Big Sky, Montana
Encyclopedia
Big Sky is a census-designated place
(CDP) in Gallatin
and Madison
counties in the southwestern part of the U.S. state
of Montana
. This unincorporated community straddles the two counties, is not considered a town, and has no town government. The primary industry of the area is tourism.
Big Sky is located approximately midway between West Yellowstone
and Bozeman
on U.S. Route 191 and just 15 miles (24.1 km) from the northwestern border of the Yellowstone National Park. The population was 1,221 at the 2000 census
. "The Meadow" sector of the area lies in an alpine valley formed during the cretaceous period. 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 Gallatin feeders. Two "ponds" are found on the Middle Fork that bisects the Meadow. Fishing there is permitted only 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 Blue Water Task Force, monitor the health of the rivers.
The community is home to two large ski resorts that are sited in the "Mountain" sector: Big Sky Ski and Summer Resort and Moonlight Basin. Both are alpine ski and golf resorts. The combined terrain of the two resorts allows them to boast "The Biggest Skiing in America." The Club at Spanish Peaks is an exclusive private ski & golf resort that has 3 chairlifts & 13 ski runs connecting it to the Big Sky Ski Resort at the base of Big Sky's Southern Comfort lift. Another resort, Lone Mountain Ranch, is a Nordic ski and summer resort that professionally grooms over 75 kilometers of cross country skill trails. The private exclusive resort, Yellowstone Club
, is located to the south and adjacent to Big Sky.
Part of the community lies in the Gallatin Canyon, along the Gallatin River
, a favorite for white water rafters and kayakers. The Gallatin River, named after Albert Gallatin, who was the Secretary of the Treasury during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, is a Blue Ribbon trout stream that attracts fly-fishers from around the world. Fly-fishing outfitting firms can connect fly-fishers to renowned rivers, in particular the Madison and the Yellowstone. Several dude ranches dot the Gallatin Canyon: 320 Ranch, Elkhorn Ranch, Cinnamon Lodge, and 9 Quarter Circle, which is tucked into the Taylor Fork drainage to the west of the Gallatin.
Hiking trails thread throughout the landscape and into neighboring national forests. Camping sites are available throughout the Spanish Peaks and 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 and on Mountain terrain, but it is permitted in the Gallatin Canyon and in areas to the south of Big Sky proper. Snowmobiling outfitters are located in the Canyon.
The area is served by a K-12 public school district, called the Ophir School District #72. There are three schools: Ophir Elementary School, Ophir Middle School, and Lone Peak High School. The district educates approximately 200 students with an innovative curriculum that includes experiential, place-based, and expeditionary education.
Health services include a dentist, a small medical clinic, a physical therapist, chiropractors, and a pharmacy. There is a local fire department with advanced emergency services, but sheriff services are provided by Gallatin County. Big Sky is highly dependent on Gallatin County services. The nearest hospital is located in Bozeman.
Local businesses are situated primarily in three commerce sites, Meadow Village Shopping Center, the Canyon, and The Big Sky Town Center, ranging from restaurants, clothing shops and photography to outdoor sporting stores. Real estate agents, construction and architectural companies, and property management companies attend to the burgeoning real estate industry.
Big Sky Chapel serves a number of religious denominations. The community library, housed in the Ophir School facility, is free to the public, providing thousands of books and technology access.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the CDP has a total area of 228.3 square miles (591.2 km2), of which, 228.1 square miles (590.8 km2) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.4 km2) of it (0.06%) is water.
of 2007, there were 2,421 people, 573 households, and 280 families residing in the CDP. The population density
was 5.4 people per square mile (2.1/km2). There were 1,788 housing units at an average density of 7.8 per square mile (3.0/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.95% White, 0.08% African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.66% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races
, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.05% of the population.
There were 573 households out of which 18.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples
living together, 3.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.1% were non-families. 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.67.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 15.3% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 48.0% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 6.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 126.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 127.8 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $39,688, and the median income for a family was $62,750. Males had a median income of $30,909 versus $25,000 for females. The per capita income
for the CDP was $31,492. About 3.2% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.
.
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.
