Best of Big Sky brings community leaders together, celebrates another year of Big Sky’s key players 

Lone Mountain Ranch is a staple of Big Sky, serving up locals and guests alike with a pure, unfiltered Montana experience. From the dining, to the activities, and don’t forget the views, there’s something for everyone. In the winter enjoy their robust Nordic ski trails, and in the summer horseback rides followed by an evening rodeo at their scenic arena, and dinner at Horn & Cantle.

Montage gets Editor’s Pick this year for their offering of so many year-round family-friendly activities! From s’mores, to cooking courses and their annual tree-lighting ceremony, there’s a space for everyone just up the hill at the Montage Big Sky.

When you need them, they’re there–no matter how far off the beaten path you are. That’s why Big Sky Search and Rescue gets first place in this year’s Best Nonprofit. From grizzly bear attacks, broken legs, avalanches, a minor injury on a local trail, or even staffing our local athletic events to ensure everyone makes it to the finish line safely, our local SAR crew is nothing short of heroic.

Wellness in Action’s team is working hard to fill a much-needed gap in the Big Sky community. The nonprofit, founded in 2005, has since dedicated their efforts to community well being by connecting individuals to a network of necessary resources so that those who live and work here may thrive.

Emily and Michael Annandono are no strangers to the Best of Big Sky roster, for good reason. The local haunt has been serving up delicious Italian cuisine in Meadow Village since 2016, and is backed by the owner/sibling duo’s background in the culinary arts; Michael trained in the Piedmont region of Italy and was named one of America’s best chefs by bestchefsamerica.com.

Cafe 191 wins our hearts and stomachs this year due to their reliability, large portions, affordable meals and support of the community as a whole. Since they opened, Cafe 191, when not serving up hearty breakfasts from their corner on your way into Big Sky, is often donating their time and food to area nonprofit events.

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputy Dan Haydon has been working to keep Big Sky safe for more than 10 years, including almost four in his current role as sergeant for the Gallatin Canyon section. Haydon is proud to receive this recognition and feels it reflects the community’s deep trust in his office with the Sheriff’s department. Haydon lives in Big Sky with his wife, Lauren, and their dog, Sylvie. 

You’ll never miss Anna Johnson, whether that be due to her contagious smile, welcoming hug or cheery demeanor. Currently serving as the Big Sky Chamber’s director of business development, Johnson proudly supports Big Sky’s local business owners, both on and off the clock.

Born and raised in Big Sky, Andrew Robin earned a degree in graphic design from the University of Utah and brought his skills back home. Robin created a homegrown marketing, branding and graphic design business and he’s worked with more than 40 local businesses, including the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation, the Hungry Moose Market & Deli, Big Sky Build, Town Center and The Waypoint. 

Thorn Apple was founded in early 2023 by Jennifer Fitzhugh, who came to Big Sky more than a decade ago to serve as Big Sky Resort’s executive pastry chef. She opened the bakery with her former coworker Elissa Skaggs. Thorn Apple specializes in gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan baking, but also bakes with traditional ingredients. The Meadow Village Center bakery offers a la carte goods and fulfills specialty orders. 

Svalinn Personal Protection Dogs provides the ultimate peace of mind: individual and family protection from a loyal, carefully trained canine. We chose Svalinn as our choice of Best Women-owned business because of owner and founder Kim Greene’s devotion to her business and investment in the Big Sky Community–her dogs are at nearly every summer event from the Big Sky Farmer’s Market to Big Sky PBR.

The Gallatin River Task Force takes on projects between river conservation and restoration, water quality monitoring, campaigns for efficient community water use, advocacy and outreach, and partnerships with other organizations. Clean water is a vital resource and GRTF is a team of staff and volunteers dedicated to Big Sky’s positive impact. 

Hard work is often a reflection of a fearless leader, and in the case of Big Sky Thrift, we know that to be true. Emily Burke joined the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation to open the store in 2022 and ever since it has been a loved resource, offering affordable brands while also respecting the planet by reducing, reusing and recycling.

Not only a bustling local eatery known for rowdy offseason bingo nights, the Riverhouse BBQ & Events has made an intentional effort to keep its dining experience affordable and accessible. Order the three-piece chicken dinner for an affordable dish that has resisted broad—and local—inflation in the name of inclusivity. At the Riverhouse, it’s made clear that anyone is welcome.  

