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
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Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's 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
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing10
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Packable down jacketAn extra warm layer for a Yellowstone snowcoach day.
Shoes3
Snow boots
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
House slippers
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 warmersKristina's pickSubzero mornings make cold feet the first complaint.
Ski goggles with a low-light lensStorm days and flat light are common in midwinter.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things18
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech15
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Alpine
Snow, cabin red, navy, oatmeal
For photos
- Red and navy against white snow
- Matching knit hats
Tap any piece to shop the look.
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.