This forecast is more than 12 hours old. A newer one should have replaced it by now, so check another source before you travel.
Ski resort in Montana, United States
Big Sky
A large resort in southwest Montana built around Lone Peak, with 5,850 acres of skiable terrain.
Forecast updated , when it was 03:00 in Big Sky (GMT-7).
Big Sky snow forecast at 3,403 m (top lift)
Next 24 hours on the upper mountain
No snow in the next 24 hours.
Snow arrives on Saturday, with 10–20 cm over the next 7 days.
High confidence, all three forecast models agree
No snow is forecast for Big Sky at the top lift (3,403 m / 11,200 ft) in the next 24 hours, but 10–20 cm (5–8 in) is forecast over the next 7 days, starting on Saturday. All three weather models we compare forecast snow this week. Expect temperatures from −6 to 1 °C (21 to 34 °F), the freezing level near 3,350 m (11,000 ft) and gusts up to 61 km/h (38 mph) over the next day.
- Temperature now
- −5 °C (23 °F)
- Freezing level
- 3,350 m (11,000 ft)
- Wind
- 11 km/h (7 mph), gusts 33 km/h (21 mph)
- Sky now
- Overcast, 94% cloud
Big Sky hour by hour, on the upper mountain
Hourly snowfallNo rain or snow on the upper mountain in Big Sky in the next 24 hours.
Big Sky 7-day snow forecast, on the upper mountain
Best day to ski in Big Sky this week: Wednesday. 10 cm the day before and more falling, some sun, light wind. How we grade a ski day.
| Day | Weather | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|
| Today | CloudyPoor ski day−6 to 1 °C (21 to 34 °F) · gusts 61 km/h (38 mph) · freezing level 2,950 m (9,700 ft) | No snow |
| Sat | Light snowPoor ski day−8 to −2 °C (18 to 28 °F) · gusts 50 km/h (31 mph) · freezing level 2,500 m (8,200 ft) | 0–2 cm (under 1 in) |
| Sun | CloudyPoor ski day−10 to −3 °C (14 to 27 °F) · freezing level 2,300 m (7,500 ft) | No snow |
| Mon | Chance of snowPoor ski day−8 to −2 °C (18 to 28 °F) · gusts 41 km/h (25 mph) · freezing level 2,500 m (8,200 ft) | 0–2 cm (under 1 in) |
| Tue | SnowFair ski day−11 to −5 °C (12 to 23 °F) · freezing level 2,250 m (7,400 ft) | 5–15 cm (3–5 in) |
| Wed | SnowBest day−17 to −10 °C (1 to 14 °F) · freezing level 1,700 m (5,600 ft) | 1–6 cm (0–2 in) |
| Thu | Light snowFair ski day−18 to −11 °C (0 to 12 °F) · freezing level 1,500 m (4,900 ft) | 0–2 cm (under 1 in) |
Sky is graded over the ski day, 9am to 4pm. Bluebird means at least two of the three models show clear skies all day, none shows overcast, and no snow or rain is forecast. Models are weaker on cloud than on snow, and none of them can see valley fog, so treat it as a good sign rather than a promise.
Big Sky 14-day snow outlook, on the upper mountain
Days 8 to 14. Only two of our three models run this far ahead, and forecasts at this range often change, so read this as a guide to the pattern rather than a plan.
| Day | Weather | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 20 Nov | Some sun−19 to −12 °C (−2 to 10 °F) | No snow |
| Sat 21 Nov | Sunny−19 to −8 °C (−2 to 18 °F) | No snow |
| Sun 22 Nov | Chance of snow−17 to −8 °C (1 to 18 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–2 cm (under 1 in) |
| Mon 23 Nov | Sunny−20 to −10 °C (−4 to 14 °F) | No snow |
| Tue 24 Nov | Chance of snow−17 to −9 °C (1 to 16 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–6 cm (0–2 in) |
| Wed 25 Nov | Chance of snow−16 to −9 °C (3 to 16 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–2 cm (under 1 in) |
| Thu 26 Nov | Chance of snow−17 to −9 °C (1 to 16 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–2 cm (under 1 in) |
How much snow is there in Big Sky on the upper mountain?
