Big Sky, Montana
Meadows & Mountains.
Crail Ranch: BSCO
Though the U.S. acquired the territory that is now Montana with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, it wasn’t until the late 1890s that homesteaders started settling in the remote area that is now Big Sky. In 1902, Augustus Franklin Crail set up his homestead that still stands today in Big Sky’s Meadow. For the next 70 years Big Sky was home to a small group of ranchers, and it wasn’t until 1973, when NBC newscaster Chet Huntley opened Big Sky Resort, that Big Sky started to take the shape it holds today. Museums & History.
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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 impactful moments happen when we engage our senses. When we immerse ourselves in nature, are present, and quiet our busy minds.
At Big Sky Resort, these feelings are what guide you. From the cold of your first breath in the mountain air to the taste of hot chocolate and the quiet of the forest. Explore what it means to come to your senses. Dining Options.
TOWN CENTER
Town Center Biz Directory
Big Sky Town Center is located in the ski and summer resort of Big Sky, high in the Rocky Mountains of southwest Montana. Within the community of Big Sky, the Town Center is centrally located 7 miles below Lone Mountain and at the corner of Ousel Falls Road and Lone Mountain Trail.
The approximately 600-acre walking village is surrounded by spectacular 11,000 foot snow-capped peaks. Although the slopes look close enough to touch, they’re a few thousand feet above the shops and homes, providing a milder living climate with mountain access, just minutes away.
If it’s good people, music, sports, cocktails and beer, you’ve come to the right place! Known for their hand tossed pizza and welcoming guests like family, they’re sure to become your favorite neighborhood pizzeria.
Alpenglow
Named after Big Sky Country’s vibrant pink-hued sunsets, lobby centerpiece Alpenglow welcomes guests with craft cocktails, beer and Alpine inspired brasserie. Glowing fireplaces, live local entertainment, warm wood accents and floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains set the mood for pre-dinner cocktails, evening nightcaps and every moment in between.
Village Center Hotel
Located in the heart of Big Sky Resort, the Village Center hotel combines a rustic Montana feel with elegance inspired from the chalets of the alps. Ski suites provide unparalleled access to the slopes; Big Sky's only true ski-in ski-out hotel, and within walking distance to all restaurants and shopping in the village.
The Montage
New West KnifeWorks was founded by Corey Milligan originally to design, develop, and produce knives for fine art and craft shows. From its inception, the goal has been not only to produce the finest quality knives in the world, but also to design these tools to be works of art that inspire excellence in food preparation and beautify the kitchen. Corey has had much success in this mission. The knives have been accepted at many of the nation's top juried fine art shows and have won several awards. Furthermore, the knives have been featured in many of the nation's top publications.
Scissorbills Saloon is a small privately owned Montana saloon and eatery, in the heart of the Big Sky Resort Mountain Village. They love Montana Craft Brews and fine pub fare. They are located on the 3rd floor of the Arrowhead Mall in Big Sky Mountain Village. Ski right into the back door for lunch and après with great food, live music, and large variety of beer and cocktails.
See their ads in Powder Magazine, BombSnow, Destination Yellowstone Big Sky Arts Council Event Book, Explore Big Sky, Outlaw Magazine, Outlaw Wedding Guide and more.
One & Only Resort
Beehive Basin Brewery is a new microbrewery located in the Town Center of Big Sky MT, right next to Roxy’s Market. They operate a 7 barrel brewing system that has been created specifically for them by their friends at Portland Kettle Works in Portland, Oregon. They also run a small tap room where they invite you to come and taste some of their hand crafted brews. At this time they do not have any food service, but you are welcome to order in from one of Big Sky’s many restaurants.
Canyon Adventures
Explore the back country of Big Sky, MT that not many get to see. Choose from either horseback guided tours or side by side rentals in the summer.
Take a break from skiing and enjoy a back country snowmobile trip in the winter!
Courtney Collins Fine Art features highly acclaimed contemporary western artwork from world-renowned artists. Nestled in downtown Big Sky, Montana, their western art gallery honors fine art that showcases the best of contemporary and traditional western artistry.
They feature celebrated creators of contemporary western artwork including Kevin Red Star, Kenneth Peloke, David Yarrow, and Ben Pease, among others. Their contemporary Montana art gallery preserves the heart of the Old West, and they carry a unique collection of fine art, sculptures, and photography. They sell and curate works of contemporary western and Montana art that exhibit the best in modern artistry. Visit their gallery today or browse the featured works on their website for a thought-provoking and engaging gallery experience that will help you connect with the special piece you’re searching for.
Surefoot
Over forty years and nearly a million pairs of ski boots later, Surefoot is now the world's largest custom ski boot company. Their worldwide locations have a handpicked and personally trained corps of boot fitting experts. Instead of power tools and guesswork, they now use precise state-of-the-art technology to deliver the guaranteed best fitting, best performing ski boots possible. In fact, most people who try Surefoot's Custom Ski Boots agree that they are the world's most comfortable ski boots.
The Cave
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Treat yourself to the sleek styling of the brand-new Residence Inn Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel, the only Marriott hotel located near the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Located in the heart of Big Sky Town Center, pet-friendly and just minutes away from world-class skiing and golf. Enjoy being within walking distance to all the Town Center’s local shops, restaurant and bars.
Lone Mountain Ranch
Come for fly fishing, horseback riding, and all-access tours of Yellowstone National Park; skiing over 50 miles of world-class Nordic trails or downhill slopes; and hiking our 53 miles of trails. Stay for the lifting mist at sunrise and the chance to spot a moose or deer as it ambles through. Bring your family, friends, or someone special, and they'll take care of the rest.
