Big Sky Guide

Meadows & Mountains.

Lat. 45.269940 | Long. -111.299725

Gallatin & Madison Counties

1902

BIG SKY EVENTS CALENDAR

Crail Ranch: BSCO

Although the U.S. acquired the land that is now Montana through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, it wasn’t until the late 1890s that homesteaders began settling in the remote area now known as Big Sky. In 1902, Augustus Franklin Crail established his homestead, which still stands today in Big Sky’s Meadow. For the next 70 years, the area was home to a small group of ranchers. It wasn’t until 1973, when NBC newscaster Chet Huntley opened Big Sky Resort, that the region began to take the shape it holds today. Museums & History.

  • Big Sky, Montana, nestled in the scenic Gallatin County, is a relatively young but rapidly growing community. Here is a brief overview of its history:

    Early Inhabitants and Exploration

    Before European settlers arrived, the region was inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Crow and Shoshone people. They utilized the rich natural resources of the area for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

    1800s: European Settlement

    In the 19th century, trappers and traders began exploring the area. The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806, which passed through nearby regions, spurred further interest in the Montana territory.

    1900s: Ranching and Development

    Throughout the early 20th century, the region was primarily used for ranching and agriculture. The land that would become Big Sky was owned by various ranchers and used for grazing livestock.

    1970s: The Birth of Big Sky

    The modern history of Big Sky began in the early 1970s when renowned NBC news anchor Chet Huntley, who was originally from Montana, had a vision of creating a mountain resort. Huntley partnered with other investors to develop the area, and in 1973, the Big Sky Resort officially opened. The resort featured ski slopes, lodging, and recreational facilities, transforming the once quiet ranching area into a bustling tourist destination.

    1980s-1990s: Growth and Expansion

    Big Sky Resort's popularity grew steadily, attracting more visitors each year. In the 1980s and 1990s, additional ski lifts, trails, and amenities were added. The area's real estate market also began to flourish, with vacation homes and condominiums being built to accommodate the growing number of tourists.

    2000s: A Premier Destination

    In the early 2000s, Big Sky continued to expand with the development of the Moonlight Basin and Spanish Peaks resorts. These additions further solidified Big Sky's reputation as a premier destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities. The community also saw increased investment in infrastructure and services to support the growing population of residents and visitors.

    Present Day: A Year-Round Resort Community

    Today, Big Sky is not just a winter resort but a year-round destination offering a wide range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and golf. The community has grown significantly, with a mix of permanent residents and seasonal visitors. The area is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with Yellowstone National Park just a short drive away.

    Big Sky, Montana, has transformed from a rugged wilderness into a vibrant community that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the world, while still retaining its unique charm and connection to the natural landscape.

Big Sky Resort

Life's most meaningful moments arise when we fully connect with our senses—immersing ourselves in nature, staying present, and quieting the noise within. At Big Sky Resort, these experiences lead the way. From the invigorating freshness of your first breath of mountain air to the comforting warmth of hot chocolate and the serene embrace of the forest, discover what it truly means to awaken your senses. Dining Options.

Town Center Biz Directory

Big Sky Town Center lies at the heart of the Big Sky resort in southwest Montana's Rocky Mountains. Positioned within the core of the Big Sky community, it is located 7 miles from Lone Mountain at the crossroads of Ousel Falls Road and Lone Mountain Trail.

Spanning 600 acres, this pedestrian-friendly village is encircled by stunning 11,000-foot snow-capped peaks. Though the slopes seem within arm's reach, they rise several thousand feet above the town, creating a more temperate living environment with easy access to the mountains just minutes away.

If you’re seeking a place with great people, live music, exciting sports, expertly crafted cocktails, and a fantastic beer selection, you’ve come to the right spot! Famous for their hand-tossed pizza and welcoming, family-like vibe, this neighborhood pizzeria is sure to become your new favorite hangout.

Moonlight Basin

Alpenglow

Inspired by the radiant pink sunsets of Big Sky Country, Alpenglow serves as a cozy centerpiece featuring craft cocktails, beer, and an Alpine-inspired brasserie. With its inviting fireplaces, live local entertainment, warm wood finishes, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing breathtaking mountain vistas, it’s an ideal destination for pre-dinner drinks, evening nightcaps, and everything in between.

The Montage

Village Center Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Big Sky Resort, the Village Center hotel seamlessly combines rustic Montana charm with the refined elegance of Alpine chalets. As the only genuine ski-in, ski-out accommodation in Big Sky, it provides unmatched access to the slopes and is conveniently located just steps away from the village's vibrant array of restaurants and shops.