No snow on the ground
This is an estimate from weather models, not a measurement, so it can differ from the depth a resort reports on its pistes. Check the official snow report before you travel.
Big Sky snow forecast at 2,073 m (village)
Next 24 hours in the village
No snow in the next 24 hours.
Snow arrives on Tuesday, with 5–15 cm over the next 7 days.
High confidence, all three forecast models agree
No snow is forecast for Big Sky in the village (2,073 m / 6,800 ft) in the next 24 hours, but 5–15 cm (2–6 in) is forecast over the next 7 days, starting on Tuesday. All three weather models we compare forecast snow this week. Expect temperatures from 3 to 10 °C (37 to 50 °F), the freezing level near 3,400 m (11,200 ft) and gusts up to 61 km/h (38 mph) over the next day.
- Temperature now
- 4 °C (39 °F)
- Freezing level
- 3,400 m (11,200 ft)
- Wind
- 9 km/h (6 mph), gusts 32 km/h (20 mph)
- Sky now
- Overcast, 94% cloud
Big Sky hour by hour, in the village
Hourly snowfallNo rain or snow in the village in Big Sky in the next 24 hours.
Big Sky 7-day snow forecast, in the village
| Day | Weather | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|
| Today | Cloudy3 to 10 °C (37 to 50 °F) · gusts 61 km/h (38 mph) · freezing level 3,150 m (10,300 ft) | No snow |
| Sat | Cloudy1 to 7 °C (34 to 45 °F) · gusts 48 km/h (30 mph) · freezing level 2,550 m (8,400 ft) | No snow |
| Sun | Cloudy−1 to 6 °C (30 to 43 °F) · freezing level 2,300 m (7,500 ft) | No snow |
| Mon | Cloudy0 to 7 °C (32 to 45 °F) · gusts 41 km/h (25 mph) · freezing level 2,500 m (8,200 ft) | No snow |
| Tue | Rain and snow−3 to 4 °C (27 to 39 °F) · freezing level 2,250 m (7,400 ft) | 1–9 cm (0–4 in) |
| Wed | Snow−8 to −1 °C (18 to 30 °F) · freezing level 1,700 m (5,600 ft) | 1–6 cm (0–2 in) |
| Thu | Light snow−9 to −3 °C (16 to 27 °F) · freezing level 1,500 m (4,900 ft) | 0–2 cm (under 1 in) |
Sky is graded over the ski day, 9am to 4pm. Bluebird means at least two of the three models show clear skies all day, none shows overcast, and no snow or rain is forecast. Models are weaker on cloud than on snow, and none of them can see valley fog, so treat it as a good sign rather than a promise.
Big Sky 14-day snow outlook, in the village
Days 8 to 14. Only two of our three models run this far ahead, and forecasts at this range often change, so read this as a guide to the pattern rather than a plan.
| Day | Weather | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 20 Nov | Some sun−10 to −4 °C (14 to 25 °F) | No snow |
| Sat 21 Nov | Sunny−10 to 0 °C (14 to 32 °F) | No snow |
| Sun 22 Nov | Chance of snow−8 to 1 °C (18 to 34 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–2 cm (under 1 in) |
| Mon 23 Nov | Sunny−11 to −2 °C (12 to 28 °F) | No snow |
| Tue 24 Nov | Chance of snow−8 to 0 °C (18 to 32 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–6 cm (0–2 in) |
| Wed 25 Nov | Chance of snow−7 to 0 °C (19 to 32 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–2 cm (under 1 in) |
| Thu 26 Nov | Chance of snow−9 to 0 °C (16 to 32 °F) · 1 of 2 models show snow | 0–2 cm (under 1 in) |
How much snow is there in Big Sky in the village?
No snow on the ground
This is an estimate from weather models, not a measurement, so it can differ from the depth a resort reports on its pistes. Check the official snow report before you travel.
Where is Big Sky?
- State
- Montana
- Country
- United States
- Mountains
- Rocky Mountains, Madison Range
- Village
- 2,073 m
- Top lift
- 3,403 m
- Vertical
- 1,330 m
- Lifts
- 40
- Season
- Late November to Late April
- Airports
- Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN)
- Official
- Snow report, Webcams, Piste map, Avalanche bulletin
- Passes
- Ikon Pass, Mountain Collective
- Website
- www.bigskyresort.com
About Big Sky
Big Sky Resort is in Madison County, Montana, about 50 miles from Bozeman. The ski area spreads around Lone Peak, whose summit at 11,166 ft (3,403 m) is served by a tram.
