Elevation
Big Sky elevation and altitude
Big Sky, Montana is 7,218 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level — more than a mile high. Elevation and altitude mean the same thing here: the height of the city above the sea.
What 7,218 feet means in Big Sky
Among the 689 cities on this site, Big Sky is one of the highest. At 7,218 ft the air holds noticeably less oxygen per breath than at the coast. Most people adapt within a few days; exercise feels harder at first.
Air pressure. Air pressure falls as you climb, about 1 inHg for every 1,000 ft near the ground. In Big Sky a barometer that is not corrected to sea level reads around 22.90 inHg on an average day, while the weather forecast still quotes a sea-level number near 29.92 inHg.
Cooking. Water boils at about 199 °F (92.5 °C) here, so boiled foods cook more slowly and baking recipes often need small high-altitude adjustments. Boiling point at altitude
Where the number comes from. The elevation is for the city center point in the GeoNames gazetteer, taken from a digital elevation model. To check the exact height where you are standing, use What is my elevation? or What is my altitude?
Elevation of places near Big Sky
| Place | Elevation (ft) | Elevation (m) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT | 4,816 | 1,468 | 32 mi |
| West Yellowstone, MT | 6,663 | 2,031 | 45 mi |
| Butte, MT | 5,538 | 1,688 | 75 mi |
| Helena, MT | 4,058 | 1,237 | 96 mi |
| Cody, WY | 4,997 | 1,523 | 125 mi |
| Jackson, WY | 6,237 | 1,901 | 128 mi |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 4,705 | 1,434 | 130 mi |
| Billings, MT | 3,123 | 952 | 143 mi |
Frequently asked questions
What is the elevation or altitude of Big Sky?
Big Sky, Montana is about 7,218 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level, measured at the city center. Neighborhoods higher or lower in the city can differ by a few hundred feet.
What is the air pressure in Big Sky because of its elevation?
On a standard day the air pressure at 7,218 ft is about 22.90 inHg (775 hPa), 77% of sea-level pressure. Each breath holds about 77% as much oxygen as at sea level.
At what temperature does water boil in Big Sky?
About 199 °F (92.5 °C), compared with 212 °F (100 °C) at sea level, so pasta, eggs and beans take a little longer to cook.