New West KnifeWorks was founded by Corey Milligan with a vision to create knives that combine exceptional functionality with artistic design, tailored for fine art and craft shows. From the outset, the mission was to produce the highest-quality knives in the world while elevating them to the level of art—enhancing both the cooking experience and the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen. Corey’s dedication to this vision has led to significant success, with the knives being showcased at prestigious juried art shows, earning multiple awards, and receiving recognition in many of the nation’s top publications.

One & Only Resort

Scissorbills Saloon is a warm and inviting Montana saloon and eatery nestled in the heart of Big Sky Resort's Mountain Village. Known for their Montana craft brews and mouthwatering pub fare, they offer a unique experience on the 3rd floor of the Arrowhead Mall. Ski right up to their back door for lunch or après-ski, and enjoy great food, live music, and a wide array of beers and cocktails.

Catch their advertisements in publications like Powder Magazine, BombSnow, Destination Yellowstone, the Big Sky Arts Council Event Book, Explore Big Sky, Outlaw Magazine, the Outlaw Wedding Guide, and more.

Beehive Basin Brewery, a new microbrewery in Big Sky, MT, is conveniently located in the Town Center near Roxy's Market. Featuring a custom 7-barrel brewing system crafted by Portland Kettle Works in Portland, Oregon, the brewery offers a warm and inviting taproom where you can enjoy their handcrafted beers. Although they don’t serve food, guests are encouraged to order from the variety of nearby restaurants in Big Sky.

Canyon Adventures

Uncover the hidden gems of Big Sky, MT's backcountry—a pristine wilderness few have the chance to explore. In summer, embark on guided horseback tours or hop into a side-by-side rental to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery.

During winter, trade the slopes for an adrenaline-pumping snowmobile adventure and experience the backcountry like never before!

Courtney Collins Fine Art is a premier destination for contemporary western artwork, showcasing masterpieces by world-renowned artists. Nestled in downtown Big Sky, Montana, the gallery celebrates both modern and traditional western artistry, offering a curated selection of exceptional pieces in the genre.

Featuring acclaimed talents like Kevin Red Star, Kenneth Peloke, David Yarrow, and Ben Pease, the gallery embodies the spirit of the Old West through its stunning collection of fine art, sculptures, and photography. With a focus on contemporary western and Montana-inspired art, Courtney Collins Fine Art presents works that capture the essence of modern creativity. Visit the gallery in person or explore their website to experience this remarkable collection and discover the perfect piece to enrich your space.

With more than 40 years of expertise and nearly one million ski boots sold, Surefoot has grown into the world’s largest provider of custom ski boots. Their global network of locations is staffed by a team of highly trained boot fitting professionals. By utilizing cutting-edge technology rather than relying on power tools and guesswork, Surefoot guarantees the best-fitting, highest-performing ski boots on the market. In fact, many customers consider Surefoot’s Custom Ski Boots to be the most comfortable ski boots in the world.

The Cave

Indulge in the modern sophistication of the brand-new Residence Inn Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel, the only Marriott property near the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Nestled in the vibrant Big Sky Town Center, this pet-friendly hotel offers easy access to top-tier skiing and golf, just minutes away. Explore the convenience of being within walking distance to the Town Center's charming shops, dining, and nightlife.

Lone Mountain Ranch

Experience the thrill of fly fishing, horseback riding, and exclusive tours of Yellowstone National Park. Ski across 50 miles of top-tier Nordic trails or downhill slopes, or explore 53 miles of breathtaking hiking paths. Stay to witness the tranquil mist at sunrise and perhaps spot a moose or deer wandering nearby. Whether you’re with family, friends, or a special someone, they’ll handle all the details for you.

For more than a century, Lone Mountain Ranch has been a cornerstone of the American West. With deep ties to Yellowstone’s early history, the founding of Big Sky, and the evolution of ranching and logging in the Northern Rockies, the ranch has played an integral role in preserving this extraordinary wilderness. Since homesteading in 1915, their story has always been defined by one enduring principle: warm, genuine hospitality for all. Step back in time and experience the heart of Montana, where the spirit of the Real Montana awaits you.

Big Sky Backcountry Guides

Big Sky Backcountry Guides (BSBG), located in Bozeman and Big Sky, is southwest Montana's premier ski guiding service and backcountry resource. From thrilling day tours in the snowy peaks of Yellowstone National Park to unforgettable overnight hut trips in Montana’s remote wilderness, BSBG is your gateway to epic backcountry skiing and splitboarding adventures.

