EBS STAFF
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the 2024 Best of Big Sky awards ceremony gathered community members and distinguished leaders from businesses and nonprofits to celebrate another year of achievement and community building across 38 categories.
In November, the public engaged by nominating worthy leaders, and eventually voting for their favorites. Those winners—and a few special picks from the EBS editors—are celebrated below.
The Best of Big Sky awards continue to build in their prominence and competition, as the Big Sky community continues to grow, collaborate and innovate. Beyond the honorary plaques and flashing lights, the annual event also continues to gather some of Big Sky’s most dedicated and passionate community members in an informal setting.
Below are the 2024 Best of Big Sky award winners. Please join us in celebrating the work they’ve done this year.
– The Editors
Best Lodging or Hotel: Lone Mountain Ranch
Lone Mountain Ranch has been a staple of Big Sky since 1915, welcoming locals and guests alike with a pure, unfiltered Montana experience. In the winter, LMR offers a system of groomed Nordic ski trails, and in the summer, offers horseback rides followed by an evening rodeo at their scenic arena. Horn and Cantle serves up delicious local meals and craft cocktails, all paired with an unbeatable view. lonemountainranch.com
2nd: Montage Big Sky
3rd: The Wilson
Best Vacation Rental Agency: Big Sky Vacation Rentals
Big Sky Vacation Rentals knows Big Sky. With agents based locally in the community who regularly care for the properties they manage, BSVR takes responsibility over 125 of the area’s luxury properties, ensuring they are in tip top shape for the next guests, as well as for the property’s owners. The team also takes pride in their involvement with local events and supporting important area nonprofits. bookbigsky.com
2nd: Two Pines Properties
3rd: Ascend Properties
Best Property Management: Ascend Properties
The vacation rental market booms in Big Sky during the popular winter and summer months, and Ascend Properties ensures that all of their properties are well-managed, taken care of and that both guests and homeowners have the best experience possible. Their staff provides responsive, reliable service for vacationers getting a taste of the area, and Ascend works to maximize revenue for homeowners who list with the company. ascendvacationrentals.com
2nd: Big Sky Vacation Rentals
3rd: Two Pines Properties
Best Builder: Big Sky Build
Winner of Best of Big Sky in the same category in 2023, Big Sky Build has been a common name for the “Best Builder” award. Big Sky Build has worked on Big Sky homes since 1997, with values of communication, organization, teamwork and quality. Projects include Yellowstone Club homes and remodels and custom builds throughout Big Sky, each with their own unique touch complimenting the beautiful nature around them. bigskybuild.com
2nd: Highline Partners
3rd: Lone Pine Builders
Best Architect: Centre Sky Architects
Centre Sky Architects brings custom builds to the region that match clients needs and wants, and are designed sustainably. Specializing in building in the Rocky Mountain west, Centre Sky’s Big Sky team has accomplished unique homes made to enjoy the mountains and built to last in the landscape. centresky.com
2nd: 45 Architecture
3rd: Stillwater Architecture
Best Real Estate Agency: Outlaw Realty
With over $2 billion in sales, Outlaw Realty is a driving force in Southwest Montana’s real estate market. Their team, which includes in-house experts in marketing, videography, operations and more, helps people streamline the home buying and selling process to serve as their passport to the Western lifestyle. outlaw.realty
2nd: Big Sky Real Estate Co.
3rd: Big Sky Sotheby’s
Best Realtor: Mia Lennon
Once a singer in a British funk band and a globe-trotting snowsports professional, Mia now devotes her professional energy to helping her clients in their real estate journeys. She is also an active Big Sky community member, serving on boards for the Arts Council of Big Sky and Women In Action as well as volunteering for the Big Sky Food Bank and Eagle Mount’s adaptive ski program. bigskyrealestate.com/team/mia-lennon/
2nd: Tallie Lancey
3rd: Shawna Winter
Best Family-Friendly Activity: Music in the Mountains
Music in the Mountains is perhaps one of the best and longest-standing Big Sky traditions that we hope never fades. Gathering the community from near and far at Len Hill Park, the Arts Council of Big Sky’s annual free summer music series brings musical talent of all genres to the stage for entertainment the whole family can enjoy. bigskyarts.org/pages/mitm
2nd: Big Sky Resort
3rd: Big Sky Farmers Market
Best Annual Event: Big Sky PBR
Each summer, during the long July days when the sun hangs high above Lone Mountain, cowboys and bucking bulls gather at the Big Sky Events Arena to compete for three straight days of professional bull riding. What began in an empty sagebrush field has grown into the 10-time PBR Event of the Year, including 16 total days of event programming bringing visitors from across the globe to Big Sky. The collective events in 2024 generated $750,000 for local and regional nonprofits and had a gross economic impact of $37.4 million in the area, with $21.8 million directly retained in Gallatin County. bigskypbr.com
2nd: Music in the Mountains
3rd: Big Sky Farmers Market
Editor’s Pick: Big Sky OUT Summer Pride March and Festival
When community member Brit Diersch organized Big Sky’s first pride march with Big Sky Pride in 2023, over 100 people showed up in support. This year, the organization became a newly-established nonprofit for queer inclusion and community-building, and hosted a week’s worth of pride events including the pride march, poster making, a queer variety show and live music. bigskyout.orgWorth the Drive: Chico Hot Springs
When you take a right from East River Road in Paradise Valley near Emigrant, Chico Hot Springs is difficult to miss; the whitewashed buildings and green roofs are a sign that good food and steaming pools await. Visitors have been enjoying the hot springs for over 100 years, as well as Chico’s historic lodging, dining room (we recommend the beef Wellington), saloon, tasting room and poolside grille. Less than two hours from Big Sky, voters say it’s “Worth the Drive.” chicohotsprings.com
2nd: Stacey’s Bar
3rd: Pine Creek Lodge
Editor’s Pick: MSU Sporting Events
What Montana lacks in professional league sports, it makes up for with Division I athletics at Montana State University. From Bobcat volleyball to basketball, and of course this year’s undefeated football team who just secured their first-ever FCS No. 1 seed, it’s an unforgettable experience from the tailgate to the final buzzer. msubobcats.com
Best Artist: Heather Rapp
From radiant wildflowers in the summer, to gold and orange aspen trees in autumn and majestic Lone Mountain in the winter, each season makes its way onto a canvas and serves as an inspiration for local painter Heather Rapp. She finds color in just about everything, and when she’s not painting, you can find her snowboarding or serving up beers at Beehive Basin Brewery. heatherrapp.com
2nd: Jill Zeidler
3rd: Julie Edwards
Best Photographer: Jonathan Stone
Jonathan Stone’s photography ranges from landscape shots capturing Big Sky and its surrounding wild spaces, to evocative culture imagery at year-round local events, and fly-fishing shots on the Gallatin. Also a skilled drone pilot, Stone captures familiar spots from unique angles. His work has been featured locally—and frequently—in Explore Big Sky and marketing content for Big Sky Resort, and worldwide in publications including National Geographic, SKI magazine and Freeskier Magazine. Instagram: @jonathanstone_
2nd: Ryan Turner
3rd: Dave Pecunies
Best Local Musician or Band: Dammit Lauren!
Founded in 2018, Dammit Lauren! is a local rock and roll trio born from a love for alt and indie rock, led by distinctive and dynamic vocalist Lauren Jackson, and carried by unconventional chords and driving rhythm. The band has played some of Montana’s prominent festivals and venues including Big Sky’s Music in the Mountains, and opened for nationally touring bands like Jamestown Revival, Kitchen Dwellers, The Lil’ Smokies and Black River Revue. dammitlauren.com
2nd: Scavenger
3rd: Tom Marino
Best Bar: Drunken Monk
Inside Big Sky’s popular Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge, the Drunken Monk is a small, colorful concept unlike any other Big Sky bar. Owners describe it as a “fun little creation of a Japanese Bodega meets a trendy high end cocktail bar,” and the late night menu includes ramen noodle cups among other Japanese snacks and candy. bigskybluebuddha.com
2nd: Beehive Basin Brewery
3rd: Tips Up
Best Bartender: Joe Messreni – Drunken Monk
Restaurant and bar owner Troy “Twist” Thompson calls Messreni “incredibly passionate” and meticulous in his cocktail craft, adding that Messreni is likely the most dedicated and knowledgeable bartender he’s worked with over a 30-year career. Messreni is known for a uniquely blended presence: loud and brash, yet caring, genuine and honest. He constantly works to improve his knowledge of spirits, products and processes and has been serving Big Sky for 10 years.
