Big Sky; a challenging tangle of lines for skiers who want to break the boundaries of our valley during the winter. But what about during the summer? This picturesque little town in the heart of the Madison Range is a playground. It offers a wide range of our favorite warm weather activities like mountain biking, zip lining, bungee trampolines, gemstone mining, and scenic rides. The Wilson Hotel, located in Big Sky’s Town Center in Meadow Village, is the ideal basecamp for all those adventures.
As a guest of The Wilson you’ll benefit from a wide range of amenities inside and out. Choose from their selection of spacious luxury suites and studios, each equipped with a full kitchen. Take in the coveted Montana sun from a shimmering pool and enjoy a spa treatment on some fresh linens. Easily entertain the whole family at the outdoor playground and BBQ pit. One of the many other perks of The Wilson is its close proximity to restaurants, galleries, and shops for that retail therapy itch or long-awaited indoor dining opportunities — we all need to catch up on those lost hours of authentic culinary experience.
Start your day with The Wilson’s deluxe complimentary breakfast to fuel up on flaky pastries, savory bacon, and hot coffee. Then catch the convenient and free Skyline Shuttle right outside the hotel. Leave the driving to someone else so you can take in the gorgeous views while you’re whisked up to Mountain Village for high-altitude fun.
There are activities for everyone at Mountain Village. Take to the sky on the scenic lift ride and zip line above the tree tops for an easy adrenaline and endorphin boost. If you prefer to stay grounded, over 40 miles of mountain bike trails await, as well as hiking trails and many opportunities for wildlife watching. Young ones will find hours of fun at Adventure Mountain where they can mine for gems, fly thirty feet in the air on the giant swing, and play a round of mini golf. Mountain Village also offers a wide range of dining options and shops to stock up on outdoor gear.
Feeling more confident? The excitement in Big Sky doesn’t stop at Mountain Village. Many activities can be found all around town. Channel your inner Arnold Palmer at Big Sky Resort Golf Course. Hold on tight as you shoot through the rapids on a rafting trip down the Gallatin River. Hikers looking for a short stroll or a lung-busting climb will find miles of trails. Saddle up for a horseback ride into the wilderness then exchange four legs for two wheels as you ride the many bike trails in and around Big Sky.
Once you’re winding down from a day in the great outdoors (or perhaps you can save this for a rainy day), check out the Historic Crail Ranch for a fascinating look into the everyday lives of early homesteaders in the valley. The Crail family settled here in 1902 in the cabin that now makes up the Crail Ranch Homestead Museum. Today, the ranch is overseen by the Big Sky Community Organization, a nonprofit devoted to caring for the grounds and the two remaining cabins. The grounds are open anytime but be sure to come back on a weekend so you can take part in a guided tour. Every great adventurer knows the power of pressing pause. Perch yourself by the garden and soak up the calming sounds of a Montana meadow. Consider how fortunate the Crail family was to be able to carve out their lives in the shadow of these majestic mountains.
After the historical experience, it’s back to The Wilson to gear up for a night on the town. Happy hour is a state of mind in Big Sky and there are several delicious options for imbibing within walking distance of the hotel.
As with many Montana towns, Big Sky hosts exceptional craft breweries. A pleasant stroll past the golf course leads you to Lone Peak Brewery where you can grab a plate of Finger Lick’n Wings and a pour of a light Nordic Blonde ale. Beehive Basin Brewery sits a stone’s throw from The Wilson. This small-batch brewery welcomes beer lovers to their intimate taproom to sample hefty concoctions like the “The Big” Baltic Porter — yum.
If craft cocktails are more your style, venture over to The Standard. Settle in at the art-deco style bar while the artist behind the bar lovingly creates a classic Manhattan or a modern Smoke, Spice & Everything Nice.
One of the best perks about staying at The Wilson is you can go right from your room to Copper Whiskey Bar where dinner and drinks await without having to leave the hotel. Whiskey connoisseurs can choose from a staggering menu of world-class pours on the rocks or in a tasty cocktail. Can’t decide? Try a whiskey flight. After working up a mountain of an appetite during the day reward yourself with Copper’s truffle fries and a perfectly grilled ribeye.
Once your taste buds are satisfied, head back up to your room and sink into your soft bed dreaming of the day's memories and tomorrow’s adventures under Montana’s Big Sky.
The Wilson Hotel at Big Sky
145 Town Center Avenue
Big Sky, Montana 59716
406.995.9000
RIBigSky@Marriott.com