The resort has 5,850 acres of skiable terrain and 4,350 vertical feet. Its base areas are Mountain Village at 7,500 ft (2,286 m) and Madison Base at 7,400 ft (2,256 m).
The snow
Big Sky is one of the largest resorts in the United States, spread around Lone Mountain in Montana’s Madison Range with a tram to the 3,403 m summit. In our record it snows on about 13 to 14 days a month at mid-mountain from February to April, later than most of the Rockies, and snow was on the ground every Christmas Day in the last ten years. Montana’s snow is cold and dry, and the resort is high enough at its lowest lift at 2,073 m to keep it.
Who it suits
Anyone who dislikes queues: Big Sky’s terrain is vast for its visitor numbers. The Lone Peak tram serves some of the steepest lift-served terrain in North America; Andesite and Moonlight Basin have long, gentle groomers. The base area is small and quiet, and Yellowstone is an hour away. Big Sky is on the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective.
Getting there
Bozeman airport is about an hour by road.
When does it snow in Big Sky?
In Big Sky, snow falls on about 14 days in April in a typical year, the snowiest month. Snow is regular from September to June.
| January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 days | 13 days | 13 days | 14 days | 10 days | 4 days | <1 days | <1 days | 3 days | 9 days | 10 days | 12 days |
Average days each month with at least 1 cm of snowfall at mid-mountain, 2016–2025. Calculated from ERA5 reanalysis data.
Snow in Big Sky month by month
Averages for 2016 to 2025 at mid-mountain, from ERA5 reanalysis data. A sunny day has sunshine for at least 70% of the daylight hours.
| Month | Snow days | Share of the year's snow | Low to high | Sunny days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10 | 9% | −14 to −7 °C (7 to 19 °F) | 20 |
| February | 13 | 12% | −15 to −6 °C (5 to 21 °F) | 18 |
| March | 13 | 12% | −11 to −2 °C (12 to 28 °F) | 22 |
| April | 14 | 16% | −8 to 1 °C (18 to 34 °F) | 20 |
| May | 10 | 13% | −3 to 6 °C (27 to 43 °F) | 23 |
| June | 4 | 4% | 1 to 13 °C (34 to 55 °F) | 24 |
| July | <1 | 0% | 7 to 19 °C (45 to 66 °F) | 30 |
| August | <1 | 0% | 6 to 18 °C (43 to 64 °F) | 29 |
| September | 3 | 3% | 2 to 14 °C (36 to 57 °F) | 25 |
| October | 9 | 11% | −6 to 4 °C (21 to 39 °F) | 23 |
| November | 10 | 10% | −11 to −2 °C (12 to 28 °F) | 20 |
| December | 12 | 10% | −14 to −6 °C (7 to 21 °F) | 17 |
Snow in Big Sky in October
In October, Big Sky gets snow on about 9 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 11% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from −6 to 4 °C (21 to 39 °F). About 23 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Big Sky in November
In November, Big Sky gets snow on about 10 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 10% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from −11 to −2 °C (12 to 28 °F). About 20 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Big Sky in December
In December, Big Sky gets snow on about 12 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 10% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from −14 to −6 °C (7 to 21 °F). About 17 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Big Sky in January
In January, Big Sky gets snow on about 10 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 9% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from −14 to −7 °C (7 to 19 °F). About 20 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Big Sky in February
In February, Big Sky gets snow on about 13 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 12% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from −15 to −6 °C (5 to 21 °F). About 18 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Big Sky in March
In March, Big Sky gets snow on about 13 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 12% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from −11 to −2 °C (12 to 28 °F). About 22 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Big Sky in April
In April, Big Sky gets snow on about 14 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 16% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from −8 to 1 °C (18 to 34 °F). About 20 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Big Sky in May
In May, Big Sky gets snow on about 10 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 13% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from −3 to 6 °C (27 to 43 °F). About 23 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Big Sky in June
In June, Big Sky gets snow on about 4 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 4% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from 1 to 13 °C (34 to 55 °F). About 24 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Snow in Big Sky in September
In September, Big Sky gets snow on about 3 days at mid-mountain, and the month brings about 3% of the year's snowfall. Daily temperatures usually run from 2 to 14 °C (36 to 57 °F). About 25 days are sunny for most of the daylight hours.