Inspired by her surroundings in Montana, Jill Zeidler handmakes contemporary ceramic art. Her process includes hand-stretching slabs of clay and using a loose technique to maintain the clay’s organic quality. Her pieces have been featured in New York Magazine, Western Art & Architecture and Range Magazine in Jackson, Wyoming. Her shop overlooks the Gallatin River along U.S. Highway 191 just before Town Center. 

Ryan Turner has called Big Sky home for more than 25 years. He and his family are active community members, and Turner’s gallery captures some of the outdoor adventure scenes that this community revolves around. His fine art photography adorns homes and businesses, even wraps the side of vans. Turner is a clear leader in Big Sky’s extraordinary community of photographers.

If there was a Best of Big Sky award for playing guitar during a half marathon, Thad Beaty would get it, but for now, we can at least hand him the Best Local Musician award. Beaty is a competitive athlete as well as guitarist for the Nashville-based band, Sugarland, produces for an array of local talent, and plays at Southwest Montana’s many unique and intimate local venues.

Jim Salestrom was a talented storyteller, singer and songwriter who had a storied career including friendships with John Denver, Dolly Parton and performing in front of five U.S. presidents. He shared his love of life and positive spirit through his music and for that he earned Editor’s Pick this year for Best Local Musician.

What’s the sushi scene like in Big Sky? Troy “Twist” Thompson, owner and founder of Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge will happily show you. Thompson learned sushi rolling under the legendary Andy Matsuda in Los Angeles before opening Blue Buddha restaurants in Page, Arizona, and then Big Sky in 2019. They sling rolls from their main location, as well as late night food in the neighboring Drunken Monk after hours.

When Chef Ian Troxler purchased Olive B’s during the pandemic, he was worried of the risk he’d just taken. Today, it’s clear his risk paid off. Troxler has done a good job at honoring Warren and Jennie Bibbins’ legacy in many ways–such as keeping their famous pork chop on the menu–while also exploring his own culinary craft. He’s passionate about keeping Olive B’s a thriving anchor of Meadow Village Center, earning him Best Chef in Big Sky.

Although we’ve lost count as to how many times BYWOM has won Best Burger, that won’t stop us from going there the next time we have a hankering for one. Owners John and Pam Flach have been feeding the locals of Big Sky since 1995 when they purchased BYWOM from its original owner. Chef John can be thanked for the joint’s unwavering burger quality as well as almost everything else on their menu.

Ousel and Spur owner Jennifer Kettleridge believes in quality, local ingredients, and of course, the homemade sauce and hand-tossed dough. The winningest pizza joint in town, Ousel seems to claim the Best Pizza award year after year and if you pop in for dinner one night, it won’t be a mystery as to why.

Heather Rapp is not only known for her colorful paintings but also her colorful smile behind the bar of Beehive Basin Brewery, when she’s not shredding Lone Mountain on her snowboard, that is. Next time you’re there she can help recommend Beehive’s newest concoction, or an old time favorite to bookend a day of skiing, biking or angling.

Man of the Woods opened in January 2021 by Kyle Pemberton and ever since has been claiming the award for Best Salon in town. Kyle and his staff are knowledgeable and their services are mobile, traveling outside of Big Sky to serve Bozemanites in need of a trim as well.

Owner Callie Stolz and her team at the Santosha Wellness Center offer a variety of practices and holistic healing services from around the world, including massages that aid in recovery and various styles of yoga.

Big Sky Natural Health owner Dr. Kaley Burns, a licensed naturopathic physician, has a passion in creating a healthier body and mind to those living and playing in Big Sky. Her team applies an individualized approach to each patient with services that range from altitude IV therapy, nutritional counseling, acupuncture and cryotherapy.

A mainstay since Big Sky Resort first opened in 1973, Scissorbils may have passed hands during that time, but the votes are in–it still lays claim to Best Apres. New owner (and runner up Best Bartender!) Michelle Clark-Conley now holds the torch, and is so far carrying it with honor.

Caliber Coffee takes Best Coffee again. With house-roasted whole bean coffee, a variety of espresso drinks, pour-overs and drip coffee, along with breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods, Caliber serves skiers on their way to slaying a powder day. 

Every Thursday from June to September, the Arts Council of Big Sky brings live music to Len Hill Park. Food trucks line Aspen Leaf Drive and Big Sky locals and visitors from nearby towns flock to see the free shows that feature a local artist and a headliner. This year, the arts council put on 13 shows plus a bonus “Metal in the Mountains” show featuring Big Sky heavy metal band, Scavenger 406. 

