Big Sky, Montana

Census-designated place in Montana, United States

Big Sky, Montana

Census-designated place

Big Sky and Lone Mountain

Location of Big Sky within Gallatin County and the state of Montana

Coordinates: 45°15′36″N 111°18′36″W﻿ / ﻿45.26000°N 111.31000°W﻿ / 45.26000; -111.31000
Country| United States
State| Montana
Counties| Gallatin and Madison
Area

[1]

• Total

| 120.24 sq mi (311.43 km2)
• Land| 120.00 sq mi (310.81 km2)
• Water| 0.24 sq mi (0.61 km2)
Elevation

[2]

| 6,936 ft (2,114 m)
Population

(2020)[3]

• Total

| 3,591
• Density| 29.92/sq mi (11.55/km2)
Time zone| UTC-7 (Mountain (MST))
• Summer (DST)| UTC-6 (MDT)
ZIP code|

59716

Area code| 406
FIPS code| 30-06325
GNIS feature ID| 2407845[2]

Big Sky is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Gallatin and Madison counties in southwestern Montana, United States. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 3,591,[3] up from 2,308 in 2010.[4] It is 45 miles (72 km) by road southwest of Bozeman. The primary industry of the area is tourism.[5]

## Geography

[edit]

Big Sky is located close to the Yellowstone National Park along the western edge of Gallatin County and eastern edge of Madison County, on U.S. Highway 191. It is approximately midway between West Yellowstone and Bozeman, being around 45 miles (72 km) by road from each.[5] It sits within the Madison Range, with elevations in the CDP ranging from 5,900 feet (1,800 m) in Gallatin Canyon along U.S. 191 to over 11,000 feet (3,400 m) at the summit of Lone Mountain.[citation needed]

The "Meadow" area of Big Sky lies in the eastern part of the CDP in an alpine valley formed during the Cretaceous period, at a base elevation of 6,200 feet (1,900 m). Initially called the "Gallatin Canyon Basin", the Meadow is braided with small rivers that channel mountain snow run-off. Fishing is permitted on all of these feeders of the Gallatin River. Two ponds are found on the Middle Fork of the Gallatin that bisects the Meadow, and fishing there is permitted for those 16 and younger. Since 1993, an innovative sewer system has protected the water in the area from sewage discharge. Several agencies, such as the Gallatin River Task Force, monitor the health of the rivers.

The "Mountain" area of Big Sky is west of the "Meadow" area at a base elevation of about 7,400 feet (2,300 m). The community had two large ski resorts in the "Mountain" area: Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin. In October 2013, these resorts merged: both are now managed by Big Sky Resort, and both are alpine ski and golf resorts. The combined terrain of the two resorts allows them to market themselves as the "Biggest Skiing in America", with over 5,800 acres (2,300 ha) of terrain. The Spanish Peaks Mountain Club is a ski and golf resort that has three chairlifts and 13 ski runs connecting it to Big Sky Resort at the base of Big Sky's Southern Comfort lift. Spanish Peaks is also now owned by Big Sky Resort, in collaboration with the Yellowstone Club. Another resort, Lone Mountain Ranch, is a Nordic ski and summer resort that professionally grooms over 75 kilometers of cross-country ski trails. Yellowstone Club, a private resort, is located to the south and adjacent to Big Sky Resort.

The "Canyon" area of Big Sky lies in the Gallatin Canyon in the northeast part of the CDP, along the Gallatin River, a favorite for whitewater rafters and kayakers. The river, named after Albert Gallatin[6] who was the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, is a Blue Ribbon trout stream that attracts fly-fishers from around the world.[7] Several dude ranches (320 Guest Ranch, Elkhorn Ranch, Cinnamon Lodge and 9 Quarter Circle) operate in the Gallatin Canyon.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 120.2 square miles (311.4 km2), of which 120.0 square miles (310.8 km2) are land and 0.2 square miles (0.6 km2), or 0.18%, are water. Most of the CDP drains to the east into the Gallatin River, while the westernmost portions drain west via Cedar Creek and Jack Creek to the Madison River. The Gallatin and the Madison both drain north to form the Missouri River.

### Climate

[edit]

This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Big Sky has a borderline humid continental (Dfb) / alpine subarctic climate (Dfc).[8] for most of the area, but the lower elevations may be closer to a dry continental climate.