Census-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
(CDP) in Gallatin
Gallatin County, Montana
-National protected areas:* Gallatin National Forest * Yellowstone National Park -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 67,831 people, 26,323 households, and 16,188 families residing in the county. The population density was 26 people per square mile . There were 29,489 housing units...
and Madison
Madison County, Montana
-National protected areas:*Beaverhead National Forest *Deerlodge National Forest *Gallatin National Forest -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 6,851 people, 2,956 households, and 1,921 families residing in the county. The population density was 2 people per square mile...
counties in the southwestern part of the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Montana
Montana
Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...
. This unincorporated community straddles the two counties, is not considered a town, and has no town government. The primary industry of the area is tourism.
Big Sky is located approximately midway between West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone, Montana
West Yellowstone is a town in Gallatin County, Montana, adjacent to Yellowstone National Park. The population was 1,177 at the 2000 census. The town is served by Yellowstone Airport...
and Bozeman
Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman is a city in and the county seat of Gallatin County, Montana, United States, in the southwestern part of the state. The 2010 census put Bozeman's population at 37,280 making it the fourth largest city in the state. It is the principal city of the Bozeman micropolitan area, which consists...
on U.S. Route 191 and just 15 miles (24.1 km) from the northwestern border of the Yellowstone National Park. The population was 1,221 at the 2000 census
United States Census, 2000
The Twenty-second United States Census, known as Census 2000 and conducted by the Census Bureau, determined the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2000, to be 281,421,906, an increase of 13.2% over the 248,709,873 persons enumerated during the 1990 Census...
. "The Meadow" sector of the area lies in an alpine valley formed during the cretaceous period. 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 Gallatin feeders. Two "ponds" are found on the Middle Fork that bisects the Meadow. Fishing there is permitted only 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 Blue Water Task Force, monitor the health of the rivers.
The community is home to two large ski resorts that are sited in the "Mountain" sector: Big Sky Ski and Summer Resort and Moonlight Basin. Both are alpine ski and golf resorts. The combined terrain of the two resorts allows them to boast "The Biggest Skiing in America." The Club at Spanish Peaks is an exclusive private ski & golf resort that has 3 chairlifts & 13 ski runs connecting it to the Big Sky Ski Resort at the base of Big Sky's Southern Comfort lift. Another resort, Lone Mountain Ranch, is a Nordic ski and summer resort that professionally grooms over 75 kilometers of cross country skill trails. The private exclusive resort, Yellowstone Club
Yellowstone Club
The Yellowstone Club, also Yellowstone Ski Resort, is an invitation-only residential club, ski resort, and golf resort located in the state of Montana, USA. The Rocky Mountain ski and golf club is located in eastern Madison County, just west of Big Sky, Montana, south of Bozeman and northwest of...
, is located to the south and adjacent to Big Sky.
Part of the community lies in the Gallatin Canyon, along the Gallatin River
Gallatin River
The Gallatin River is a tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 120 mi , in the U.S. states of Wyoming and Montana...
, a favorite for white water rafters and kayakers. The Gallatin River, named after Albert Gallatin, who was the Secretary of the Treasury during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, is a Blue Ribbon trout stream that attracts fly-fishers from around the world. Fly-fishing outfitting firms can connect fly-fishers to renowned rivers, in particular the Madison and the Yellowstone. Several dude ranches dot the Gallatin Canyon: 320 Ranch, Elkhorn Ranch, Cinnamon Lodge, and 9 Quarter Circle, which is tucked into the Taylor Fork drainage to the west of the Gallatin.
Hiking trails thread throughout the landscape and into neighboring national forests. Camping sites are available throughout the Spanish Peaks and 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 and on Mountain terrain, but it is permitted in the Gallatin Canyon and in areas to the south of Big Sky proper. Snowmobiling outfitters are located in the Canyon.
The area is served by a K-12 public school district, called the Ophir School District #72. There are three schools: Ophir Elementary School, Ophir Middle School, and Lone Peak High School. The district educates approximately 200 students with an innovative curriculum that includes experiential, place-based, and expeditionary education.
Health services include a dentist, a small medical clinic, a physical therapist, chiropractors, and a pharmacy. There is a local fire department with advanced emergency services, but sheriff services are provided by Gallatin County. Big Sky is highly dependent on Gallatin County services. The nearest hospital is located in Bozeman.