Who sends a skier, drawn by a racing horse, down an obstacle course that consists of jumps, as well as a hot tub full of revelers and flames, all with hundreds of onlookers? Best of the West Showdown, Big Sky Skijoring does. The perfect balance of cowboy and ski bum, with a hefty dosing of adrenaline, are what earn this annual winter event a place in our hearts for Editor’s Pick.

“GAS” has been locally owned by Tom Owen for almost 30 years, renting and selling year-round sports gear from bikes to snowboards, helmets and goggles to Nordic and downhill skis. Also a tune and repair shop for skis, snowboards and bikes, Gallatin Alpine Sports is staffed by passionate outdoor athletes like Owen and the shop’s customers.  

Southwest Montana is known for its top-notch fly fishing. But for visitors and nearby communities alike, it’s nice to have a helping hand to show the ropes, or perhaps the line. Gallatin River Guides takes river adventurers and anglers to the best spots around Bozeman and Big Sky, teaching them how to wrangle their own Montana trout.

It may seem obvious, but there are few places bustling with so many families. During summer and winter seasons, Big Sky Resort offers a relatively safe place for pushing comfort zones, building trust and responsibility, meeting up with friends and creating lasting memories. The resort experience is something generations of local—and visiting—families have built cherished memories with, and will for years to come.

Just one season in Big Sky can make a person want to make this place their home. Big Sky Real Estate Co. helps people do just that. The 18-person team offers a multi-faceted approach to selling and finding homes with members of the team specializing in sales, marketing and development.

Just last week, EBS received an email from Mia Lennon, as she worked to spread the word about the Giving Tree program that helps Big Sky families in need over the holiday season. It’s the perfect example of why Lennon is not only recognized for her work with the Big Sky Real Estate Co., but also her deep devotion to giving back to her community.

While known for premium lodging options in the heart of Town Center, The Wilson Hotel is also central for locals, between live music in the lobby or bustling Big Sky Farmers Markets in the plaza, or a friendly greeting from General Manager Mandy Hotovy.

Best Property Management was a highly contested category this year, and EBS received hundreds of votes for those who made the top three. Stay Montana takes home the prize this year, offering long- and short-term rentals for couples, families and large groups looking to enjoy all that Big Sky has to offer.

Centre Sky Architects has an impressive portfolio, including buildings in Spanish Peaks and Yellowstone clubs. They’ve been crafting custom residential, ranch, resort and commercial architecture across the Rocky Mountain West since 1998 and founder and Principal Architect Jamie Daugaard attributes their success to her skilled and hardworking team.

Big Sky Build owner John Seelye moved to the area after college and in addition to founding and operating a company that has been voted as Best Builder seven years in succession, he also is the perfect example of a man who gives back. Seelye is the pinnacle of a community leader, ensuring children have access to helmets and supporting local nonprofits.

Lone Peak Cannabis Company has developed a reputation for quality over the years, starting as a medical marijuana dispensary with a focus on the product’s medicinal use, and since growing post-recreational legalization. Owner Charlie Gaillard puts an emphasis on organic, top-tier cultivation of cannabis and that devotion shines through in his product.

Trove West’s founder and owner Kate Tomkinson is driven by her support of local Big Sky artisans. The Town Center boutique offers shoppers all locally crafted goods and gifts that cannot be found in typical gift shops so visitors and locals can take a piece of Big Sky home.

Shelly Bermont found her artistic calling here in Big Sky at her jewelry store, Shelly Bermont Fine Jewelry. Whether casual or sophisticated, Bermont and her team work one-on-one with every customer to create pieces that emulate Big Sky’s beauty and unique setting.

Montana Supply is no stranger to the Best of Big Sky list. Also a winner of Best Retailer in 2022, the Supply crew is friendly, offering an array of Western clothing, accessories, books and decor in Big Sky’s bustling Town Center.

Yellowstone National Park is possibly the best backyard someone could ask for, and how lucky we are that it’s in ours. Home to one of the most intact ecosystems left in the world, vibrant views, wild animals and incredibly beautiful but harsh seasons, Yellowstone is unarguably a gem to be respected and protected.

There’s a reason Wild Crumb Bakery in Bozeman’s northeast neighborhood always has a line out front: the scones, muffins, danishes, fresh bread … you get the idea. We have yet to find something there we don’t like and appreciate the friendly atmosphere and hot coffee to boot.