Big Sky, Montana is full of hidden gems and unique real estate opportunities many people don’t know about! As experts in the real estate market and area locals, we’re letting you in on the best Big Sky has to offer. Check out our Big Sky insider’s guide for exclusive insights into the Big Sky lifestyle.
Big Sky Resort Secret Powder Stashes
There’s absolutely nothing like a powder day at Big Sky Resort. The excitement of checking the snow report, pulling on your base layers, grabbing your gear and heading out the door as fast as you can. But where to head first once you get on the mountain? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on this Big Sky Insider’s Guide. We all know there’s no friends on powder day but with this secret powder stash intel everyone is definitely going to want to keep up with you!
Bavarian Forest
The Bavarian Forest is located on the South Face just off the top of the Dakota lift. It takes a few cat tracks to get back to the base area, but it can deliver some great tree skiing on a powder day and gets less tracked out. Since it is on the South Face, watch for thinner snowpack and exposed rocks from the sun beating down on this south facing slopes. To get to the Bavarian Forest take a right off the top of the Dakota lift and head skiers left. The trees have been thinned out so there is great spacing and a good pitch to maintain a good speed and rhythm. To get back you will need to take the Hippy Highway to the Shedhorn lift and then the Duck Walk road from the top of Shedhorn around to the main base area.
Lone Creek Gully
Lone Creek Gully is another place you can find some epic skiing. Time it right on a powder day and this run may provide you with some of your best skiing at Big Sky. It’s not quite as steep as the Bavarian Forest and follows a creek bed through the trees. Turns can get a little tight with a few small drops and tight turns, but that really just adds to the fun! The run isn’t super long so be sure to enjoy a couple laps or taking your time weaving in and out of the trees. To get to Lone Creek Gully take Six Shooter up and follow Meriwether to the bottom of the Lone Tree lift. The entrance to Lone Creek Gully is just past the lift on the skiers right. Have fun on this one and enjoy the powder stashes!
Bonus Powder Stashes
Looking for more powder? Of course you are! Here are a few more Big Sky insider’s guide tips to get you knee deep in powder:
For advanced skiers and riders, check out prime stashes in the new glades on Bear Lair and Wounded Knee or the Flat Iron slopes. For intermediate options head to Lobo, Silver Knife and Hangman’s. These areas are off the beaten path and remain untrafficked for longer periods of time after a storm, so you have a better chance of discovering lasting powder stashes!
Big Sky’s Hidden Gem Neighborhoods
Western mountain living at its finest – that’s the sort of lifestyle you’ll find here in Big Sky and what draws people from all over to find their perfect piece of Montana real estate. From slopeside mountain homes to luxury condos and expansive estates, Big Sky has it all while still retaining its unique small-town charm. As locals and real estate agents, we want to clue you in on a few hidden gem neighborhoods you may not have considered before in your Big Sky real estate search.
Aspen Grove
Located off of Andesite Road just past the Meadow Village and Big Sky Town Center, homes in Aspen Grove are great for those looking for more privacy and space. Custom, single family homes in this area offer a variety of architectural styles from traditional log homes to mountain modern styles. Surrounded by towering pine trees on larger lots, these single family homes are perfect for full-time or part-time residents.
Antler Ridge and Lost Trails
Head up the mountain a few more miles but before you reach Big Sky Resort you will find Antler Ridge and Lost Trails neighborhoods. Sometimes overlooked, these areas offer some truly unique real estate opportunities. Antler Ridge is perched atop a mountain ridge line with incredible panoramic views of Lone Peak and the surrounding Big Sky area. Homes in this area range from three to five bedrooms and feature a mix of classic and modern architectural styles. Homes in the Lost Trails neighborhood are nestled among dense pine tree forests and offer privacy and accessibility.
Big Sky’s Best Secret Fly Fishing Spots
Maybe you’ve heard – but the fly fishing in Big Sky is second to none. Right here in Southwest Montana you’ll find some of the world’s absolute best fly fishing waters. Get a head start on your next fly fishing adventure with these secret spots that won’t disappoint.
Hog Alley – Gallatin River
The Gallatin River originates in Yellowstone National Park and flows right past Big Sky on its way down the Gallatin Canyon. There are innumerable opportunities for incredible fishing pretty much anywhere along the Gallatin, but one spot not to be missed is dubbed “Hog Alley”. Located two miles North of the intersection of Hwy 191 and Hwy 64 (Lone Mountain Trail), this honey hole should be at the top of your list.
Alpine Lakes
There is no shortage of picturesque alpine lakes in Big Sky and surrounding areas that also make for incredible fly fishing locations. Explore beyond Big Sky into Yellowstone National
Park and our many wilderness areas and national forests
for a real adventure. Just always be cautious while in the backcountry, and if you’re not sure where you’re going we highly recommend any of the dozens of world class fishing guides to show you around. The best thing about fishing an alpine lake? Even if the fish aren’t biting the views are worth the trek.
Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch
This local tip isn’t so much of a place to go fishing, but rather a time of year. Every year around Mother’s Day hoards of swarming caddis descend upon the Madison and Gallatin Rivers. One of the first big hatches of the summer season, this is a great opportunity to get trout to bite your line. Despite what the name suggest, the Mother’s Day caddis hatch can be hard to time. It depends on water temperature — once the river hits the mid-50s, the bugs pop. Get your timing right and you could experience one of the most epic Montana fishing experiences!
Big Sky’s Most Spectacular Hikes
The only way to truly appreciate the immaculate beauty of a Big Sky summer is to lace up your hiking boots and take a trek into the wild outdoors. Below are a few of our favorite hikes!
Ousel Falls
Big Sky’s Ousel Falls hike is one of the most popular and most accessible hikes in Big Sky. The trail is 1.6 miles out and back featuring majestic Ousel Falls. Very well maintained, the trail follows the Gallatin River. Self-guided interpretive signs provide interesting information along the way. The hike has an elevation gain of 252 feet and is paved in some areas so is accessible for all ages and skill levels. Picnic tables and benches are available along the way so pack a lunch and made a day of it! Your four legged friends are also welcome on the trail. Pets and people alike love to take a dip in the cool pool at the bottom of the falls in the summer. This trail is open year-round, and in the spring you’ll see that falls rage with the snow melt, and freeze up in the winter. Pretty cool! To get to the trailhead take Ousel Falls Road from Big Sky Town Center to the Ousel Falls Trailhead parking lot which will be on your left hand side. To make the hike longer, you can park at Big Sky Town Center and take a trail from there all the way the Ousel Falls Trailhead. This path will increase the hike distance from 1.6 miles to 5.6 miles.
Beehive Basin Trail
The Beehive Basin trail is one of Big Sky’s best hikes, and possibly one of the best in all of Montana! In the late spring/early summer you’d be hard pressed to find a more breathtaking view of wildflowers along the mountainous landscape. This 7.1 miles, out and back hike has an elevation gain of 1,650. The hike leads you to a picturesque Beehive Basin, U-shaped glacial cirque with a crystal clear lake that overlooks Lone Peak. Stay on the lookout for bears and moose who frequent the lake area. Don’t forget your bear spray! To get to the trailhead, turn at the light and heads towards Big Sky Resort and Lone Peak. Continue up past the turn to Big Sky Resort. Prior to the Moonlight Basin entrance, take a right on Beehive Basin Road. Continue to trail head and park in the designated area.
Uplands Trail
The Uplands trail is another one of Big Sky’s best hikes. This is a moderately difficult two mile round trip hike. Steadily climbing to an area of higher elevation, Uplands Trail offers expansive views of Big Sky. Trail users can also view the exposed Huckleberry Ridge Tuff, a volcanic rock formed by the 2.1-million-year-old Huckleberry Ridge eruption of Yellowstone’s caldera. This trail is enjoyed by mountain bikers and hikers. Part of its appeal is its close proximity to Big Sky Town Center, making it a great spot for a quick morning hike. Getting to the Uplands Trailhead is a short drive or walk from Big Sky Town Center. Just take Aspen Leaf Drive to the designated parking lot.
Big Sky’s Most Unique Dining Experiences
Create memories that will last a lifetime by enjoying one of Big Sky’s unique dining experiences. Check out our Big Sky Insider’s Guide recommendations below!
Sleigh Ride Dinner
The sleigh ride dinner at 320 Guest Ranch or Lone Mountain Ranch have become legendary. Popular to both locals and travelers from far and wide, it is a magical experience for the entire family. Load up on a horse drawn sleigh and revel in the experience of meandering through the snow covered pines as you cozy up under a wool blanket peering at the stars above. You arrive at your dinner destination: an oil-lantern-lit cabin where you’re served a family-style meal. Enjoy the prime rib and fresh baked bread prepared on an antique wood-burning stove while your coachmen pulls out his guitar and begins a unique storytelling experience. This is a true “Montana” dinner experience that is not to be missed!
Everett’s 8800 Dinner
Experience Lone Peak in a spectacular evening dining setting at Everett’s 8800. Loading Ramcharger 8 after hours (and without your skis!) is at first an unusual sensation, but once on the heated lift you settle right in. Enjoy your trip up Andesite Mountain, taking in the sights and sounds of the mountain at night. Arrive at Everett’s 8800 atop Andesite Mountain at an elevation of – you guessed it – 8800 feet. Experienced bartenders are ready and waiting to mix you up a tasty concoction upon your arrival. The delicious, high-end menu features alpine-inspired dishes what will not disappoint. After your meal enjoy a leisurely ride back down the lift as you watch the snowcats wander the mountain at night.