Home to some of the most breathtaking vistas in southwest Montana, Big Sky earns its name. At an elevation of over 7,000 feet, the mountain air may be thin, but there's no shortage of adventure to be had in Big Sky.
Divided by two distinct districts in the Meadow and the Mountain, the city of Big Sky itself overlaps between Gallatin and Madison counties and is an unincorporated community without an elected city government. Located between Bozeman and West Yellowstone, Big Sky is minutes away from Yellowstone National Park and serves as a major tourism hub during the summer season and a world-famous skiing destination in the winter.
Big Sky is known for its world-class mountain resorts. Big Sky Resorts is the largest, offering 5,800 acres of ski terrain. The Yellowstone Club is a private resort that calls the likes of Bill Gates, Tom Brady, and Justin Timberlake residents. Lone Mountain Ranch offers skiing and summertime activities at the base of the mountain.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the resort areas, the Big Sky community is as unique as the environment it calls home. When residents and visitors aren't hiking, skiing, fishing, hunting, or otherwise adventuring outdoors, the Big Sky Town Center brings the community together. With restaurants, shops, markets, and a movie theater all within steps of Town Center Park (which hosts free community activities year-round), there's plenty to do after a day on the slopes or on the trail.
Education in Big Sky is divided into four schools: the private pre-K-6 school in Big Sky Discovery Academy, Ophir Elementary School, Ophir Middle School, and Lone Peak High School. Big Sky School District #72 educates between 400-450 students each year.
Several dude ranches operate outside of Big Sky throughout the Gallatin Canyon on the way to West Yellowstone, including Elkhorn Ranch, 320 Guest Ranch, and 9 Quarter Circle.