Big Sky, Montana — Thanks to its location and continued investments, Big Sky is becoming a top travel destination.

A new report by Expedia, Hotels.com, and VRBO found that the top trending travel destination for 2026 is Big Sky, Montana. The list was generated by search data compiled on Expedia’s website and app. The data pool sampled search data of 24,000 travelers. These metrics showed that searches for flights to and accommodations in Big Sky increased by 92% compared to 2024. This data led to a catchy marketing headline: “Expedia’s 2026 Destinations of the Year.”

Big Sky Resort has grown its presence in recent years thanks to the Big Sky 2025 plan. This has included multiple new chairlifts, new bubble chairlifts, a new tram to the top of Lone Mountain, and the Explorer Gondola, which is expected to open this upcoming ski season. The area is also home to the Yellowstone Club, a private ski resort. With a La Niña winter on the way, it seems like a nice time to visit.

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Why New Hampshire Has NO Competitive Ski Resorts

In terms of the town itself, its proximity to the cute city of Bozeman and to West Yellowstone (one of the gateways to Yellowstone National Park) attracts year-round visitation. There are also summer activities at the ski resort, like scenic lift rides, hiking trails, lift-served mountain biking, and ziplines. Add in new scenic attractions like the Lone Peak Tram, Kircliff, and the Explorer Gondola at the ski resort, and it’s a happening place.

Downhill Biking at Big Sky Resort

Another ski destination also made the list. The Savoie region of France ranked fifth on the list. This mountainous region of France features ski resorts like Courchevel, Les Arcs, Les Gets, Les 3 Vallées, and Val Thorens. Not a bad lineup of ski resorts, but it’s not as good as New Hampshire’s Upper Valley.

The official top-ten list from Expedia, Hotels.com, and VRBO is below.

  1. Big Sky, Montana: 92% increase from 2024.
  2. Okinawa, Japan: 71% increase from 2024.
  3. Sardinia, Italy: 63% increase from 2024.
  4. Phu Quoc, Vietnam: 53% increase from 2024.
  5. Savoie, France: 51% increase from 2024.
  6. Fort Walton Beach, Florida: 45% increase from 2024.
  7. Ucluelet, Canada: 44% increase
  8. Cotswolds, U.K.: 39% increase
  9. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: 30% increase
  10. Hobart, Australia: 25% increase

Image/Video Credits: Ricky Beron, Big Sky Resort, Joan Oger

Why New Hampshire Has NO Competitive Ski Resorts

Born and raised in New Hampshire, Ian Wood became passionate about the ski industry while learning to ski at Mt. Sunapee. In high school, he became a ski patroller at Proctor Ski Area. He travelled out...