Skiing

Big Sky [1] and neighboring Moonlight Basin [2], one hour to the south, form the state’s largest downhill ski resort; on the same mountain, find good cross-country skiing at Lone Mountain Ranch (406/995-4644).

Bridger Bowl (15795 Bridger Canyon Rd., 406/587-2111 or 800/223-9609, www.bridgerbowl.com [3], mid-Dec.–mid-Apr., $43 adults, $15 children 6–12, $35 seniors, half-day and multiday passes available), 16 miles northeast of town up Bridger Canyon Road, is Bozeman’s local nonprofit ski mountain. It’s just as snowy as Big Sky, though smaller, less glitzy, and less expensive.

During the ski season a free shuttle bus runs several times daily between Bridger and the Gallatin County Fairground (901 N. Black Ave.). Call 406/586-2389 for a ski report.

Cross-country skiers can head up Bridger Canyon to the groomed trails at Bohart Ranch Cross Country Ski Center (16621 Bridger Canyon Rd., 406/586-9070, www.bohartranchxcski.com [4], Dec.–Mar., $15 adults, $8 children 7–12). Lessons and rentals are also available. During the summer the trails are used for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding (bring your own horse).

There are also cross-country ski trails at Hyalite Reservoir, 18 miles south of town; Bozeman Creek, five miles south of town; and Stone Creek, 10 miles northeast of Bozeman [5]. Call the Forest Service (406/522-2528) for details on these trails.

In downtown Bozeman, Chalet Sports (108 W. Main St., 406/587-4595) rents skis and bikes.