Which winters were snowiest in Big Sky?
Of the last ten winters in Big Sky, 2017/18 was the snowiest, about 24% above the ten-year average at mid-mountain. The leanest was 2020/21, about 17% below average. The biggest single day of snowfall in the record was 13 June 2017.
| Winter | Compared with average | |
|---|---|---|
| 2016/17 | 98% of average | |
| 2017/18 | 124% of average | |
| 2018/19 | 97% of average | |
| 2019/20 | 105% of average | |
| 2020/21 | 83% of average | |
| 2021/22 | 105% of average | |
| 2022/23 | 94% of average | |
| 2023/24 | 97% of average | |
| 2024/25 | 105% of average | |
| 2025/26 | 92% of average |
Winters are compared with each other rather than given in centimetres. The ERA5 record is reliable on which winters were big and which were lean, but it underestimates absolute snowfall in the mountains, so the resort's own measured totals are the ones to trust for amounts.
Questions about snow in Big Sky
Does Big Sky have snow at Christmas?
Big Sky had at least 2.5 cm (1 in) of snow on the ground on Christmas Day in every one of the 10 years from 2016 to 2025 at mid-mountain. Fresh snow fell during 20 to 26 December in every one of those years.
Does Big Sky have snow at New Year?
Big Sky had at least 2.5 cm (1 in) of snow on the ground on New Year's Day in every one of the 10 years from 2016 to 2025 at mid-mountain. Fresh snow fell during 27 December to 2 January in 9 of those years.
Does Big Sky have snow in mid-February?
Big Sky had at least 2.5 cm (1 in) of snow on the ground on 15 February in every one of the 10 years from 2016 to 2025 at mid-mountain. Fresh snow fell during 10 to 20 February in every one of those years.
Does Big Sky have snow at Easter?
Big Sky had at least 2.5 cm (1 in) of snow on the ground on Easter Sunday in every one of the 10 years from 2016 to 2025 at mid-mountain. Fresh snow fell during Good Friday to Easter Monday in 9 of those years.
How many days a year does it snow in Big Sky?
It snows on about 97 days a year in Big Sky at mid-mountain, counting days with at least 1 cm of snowfall, averaged over 2016 to 2025. April has the most, about 14 days.
What is the snowiest month in Big Sky?
April is the snowiest month in Big Sky, bringing about 16% of the year's snowfall at mid-mountain, based on ERA5 reanalysis data for 2016 to 2025.
Which recent winter was the snowiest in Big Sky?
Of the last ten winters in Big Sky, 2017/18 was the snowiest, about 24% above the ten-year average. The leanest was 2020/21, about 17% below average.
How cold does Big Sky get in winter?
February is the coldest month in Big Sky at mid-mountain, with average daily lows of −15 °C (5 °F) and highs of −6 °C (21 °F).
How many bluebird days does Big Sky get in winter?
From December to March, Big Sky averages about 19 days a month with sunshine for at least 70% of the daylight hours at mid-mountain, and about 7.1 hours of sunshine a day. March is the sunniest of those months. The figures are from ERA5 reanalysis for 2016 to 2025, which sees cloud over a region well but cannot see valley fog.
How high is Big Sky?
The village or lowest lift at Big Sky is at 2,073 m (6,800 ft) and the top lift is at 3,403 m (11,200 ft), a vertical drop of 1,330 m (4,400 ft).
When does the ski season start in Big Sky?
The lifts at Big Sky usually open in late November and close in late April. Exact dates change each year with the snow, so check the resort's own website before you book.
Snow forecasts near Big Sky
Compare Big Sky for snow
Facts checked 18 September 2026. Sources: Big Sky Resort mountain information, Wikipedia: Big Sky Resort, J2Ski: Big Sky season dates, Skiresort.com, Big Sky