Climate data for Big Sky, Montana, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1967–2021

Month  | Jan  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  | Aug  | Sep  | Oct  | Nov  | Dec  | Year
Record high °F (°C)  | 55
(13)  | 57
(14)  | 65
(18)  | 77
(25)  | 84
(29)  | 91
(33)  | 95
(35)  | 93
(34)  | 91
(33)  | 84
(29)  | 67
(19)  | 53
(12)  | 95
(35)
Mean maximum °F (°C)  | 44.9
(7.2)  | 47.0
(8.3)  | 57.2
(14.0)  | 64.5
(18.1)  | 73.8
(23.2)  | 80.8
(27.1)  | 87.3
(30.7)  | 86.7
(30.4)  | 82.5
(28.1)  | 71.6
(22.0)  | 55.4
(13.0)  | 43.0
(6.1)  | 88.2
(31.2)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)  | 29.8
(−1.2)  | 34.2
(1.2)  | 42.0
(5.6)  | 48.0
(8.9)  | 58.1
(14.5)  | 66.8
(19.3)  | 77.6
(25.3)  | 76.8
(24.9)  | 68.1
(20.1)  | 52.9
(11.6)  | 36.9
(2.7)  | 27.5
(−2.5)  | 51.6
(10.9)
Daily mean °F (°C)  | 19.2
(−7.1)  | 21.5
(−5.8)  | 29.3
(−1.5)  | 35.2
(1.8)  | 44.1
(6.7)  | 51.4
(10.8)  | 59.5
(15.3)  | 58.0
(14.4)  | 50.8
(10.4)  | 38.8
(3.8)  | 26.2
(−3.2)  | 18.0
(−7.8)  | 37.7
(3.2)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)  | 8.5
(−13.1)  | 8.8
(−12.9)  | 16.6
(−8.6)  | 22.5
(−5.3)  | 30.0
(−1.1)  | 36.0
(2.2)  | 41.3
(5.2)  | 39.2
(4.0)  | 33.4
(0.8)  | 24.7
(−4.1)  | 15.6
(−9.1)  | 8.5
(−13.1)  | 23.8
(−4.6)
Mean minimum °F (°C)  | −16.6
(−27.0)  | −15.8
(−26.6)  | −5.2
(−20.7)  | 6.3
(−14.3)  | 17.8
(−7.9)  | 25.8
(−3.4)  | 32.9
(0.5)  | 29.9
(−1.2)  | 22.0
(−5.6)  | 7.9
(−13.4)  | −7.0
(−21.7)  | −15.1
(−26.2)  | −24.6
(−31.4)
Record low °F (°C)  | −39
(−39)  | −42
(−41)  | −20
(−29)  | −15
(−26)  | 8
(−13)  | 19
(−7)  | 22
(−6)  | 20
(−7)  | 5
(−15)  | −12
(−24)  | −26
(−32)  | −41
(−41)  | −42
(−41)
Average precipitation inches (mm)  | 1.83
(46)  | 1.51
(38)  | 1.88
(48)  | 2.42
(61)  | 2.83
(72)  | 3.22
(82)  | 1.25
(32)  | 1.56
(40)  | 1.70
(43)  | 1.77
(45)  | 1.60
(41)  | 1.74
(44)  | 23.31
(592)
Average snowfall inches (cm)  | 33.3
(85)  | 23.4
(59)  | 23.7
(60)  | 9.4
(24)  | 7.1
(18)  | 1.4
(3.6)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 0.7
(1.8)  | 8.1
(21)  | 20.4
(52)  | 35.2
(89)  | 162.7
(413.4)
Average extreme snow depth inches (cm)  | 32.1
(82)  | 37.4
(95)  | 34.8
(88)  | 19.7
(50)  | 1.8
(4.6)  | 0.2
(0.51)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 0.0
(0.0)  | 1.3
(3.3)  | 5.9
(15)  | 20.4
(52)  | 36.9
(94)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 12.6  | 11.5  | 11.5  | 11.5  | 13.4  | 14.4  | 10.2  | 11.2  | 9.6  | 9.6  | 11.1  | 13.7  | 140.3
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 11.5  | 10.0  | 9.4  | 4.7  | 2.6  | 0.3  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.4  | 3.8  | 9.6  | 12.4  | 64.7
Source 1: NOAA[9]
Source 2: National Weather Service (snow/snow days 1981-2010)[10]

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

2000| 1,221| | —
2010| 2,308| | 89.0%
2020| 3,591| | 55.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]

At the 2010 census, there were 2,308 people living in the CDP. The population density was 10.1 per square mile.

