison Base Area of Big Sky Resort.
The Moonlight Basin area consists primarily of larger townhomes and beautiful mountain homes, most with ski in ski out access to Moonlight Basin’s Madison Base lifts while also connecting you to all the runs of Big Sky’s Mountain Village.
A Quick Snapshot Of Our Best Lodging Recommendations In Big Sky
If you are just here for my top recommendations, here they are:
- Best Luxury Hotels In Big Sky– The Montage Big Sky and the One & Only Moonlight Basin (both are amazing and super expensive!)
- Best Hotels In Big Sky Mountain Village- Shoshone Hotel/Condo and Summit Hotel (both are in the middle of it all!)
- Best Hotel In Big Sky For Families– Shoshone Hotel/Condo (walking distance to lifts, private bedroom for the parents, and full kitchen are a definite bonus here!)
- Most “Affordable Hotel” In Mountain Village– Huntley Lodge (recently renovated and excellent location)
- Best Ski-In Ski-Out Chalets– Spacious Vacation Rentals in Moonlight Basin, Powder Ridge Cabins, Arrowhead Chalets, and Cowboy Heaven Cabins (more bedrooms, private hot tubs, and ski to the lifts)
- Hotels in Town Center– Gravity Haus and Wilson Hotel (take the shuttle up the mountain to ski but return to a hotel surrounded by restaurants)
If you want a more detailed description of each place along with photos, keep reading. I’ll also include additional lodging options, the pros and cons, and links to examples of each.
Where To Stay In Big Sky Mountain Village
I’m going to cut to the chase here. I think the best place to stay, especially if visiting with younger kids, is any option that puts you within walking distance to the lifts, restaurants, and activities at Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village, the hub of the resort.
With kids, it’s simply easier. Suit up and walk to two high speed, heated, and covered chairlifts (Ramcharger and Swift Current) or head to the new Explorer Gondola or covered magic carpet if you are a beginner or just learning to ski.
The majority of our favorite ski runs (Mr. K, Lizette, and the Shedhorn area) are also accessed from Mountain Village, and you’ll find plenty of variety for any skill level. Lots of greens for beginners and plenty of challenging blacks for the expert skiers in the family.
A potential downside to this area is that lodging is generally limited to smaller condos and hotel rooms. To counter that, however, the prices are generally less than the larger homes found in Moonlight Basin area.
To read an overview of the resort, including our favorite runs, ski rentals, and where to eat, see our Big Sky Skiing- Everything You Need To Know
Big Sky Mountain Village Lodging
The Mountain Village lodging options I’ve listed here (with the exception of Powder Ridge Cabins which are ski-in ski out) are all within walking distance to chairlifts, dining, and activities found in Mountain Village. See descriptions of each below the list.
- Shoshone Hotel-Condos (hotel-condo- our first choice!)
- Huntley Lodge (hotel); sleep 2-4; generally more affordable
- Arrowhead Chalets– 3 bedroom ski-in ski-out, sleeps 6-8
- The Summit Hotel (hotel rooms and 1 and 2 bedroom suites; amazing location)
- Village Center Condos (studio, 1 bedroom, 3 bedroom)
- Stillwater Condos (1 bedroom, 1 bedroom +loft, 2 bedroom; somewhat dated)
- Powder Ridge Cabins (3, 4, and 5 bedroom cabins-ski-in/ski-out or walkable to shuttle if needed)
Click here to see Big Sky’s Resort’s map of Mountain Village Plaza lodging and dining options. It shows where all of the places mentioned below are located.
Shoshone Condos- Our First Choice When Skiing at Big Sky
The Shoshone Condo Hotel in Mountain Village is our first choice for winter lodging at Big Sky Resort, but I would stay at any of the lodgings listed above. The Shoshone Condominium Hotel combines the service of a hotel with the comfort of a condominium.
The Shoshone one-bedroom condo offers a cozy, western decor, mountain views, plenty of space and a full kitchen. The bedroom is separate from the living area where a Murphy bed and sofa bed (the mattresses are actually comfortable) can be pulled down to sleep extra guests (for a total of 6 guests).
From Shoshone, it is walking distance to the ski lifts, restaurants and the food hall, a few shops, and a small but perfectly adequate grocery store.
You’ll find a few fireplaces scattered throughout the complex, and better yet, guests of Shoshone have access to a hot tub and a heated outdoor pool that the kids will love.
Tip: Look for a “corner unit” at the Shoshone–they are just a bit larger than the regular units and have more windows in the living area. If available, request a unit that is on a higher floor level (4th floor or higher). You will have better views, and the early morning snow plow won’t be quite as loud.
