Day 1: Arrive In Bozeman
Fly into Bozeman where recreation-loving locals can't wait to share their knowledge, enthusiasm and suggestions as your unofficial area guides. Book a stay at The LARK and it's steps to start exploring all that downtown has to offer. Montana Ale Works on Main Street is a great dinner option for the whole family, with artfully-crafted upscale comfort food – local and naturally-raised Montana beef & bison burgers, hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, hearty sandwiches, salads, gluten-free dishes, and an array of nightly chef's specials and happy hour small plates – all featuring locally-sourced produce, meats and cheeses.
Day 2: Ski Bridger Bowl
Rise and shine for a day on the slopes. Less than 30 minutes from downtown Bozeman, Bridger Bowl is a unique ski resort in every sense of the word. This nonprofit ski area (since 1955) has been recognized for its sustainable business model while also being known as one of the best ski resorts in North America. Bridger Bowl offers a big mountain experience with a friendly locals' vibe. With a dedicated Beginner's Area and the Snowflake beginner chair lift, it's perfect for little ones (re)gaining their ski legs. For more experienced beginner and intermediate skiers and riders, over 500 acres of terrain await on north side of the ski area. After the last run, hit the road for Big Sky. Buck's T-4 Lodge is a great option for the night.
Day 3: Say Mush!
Hit the trail with some four-legged friends as you explore the Big Sky area via dog sled on a 2-hour excursion. Spirit of the North Sled Dog Adventures begin at Moonlight Basin, just one mile above the Big Sky Mountain Village. With cookies, hot cocoa and doggie play time waiting for you on breaks along the trail, this unique experience is one the kids will be talking about for years to come. In the afternoon check into Lone Mountain Ranch. Homesteaded in 1915, the story of Lone Mountain Ranch is woven tightly with the very spirit of the American West. Take a walk back through time to get a sense of its deep roots and the real Montana you’ll find once you're there.
Day 4: Zip Around Big Sky
Mix it up with a rush of adrenaline on Day 4 with a zip down Big Sky Resort's Adventure Zipline. This isn't your run-of-the-mill, climb-a-ladder-to-the-top, summer camp zipline. To embark on this adventure, you'll take the Explorer Double Chair lift to the top, taking in expansive views of Lone Mountain and the Spanish Peaks of the Madison Range the whole way up. Once you're at the top, let the zipping begin. Swoop your way down the mountain on four adrenaline-pumping lines spanning up to 1500 feet long and 150ft above the forest floor, including a Twin Zipline where kids (and parents) can race their fellow adventure zippers. For the evening, book a horse-drawn sleigh ride with Lone Mountain Ranch to a cozy, oil-lantern-lit cabin for a prime-rib dinner.
Day 5: Take it All In
For some serenity on your last day, consider a family hike or fat tire bike ride. The trail to Ousel Falls descends into the South Fork ravine to beautiful ice formations in the winter. It is an easy hike for all ages that can start at the entrance of Ousel Falls Park (1.6 miles) or from Big Sky Town Center (5.6 miles). From town it's a quick, one-hour drive back to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.
