Big Sky was a ranch in up until the
early 1970's when 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.Get in
You can fly into Bozeman and take a 45 minute drive down the canyon along
the Gallatin River. There is a taxi service called KARST Stage that will
take you down to Big Sky for about $60.00.
Get around
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). Big Sky is too spread
out and too vertical to really sample without a car. There is a rudimentary
shuttle system that operates during busy times but not often enough to be
relied upon. Taxis are sometimes available but a ride from Mountain to
Meadow runs about $40.00.
Attractions
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 1.5 miles long.
Activities
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.
Dining
Cinnamon Lodge - About 15 miles south of Big Sky on Hwy 191. This place
has great Mexican food and margaritas. The pork roast special was highly
recommended by one of our diners. 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. |