How To Book the Shoshone Condos
We have booked the Shoshone both directly through the resort and through VRBO (vacation rental by owner.) It largely depends on the resort’s “ski and stay” prices at the time of your trip and the time of year that you are visiting.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s and the month of February, especially President’s Day weekend, is considered peak season.
Here are some examples of rentals available on VRBO:
Shoshone- Central Big Sky Condo w/Mtn Views-Hike, Ski, Fish! VRBO 4647832ha. 3rd floor.
Shoshone- Gorgeous views! Visit Big Sky and Yellowstone! VRBO 8511435. 4th floor.
For additional info, see “7 Reasons To Stay At Shoshone Big Sky” to help you decide if this is the place for you.
Summit Hotel
The Summit Hotel is another great option in Mountain Village. It’s a bit more upscale than the Shoshone Condos with more of a distinct hotel feel but has an excellent location literally right next to the main lifts (Swift Current and Ramcharger), ski school, rentals, dining, etc.
It offers standard hotel rooms as well as 1 and 2 bedroom options. Guests also have access to an outdoor heated pool.
Huntley Lodge
Huntley Lodge is the “budget” option at Big Sky Mountain Village. Huntley Lodge offers standard hotel rooms and is physically connected to the Shoshone, so it has the same great location as well as access to a heated outdoor pool.
The rooms at Huntley Lodge have recently been renovated, and we have enjoyed our stays there. It’s a cozy space and the rooms have surprisingly good storage.
Stillwater Condos
The Stillwater Condos in Big Sky’s Mountain Village can sometimes be a better price point. Although they are not typically as nice as the Shoshone or other lodging found in Mountain Village, they share the same great location.
The general aesthetic of the condos seems a bit dated, but the location is within walking distance to the lifts. Studios, 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom +loft, and 2 bedroom options.
Here are some examples of vacation rentals at Stillwater:
Stillwater- Cozy Slope-side Vacation Home_Luxury Amenities, WiFi, Just Steps to the lifts! VRBO 1941838. 2 bedroom 2 bath. 4 beds. It sleeps 7 people comfortably; includes 1 bedroom with 1 king bed. The 2nd bedroom has 1 queen and a twin over full bunk style bed.
Stillwater- Perfect Family Spot… Walk To Lifts And Restaurants! VRBO 1568313. 2 bedroom 2 bath, sleeps 7.
Stillwater- Slope Side Vacation Home Just Steps to lifts!! Luxury Amenities FREEWIFI & MORE! VRBO 1628400. 1 bedroom 1 bath with murphy bed. Sleeps 4. The condo is located in the “A” building, which is the closest building to the base of Big Sky Resort.
Village Center Condos
Village Center Condos is a smaller development right in the middle of Mountain Village.
Lodging options include studio (sleeps 2-4), 1 bedroom (sleeps 2-4) and 3 bedroom (sleeps 6-8).
It’s another excellent location in Mountain Village within walking distance of everything.
Arrowhead Chalets
If you’re looking for more room but still want Mountain Village convenience, the Arrowhead Chalets would be a great option. They provide more room for larger groups yet are within walking distance to shops and restaurants in the Mountain Village.
Built into the side of the mountain, this cluster of individual, three bedroom, three bathroom chalets with 2000 square feet puts you right near the base of the Silver Knife run and adjacent to the Ramcharger high-speed quad ski lift.
Arrowhead is close its own small commercial building which includes two restaurants, the Cabin Bar & Grill and Scissor Bill’s Saloon (which we like though it’s loud), as well as a ski rental shop.
Remodeled Ski-in, Ski-out Arrowhead Chalet in Big Sky Mountain Village w/ Excellent Views. VRBO 2403179. 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 2500sf. Sleeps 10. Ski-in ski-out chalet and walking distance to Mountain Village restaurants, ski school, etc.
Also see our “Family Ski Trip Packing List” to make your trip planning that much easier!
Powder Ridge Cabins
Powder Ridge Cabins are located in the far northern end of Mountain Village. With 3, 4, and 5 bedrooms options, these would be great for families vacationing with another family.
Although not walkable to the lifts, you can ski straight to the base of the “White-Otter” ski lift to catch a ride up to the base area. It’s also close to a shuttle stop that takes you from the parking area to the Mountain Village Base.
The Lodge At Big Sky
The Lodge At Big Sky has intrigued me because of its location in Mountain Village. (It’s adjacent to the Shoshone.) It’s unusual, however, that it’s not run by Big Sky Resort. It’s a bit further of a walk to the lifts (maybe 10 minutes), but they do provide a shuttle to the lifts as well as a free breakfast.
The reviews reflect an outdated decor, but its lower price tries to make up for that. Might be worth a look if you want a good location at a lower price.
