Aspects Big Sky

The (Almost) Everything Guide to Big Sky

Big Sky is hard to put into words. Literally and metaphorically, from the moment you drive up the canyon, you’re left speechless. Mostly due to the altitude, but your eyes start to work overtime taking in the landscape and the idea of multitasking with conversation becomes inconceivable save for a “look!” or “did you see that?”.

With all this sensory overload, it’s more important than ever to do a little research ahead of your trip. Whether you’re visiting for the 100th time and reminiscing about “the old Big Sky” or on your first trip, there are always new nooks and crannies emerging. Our team keeps a little document we call Recommendations and Rites of Passage. The latter being things we deem essential, whether they were on your hit list or not. The former, everything from classics to “a Best in..” list.

As good as we are, there will be some gaps. When you find one, send us a text or give us a call. Whether you’re a guest staying with us at Aspects or a curious traveler who landed on our page, we’ll be happy to shine a little light on the different aspects of Big Sky. We hope you see what we did there – and hope to see you soon at Aspects.

Until then, safe travels! Zach, Nathan, Albert, and the Aspects team
(406) 518-1284

Recommendations and Rites of Passage

The best place for…

… a meal: The Riverhouse

… a nice dinner: Horn & Cantle

… bar drink(s) : Brothel Bikes, Milkie’s, Broken Spoke

… pizza: Milkies (good gluten free pizza)

… fancy cocktails or a glass of wine: Alpenglow bar at The Montage

… a big group and night out: Tips Up

… tacos & margaritas: Tres Toros (get the birria taco!) or the Taco Bus (can’t miss it)

… lunch sandwiches: Hungry Moose (call ahead for a shorter wait time)

… a Burger: BYWOM

… a lively cocktail and live music: Horn & Cantle Saloon

… Date Night: Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge

… local Restaurant: Olive B’s

… an easy and scenic hike: Ousel Falls

… aprés: Scissorbills Saloon

Big Sky Institutions and Recommendations

Restaurants

Riverhouse (get the brisket and the Riverhouse Margarita!)
The Corral Bar (look for all the different ranch’s brands on the mantle)
Bucks T-4
Horn & Cantle
Everetts 8800
Montana Dinner Yurt - Snowcat ride to a “secret” mountain location dinner experience
The Cabin Bar & Grill
Ousel & Spur Pizza Co.
Dining Hall at Big Sky Resort
By Word of Mouth - BWOM
Blue Moon Bakery
Albertos Mexican Cuisine
Pinky G’s Pizza
Blue Budda Sushi
Tres Toros
Block3
Albertos
Cortina at the Montage
Thai Basil
Olive B’s Bistro
Michaelangelos

Bars

Scissorbills Saloon
The Saloon at Horn & Cantle
The Waypoint
Bunker Deck & Grill (at the golf course)
Beehive Basin Brewery
The Barmuda Triangle
- Milkies
- Brothel Bikes = beer + bike repair
- Broken Spoke Bar & Casino
Tips Up!

Hotels

The Wilson - Residence Inn Marriott
The Lobby Bar
Huntley Lodge
Rainbow Ranch
White Wolf Retreat
Peaks at the Summit Hotel

Apre Ski

Umbrella Bar
Live DJ Friday – Sunday (Mountain Village Plaza)
Scissorbills Saloon
Slopeside Dive Bar (Mountain Village)
Beehive Basin Brewery
Local Craft Brews (Meadow Village)
Tips Up
Games & Late-Night Music (Meadow Village), Line dancing Tuesday Nights
La Grande Après
Champagne & Caviar (Montage Big Sky)
Everett’s 8800
Mid-Mountain Drinks With A View (Andesite Mountain)
Carabiner Lounge
Best Wine Selection (Summit Hotel, Mountain Village)

Resorts

Big Sky Resort
Montague Big Sky
Moonlight Basin
Lone Mountain Ranch
Rainbow Ranch
320 Guest Ranch

Coffee shops/spots

Caliber Coffee Roasters
Cowboy Coffee Co
The Loan Perk - Coffee Hut
Treeline Coffee Roasters at Mountain Base

Rites of passage

Essentials

Ski Big Sky
Visit Yellowstone National Park
Scenic ride on the tram
Hike Beehive Basin
Get groceries at Hungry Moose,
Go to the farmers market
Buy your jeans from Murdochs
Watch a rodeo at the PBR
Line dance at Tips Up
Ski-day lunch at the Shedhorn Yurt

Explorations

Porcupine Creek or Storm Castle Hike
Take the Skyline Bus to the mountain
Jump off The Green Bridge into the Gallatin River
Hike Mud Creek Trail and spot Lone Mountain Peak
Have a late night at Brothel Bikes
Skin Hangman’s before the resort opens

Deeper cuts

Ski Telemark Meadows
Find a Smoke Shack on the mountain
Hit all the corners of the Barmuda Triangle
Ski the alphabet chutes

Events Throughout the Year

Winter

Christmas Stroll – Early December
Big Sky Skijoring- Early February
Big Sky Big Grass - Bluegrass festival (14th annual)
March: Snowshoe Shuffle - torch lit snowshoe hike with your dog
March: Shedhorn Ski Mo- mountaineering ski race.
March: F3T Fly Fishing Film Tour
March/April: Headwaters Spring Runoff - Free ride competition
Dummy Jump – Winter Season
Ice Rink at BASE Community Center
April 28th Pond Skim – Closing Day at Big Sky Resort

Summer

Farmer’s Market – June to September
Music In The Mountains – June to September
Gallatin River Fly Fishing Festival – June
4th Of July Festival
Parks & Trails Annual Gala – Summer
Kids Adventure Games – Summer
Big Sky PBR – July
Big Sky Biggie – August - Mountain Biking Race
Wildlands festival
Zephyr Cycling + Big Sky Resort spin classes on the Everett's 8800 Deck - August
Big Sky Art Auction – Summer
Big Sky Arts Org Events
Savor Food & Wine Festival
Classical Music Festival – August
Montana Shakespeare In The Parks– Summer
Moonlight Music Festival – August
The Rut – August/September
- Three day Running celebration. Run up to 31 miles with at 10,500ft elevation gain. hard no for me.
Mountainfilm On Tour – September
Haunted Peaks Halloween Festival – October
Turkey Trot – Thanksgiving

Town newspaper/media sources

The Seasons of Big Sky

Weather:

Summer
Dry, crisp mountain air 80s during the day - 50s night.
Winter
20s-30s, dip below zero at night. Average 400” snow per year

Activities: