Sunrise over Andesite Mountain

It’s time for planning that winter ski vacation.  The snow is falling and the resorts are gearing up for another epic snow season.  We are offering a SPECIAL EARLY BIRD winter rate.  5 nights for $1250 all inclusive PLUS a gift certificate to Choppers Grub and Pub.  Slopes open November 24th (Big Sky) and December 10 (Moonlight).  We still have limited space available for March and April, so don’t delay on those spring vacations!!!  Happy Holidays

This is a huge resort for skiing and other winter activities and fun. The skiing trails and facilities are so big that I often never had to wait in a lift line, even on the intermediate slopes. On the more advanced slopes, I sometimes go a while without even seeing another skier! The only crowds were for the tram lift to Lone Peak, and even those were only about 15 minutes each time.

Because the resort area extends over three large mountains, with over 4,000 acres of trails and off-piste areas, I felt like I could ski for a week and not see the same run twice. Open bowl skiing and snowboarding range from intermediate to black diamond expert runs such as the Liberty Bowl. For intermediate runs, I loved Madison Avenue and the Flatiron Mountains. On two days, I also went over to Moonlight Basin, with another 5,000 acres of trails and activities. Everywhere I went, the snow was amazing, and some runs had no tracks at all from the snow of the week before I got there.

During my week there, I stayed at the wonderful Big Sky Montana Cabins where I stepped outside my front door, and skied directly down into the resort. The guys in the next cabin were snowboarders with awesome skills, showing off as they zoomed down to the resort ahead of me on two beautiful mornings. Our cabin was roomy and very comfortable, with two bedrooms and a great fireplace. What was really cool (or hot) was sitting in the cabin’s hot tub in the evening, winding down after a day of amazing runs, and seeing a huge panorama of the mountains and valley around us.

Easily reached from the cabins are Yellowstone National Park, less than an hour away. I didn’t get there this trip, but I will next time! For those of you who love  amazing fishing, it’s truly fantastic in Big Sky, according to the fellow with his arms out “this big” in the bar one night. In addition to skiing, I did try one afternoon of dog sledding…

The sound of dogs barking ahead of me, the rush of the cold, crisp wind in my face and hair, the jerk of the sled as it climbs and falls along a forest trail, and the thundering of my heart took me for the first time into a wonderland of dog sledding. I yelled “Gee” and “Haw” to steer my dogs, hearing them bark and respond like magic and surging forward at my command. I sometimes ran along with the sled, and sometimes stood on the runners for a ride. Racing along Montana trails in winter this way was fantastic. I was really surprised to find that dogs in a sled team have widely varying personalities which place them and their abilities in the ranks – sometimes almost wild in their energy and power. After all, less than 20,000 years ago, there were no dogs; only wolves! Dog sledding is another winter dream at Big Sky.

If winter fishing is your passion, then you should definitely come to Big Sky. Several rivers in the area flow fast enough to keep the ice clear enough for fishing, and people I met here insisted that Big Sky offers the experience of a lifetime. From late November through to early April, some of the best fly fishing in the world can be found here, and with so much room, you can probably expect to be the only angler around. The policies of the state of Montana are tuned to provide the best habitat for truly wild trout – no hatchery trout are introduced into waters here. The encouragement of catch-and-release, along with protection of habitats means that fly fishing in Montana rivers is second to none. Come and see for yourselves!

Skiing

When staying at Big Sky Montana Cabin guests can start from our front porch on the Powder River run and ski directly into Big Sky or Moonlight Basin resorts – a true ski-out and ski-back-in vacation! The Big Sky resort boasts over 85 miles (150km) of trails spread over three separate mountains. Trails range from beginner to expert, with the largest vertical drops of over 4,300 ft (1,320m) and the longest trail being over 6 miles long (10km). The Moonlight Basin skin resort is a bit larger, with 92 miles (148km) of trails spread over 1,900 acres (767 hectares) on the mountain. Both resorts offer the best skiing conditions, services and fun!

Dog Sledding Excitement!

Imagine the thrill of rushing along trails pulled by dogs! Barking and yipping, the blue-eyed furry creatures pull you along with power and grace. At Big Sky you can find a range of dog sled adventures, even including camping and racing. Get to know your dogs if you like – each one has a personality and loves to run! The famous Iditarod race in Alaska draws thousands of spectators each year, and for good reason. Typical sled adventures at Big Sky take a half day, and run a course of about 8 miles (13km) seeing sights not visible from any road: mountain goats, deer, foxes and perhaps even a wolf or bear.

Yellowstone National Park

The very first of America’s national parks, and signed into creation in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant, Yellowstone lies primarily in Wyoming but extends into Montana and Idaho as well. Covering an area of almost 3,500 square miles (almost 9,000 sq km), Yellowstone contains a breathtaking range of sights and activities, including half of the world’s geothermal features, wildlife in a completely natural environment, mountains and lakes, the Old Faithful geyser, and the infamous Caldera – the largest supervolcano in North America.

Snowboarding

Nearby resorts have amazing snowboarding amongst breathtaking vistas. Lone Peak offers a 2,000 vertical foot (615m), powder filled drop of pure joy. The Bavarian Forest, Lone Peak and other runs offer almost twice as many acres as there are skiers!

Winter Fly Fishing

Fly fishing near Big Sky is legendary. People from all over the world travel to Montana for the most amazing fishing experience. Several nearby rivers stay clear of ice in the winter here, and the fishing couldn’t be better. Winter fishing techniques vary from slow-stripping streamers to the winter angler’s favorite, the Midge hatch. December through March are the best times for fly fishing on Montana’s rivers. Come experience the quiet of the snow, where you are truly the only angler within miles.

Once your fun-filled day is over, you can enjoy all the luxuries and comforts of home. Contact us today to reserve the cabin and start planning your dream winter vacation.

Now is the time to book your summer vacation to Big Sky.  There are so many activities you won’t know what to do first.  Maybe it’s just relaxing on the front porch and looking at the amazing views from 8200 feet or reading that book you’ve been putting off.  Whatever your idea of a great vacation is I promise you’ll have a great time.

Take a moment to check out the all new page navigation. Browse the cabin rooms, check out the local events calendar, or see when the cabin is available.

Have you already made a reservation or interested in what you can do while you visit Big Sky? We offer Winter and Summer activity recommendations, with links so you can plan your days down to the last minute.

So, look around and enjoy our new cabin site. If you have a question or comment, feel free to contact us.

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