Where To Stay In Big Sky’s Moonlight Basin
Big Sky Resort’s Moonlight Basin lodging mostly consists of spacious townhomes and mountain chalets, but it has just recently added the luxury hotel, The One & Only, to its lodging options.
Moonlight’s lodging is located closer to the Madison Base area of Big Sky Resort rather than the Mountain Village Base. It’s generally a quieter side of the resort compared to Mountain Village but still offers ski rentals, lessons, etc.
If you wanted, you could just ski the runs at Moonlight and be perfectly happy. But you can still access all of Big Sky’s ski terrain from here using the Six Shooter Lift.
Moonlight is great for beginner skiers with long greens but also provides more difficult terrain for more experienced skiers.
However, expect to traverse trails to and from your Moonlight Basin lodging which could be challenging if you have little kiddos or prefer snowboarding.
See our post “Is Big Sky Good For Beginner Skiers? Yes!“
Access to resort amenities, particularly restaurants, is more of a hassle because you have to drive to them. You’ll need to go to Mountain Village or Big Sky Town Center to find the majority of restaurants.
The closest restaurant in Moonlight Basin is The Landing at the The One and Only, and the Madison Base Area has one cafeteria-style lodge, Headwaters Grille, that serves breakfast, lunch, and apres.
If you like the idea of cooking in your nice kitchen at your rental, the proximity to restaurants won’t be an issue.
Keep in mind that ride share apps are not a reliable mode of transportation in the Big Sky area, and I wouldn’t personally want to drive down Lone Mountain Road after the sun has set. It can be a white knuckle drive at times depending on weather conditions.
Also note that Moonlight’s Madison Base chairlifts often open later in the season and closer earlier than Big Sky’s Mountain Village Base, so make sure they are open for ski-in ski-out access for your arrival dates.
If space is important, all of these lodging options below in Big Sky Resort’s Moonlight Basin have beautiful views, a serene setting, and most are ski-in ski-out. They are generally larger homes, most with hot tubs, and would be super fun with another family or group of friends.
- Cowboy Heaven Cabins (2 bedroom)
- Ulery’s Lake Cabins (3 bedroom)
- Mountain Homes like this awesome ski-in, ski-out retreat
- Saddleridge Townhomes (2 and 3 bedroom)
Cowboy Heaven Cabins
The stand alone Montana-style log Cowboy Heaven Cabins have 2 bedrooms, private hot tubs, mountain views, and sleeps 4-6. We have stayed here in the summer and the views are absolutely amazing.
The cabins have true ski-in ski-out access and are located just off the Powder River Run. This will take you to the Ironhorse chair lift. (Green Access)
The Wrangler” Ski-in/ski-out Cowboy Cabin/Private Hot Tub/Ski from Front Porch! VRBO 470074. 2 bedroom, 2 bath sleeps 5. 850sf. Just step off of your front porch on to the slope and ski to the Iron Horse or Pony Express lifts.
Ski-in/Ski-out home w/hot tub in Moonlight Basin – Cowboy Heaven Cabin – The Lookout. VRBO 2873356. 2 bedroom, 2 bath sleeps 5. Accessing all of Big Sky’s skiable terrain via the Iron Horse and Pony Express lifts.
Ulery Lake Cabins
These modern lakeside cabins have recently been built and look beautiful with a stunning blend of modern glass panels and rustic contemporary hardwoods.
You’ll have your own private hot tub and can follow the trail out to the Stagecoach Lift to connect to Natawista run and ski directly to Madison Base and Six Shooter.
Big Sky Vacation Rentals: Lake Cabin 26 Lakewood. VRBO 1942466 and Big Sky Vacation Rentals: Lake Cabin 19 Lakewood. VRBO 1384108. These 3 bedroom, 3 bath cabins sleep 8 with 1534sf.
SaddleRidge Townhomes
These cozy two and three bedroom ski-in, ski-out townhomes come with a private hot tub. Although they are one of the original Moonlight housing complexes, they are well appointed with ski-in/ski-out via the Iron Horse and Pony Express lifts.
We have friends who stay at Saddle Ridge every year and love it.
New Listing! Ski In/Ski Out 3-Bedroom Moonlight Basin Saddleridge Townhome. VRBO 3606852. 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, sleeps 9. Step out of the front door and ski across Saddle Ridge Road to ski down the access trail between the Saddle Ridge complexes. This will take you onto Powder River Ski Run down to the Pony Express chairlift.
Lodging In Big Sky Outside of the Resort
If staying in the resort is not that important to you, you can find additional lodging in Big Sky down the mountain from the resort. Located about 15 minutes from Big Sky Resort, the areas of Town Center and Meadow Village have a variety of lodging options including two hotels and several condos and homes to rent.
The lodging here is generally more affordable (but still expensive), and a shuttle is available if you don’t want to drive to the lifts.
