Big Sky has always been a skier’s mountain. With 5,850 acres of terrain and the famous Lone Peak Tram, it’s built its reputation on powder and vertical feet.
But something shifted this winter. Expedia named Big Sky the #1 trending travel destination for 2026, and a lot of the people booking trips aren’t there to ski at all. They’re coming for the views, the food, and experiences that don’t require bindings.
If you’ve ever wanted to visit Big Sky but don’t ski, this is the winter to do it. There’s a rare convergence of new openings, limited-time experiences, and bucket-list adventures that won’t repeat. Here are five worth planning a trip around.
1. Stand on Glass at 11,166 Feet
For the first time in Big Sky’s history, non-skiers can reach the summit of Lone Peak.
Kircliff is a two-story glass observation deck that opened in December 2025, perched at 11,166 feet with views stretching to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. The glass floor extends over the edge of the mountain, and you don’t need skis or hiking boots to get there.
The journey takes about 15 minutes from the base. You’ll ride the new Explorer Gondola, the fastest 10-person gondola in the world, then transfer to the Lone Peak Tram. The walk between lifts is over snow and uphill, so dress accordingly, but anyone in reasonable shape can make it.
This is Montana’s highest scenic overlook, and it’s now accessible to everyone. Scenic tickets are available for non-skiers to ride both lifts and access Kircliff for the day.
2. Dinner by a Three-Michelin-Star Chef
M by The Alinea Group is a pop-up restaurant from Chef Grant Achatz, the mind behind Chicago’s legendary Alinea. It’s part of The Alinea Group’s 20th anniversary world tour, and Big Sky is the final stop.
The residency runs through March 2026 and then it’s gone.
Chef Achatz is known for molecular gastronomy, edible balloons, and dishes that challenge what a meal can be. M brings that creativity to Montana with a seasonal tasting menu that draws on the region’s ingredients and the mountain setting. The space itself was designed by the award-winning studio Fettle to match the experience.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime dining opportunity at a ski resort. Reservations are essential and hard to get, so book as far in advance as possible.
3. Yellowstone in Winter by Snowcoach
Most of Yellowstone’s roads close in winter, but that doesn’t mean the park is off-limits. It means you get to see it the way few people do.
Snowcoach tours depart from West Yellowstone, about an hour from Big Sky. These heated, tracked vehicles travel through the park’s interior where regular cars can’t go. You’ll pass through steaming geyser basins, frozen waterfalls, and valleys where bison herds move through deep snow.
The wildlife photography opportunities are world-class. Wolves, elk, foxes, and bison against a backdrop of white. Many of the dedicated photography workshops sell out months in advance, but general snowcoach tours are easier to book and still put you in the right places.
January through March is prime season. The roads are impassable to regular vehicles, which means fewer crowds and a quieter, more intimate experience with the park.
4. Spa Day with Mountain Views
Big Sky has quietly become one of the best spa destinations in Montana, with several high-end options that go far beyond a basic massage.
Spa Montage at Montage Big Sky offers treatments with views of the surrounding peaks. Their menu includes Valmont skincare facials, signature Lola’s Apothecary body treatments, and wellness programming like guided snowshoe tours.
One&Only Moonlight Basin takes a holistic approach with temperature therapy, sauna and steam facilities, and treatments designed around restoration and balance.
For something more accessible, Solace Spa at Huntley Lodge in the Mountain Village offers a full menu without leaving the resort base area.
After a morning at Kircliff or a long snowcoach day, a spa afternoon is the right kind of recovery.
5. Dog Sledding Through the Backcountry
There’s no better way to experience Montana’s winter landscape than behind a team of dogs.
Dog sledding tours operate around Big Sky and the surrounding areas, ranging from short introductory rides to half-day backcountry adventures. You’ll travel through snow-covered meadows and forests with nothing but the sound of the sled runners and the dogs ahead of you.
This is a family-friendly activity that works for all ages, and it’s one of those experiences that feels distinctly Montana. Several outfitters offer tours, and Visit Big Sky can point you to the right operators.
The Window Is Open
Big Sky is having a moment. The new Kircliff observation deck makes the summit accessible to everyone for the first time. Chef Achatz’s residency brings three-Michelin-star dining to a mountain town through March. Yellowstone’s winter season offers views and wildlife that summer crowds never see.
These things won’t all line up again. If Big Sky has been on your list, this is the winter to go.