2nd: Michelle Clark-Conley
3rd: Julie Mattheson
Best Chef: John Flach – BYWOM
John Flach moved to Big Sky permanently in the late 1980s. His first formal cooking job was working for Kurt Sanborn, former executive chef at Big Sky Resort’s Huntley Lodge, but he’s been working in kitchens since he was 15 years old. Now he’s nearing 30 years of manning the menu at Big Sky’s locally renowned eatery, BYWOM, and he’s been proud to feed Dirtbag Royalty and regulars in “Big Sky’s original neighborhood.” bywombywordofmouth.com
2nd: Ian Troxler – Olive B’s
3rd: Lindsie Feldner
Best Burger: BYWOM
A perennial winner of the “Best Burger” award, BYWOM takes it again in 2024. The BYWOM burger is a photogenic, casually gourmet creation. Owners John and Pam Flach have been cheffing up burgers and other plates since the mid-1990s, while keeping the beloved establishment in touch with its truly local Westfork Meadows roots. For many regulars, the burger is a go-to. bywombywordofmouth.com
2nd: Blindside Burger
3rd: The Corral
Best Coffee: Caliber Coffee Roasters
Caliber opened its doors in 2016, and has been voted “Best Coffee” every year since 2018. Local workers, residents and visitors on their way up to the mountain enjoy the $10 latte and burrito special, among other drinks, baked goods and snacks. With locally roasted whole beans for sale, Caliber’s local flavor is summed up in its slogan: “We roast, you shred.” calibercoffeeroasters.com
2nd: Cowboy Coffee
3rd: The Lone Perk
Best Pizza: Blue Moon Bakery
Big Sky made its voice heard on who has the best slice in town this year. Blue Moon Bakery took home the victory with its made-from scratch pies. The locally-owned bakery is a staple for classic pizza, pastries and specialty pies with celestial names. Located on Big Pine Dr., the restaurant welcomes customers with colorful decor and hefty helpings. bigskybluemoonbakery.com
2nd: Ousel and Spur
3rd: Milkies Pizza and Pub
Best Apres: Scissorbills Saloon
Not many businesses can boast a record like Scissorbills Saloon can, but their loyalty to the local ski community has made them a mainstay since Big Sky Resort first opened in 1973. Owner and past “Best Bartender” winner Michelle Clark-Conley doesn’t take the honor of “Best Apres” lightly, which is possibly why the establishment finds itself at the top of apres awards year after year. scissorbills.com
2nd: Beehive Basin Brewing
3rd: Horn and Cantle
Best Date Night: Michaelangelo’s Big Sky
Michaelangelo’s owners Emily and Michael Annandono have been serving up delicious Italian cuisine in Meadow Village since 2016 and still today it is Big Sky’s favorite spot for a romantic meal with your loved one. Voted this year’s “Best Date Night,” the brother-sister duo have also won “Best Restaurant” in years past. The consistent quality of Michaelangelo’s menu, and variety of high-end wines make it a cozy spot, no matter the season. michaelangelosbigsky.com
2nd: Horn and Cantle
3rd: Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge
Editor’s Pick: Montage Big Sky – Cortina
Imagine it: Floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of Big Sky’s Andesite Mountain ski slopes, and the latest menu from Executive Chef Michael Patria and Cortina’s Chef de Cuisine Tim Heitman, which is a fusion of Italian-inspired dishes with a local flair. That’s a typical experience at Montage’s Cortina, and why we’ve named it our Editor’s Pick for “Best Date Night.” montage.com/bigsky/dining/cortina/Best Local Meal Deal: Yeti Dogs
It’s not just hot dogs for sale at Yeti Dogs, it’s “legendary” gourmet creations like the “Lifty” and “Texi” on their menu, plus scoops of Montana-made Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream. Yeti Dogs dishes out all-beef franks and high quality toppings on local Montana buns at its Big Sky Resort location, and there’s more to come: Yeti Dogs will open a second restaurant this winter, setting up shop in Town Center in the newly constructed Franklin Building. yetidogsbigsky.com
2nd: Wrap Shack
3rd: Blue Moon Bakery
Best Boutique/Gallery: Montana Supply Co.