Skyline Bus offers free shuttles up the mountain but can sometimes be unreliable in terms of schedule. The downside of driving to Big Sky Resort from Big Sky Town Center is that the parking lots (which are free as of now) can fill up during peak ski season. In addition, the mass exodus down the mountain once the lifts close can create traffic bottlenecks.
Big Sky Town Center Lodging
At Town Center, you’ll find plenty of vacation rentals (mostly condos) as well as the new Wilson Hotel (a Residence Inn by Marriott) and the even newer Gravity Haus Hotel.
The advantage to staying in Big Sky Town Center area is the variety and quality of restaurants here. (Shout out to Ousel & Spur Pizza, Blue Moon Bakery, and By Word of Mouth.)
See our “Where To Eat In Big Sky” for suggestions or their Big Sky Town Directory of shops and restaurants.
And although Big Sky is not known for its nightlife, you’ll find more to do in this area with the Waypoint, ice rink, shops, restaurants, Beehive Basin Brewery, snowshoe trails, Ousel Falls Trail, etc.
Here’s an example of a vacation rental in Town Center: Condo w/private hot tub close to Big Sky Resort & Town Center | Comfort Awaits At Deer Run. VRBO 1477802. 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Comfortably sleeps 9. This condo is not located in the heart of Town Center but is a 10-minute walk.
Meadow Village Lodging
Located across Lone Mountain Trail Road from Big Sky Town Center, Meadow Village lodging is another option that requires a shuttle or car to reach the lifts of Big Sky Resort.
Skyline Bus stops here as well, and you’ll be relatively close to restaurants in Meadow Village and to the restaurants and activities in Big Sky Town Center (but not within walking distance.)
However, Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro and Michaelangelo’s is a fantastic dining option right there in Meadow Village, and you’ll have convenient access to nordic skiing on the Big Sky Golf Course.
New this year, Big Sky Connect is piloting a free ride share program (think Uber/Lyft type of service) to transport you from Meadow Village to Town Center.
Here are some examples of vacation rentals in Meadow Village:
Meadow Village- 4 Bedroom Ski Haven. Private Hot Tub For Apres Ski. VRBO 3106141. Sleeps 11. Gorgeous home right off of the golf course!
Meadow Village- A Million Dollar View! VRBO 1258278. 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo sleeps 7.
Montage Big Sky
And finally, if you are looking for ultra luxury, the new Montage Big Sky is sure to please. The 520,000-square-foot post-and-beam lodge has seven restaurants, a grand spa, and a four-lane bowling alley.
Their expert ski concierge service will fit you with perfectly warmed boots to access their own chairlift, bypassing the bustle of the base at Big Sky Resort. Talk about easy! Approx. $1500 night.
Booking A Vacation Rental
We have booked properties both directly through Big Sky Resort and through VRBO (vacation rental by owner.) It largely depends on the resort’s “ski and stay” prices at the time of your trip and the time of year that you are visiting.
February is considered peak season. The resort’s “ski and stay” package includes lodging, hot buffet breakfast if staying at the Shoshone or Huntley Lodge, and discounted lift tickets.
In Summary
So in summary, Big Sky MT is quite a spread out place with lots of lodging choices for a fantastic ski vacation.
- Our First Choice– Stay in hotel-like condos like the Shoshone Hotel in Mountain Village and walk to the lifts. However, keep in mind that you have somewhat limited dining choices and definitely less for nightlife. (Keep in mind, however, that nightife is fairly limited in all areas of Big Sky.)
- Stay in a spacious ski-in ski-out mountain chalet or townhome like Saddle Ridge in Moonlight Basin enjoying more room and a full kitchen but no restaurants within walking distance.
- Stay down the mountain in Meadow Village or Town Center area in a VRBO or the Wilson Hotel,, enjoying more restaurants and more things to do but you have to drive 15 minutes up the mountain to the ski resort itself.
No matter where you stay, it will be a fantastic time at Big Sky!
To read an overview of the resort, including our favorite runs, ski rentals, and where to eat, see our Big Sky Skiing- Everything You Need To Know
More Information About Skiing In Montana
BRIDGER BOWL IN BOZEMAN: Skiing In Bozeman
BOZEMAN LODGINGS: Where To Stay In Bozeman
DISCOVERY SKI AREA: Discovery Ski Area- The Best Skiing You Have Never Heard Of
GUIDE TO BIG SKY RESORT: Skiing Big Sky- Everything You Need To Know
WHERE TO STAY BIG SKY: Where To Stay When Skiing At Big Sky
BIG SKY & BEGINNERS: Is Big Sky Good For Beginner Skiers? Yes!
EATING IN BIG SKY: Places To Eat In Big Sky Montana
