Spring Break in Big Sky

Hello, friends, and happy Tuesday! I’m gearing up for a big announcement soon, so be on the lookout for some colorful spring fun!

Last week we celebrated Spring Break with a quick trip to visit my brother and sisters in Big Sky (two of them live in Bozeman). It was the first time since we lost our dad that the four of us have been together, so it felt cathartic to unite again. Plus, Mr. College joined us, so my mama heart was at ease having all my people in one spot!

We’ve been coming to Montana to visit family for years, and Big Sky is one of our favorite spots. It’s both quant and majestic, and still feels a little bit undiscovered. It’s an amazing spot to visit in Summer or Winter, and perfect for active families because there is so much to do!

This trip was all about skiing, so the first thing I did was pull out all our ski gear to see who had outgrown what. Of course Little Miss had outgrown quite a bit in the two years since we’ve been skiing, and unfortunately so had I, ha! #thanks2020

So I did what I do every time we have an active, outdoor trip… I called the Gearheads at Backcountry for advice (it’s free, after all!). I told them where we were going, the predicted weather conditions, and pieces we already owned… from there, they made recommendations for everything else, in several price points (because ski stuff isn’t cheap!!)… saving me so much time and stress.

All their recommendations were spot-on… we had 25-degree days with lots of snow, and all of us were warm, dry, and comfortable the entire time!

on Little Miss: Ski Jacket (Similar HERE) | Ski Bib (Similar HERE) | Snow Boots | Beanie
on Little C: Ski Jacket | Snow Pants | Boots | Gloves (Similar HERE)

on Mr. College: Puffer Jacket | Similar Ski Pants | Gloves | Goggles

Backcountry always has incredible sales, but this jacket was definitely the deal of the trip! It’s a 3-in-1 snow jacket with a protective outer shell that can be worn on warmer days, and insulated mid-jacket for days you need added warmth. You can wear them together or separate, making it perfect for on and off the mountain.

The guys even split it up and each wore a layer on some days, essentially making two jackets for the price of one! It also passed the ‘cool test,’ so it’s great for teens, too.

On me: Ski Jacket | Ski Pants (Similar HERE) | Neckwarmer | Gloves (Similar HERE) | Goggles
On Little Miss: Ski Jacket (Similar HERE) | Ski Bib (Similar HERE) | Gloves | Goggles
On Mr. College: Ski Jacket | Ski Pants | Similar Neck Gaiter | Similar Beanie | Gloves | Goggles
On Mr. SP: Similar Ski Jacket | Ski Pants (Similar HERE) | Gloves (Similar HERE) | Goggles

on me: Jacket | Neck Gaiter | Goggles

My jacket is a great weight that can be worn with ventilation on warmer days, or closed up on cold ones. It’s longer in the back, which is always appreciated when sitting on cold lifts, and the oversized hood easily fits over a helmet.

Plus, it has a ton of pockets and zippered compartments, even one on the sleeve perfect for holding lift tickets. (Big Sky has an automated card reader at every lift, so you simply wave your pocketed ticket for entrance.)

Neck gaiters took on a whole new meaning this year… not only did they keep our faces and necks warm, but kept us masked in all the public spaces (a requirement at Big Sky!!).

on me: Ski Jacket | Ski Pants (Similar HERE) | Neck Warmer | Gloves (Similar HERE) | Goggles

My brother and sisters grew up in Montana and on the mountain, so they definitely took a few runs without me. I’m officially the slowest skier in the family now… Little Miss even blows past me! Which is fine by me, it just means more sledding time with my cutie-pie nephew!

on me: Puffer Jacket | Fleece Pullover | Pants (Similar HERE) | Beanie | Snow Boots

Ski Jacket (Similar HERE) | Ski Bib (Similar HERE) | Gloves | Fleece Pullover

On Little Miss: Ski Jacket (Similar HERE) | Ski Bib (Similar HERE) | Gloves | Fleece Pullover | Neck Gaiter | Goggles
On Mr. SP: Similar Ski Jacket | Ski Pants (Similar HERE) | Neck Gaiter | Gloves (Similar HERE) | Goggles

Big Sky is super laidback and casual, so my packing consisted mostly of ski gear, snow boots, and leggings. I never skimp on base layers, and love these fleece pullovers for layering both on and off the mountain.

Sugarplum Travel Tips for Big Sky //

Big Sky is limiting people on the mountain, so I’d recommend buying your lift tickets early. You can combine lift tickets with ski rentals for an easy package, or rent separately once you arrive. We rented our skis, boots and helmets from the resort (base of the mountain), but brought our own goggles.

Big Sky Resort has lodging options directly at the base, plus there are quite a few rental homes and condos nearby. We always stay in this townhome (it’s my brother and sisters’), and it’s super comfy with everything we need…plus ski-in-ski-out access!

The Resort area itself is small and compact, with a grocery, food court, rentals and shops right at the base, and within walking distance of anywhere on the mountain.

The town of Big Sky is referred to as ‘The Meadow,’ and has several restaurant options, for limited dine-in or take-out.

We fly directly to Bozeman and rent a car. The 1-hour drive through the canyon to Big Sky is stunning, but do be careful on the roads if there’s been a storm. A car with 4-wheel drive is a good idea during ski season.

Ski Jacket | Ski Pants (Similar HERE) | Neckwarmer | Gloves (Similar HERE) | Goggles

Puffer Jacket | Fleece Pullover | Pants (Similar HERE) | Beanie | Gloves (Similar HERE) | Aviators

Gone are the days of the puffier the clothes, the warmer they are! New insulating fabrics allow you to wear a more streamlined jacket, while staying just as warm and dry. With the proper base layers, there’s no need to wear super thick and heavy pants and jackets. And don’t underestimate the power of a great sock!

We applied this formula of clothes to every member in our family, and it proved to be a good checklist for both packing and getting dressed each day!

Base Layer.  Thermal Top // Thermal Bottoms // Wool Socks // Fleece Pullover
Outer Layer. Insulated Jacket // Insulated Pants // Beanie // Gloves
Extras: Snow Boots // Neck Gaiter // Helmet // Goggles

On Little Miss: Ski Jacket | Fleece Pullover | Ski Bib (Similar HERE) | Gloves
On Mr. College: Ski Jacket | Similar Ski Pants | Gloves | Hoodie | Similar Beanie | Goggles

No matter how gorgeous the mountain or perfect the snow, how much fun you have is completely dependent on being warm and dry! We had cold, warm, cloudy, sunny, and snowy days, and all of it was a non-issue since we were dressed properly!

I can’t recommend Backcountry and their Gearheads enough for dressing for any and all outdoor activities… especially skiing! And don’t forget, save 15% on your first order with code SUGARPLUM15.

What’s your winning layering formula for ski days? And even more fun, what are your Spring Break plans?

*This post is created in collaboration with Backcountry and ShopStyle, but all product selections, styling, and family-bonding are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*