Mountains & Ski · Best Jan–Mar
Big Sky ski packing list for families
Big Sky has an enormous mountain and very few crowds, but Montana winters run colder than most ski towns. Packing for real cold, plus a possible day trip into Yellowstone, keeps everyone comfortable.
Photo by Phillip Goldsberry on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Big Sky Ski
- Montana cold is real, especially in January, when mornings can drop below zero. I layer kids in a thin base, a fleece, and their ski jacket, and I pack toe warmers along with hand warmers.
- The drive from Bozeman takes about an hour through a winding canyon, and winter roads can be snowy. Pack the car seats and plan to arrive in daylight if you can.
- A winter snowcoach tour into Yellowstone is something kids remember forever. Bring an extra warm layer and binoculars for that day, since you will spend time outside watching bison and geysers in the cold.
Best timeJan–Mar
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Big Sky Ski
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing4
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
Underwear and socks9 per person
Packable down jacketAn extra warm layer for a Yellowstone snowcoach day.
Shoes1
Snow boots
Beach & pool1
Swimsuits for the hot tubA warm soak is the best way to end a cold ski day.
Adventure1
Kids' binocularsBison, elk, and wolves are often seen at a distance in Yellowstone.
Mountain8
Base layers2 sets per person
Ski jackets and snow pants
Gloves or mittens, plus a spare pair
Neck gaiters and helmet liners
Hand warmers
Lip balm with SPF
Toe warmersOur pickSubzero mornings make cold feet the first complaint.
Ski goggles with a low-light lensStorm days and flat light are common in midwinter.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries3
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech1
Portable phone chargerOur pick
The outfit edit
Alpine
Snow, cabin red, navy, oatmeal
For the grown-ups
- A great ski jacket
- Fair Isle or cable knit for après
- Warm boots for town
For the kids
- Bright ski jackets they're easy to spot in
- Cozy pajamas for the lodge
- Fleece layers
For photos
- Red and navy against white snow
- Matching knit hats
Month by month
Big Sky Ski weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°F -2°C | Very cold and snowy, with frequent subzero mornings and excellent powder. | Snowcoach and snowmobile tours into Yellowstone, usually mid-December to mid-March. Cold, dry powder and wide-open runs with very short lift lines. |
| February | 31°F -1°C | Very cold and snowy, with frequent subzero mornings and excellent powder. | Snowcoach and snowmobile tours into Yellowstone, usually mid-December to mid-March. Cold, dry powder and wide-open runs with very short lift lines. |
| March | 37°F 3°C | Longer, sunnier days and spring skiing, with the season usually ending in mid-April. | Snowcoach and snowmobile tours into Yellowstone, usually mid-December to mid-March. Sunny spring skiing and longer afternoons on the mountain. |
| April | 44°F 7°C | Longer, sunnier days and spring skiing, with the season usually ending in mid-April. | |
| May | 54°F 12°C | Muddy, quiet shoulder season warming into early summer. | |
| June | 64°F 18°C | Muddy, quiet shoulder season warming into early summer. | Summer days in Yellowstone, about an hour's drive to the West Yellowstone entrance. |
| July | 74°F 23°C | Warm, dry summer days and cool nights, great for hiking and Yellowstone trips. | Summer rodeo in Big Sky, a fun Western night out for kids. Summer days in Yellowstone, about an hour's drive to the West Yellowstone entrance. |
| August | 73°F 23°C | Warm, dry summer days and cool nights, great for hiking and Yellowstone trips. | Summer days in Yellowstone, about an hour's drive to the West Yellowstone entrance. |
| September | 63°F 17°C | Cool, crisp fall with early snow, and the ski season opening around Thanksgiving. | |
| October | 49°F 9°C | Cool, crisp fall with early snow, and the ski season opening around Thanksgiving. | |
| November | 35°F 2°C | Cool, crisp fall with early snow, and the ski season opening around Thanksgiving. | |
| December | 27°F -3°C | Very cold and snowy, with frequent subzero mornings and excellent powder. | Snowcoach and snowmobile tours into Yellowstone, usually mid-December to mid-March. |
Questions families ask
Big Sky Ski with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Big Sky Ski with kids?
The best time is Jan–Mar. Warm, dry summer days and cool nights, great for hiking and Yellowstone trips.
What's the weather like in Big Sky Ski?
Typical daytime highs range from about 27°F (-3°C) in December to about 74°F (23°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Big Sky Ski?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Big Sky Ski?
None. Big Sky Ski uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Big Sky Ski with kids?
Montana cold is real, especially in January, when mornings can drop below zero. I layer kids in a thin base, a fleece, and their ski jacket, and I pack toe warmers along with hand warmers.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.