BSBG’s team of expert guides and educators are passionate about sharing their love for the mountains, working diligently to provide safe, exhilarating, and powder-filled experiences for guests. With trips for skiers and splitboarders of all skill levels, they offer day tours, yurt trips, and international expeditions. Known for unique experiences like the Montana Haute Route, RAD Camp, Multi-Day Yellowstone Expeditions, and customized itineraries, BSBG’s offerings are second to none. Additionally, they provide avalanche education and skills camps for everyone, from beginners to seasoned ski mountaineers.

Gallatin River Guides

Montana in Movies

At Gallatin River Guides, their passion for fly fishing fuels their exploration of Montana’s abundant rivers, continually refining their techniques to help you land wild Montana trout.

They are dedicated to sharing this love of the sport with anglers of all skill levels, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro. Specializing in guided fly fishing tours, they know the best fishing spots around Big Sky and Bozeman, offering you an unforgettable adventure on the water.

For those looking to take their fishing to the next level, their expert team is ready to guide you. Operating year-round from their base in Big Sky, they fish through all seasons, providing more days on the water than any other guides in Montana. Their deep knowledge of the state’s rivers means they can offer valuable tips and techniques to help anglers of any experience level improve their skills. Let them take you to the farthest reaches of Montana in search of new fishing opportunities.

Get in touch with Gallatin River Guides today and join them wherever the fish are biting.

The Big Sky Community Organization is a nonprofit dedicated to offering year-round recreational activities, maintaining outdoor spaces, and cultivating community partnerships that serve the entire Big Sky area. Their mission is to increase accessibility and enhance the quality of life for all residents, workers, and visitors.

Thai Basil started as a modest, no-name venture, operating out of a tent at the Big Sky and Livingston farmers markets. Recognizing the need for a more reliable setup to store food and shield from the unpredictable Rocky Mountain weather, they had a custom concession trailer built and officially named their business Thai Basil. While they continued to participate in events across Montana, they spent most of their time at Outlaw Brewing, where they noticed a growing demand for authentic Thai cuisine. As the seasons shifted, they realized their trailer couldn’t withstand the harsh extremes of hot summers and cold winters. After years of searching, they eventually found their permanent location.

Spanish Peaks Mountain Club

This popular burger joint is the go-to destination for anyone craving mouthwatering smash burgers, crispy golden fries, and shakes that are almost like works of art. With a variety of ice-cold beers and inventive cocktails, it’s the ideal spot to relax and indulge in a flavorful experience that embodies Big Sky’s laid-back, adventurous spirit.

Brandon Tran, Owner and Operator, and Janet Tran, Co-Owner and Consultant, are first-generation Vietnamese-Americans from Kansas with a deep love for sharing their family’s cherished meals in Big Sky. Having lived in Big Sky since 2010 as seasonal employees, they eagerly awaited the end of each season to return home and enjoy their mother’s cooking. To them, mealtime was synonymous with "family time." Growing up in a tight-knit family, whether through laughter, tears, or disagreements, Mama Tran’s food was the constant that united them all.

Established in 1989 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Cowboy Coffee Company has earned a reputation for unparalleled quality and excellence. They carefully source, sample, and roast the finest Arabica beans from across the globe, guaranteeing each cup is consistently flavorful and offers a truly exceptional coffee experience—one that stands out as the best this side of the Mississippi.

Founded in 1992 in the heart of downtown Bozeman, MT, The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company has become a beloved fixture in the community over the past 30 years. Deeply connected to both the town and its residents, the store has grown into an integral part of Old Town Bozeman.

With a dedicated and knowledgeable staff, the store takes pride in being the area's trusted destination for children's toys. Combining nostalgic appeal with modern creativity, it offers a unique shopping experience that sparks imagination. The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company fosters creativity, independent thinking, and community engagement through play, science, and reading. Offering a wide array of the best toys, books, and games of today, they also honor timeless childhood favorites, providing expert advice and a personal touch that only a family-owned local business can provide.

Bluebird is a boutique where adventure blends seamlessly with everyday style. Featuring a curated collection of premium men’s and women’s lifestyle and outdoor apparel, it has everything you need to stay fashionable throughout your most thrilling season yet.

Big Sky Golf Course

The Breakfast and Lunch Cafe for Locals and Tourists

Cafe 191 is dedicated to serving food that is locally sourced and ethically produced. A family-owned business since 1986, they have been proud to call the Big Sky area home. Offering a delightful breakfast and lunch menu seven days a week, the cafe serves organic, free-range eggs each morning alongside expertly crafted coffee from a local roaster.

Additionally, Cafe 191 takes pride in serving 100% Montana-raised beef and locally sourced, grass-fed bison.

Westward Social