Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is the closest airport. It is approximately 45 minutes from Big Sky.
To be in close proximity to the wedding events, our recommendation is to stay in the Big Sky area. There are a few options "in the canyon," (along Hwy 191 before heading "up" the mountain); in the Meadows or in Town Center (about 2 miles up the mountain) near the golf course, grocery store, shopping and dining; or in the Mountain Village (about 9.5 miles "up" the mountain) at the base of the Big Sky resort. There are also options at Moonlight Basin, which is additional 2-3 miles beyond the Big Sky Mountain Village. The road up the mountain is a little windy and steep in areas, but very well-travelled. Staying in Bozeman is an option as well but it's about an hour from Big Sky. The road between Bozeman and Big Sky is Highway 191- also known as Gallatin Canyon or simply, "the canyon." It is a two-lane highway following along the scenic Gallatin River and is well travelled with tourist traffic in the summer. Care and attention should be given when driving the canyon at any time of day, but especially at night. If you plan on "revelry" at the wedding, we suggest not having to drive back to Bozeman that evening.
The answer is, "it depends." If you are going to be hiking in the Yellowstone area, it would be advisable to have bear spray "just in case" and for peace of mind. You CAN NOT travel on the airplane with bear spray, even in checked on luggage. If you are doing the well-travelled and more popular day hikes around Big Sky or Bozeman, you will not need it.
The saying in Montana is, "if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes!" Anything goes weather-wise, but typically in July you can expect warm days (80s) and cool nights (40s-50s). The further "up the mountain" you go, the cooler the temperatures. Dressing in layers is helpful, and we recommend packing a rain jacket and a warm jacket just in case. It's typical to be in shorts and t-shirts during the day, and pants and sweatshirts at night. Big Sky ranges from 6,300' elevation at the bottom of the Lone Mountain Trail Road in the canyon to over 7,700' at the Mountain Village.
If you are from an area of the country at low or lower elevation than Big Sky, you will notice the difference in the effects of elevation on your body. As a general rule, stay hydrated and be aware that alcohol consumption at higher altitudes is dehydrating and can affect many people more significantly at altitude. For additional information, here's a useful link: https://www.visitbigsky.com/articles/post/altitude-guide/
Unfortunately, no. We will provide a shuttle to and from the Riverhouse with two stops: one at the Big Sky Meadow Village (exact location TBD) the second at the Big Sky Mountain Village (the Resort). See the Schedule page for further information. Please plan accordingly if you do not utilize the shuttle and pick a designated driver for your group. Have fun but be safe!