For over 100 years, Lone Mountain Ranch has been a symbol of the American West. They had a seat at the table for the early days of Yellowstone Park, the formation of the town of Big Sky, the evolution of ranching and logging in the Northern Rockies and the preservation of this spectacular wilderness. Ever since they homesteaded in 1915, their story has had one consistent thread: warm and welcoming hospitality to all. Take a walk back through time to get a sense of their roots and the Real Montana you’ll find when you get there.
Big Sky Backcountry Guides
Based out of Bozeman and Big Sky, BSBG is southwest Montana's premier ski guide service and backcountry resource. From day tours in the wild and snowy peaks of Yellowstone Park to overnight hut trips deep in the Montana backcountry, Big Sky Backcountry Guides is your ultimate backcountry ski and splitboard connection.
Their team of experienced guides and educators love sharing the mountains, and work hard to ensure a safe, fun, powder-filled guest experience. They offer trips for any kind of skier or splitboarder: day tours, yurt trips, and international adventures. That includes leading some of the most unique backcountry experiences available in the U.S. -- the Montana Haute Route, RAD Camp, Multi-Day Yellowstone Expeditions, and custom itineraries you have to ski to believe. BSBG also provides avalanche education, and skills camps for everyone from backcountry novices to hardcore ski mountaineers.
They've been featured in National Geographic Adventure, Powder, Backcountry, Skiing, SKI, Mountain, and Big Life magazines, and are regularly ranked among the top huts and guide services in North America.
So whether you want to ski hard and explore some of Montana's wildest terrain, build your mountain skills with the help of a professional, or just experience Yellowstone National Park or the mighty Tobacco Root Mountains in the winter, give Big Sky Backcountry Guides a call today -- They're always ready to go skiing!
Gallatin River Guides
They love to explore the fish filled river of Montana and are constantly improving their fly fishing skills... and show you exactly how to catch these wild Montana trout.
Fly fishing is their passion and they’re dedicated to bringing this passion to all of their eager, fly fishing clients. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran they want to bring you on an adventure down the Montana rivers. When it comes to fly fishing guided tours, Gallatin River Guides is the real deal. They can show you all the best spots near Big Sky and Bozeman and bring you on an unforgettable fly fishing journey.
If you’re looking for your next big challenge when it comes to fly fishing then their team is here for you. Because of their location in Big Sky, their guides work throughout the year, regardless of the weather. This means their team of talented guides log more days on the water than any other fly fishing guides in Montana. Their expertise allows them to work with any skill level, offering new tips and techniques whenever they can. They know the waters of Montana, so let their team take you to all corners of the state in search of new fishing horizons.
Contact them today and join them anywhere fish eat flies.
Big Sky Community Organization is a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating year-round recreational programs, outdoor spaces, and community partnerships that serve all of Big Sky — enhancing access and quality of life for everyone that lives, works, and plays here.
They started Thai Basil as a no-name business working out of a tent at the Big Sky and Livingston farmers markets. They soon realized they needed a structure to store food and stay out of the quickly changing rocky mountain weather. They had a concession trailer custom built and named their business Thai Basil. They continued to work concerts throughout Montana, but spent most of their time at Outlaw Brewing. It was there they found the interest in authentic Thai Food. They soon realized the trailer was not going to be sufficient for the hot summers and cold winters. After years of searching they finally came to their current location.
Spanish Peaks Mountain Club
This cool and hip burger joint is the perfect pit stop for those craving an array of mouthwatering smash burgers, golden crispy fries, amazing shakes so unique they are practically edible art, and a selection of ice-cold beers and creative cocktails. Stop by for a tasty experience that captures the essence of Big Sky's cool and adventurous spirit.
Siblings Brandon Tran, Owner and Operator, and Janet Tran, Co-Owner and Consultant, are first generation Vietnamese-Americans from Kansas who want to share their family favorite meals with Big Sky. Having lived in Big Sky since 2010 as seasonal employees, they looked forward to the end of every season so they could travel home to eat their mama’s cooking where they describe meal time as “family time”. Growing up in a close knit family, if they’re fighting, laughing or crying, no matter what, Mama Tran’s food always brings everyone together.
Founded in 1989 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the Cowboy Coffee Company has long stood for unparalleled excellence and uncompromising quality. They seek, sample, and roast only the finest Arabica beans from around the globe so that they may deliver to their customers the most consistently delicious cup this side of the Mississippi.
The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company was started in 1992, in downtown Bozeman, MT. After 30 years in business they have become an establishment in old town Bozeman and have embraced and become part of the communities they serve.
Their expert staff takes pride in being the most knowledgeable source on children's playthings in the area. Old-timey nostalgia and modern quirkiness blend together to create a unique experience. The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company inspires creativity, individual thinking, and community awareness through play, scientific inquiry, and reading! They offer a wide selection and expert advice that only a local, family-owned business can provide. They stock today's finest toys, books, and games, all the while embracing the classic toys you remember fondly from your childhood.
Bluebird is a boutique where adventure meets the everyday. Their premium selection of mens and womens lifestyle and outdoor attire has you covered for your most stylish season yet.
Big Sky Golf Course
The Breakfast and Lunch Cafe for Locals and Tourists
Cafe 191 is proud to serve locally sourced and ethically produced food. They are family owned and operated, and blessed to call the Big Sky area home since 1986. It is their pleasure to provide a scrumptious breakfast and lunch menu seven days a week. They are happy to serve organic, free range eggs each morning, paired with hand crafted coffee from their local roaster.
Cafe 191 proudly serves 100% Montana raised beef, and local grass fed Bison.
