Real Estate | Things to Do
Big Sky Country Checks Off Your Bucket List
There’s so much to do here the only problem is choosing which activity!
Bozeman, Big Sky, and Livingston are surrounded by one of the nation’s best National Parks; Yellowstone. Yellowstone is far and away the best park for viewing wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, and sometimes moose and bear. But keep your distance. Take your pictures from a safe distance. Every summer, we hear on the local news how tourists got too close and were charged, often landing them in the hospital. One year, a tourist, upon “finding” a baby bison, put the animal in his hatchback in an attempt to “save” it. Needless to say, the baby bison was in no danger and the tourist met heavy fines. This was in 2015 or 2016 and it’s become a bit of a legend for the locals. Don’t be that guy!
North several hours will land you in Glacier National Park. Along the “hi-line” or Montana’s border with Canada, Glacier NP is best described as a religious experience. Truly. Be sure to drive the Going to the Sun Highway. You’ll be pinching yourself the whole way. Within Glacier, you’ll find pristine, crystal lakes and skies blue enough to rival the Caribbean.
Variety of Activities for Every Season
Winter brings with it a host of outdoor activities including alpine (downhill) skiing, nordic (xc) skiing, skate-skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Big Sky Resort boasts the “nation’s biggest skiing” easily rivaling—some would say surpassing—Colorado. Meanwhile in Bozeman, you’ll find Bridger Bowl, “a community ski hill,” here, it’s not hard to make and find friends, and we think you’ll settle into the laidback, neighborly vibe quite well. While that sounds enticing, Bridger’s claim to fame is it’s “cold smoke” a snow condition that is a combination of super dry, powdery snow and cold, dry temperatures. Cold smoke is a skier’s dream come true. And for those seeking a slower pace, there’s Bohart Ranch, a laidback nordic ski area where cross-country skiers can find challenge terrain as well as easy, fun runs.
In summer, the Valley is booming with weekly events such as two Farmer’s Markets and Music on Main, an event that closes Main Street, Bozeman for free live music, kid’s activities, and no shortage of debauchery. There’s also monthly Art Walks as well as annual summer events such as Cruisin’ on Main. Stay for the Sweet Pea Festival (link) in early August; a week full of events including the Taste of Bozeman and Chalk on the Walk, culminating in a 5K, Fun Run, Parade, and three days of peace, love, and music. Go see the S.L.A.M. (Supporting Local Arts and Musicians) Summer Festival, a free arts event with an independent spirit.
Of course, this is all without mentioning the world-class fishing, hiking, biking, climbing, camping, kayaking, white-water rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, our Main Street to the Mountains trail access system, or any other fun you can get into. Big Sky Resort also offers big summertime experiences including tram rides to the top of Lone Peak, zip-line tour, and high ropes course.
