BIG SKY, Mont., April 16, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Visit Big Sky officials in Big Sky, Montana – the Gateway to Yellowstone National Park – anticipate a significant increase in summer visitation this year compared to previous years, especially among multigenerational travelers. In 2014, Big Sky saw a 10.5 percent increase in visitation compared to 2013; while Yellowstone had a 9 percent increase with over 3.5 million visitors in 2014.
Big Sky officials cite the town's comfortable summer temperatures, spectacular outdoor offerings, and adventure-based activities as part of the lure among families who make Big Sky their base camp when visiting Yellowstone.
"Big Sky is ideally located right at the Northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park and is less than an hour from Yellowstone's most-frequented West Entrance. It is rapidly becoming the starting and ending point for many family vacationers who want to cross Yellowstone off their bucket list but who want a reprieve from the crowds," said Kitty Clemens, executive director, Visit Big Sky. "Big Sky is a charming small town with a big personality where the whole family can share memorable experiences together such as a high ropes course, horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing and white water rafting the Gallatin River, or enjoying the weekly Farmers Market and Music in the Mountains concert series. In Big Sky, the sky's the limit."
Big Sky Resort is one of the most popular stops among families traveling together. Children can play on the Giant Swing, Bungee Trampoline, or 25-foot Rock Climbing Wall while the adults can "play" on the High Ropes Course, or experience a bird's eye view of Big Sky while ziplining down the mountain. Everyone can enjoy a 360 degree view together of two national parks, three states and the Grand Tetons via the Lone Peak Expedition which includes a summit chairlift and tram ride aboard one of the highest elevation trams in the United States. Visit bigskyresort.com for details.\
Likewise, Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky offers horseback riding for the family along with guided fly fishing in one of many Blue Ribbon trout streams. Kids camps are available for those between 3–17 years of age. Visit lonemountainranch.com for details.
Many hiking and biking opportunities are also an attraction for visitors including the beautiful Ousel Falls and the Beehive Basin Hiking Trail – dubbed "one of the world's 10 greatest hikes," as seen on Austin Adventures.
Several free events take place throughout the summer including the Farmer's Market, held every Wednesday from June 24–Sept. 30, along with the free Music in the Mountains concert series every Thursday from July 2–Aug. 27 at Center Stage in Town Center Park.
As part of its ongoing expansion, Big Sky expects to open the town's second brewery, Beehive Basin Brewery by late spring along with several new businesses including a medical center, CrossFit gym and more.
Several direct flights to the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) have been added recently including to/from Houston, making Big Sky easier to access within a short hour-long drive south from the BZN airport. Direct flights include: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Guided tours of Yellowstone are available from Big Sky where visitors can take in the views and learn about the features of Yellowstone from a knowledgeable guide. Several companies offer private, guided interpretive tours to the park from Big Sky. See visitbigskymt.com/ recreation for details.
About Visit Big Sky
Visit Big Sky is a private, nonprofit organization responsible for marketing Big Sky, Montana as a leisure and convention destination. Visit Big Sky is funded from the Big Sky Resort Tax, administers Montana Office of Tourism lodging tax funds and collects private industry investments from business partners for public relations and advertising programs. From Blue Ribbon trout streams, hiking trails for all abilities, adventure zip lines, world class white water rafting, golfing, free live music in Town Center, backcountry mountain bike trails and more, it can all be found in Big Sky, Mont.
Erica Asmus-Otero (505) 259-2202
