BIG SKY // Area Intro & Highlights

The name says it all. Everything that the Big Sky State conjures up can be found here, from breathtaking views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and crisp alpine summer mornings to fish jumping in the Gallatin River under bluebird skies. And, of course, there’s the world-class skiing and snowboarding at the Big Sky Resort, with plentiful family-friendly terrain and jaw-dropping descents from Lone Peak. The seasonal influx of visitors supports an outsize selection of restaurants, galleries, and amenities in this small town of about 3,000 year-round residents. And when you want to venture further afield, Big Sky is right in between bustling Bozeman and the quiet grandeur of Yellowstone National Park. Those who say you can’t have it all have clearly never been to Big Sky.

The name says it all

BIG SKY

BIG SKY

Push, Kick, Glide

Cross-Country Skiing in Big Sky

While Big Sky might be best known for its nearly 6,000 acres of incredible downhill terrain, locals know the cross-country trails aren’t too shabby, either. Cross Country Skiier magazine voted Lone Mountain Ranch the "Number 1 Ski Resort in North America," thanks to its 53 miles of groomed trails and deluxe accommodations. Skiers can glide through the forests all day, then catch a sleigh ride to the ranch’s historic North Fork Cabin for a gourmet dinner with live western music.

At the other end of the spectrum, cross-country skiers looking for undeveloped solitude enjoy the trails of the Gallatin National Forest. Porcupine Creek, Teepee Creek, and Beehive Basin are popular spots, but local gear shops can make the best recommendations based on current ski conditions, and also get you set up with the right gear for any adventure.

The Big Sky Community Organization maintains 9 miles of groomed trails in and around Big Sky, plus 10 more miles of year-round trails for skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking winter fun. With free parking at the historic Crail Ranch and trails that connect directly to Lone Mountain’s extensive network, every day is a good day to get outside in Big Sky.

For Your Eyes Only

Home privacy extends beyond fences and blinds

“It starts with the architectural design of the home, making sure the floor plan layout doesn’t position your bedroom looking into your neighbor’s kitchen,” explains Chad Rothacher, owner of RMR Group, a Big Sky-based general contracting firm specializing in custom homes. “It seems like a pretty simple idea, but it’s often overlooked. You should stand on the lot and design specifically for that lot.”

He goes on to explain that, even on a lot tightly placed between neighbors, there are easy design tricks to make a space feel private, such as placing tall windows higher up, where they let in plenty of light but look out at the tops of trees, not your neighbor’s deck.

Homeowners can also improve the feeling of privacy on existing homes with thoughtful landscaping and careful placement of outbuildings. Firs and other conifers provide great year-round screening; a carefully constructed rock feature can look natural and also block unwanted views or road noise. Backyard buildings, like an outdoor sauna, can have good visual appeal and also easily hide an unsightly feature like an electrical utility box, or block the view from the neighbor’s backyard. Though the word ‘privacy’ can sound exclusionary, thoughtful touches like these actually make a home feel more inviting.