- Counties
- Gallatin and Madison, Montana (unincorporated)
- Base elevation
- About 6,936 ft (community) · resort base about 6,800 to 7,510 ft
- Population
- 3,591 (2020 census)
- Drive from BZN
- 51 mi to Big Sky Resort · about 1 hr
- Nearest airport
- Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN)
- Ski areas
- Big Sky Resort and the private Yellowstone Club
Drive times are typical and change with traffic and weather.
Living in Big Sky
What it's like to live in Big Sky
Big Sky is not a town. It is an unincorporated community that spans Gallatin and Madison counties, about 45 miles southwest of Bozeman by road. The 2020 census counted 3,591 people, up from 2,308 in 2010. Big Sky Resort opened in 1973 and now covers 5,850 skiable acres under Lone Peak. Local services are paid for partly by a 4% resort tax run by the Big Sky Resort Area District, which has an elected board.
Daily life spreads across a few areas. Meadow Village sits lower in the valley with golf and Nordic trails, Town Center has shops, an ice rink, a theater, and a farmers market, and Mountain Village is the resort base. Homes run from condos and lodge units near the lifts to cabins and large custom homes, plus private club communities like Yellowstone Club and Spanish Peaks. I could not find a current median price from a source I trust, so look at recent sales for the exact area before you set a budget.
There is one main way in from Bozeman, US 191 through Gallatin Canyon, and it sees snow and ice from November through March with spotty cell service. Starting with 2026 tax bills, Montana taxes second homes at a higher rate than primary residences. Short-term rental rules depend on the county and zoning district, and HOA or club rules can be stricter, so check before you buy. I live on the Front Range and I'm licensed in Colorado, so for Big Sky I refer you to a local agent I trust and stay with you through the whole move.
Where it is
Where Big Sky sits in Montana
Hover a pin for a quick look. Click to open that town's guide.
Neighborhoods
Where to look in Big Sky
Meadow Village
Lower in the valley, about 7 miles from the resort, with golf, shops, restaurants, and Nordic skiing.
Town Center
The year-round hub, with shops, restaurants, an ice rink, a theater, and a summer farmers market.
Mountain Village
The resort base, with hotels, condos, and restaurants. Some lodging here, like the Summit Hotel and Huntley Lodge, is ski-in/ski-out.
Moonlight Basin
The north side of Lone Peak, merged into Big Sky Resort in 2013, with fewer shops and restaurants.
Spanish Peaks Mountain Club
A private club community that joined the Big Sky lift system in 2013.
Yellowstone Club
A private, members-only ski and golf club in Madison County whose terrain connects to the Big Sky lift system.
Get outside
Things to do in Big Sky
- 01
Big Sky Resort
5,850 skiable acres and about 4,350 vertical feet, with the Lone Peak Tram to the 11,166-foot summit.
- 02
Ousel Falls
A 1.6-mile round trip near Town Center to a 100-foot waterfall.
- 03
Lone Mountain Ranch
85 km of groomed Nordic ski trails.
- 04
Gallatin River
Fly fishing and whitewater rafting along US 191 in Gallatin Canyon.
- 05
Big Sky PBR
Three nights of bull riding each July during Big Sky's Biggest Week.
- 06
Yellowstone National Park
US 191 runs south from Big Sky toward West Yellowstone.
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FAQ
Big Sky questions, answered
How far is Big Sky from the airport?
Bozeman Yellowstone International is about 51 miles from Big Sky Resort, roughly an hour. You take US 191 through Gallatin Canyon, then MT-64 up to the resort. Expect snow and ice from November through March, use winter tires or all-wheel drive, and plan ahead since Uber and Lyft are not available in Big Sky.
Is Big Sky a town?
No. It is an unincorporated community that spans Gallatin and Madison counties. The Big Sky Resort Area District, with an elected board, collects a 4% resort tax on luxury goods and services and funds local projects.
Can I rent my Big Sky home short term?
On the Gallatin County side, short-term rentals are allowed by right in many Big Sky zoning sub-districts, and you need a Public Accommodations License from the Gallatin City-County Health Department. The Madison County side has its own rules, and HOAs and clubs can restrict rentals. Confirm with the county for your exact lot.
How are second homes taxed?
Starting with 2026 tax bills, Montana taxes homes that are not a primary residence or qualifying long-term rental at a higher rate. Short-term rentals do not qualify for the lower rate. Budget for HOA or club dues too.
What is the elevation of Big Sky?
The community sits around 6,936 feet. Resort base areas run from about 6,800 to 7,510 feet, and Lone Peak tops out at 11,166 feet.
Which school district serves Big Sky?
The Gallatin County portion is in Big Sky School District. The Madison County portion is in Ennis K-12 Schools. Confirm by address.
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