Five Days Under the Big Sky: Hot Springs, Snowfall, Elk Herds & Montana Hospitality

The last few days have been a whirlwind in the best possible way — a fast and furious loop through some of my favorite corners of Montana: Big Sky, Bozeman, Chico Hot Springs, Gardiner, Mammoth Hot Springs, Missoula, and finally back home to West Yellowstone.

It was one of those trips that wasn’t planned as an “adventure,” yet somehow turned into a highlight reel of everything I love about this part of the world — wildlife, fresh snow, historic hotels, unforgettable live streams, and the kind of small-town hospitality that stays with you long after the drive is over.

Big Sky, Montana #1 2026 Travel Destination Worldwide

Day 1: Sinking Into the Springs at Chico

We kicked things off at Chico Hot Springs and let me tell you — after nearly a month on the move, slipping into those steaming pools felt like hitting a reset button.

A quiet evening, a truly lovely dinner, and then… the best night’s sleep I’ve had in months.

There’s something magical about Chico. Maybe it’s the mountains wrapped around the valley, maybe it’s that historic lodge charm, or maybe it’s just the simple joy of slowing down long enough to breathe. Whatever it is, Chico always delivers.

Day 2: Gardiner’s Christmas Stroll & Yellowstone’s North Entrance

The next morning, we headed to Gardiner for their Christmas Stroll and checked into the Park Hotel, just a short walk to the iconic North Entrance of Yellowstone.

I loved the room — enough that I went live on TikTok right from the bed, chatting with friends and sharing the view. And then… I woke up to fresh snow, bright blue skies, and those perfect cotton-white Montana clouds.

I went live again, and so many people joined us as I walked the strip, circled the Roosevelt Arch, and even carried everyone with me into the park until the signal finally dropped about five miles in. That morning had a kind of magic you can’t script.

Wintertime in Montana

Day 3: Mammoth Hot Springs & a Night in the Map Room

We drove into the park and checked in at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel — and that’s where things really came alive. The weather wasn’t as perfect, but somehow that made the mountains feel even more dramatic.

That night on TikTok, over 6,000 people joined the live.

They loved everything — the stories, the employee tales, the old stagecoach and snow coach, the living history that radiates from Mammoth’s halls.

After the live, my husband and I enjoyed a relaxing evening in the Map Room, followed by a great dinner at the dining room. Wonderful service, warm ambiance, and another night of true relaxation.

Day 4: Elk Herds, Rainstorms & the Road to Missoula

We woke up early and drove from Mammoth toward Livingston — and that stretch did not disappoint.

Herds of elk dotted the landscape, more than I could count. I captured so much content I might need a whole series just to share it all.

From Livingston to Missoula, the weather flipped completely.

It had dumped snow the night before, yet now it rained almost the entire way — one of those classic Montana mood swings that keeps you guessing.

We visited family, picked up a snowmobile for my husband, and enjoyed a quiet evening before turning around the next morning.

Elk herds in wintertime

Day 5: Supplies in Bozeman & Home to West Yellowstone

On the final leg, we swung through Bozeman for supplies, then drove back to our home base at the West Entrance of Yellowstone. The loop was complete — a full sweep across Montana in just five days.

It was a lot of miles, a lot of weather, a lot of hotel rooms…

and it was worth every second.

What Stayed With Me Most

Montana has a way of surprising you — with its wildlife, its landscapes, its history. But above everything else, the thing I noticed and appreciated most over these days was this:

The people.

Montanans are friendly, genuine, grounded, and always ready for a warm conversation. Whether it was hotel staff, locals, or folks at the Christmas stroll, every interaction reminded me why this state feels like home.

Five Days, Countless Memories

We saw elk, mountains dressed in fresh snow, historic hotels glowing with holiday charm, hot springs steaming in the night air, and towns full of heart.

It was a busy stretch of travel, but the kind that fills you up instead of wearing you down.

And now… back to West Yellowstone — with new stories, new content, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Montana in winter.

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