Guide to Montana

Big Sky is Montana’s adventure destination for the whole family. There’s something for everyone whether you’re looking to hit the slopes in winter, explore the rivers in summer and take in the fall foliage on its many hiking trails. Home to two world-class resorts, you also won’t have to beat the crowds despite being just a few miles from West Yellowstone Park and being driving distance from Bozeman.

When planning your getaway, be aware the weather can be unpredictable in this gorgeous mountain town. This is just part of what makes mountain life so exciting! Check the weather in Big Sky before you go, but summers are generally clear and sunny, winters cold with deep snow, and fall and spring variable.

Regardless of the season, we provide a range of luxurious places to stay in Big Sky, including properties to accommodate groups large and small. Cozy lodges, spacious riverfront cottages and ski in/ski out condos are all available to enhance your stay.

Bozeman is a historic, year-round destination offering arts & culture, a variety of dining options, and outdoor excursions for all ages. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the ample options to see the area’s open spaces by mountain biking, horseback riding and river tubing, to name a few! The city mixes Old West architecture with ski culture and the tech industry luring everyone with its ample recreational activities.

Warm summer months with highs in the mid-80s are perfect for discovering the many geological features of the Bozeman area. Take note that temperatures can swing greatly from day to night offering warm days in the sun and cool evenings on the porch. Sunny and snowy winters beckon travelers to hit the slopes, explore cross-country ski trails and discover the backcountry on snowmobiles.

Finding housing for your trip is easy with our vacation rentals in the Bozeman area. Stay in historic downtown Bozeman to visit the shops and bar scene. A beach escape is possible for small and large groups. The locally owned Bridger Bowl is also open mid-December to early April for elevated mountain living.

America’s first national park, Yellowstone’s west entrance is just 91 miles from Bozeman along the stunning Gallatin River and a one hour drive from Big Sky past expansive mountain meadows. You will pass through the famous Rosevelt Arch before heading to bucket-list destinations such as Mammoth Hot Springs, the Boiling River and Lamar Valley home to American bison, bald eagles, and grizzly bears.

Yellowstone’s weather fluctuates due to the altitude, so bring layers and jackets for the unexpected. It’s been known to snow in June but is most common from November through April. While not all roads and facilities are open yet, springtime is an exciting period in the park to see bison and elk calves, as well as wolves, coyotes, and grizzlies, hunt for food after a long winter.

Options abound when finding a vacation rental in Yellowstone with gorgeous lodging leading up to the west entrance of the park. Paradise Valley attracts travelers from all over looking to stay along the Yellowstone River stretching from Gardiner to Livingston, MT. Private lodges, fly-fishing cottages and charming cabins are able to accommodate groups of all sizes.

The Flathead area is a year-round destination and boasts many attractions. From the famous Glacier National Park to Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississipi, there is something for everyone. In the summer, there are at least 269 lakes and reservoirs to explore in the Flathead area as well as many rivers.

The two ski resorts in the area, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, offer outstanding skiing and snowboarding for all levels. They also offer a wealth of summer activities such as hiking, biking, scenic lift rides, etc.

Charming towns in the area include Bigfork, Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls. We have a variety of properties such as waterfront properties, properties near the Eagle Bend Golf Course and downtown Bigfork properties.

Livingston is a charming western town and the gateway to stunning Paradise Valley. Locally sourced dining and boutique shopping options offer a local’s viewpoint of the Wild West. Easy access to the Yellowstone River and a short drive to Yellowstone National Park attracts visitors for a day trip and more. Stay in Livingston to visit art galleries, antique shops, museums, restaurants and multiple hot springs in the area.

Livingston might have some of the warmer temperatures in the state during winter, but it’s also one of the windiest places in the country! You’ll want to bundle up to enjoy this winter wonderland. Summer and Fall draw crowds due to the blue and sunny skies. As with other Montana destinations, bring a jacket and your hiking boots to explore the gorgeous outdoors just steps away from your door.

Ennis is a Montana hidden gem! Surrounded by mountains on all sides the views are simply breathtaking. Complete with world famous trout fishing and authentic cowboy culture we are sure you will love the Madison River Valley! An outdoor person’s paradise, adventure, and relaxation await you in Southwestern MT. Located nearby to Yellowstone NP, Ennis is the perfect place to call ‘home’ on your next trip!

Off the beaten path, Ennis and the entire Madison River Valley provide guests seclusion in a rural and scenic destination that is sure to make a lasting memory on you. No matter what time of year you visit the beauty that surrounds never ends! Be sure to bundle up to enjoy the cold and snowy winters and in summer and fall be prepared for blue and sunny skies! As with other Montana destinations, bring a jacket and your hiking boots to explore the gorgeous outdoors just steps away from your door.