## Activities

[edit]

Lone Peak seen from Big Sky Resort, 2018

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|

Hiking trails thread throughout the landscape and into neighboring national forests. Camping sites are available throughout the Spanish Peaks and the Gallatin National Forest. Elk, deer, black bears, grizzlies, upland birds, waterfowl, and wolves call this area home. Hunting is prohibited in Big Sky proper, but it is permitted throughout the National Forests that surround the area. Recreational snowmobiling is also not permitted within the Meadow or Mountain terrain, but is permitted in the Gallatin Canyon and in areas to the south of Big Sky.

The Crail Ranch Buildings, built by Montana pioneer Frank Crail and his family, offer a glimpse of life in Big Sky more than 100 years ago. The authentic cabins are preserved as part of the Crail Ranch Homestead Museum. The museum displays artifacts, photographs and documents, along with extensive information about the pioneer Crail and Creek families.

## Education

[edit]

The Gallatin County portion of the CDP is in Big Sky School K-12.[12] The Madison County portion is in Ennis K-12 Schools school district.[13]

In addition to the Big Sky School District #72 and the Ennis district, Big Sky has a preK-12 non-profit private school, Big Sky Discovery Academy. The Gallatin County side has three public schools: Ophir Elementary School, Ophir Middle School and Lone Peak High School. The district educates approximately 425 students.

## Media

[edit]

Big Sky has two local newspapers, Explore Big Sky, and Lone Peak Lookout, in addition to the regional publication, Bozeman Chronicle.[14]

The local radio station is KBZM. Other regional radio stations can be received from Bozeman.

Three television stations are available: KTVM (6) NBC, KBZK (7) CBS, and KUSM (9) PBS.

ExploreBigSky.com is a regional daily news website.[15]

## Notable people

[edit]

* Jessica Biel, actress, and her husband, pop star Justin Timberlake
* Troy Downing, politician, technology entrepreneur
* Robert Peter Gale, cancer researcher
* Chet Huntley, pioneering newscaster, retired to Big Sky
* Bode Miller, former Olympian ski racer
* Warren Miller, film director, lived in Big Sky during the winter
* Matt Morris, former Major League Baseball pitcher
* Marty Pavelich, NHL player, year-round resident
* Jamie Pierre, professional skier, snowboarder

## See also

[edit]

* Montana portal

* Soldiers Chapel

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "2023 U.S. Gazetteer Files: Montana". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Big Sky, Montana
3. ^ a b "P1. Race – Big Sky CDP, Montana: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
4. ^ "P1. Race – Big Sky CDP, Montana: 2010 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
5. ^ a b "Visit Big Sky".
6. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 133.
7. ^ "The Gallatin River". Greater Yellowstone Resource Guide. Retrieved July 26, 2017.
8. ^ "Climate - Big Sky, Montana". 2016.
9. ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Big Sky 2WNW, MT". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
10. ^ "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Great Falls". National Weather Service. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
11. ^ "Decennial Census Official Publications". Census.gov. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
12. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Gallatin County, MT" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. pp. 1-2 (PDF pp. 2-3/3). Retrieved October 4, 2024. \- Text list
13. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Madison County, MT" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved October 4, 2024. \- Text list
14. ^ "Mountain Outlaw Magazine". 2015.
15. ^ "Explore Big Sky".

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Big Sky, Montana.

* Visit Big Sky
* Biggest Skiing in America
* Big Sky Chamber of Commerce
* Big Sky Community Organization
* Crail Ranch Homestead Museum

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Gallatin County, Montana, United States

County seat: Bozeman

Cities|

* Belgrade
* Bozeman
* Three Forks

Gallatin County map

Towns|

* Manhattan
* West Yellowstone

CDPs|

* Amsterdam
* Big Sky‡
* Bridger
* Churchill
* Four Corners
* Gallatin Gateway
* Gallatin River Ranch
* Hebgen Lake Estates
* King Arthur Park
* Logan
* Ponderosa Pines
* Sedan
* Springhill
* Willow Creek

Other
communities|

* Hillman
* Maudlow

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

* Montana portal
* United States portal

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Madison County, Montana, United States

County seat: Virginia City

Towns|

* Ennis
* Sheridan
* Twin Bridges
* Virginia City

Madison County map

CDPs|

* Alder
* Big Sky‡
* Brandon
* Harrison
* Jeffers
* Mammoth
* McAllister
* Norris
* Pony
* Silver Star

Other
communities|

* Cameron
* Jefferson Island
* Laurin

Ghost towns|

* Nevada City
* Union City

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

* Montana portal
* United States portal

* v
* t
* e

Montana regions and towns with breweries

Glacier Country
(Northwest)|

| Missoula|

* Bayern Brewing
* Big Sky Brewing Company
* Conflux Brewing
* Cranky Sam
* Draught Works
* Gild Brewing
* Great Burn Brewing Co.
* Imagine Nation Brewing Co.
* KettleHouse Brewing Company
* Missoula Brewing Co.
* Odd Pitch Brewing Co.
* Taprooms only
* Tamarack Brewing Company
* Flathead Lake Brewing Co.

|

Hamilton|

* Bitter Root Brewing
* Higherground Brewing Co.

