{Trip Report} Big Sky, Montana

How was your weekend, friends?! We had all kinds of running around and fun, and per usual, it was much too short! We did get some gorgeous sunny days, which makes today’s snowy post seem a little out of place. Last month I shared our trip to Jackson Hole, but realized I hadn’t yet reported on the rest of our Spring Break trip…a week in breathtaking Big Sky, Montana!

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

This trip was mostly about spending time with my family…which means a lot of couch-time, and not a lot of site seeing to report on! But I can report that Big Sky is stunning, grand, and quant…all at the same time. And as you may recall from our trip there last Summer, it’s a beautiful, outdoor playground all year round!

That said, if we don’t share DNA, you may want to skip this post! 😉 For those of you sticking around, I’ll give you a little family history.

I am my parents only child, and was raised as such for 15 years. #thatexplainsalot One of the silver-linings of their divorce, was the two half-sisters and a half-brother that came from my dad’s second marriage. I loved those kids like they were my own when they were little, and now that they’re grown, I love being their friend and big sister.

Sidenote: Both my parents remarried amazing people that have enriched my life tenfold, and I even picked up two step-brothers and a step-sister out of my mom’s second marriage! So if you’re counting, I’m an only child…but have 2 half-sisters, 1 half-brother, 2 step-brothers, and a step-sister. #bradybunch

My kids adore their aunts and uncles, and went crazy over their first experience with real snow (Texas snows don’t really count!). My siblings are all legit, serious skiers (my brother-in-law is even on the Snow Patrol), and patiently taught our kids to ski in less than an hour! It helped that we practically had the mountain to ourselves. #smalltownperks We spent the week sledding, laughing, eating, skiing, and lounging. It was perfect.

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana
Hey girls…he’s single! 
Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Where does she get her spunk?!? #daddysgirl

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Isn’t my sister, Caroline, just the cutest?! She’s also tons of fun and wildly athletic! You can see for yourself by requesting her or her husband, Corry, for your weekend rafting trips at  Geyser Whitewater Expedition.

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana
Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

I brought my sister this darling Navajo bag from Barrington…but of course had to model it before handing it over. #bloggerissues

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana
{Where We Stayed}
We stayed in my sister’s new house this trip, down in the meadow. 
There were a handful of small hotels nearby, but I recommend staying in the 
condos & resorts on the mountain. You can find my picks in this post.
{Where We Ate}
*Lotus Pad
A tiny place, bursting with locals, and some of the best Thai food we’ve
ever had. It fills up fast, so we stuck with take-out.
*Riverhouse Grill
Set on the banks of the Gallatin River (the site of my sister’s Summer Wedding!),
it has stunning views, Texas-class BBQ, & a fun environment.
*Blue Moon Bakery
Great spot in town to load up on bagels.
{Where We Rented Gear}
*East Slope Outdoors
Located in town, you’ll skip the crowds & lines the rentals spots on the mountain can get. But honestly, we never waited in a lift or ticket line our entire trip.

Travel Tip: Thanks to new non-stop flights on American Airlines, it’s now easier to get to Bozeman! From there, rent a car and drive an hour through the canyon to Big Sky.

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Hi Sugarplum | Big Sky, Montana

Thank you for indulging me today…this blog also serves as my own personal scrapbook, so I wanted to make sure this incredible trip stayed with us forever! I can’t thank my sister and brother-in-law enough for sharing their home, time and talents with us!! It was such a special week, and one we can’t wait to repeat next year! #hinthint

Amazing weather, small town, huge mountain, top-notch snow…Big Sky is the real deal, and has retained a true mountain ski town vibe. Have you been to Big Sky or Montana? Where’s your favorite family ski spot?

{More Montana posts}

Leave a Comment

19 Comments

  1. Christina wrote:

    You have a beautiful family! The trip looks like it was so much fun. Thanks for sharing- I haven't been to Montana since I was a little girl.

    Posted 4.25.16 Reply
    • hisugarplum wrote:

      Thanks so much, Christina!!! xoxo

      Posted 4.26.16 Reply
  2. Lonestarmommy wrote:

    Our family loves skiing Big Sky, even if my three boys have taken me places that seem a bit hairy to get down! My husband has a conference he attends about every other year there over President's week. Even at that popular time, lift lines are at a minimum. We always stay at Shoshone and it is super convenient. Each condo is decorated by its owner but each one we've stayed in has been tastefully done. As President's week usually encompasses one of my boy's birthdays and he always wants steak for his birthday, we eat at Buck's T4. The first year we called ahead and they really went out of their way to make our son's day special! And…they have skillet chocolate chip cookies- enough said! Your pictures make me wish we'd gotten to go there this year! We also ski at Taos, NM and Deer Valley, Utah but Big Sky has the best snow every. single. time! Glad y'all had fun!

    Posted 4.25.16 Reply
    • hisugarplum wrote:

      Sounds perfect!! Thanks so much for sharing your tips!!

      Posted 4.26.16 Reply
  3. Katherine Thousand wrote:

    Beautiful post! My boyfriend's family is from Montana and I dream of us going out there! Now I am just feeling even more impatient to go… Glad to see y'all had so much fun!

    Posted 4.25.16 Reply
    • hisugarplum wrote:

      It's stunning everywhere you look, you'll have a ball!

      Posted 4.26.16 Reply
  4. Alyssa wrote:

    Wow- your single brother is extremely cute. What a good story it would be if one of your readers and him ended up together. 😉

    Posted 4.25.16 Reply
    • hisugarplum wrote:

      Hahaha!!! Very good story…know anyone? 😉

      Posted 4.26.16 Reply
  5. Michele @ The Joyful Home wrote:

    We ski in Santa Fe every year, but Montana is on our bucket list! Looks gorgeous!

    Posted 4.25.16 Reply
    • hisugarplum wrote:

      I love Santa Fe, too! Such a cool little town with so much character and energy!

      Posted 4.26.16 Reply
  6. Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} wrote:

    Hey Ladies, He's Single totally made me lol. He's a cutie!!!!! Great pics!

    Posted 4.25.16 Reply
  7. Brenda wrote:

    That looked like so much fun! You always seem to be filled with so much joy! It looks like a very beautiful place to visit. We've never been skiing.

    Posted 4.25.16 Reply
    • hisugarplum wrote:

      What a nice thing to say, Brenda, thank you!! My life isn't perfect, but it sure is good!! 😉 xo

      Posted 4.26.16 Reply
  8. Kristen wrote:

    Looks like a great trip! It's always fun to spend time with family, but being surrounded by beautiful landscape makes it even better!

    Posted 4.26.16 Reply
  9. MorganizewithMe wrote:

    What a fabulous place to learn to ski!!!

    Posted 4.26.16 Reply
  10. Queen In Between wrote:

    Wow….fabulous views and so much family fun. You guys definitely look like you are having so much fun together. Hmmm….I have a single 25 year old daughter….just sayin' #bloggermatchmakers

    Shelly||The Queen in Between

    Posted 4.27.16 Reply
  11. Megan // Honey We're Home wrote:

    I still can't get over how you have a man child now!!! I die!! Such great pics to remember this vacation with!

    Posted 4.28.16 Reply
  12. Janice wrote:

    Skiing without helmets? Not smart.

    Posted 6.9.20 Reply
    • Cassie wrote:

      this post was several years ago before we knew the importance of helmets….we absolutely wear them now. As evidenced in my more recent ski posts! xo. C

      Posted 6.9.20 Reply