Big Sky

Big Sky Resort typically opens for skiing from the end of November to the end of April. The shoulder seasons, fall and spring, can be trickier for trail access as it can be muddy or snow-covered. However, early fall can be an excellent time to get out as the weather is dry, relatively warm, and the crowds thin out even more. The highest average temps fall between late July and early August.

At over 7,200 feet of elevation, visitors should prepare to be at altitude. This means lots of water, maybe a little caffeine, and a day or two to acclimate or between backpacking trips. As well as a slower pace and being conscious of symptoms associated with altitude sickness like a headache, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, or nausea. In the backcountry, the only thing that helps altitude sickness is to return to lower altitudes and higher oxygen levels.

For anglers, the Salmonfly hatch is an annual event between the end of June and the beginning of July, when the spring run-off is at its height. There's nothing like taking a rest day between hikes by soaking your tired legs and feet in the icy-cold Gallatin River full of hungry cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout.

As the western access point for Yellowstone National Park, there is no shortage of places to stay in Big Sky. Here's a brief list of options from Visit Big Sky, ranging from hotels and spas to inns and western lodges:

• Residence Inn Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel
• Big Sky Resort
• The Lodge at Big Sky
• Whitewater Inn

Additionally, there are a wide range of campground experiences available around Big Sky and throughout the Gallatin Canyon to the north like the Moose Creek Flat Campground, Red Cliff Campground, and Windy Pass Cabin. As well as backcountry camping throughout Lee Metcalf Wilderness.

The food options in Big Sky run the gamut, from bakeries to big game and everything in between. You can grab a beer at the Lone Peak Brewery or a cocktail across the way at Olive B's Big Sky Bistro and then toss a coin to decide between Ousel & Spur Pizza Co. or the Blue Moon Bakery for a fresh homemade pizza.

Rock climbing, horseback riding, hunting, whitewater rafting, and, of course, skiing are just the tip of the iceberg for outdoor pursuits around Big Sky.