Local businesses are situated primarily in three commerce sites, Meadow Village Shopping Center, the Canyon, and The Big Sky Town Center, ranging from restaurants, clothing shops and photography to outdoor sporting stores. Real estate agents, construction and architectural companies, and property management companies attend to the burgeoning real estate industry.
Big Sky Chapel serves a number of religious denominations. The community library, housed in the Ophir School facility, is free to the public, providing thousands of books and technology access.
Geography
Big Sky is located at 45.269940°N 111.299725°W (45.269940, -111.299725).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the CDP has a total area of 228.3 square miles (591.2 km2), of which, 228.1 square miles (590.8 km2) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.4 km2) of it (0.06%) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2007, there were 2,421 people, 573 households, and 280 families residing in the CDP. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 5.4 people per square mile (2.1/km2). There were 1,788 housing units at an average density of 7.8 per square mile (3.0/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.95% White, 0.08% African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.66% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.05% of the population.
There were 573 households out of which 18.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 3.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.1% were non-families. 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.67.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 15.3% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 48.0% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 6.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 126.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 127.8 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $39,688, and the median income for a family was $62,750. Males had a median income of $30,909 versus $25,000 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the CDP was $31,492. About 3.2% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.
Media
Big Sky has two local newspapers: The Big Sky Weekly and the Lone Peak Lookout, in addition to a regional newspaper from BozemanBozeman, Montana
Bozeman is a city in and the county seat of Gallatin County, Montana, United States, in the southwestern part of the state. The 2010 census put Bozeman's population at 37,280 making it the fourth largest city in the state. It is the principal city of the Bozeman micropolitan area, which consists...
.
The local radio station is KBZM
KBZM
KBZM is a radio station licensed to serve Big Sky, Montana, USA. The station is owned by Orion Media LLC. It airs a classic hits music format....
. Other regional radio stations can be received from Bozeman.
Three Television stations are available; KTVM (6) NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
, KBZK (7) CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
, and KUSM
KUSM
Montana PBS is the Public Broadcasting Service member Public television state network for Montana. It is a joint venture between Montana State University and the University of Montana-Missoula...
(9) PBS
Public Broadcasting Service
The Public Broadcasting Service is an American non-profit public broadcasting television network with 354 member TV stations in the United States which hold collective ownership. Its headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia....
.
ExploreBigSky.com is a regional daily news website.
Notable residents
There are numerous year-round and part-time residents who are world-renowned athletes, politicians, physicians,and business/industry leaders, including:- Keeley Kelleher, a former Olympic skier and national champion medalist, grew up in Big Sky.
- Marty PavelichMarty PavelichMartin Nicholas Pavelich is a Canadian former ice hockey left winger. He played ten seasons for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League from 1947 until 1957.-Early career:...
, a National Hockey League Hall of Famer, is a year-round resident. - Martin BellMartin Bell (skier)Martin Bell is a former World Cup alpine ski racer from Scotland.Bell was educated at George Watson's College in Edinburgh and the Stams Ski Gymnasium in Austria....
, a former Olympic skier for Great Britain is a year-round resident. - Chet HuntleyChet HuntleyChester Robert "Chet" Huntley was an American television newscaster, best known for co-anchoring NBC's evening news program, The Huntley-Brinkley Report, for 14 years beginning in 1956.-Early life:...
, pioneering newscaster, retired to Big Sky and built the Big Sky ResortBig Sky ResortBig Sky Resort is a ski resort located in southwestern Montana in Madison County, an hour south of Bozeman via U.S. Highway 191 in Big Sky.Opened in late 1973, Big Sky has grown over the last 35 years. Trademarked as the "Biggest Skiing in America" through the Biggest Skiing in America Pass,...
; however, he died before the resort opened. - Jamie PierreJamie PierreMatthew Jamison "Jamie" Pierre was a professional free skier. Pierre set a world-record cliff jump of at the Grand Targhee Resort in Wyoming. He skied away with a bleeding cut lip from being hit by a shovel when his partners dug him out of his 12 foot bomb hole...
, professional skier, snowboarder