Big Sky

Big Sky was a ranch up until the early 1970s when TV newscaster Chet Huntley decided to turn it into a ski hill and resort area. It has grown considerably in the last 10 years but still is relatively uncrowded as most of the lodging in the area is houses and condos that are used infrequently.

You can fly into Bozeman and take a 45-minute drive down the canyon along the Gallatin River, or the Skyline bus.

Big Sky is divided between the Mountain Village (at the base of the Big Sky Ski Resort) and the Meadow Village (that is a 10-minute car ride and several thousand vertical feet below the Mountain).

• Classic Limo, +1 406 585-5466. Offering full ground transportation options including airport shuttles to Bozeman, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, Chico, Mammoth, Livingston or anywhere else you may need. Providing private and economical travel to your meeting or for your vacation.

Near the Meadow Village there is a beautiful 30-foot falls, Ousel Falls, that freezes up in the winter. You can usually hear/see water running beneath the ice on the far right side. The trail to the falls is fairly well maintained and receives regular use. As you head from Highway 191 to Big Sky, you will see the golf course on your right. Soon after, there will be a left turn onto Ousel Falls Road. Travel about 2 miles to the obvious parking area and trail head on the left side. The trail to the falls follows a stream and is about 1½ miles long.

There is great skiing and boarding, in particular for more advanced skiers. The lifts are never crowded. Top runs are.

• Cruisers - Calamity Jane, Elk Park Ridge, and Big Horn
• Moguls - Crazy Raven, Mad Wolf, Moonlight, and Bad Dog
• Glades - Wounded Knee, Congo, and Blackfoot
• Steeps - Anything off the Tram, War Dance, Big Rock Tongue, and Snake Pit

This is a big mountain with lots of area to explore. Rocks are not marked very well, so use caution when off the groomers. There are also several good terrain parks for shred-heads and freestylers.

• Big Sky Resortski resort

• Moonlight Basinski resort

• Lone Mountain Ranch

  phone: +1 406 995-4734
  address: 750 Lone Mountain Ranch Rd
  The Lone Mountain Ranch Outdoor Shop carries the latest in Nordic Ski Gear in the Winter and Fly Fishing gear in the Summer. There is also clothing and Montana made gifts. The Shop is the central location for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, back country ski tours, snowcoach trips, fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking and Yellowstone Park tours.

• Cinnamon LodgeThis place has great Mexican food and margaritas. Try the pork roast special. Although Mexican food is what it's known for, good steaks and some seafood are available. As an added bonus, if you travel a couple of miles farther south on 191, you enter the northwest corner of Yellowstone Park. It is not a fee area, and you are likely to see quite a few elk in the first mile of so of open valley in the fall and winter.

• Lone Mountain Ranch

  phone: +1 406 995-4644
  address: 750 Lone Mountain Ranch Rd
  Breakfast buffet with house made pastries, hot and cold cereals, fresh fruit, hot entrees and beverages. Cozy Lunch buffet with soup, salad and hot entrees. Four-course plated dinner with entrees that range from Bison Wellington, Fresh Flown in Daily seafood specials, Montana grass fed beef and vegetarian entrees, with delicious desserts and an extensive wine list. Copper bar with fireplace and views overlooking the ranch.

• Lone Peak Brewing

  phone: +1 406 446-4607
  address: 48 Market Pl

• The Lodge at Big Sky

  phone: +1 406 995-7858
  address: 75 Sitting Bull Rd
  90 suites include mini-fridge, microwave, wet bar, coffee maker, speakerphones, and data ports, and incredible views.

• Lone Mountain Ranch

  phone: +1 406 995-4644
  address: 750 Lone Mountain Ranch Rd
  Historic guest ranch offering horseback riding, Yellowstone Park tours, fly fishing, mountain miking, guided hikes, kids program, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh ride dinners, backcountry ski tours, amazing food and great service.

Big Sky is adjacent to the historic Karst Asbestos mine, which is dubiously marked out as "Asbestos Mine Trail." The mine, which is no longer active, has never been cleaned up, and visitors should stay away from the area due to the danger of breathing asbestos dust.