Other activities       (Area code 406)

Yellowstone National Park is a big attraction and, although not all roads are plowed and open to vehicle traffic, the park is certainly open in winter. A 7:30 a.m. bus runs daily from Big Sky to West Yellowstone where snowcoaches pick up riders for guided tours of the park to see wildlife, thermal pools and Old Faithful. Expect to encounter buffalo, elk, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, wolfs and coyotes—many up close and personal. In fact, wildlife is abundant in winter since cold weather and snow force them down into the valley for food. The family-owned Snowcoach Yellowstone (800-426-7669; 646-9564) has modern comfy snowcoaches and knowlegeable, engaging guides. West Yellowstone is Montana's west entrance to the park. For more information on the area and all its recreation choices, call the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce (646-7701) or check www.westyellowstonechamber.com.

Snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park is extremely popular. Unlike most any other town in the country, except for Wallace, ID, West Yellowstone allows snowmobile traffic. Guides are required by law in the park, and most snowmobile shops offer a 10 percent discount with a Big Sky lift ticket and provide bus service from the resort and West Yellowstone. Try Rendezvous Snowmobile Rentals, (800-426-7669; 646-9564); Yellowstone Tour & Travel, (800-221-1151); or Two Top Snowmobile, (800-522-7802; 646-7802). Remember: It's just the snowmobile between you and the wild beasts that roam here. You don't need a guide if you plan to snowmobile outside the park boundaries, where you'll find hundreds of miles of forest trails. To snowmobile closer to Big Sky call Canyon Rentals (995-4540) a half a mile south of the Big Sky entrance.

Dogsled rides rides are offered by Spirit of the North Dog Adventures (995-4644), Lone Mountain Ranch (995-2783) or 320 Ranch (995-4283). Dinner sleigh rides are also available.

Winter fly fishing on the Gallatin River can be booked through Gallatin Riverguides (995-2290) or East Slope Anglers (995-4369), who have licenses, equipment rentals and supplies.

Pamper yourself at the full-service Solace Spa at Big Sky (995-5803), in the Huntley/Shoshone complex. With three treatment rooms in the Huntley and two in The Summit, the spa provides a full range of professional therapy including massage, body wraps, facials, beauty enhancements and aromatherapy. You also can arrange for spa treatments to be done in your hotel room or condo.

Poker is legal gambling in Montana and nightly games are available. Ask around if this is your kind of fun.

The Huntley Lodge shows free movies in the amphitheater at night. If you have the opportunity to attend an avalanche search and rescue demo by the ski patrol and their dogs, don't miss it. It's fascinating. Someday these dogs just might save your life. Demonstrations are held every Saturday at 5 p.m. near the fire pit in the plaza area.

The Mountain Village and Meadow Village have many shops and boutiques, as well as grocery stores. Plum Logo in the Mountain Mall has Montana-made gifts and Big Sky T-shirts and souvenirs. If you're into taste-testing local sweets, look for anything made with huckleberries. If you're into Montana artists and jewelers, visit Painted Pony Gallery in Mountain Mall and Gallatin River Gallery in Meadow Village.

Wired Internet access is available on several computers on the north end of the Mountain Mall on the second floor, and free wireless access has been added to the lodgings, meeting spaces and some lounges and restaurants.