Stevensville|

* Blacksmith Brewing Co.
* Wildwood Brewing

Woods Bay|

* Flathead Lake Brewing Co.

Polson|

* Glacier Brewing Co.

Whitefish|

* Bonsai Brewing Project
* Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Co.
* SunRift Beer Co.

Lakeside|

* Tamarack Brewing

Bigfork|

* Golden Triangle Brew Co.

Columbia Falls|

* Backslope Brewing

Darby|

* Brigand Brewing

Eureka|

* Branding Iron Brewing
* Koocanusa Brewery

Frenchtown|

* Old Bull Brewing

Kalispell|

* Bias Brewing
* Patriotic American Brewery
* Sacred Waters Brewing Co.
* SunRift Beer Co.

Libby|

* Cabinet Mountain Brewing Co.

Lolo|

* Lolo Peak Brewing Co.

Ronan|

* Ronan Cooperative Brewery

Thompson Falls|

* Limberlost Brewing Co.

Southwest Montana|

| Helena|

* Blackfoot River Brewing
* Copper Furrow Brewing
* Lewis and Clark Brewing Co.
* MT Ascension Brewing Co.
* Speakeasy 41 Brewing Co.
* Ten Mile Creek Brewery

|

Butte|

* Butte Brewing
* Quarry Brewing

Anaconda|

* Smelter City Brewing Co.

Dillon|

* Beaverhead Brewing Co.

East Helena|

* Missouri River Brewing Co.

Ennis|

* Burnt Tree Brewing

Sheridan|

* Ruby Valley Brew

Townsend|

* Canyon Ferry Brewing

Wolf Creek|

* Lazy I Beerworks

Central Montana|

| Belt|

* Harvest Moon Brewing Co.

|

Black Eagle|

* Black Eagle Brewery

Cut Bank|

* Cut Bank Creek Brewery

Great Falls|

* Annie's Tap House
* Mighty Mo Brewing Co.

Harlowton|

* Gally's Brewing Co.

Havre|

* Triple Dog Brewing Co.

Lewistown|

* Big Spring Brewing Co.

Philipsburg|

* Philipsburg Brewing Co.

Yellowstone Country
(South Central)|

| Bozeman|

* 406 Brewing Co.
* Bozeman Brewing Co.
* Bridger Brewing Co.
* Bunkhouse Brewery
* Freefall Brewery
* Julius Lehrkind Brewing
* Last Best Place Brewing Co.
* MAP Brewing Co.
* Mountains Walking Brewery
* Phantom Brewery
* New Ventures Brewing
* Outlaw Brewing|(Sheriff Henry Plummer's)
* Shred Monk Brewery

|

Big Sky|

* Lone Peak Brewery

Belgrade|

* Bar 3 Brewing
* Madison River Brewing Co.

Livingston|

* Katabatic Brewing Co.
* Neptune's Brewery

Red Lodge|

* Red Lodge Ales Brewing Co.

Big Timber|

* Crazy Peak Brewing Co.

Columbus|

* Palladium Draughthaus

Three Forks|

* Sawdust & Steel Brewing

West Yellowstone|

* Yellowstone Beer Company

Missouri River Country
(Northeast)|

| Wolf Point|

* Missouri Breaks Brewing

|

Glasgow|

* Busted Knuckle Brewing

Malta|

* Blue Ridge Brewing

Scobey|

* Pleasant Prairie Brewing

Sidney|

* Meadowlark Brewing Co.

Southeast Montana|

| Billings|

* Angry Hank's
* By All Means
* Canyon Creek
* Carter's Brewing
* Diamond X
* Meadowlark
* Montana Brewing Co.
* Thirsty Street Brewing Co.
* Uberbrew

|

Wibaux|

* Beaver Creek Brewery

Glendive|

* Cross Country Brewing

Laurel|

* High Plains

Miles City|

* Otium Brewing
* Tilt Wurks

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* France
* BnF data
* Czech Republic

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*[%±]: Percent change
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*[e]: Edit this template