Montana Supply Co. in Town Center is a visitor’s and resident’s hub to purchase quality clothing, footwear, accessories, outdoor items and gifts for anyone in the family. With more than 50 brands at Montana Supply Co., the shop offers variety and new styles all year-round. montanasupplyco.com
2nd: Rhinestone Cowgirl
3rd: Trove West
Best Salon: Ridge & Blade Barbershop
When Man of the Woods Barbershop moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, the shop was sold and rebranded locally as Ridge & Blade, “where Big Sky’s rustic charm meets modern grooming,” according to the website. With owner Ronie Hommes at the helm and support from barber Robert Hawthorne and stylist Casey Phelan, Ridge & Blade looks to continue providing trusted cuts to the Big Sky community. motwbarber.com
2nd: Tribe Saloon
3rd: Hair Ninja
Best Spa: Sanctuary
Opened in 2021 and now located among businesses on the east side of Town Center, Sanctuary offers appointments for organic skin care and massage-based therapies, offering a variety of facials and treatments to cleanse and exfoliate skin, plus services like celluma LED light therapy. Owner and esthetician Amy Woodger has been a Big Sky resident for nearly 25 years, and enjoys introducing clients to Gua Sha and other holistic practices to nurture the skin, body, and spirit. sanctuarybigsky.com
2nd: Santosha Wellness Center
3rd: Spa Montage
Best Wellness Business: BASE Community Center
Operated by nonprofit Big Sky Community Organization, BASE turned three years old in March. It’s a fitness center and a gymnasium for pickup sports including basketball, pickleball and volleyball. It’s a climbing wall, a child care center, even an office space for BSCO and a host of community meetings—BASE stands for “Big Adventures, Safe Environment” and many community members of all ages find themselves walking through the doors to celebrate wellness. bsco.org/base
2nd: Big Sky Natural Health
3rd: Santosha Wellness Center
Best Cannabis Dispensary: Lone Peak Cannabis Company (LPC)
Sometimes it’s good to chill. Lone Peak Cannabis Company has a range of products, with friendly staff to help you find what you’re looking for. Founded by Charlie Gaillard in 2010, the 14-year-old business opened Java Joint this year in Big Sky, serving up a cup of Joe with the cannabis-shopping experience. lonepeakcannabiscompany.com
2nd: Herbaceous
3rd: Java Joint
Leader in Sustainability: Big Sky Thrift
When Big Sky Thrift opened its doors, their goal was to provide an affordable, eco-friendly shopping option for the community. This nonprofit secondhand store has exceeded that goal and more. At the forefront of sustainability, the shop is keeping fewer items out of our landfill, supporting local organizations with annual grants, and providing a location for community members to shop affordably–a trifecta that has made a true difference in Big Sky. yellowstoneclubfoundation.org/big-sky-thrift
2nd: Big Sky SNO
3rd: Big Sky Resort
Best Outdoor Retailer: Gallatin Alpine Sports
Skiers, snowboarders, bikers and other outdoor athletes abound in Big Sky, and for almost 30 years, “GAS” has been one of their most reliable sources of outdoor gear. Shop founder Tom Owen rents and sells equipment like skis, bikes, helmets and goggles year-round, and GAS also functions as a tune and repair shop for skis, snowboards and bikes. Known for their friendly and knowledgeable staff, GAS is a Big Sky mainstay. gallatinalpinesports.com
2nd: East Slope Outdoors
3rd: Big Sky Thrift
Best Outfitter: East Slope Outdoors
Both a full-service outfitter and retail ski and fly shop, East Slope Outdoors is one of Big Sky’s best guides to the outdoors. Led by “Super Dave” Alvin, East Slope offers guided fly-fishing trips to help their clients improve their technique, find the best fishing holes and catch trophy trout on the Yellowstone, Gallatin and Madison rivers. eastslopeoutdoors.com
2nd: Gallatin River Guides
3rd: Jake’s Horses
Emerging Entrepreneur: Andrew Robin – Peak Creative Designs
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. peakcreativedesigns.com
2nd: Matt Kirkland – The Cabin
3rd: Duffco Firewood
Best Dog: “Black Betty” Ladd, Forest and Tippet Timon (three-way tie)
“Black Betty” is a 14 year old lab/pointer mixed who was born in Yellowstone National Park. She has spent her entire life living in Big Sky, loves bird hunting, fishing, swimming and holds the record of having walked the Ousel Falls trails the most times. Betty had a short stint as a river ranger dog on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, which she has rafted over 30 times.
Forest is a German Shepherd Mastiff rescue from Dillon, Montana. His beloved owner, Barry, welcomed him home when he was 8 months old. He loves going rafting and hanging in the ski shop. Forest loves everyone, but especially kids.
Tippet Timon is an energetic (emphasis on energetic) and loving black lab who goes shamelessly crazy for any type of food—or cardboard! He loves to go to work with his dad and hang his head out the window of the truck to say hi to everybody. Tippet loves playing in the snow and is very hopeful we have a good powder year!
Editor’s Pick: Big Sky Ski Patrol Avalanche Dogs
Amongst the hardworking Big Sky Ski Patrol team at Big Sky Resort, are a canine squad also working hard (and playing hard) to keep skiers safe on the mountain. The whole crew is trained and certified by Montana Avalanche Dogs, and consist of: Tela (and handler Danny Skilling), Juniper (and handler Nancy Sheil), Hank (and handler Max Erpenbach), Zazu (and handler Virginia Beineke), Hank (and handler Anna Kendal), Echo (and handlers Jelica Summerfield and Mike Aston), and candidate dog in training, Chester (and handler Amanda Eittreim).
Best Restaurant: Riverhouse BBQ & Events
The home of Big Sky Legion Post 99’s competitive bingo is also the home of “Best Restaurant.” Riverhouse BBQ & Events opened in 2013 and has been serving Texas-style barbecue in Big Sky ever since. In the summers, the community and visitors from all over stop at the Riverhouse for lunch and dinner, enjoying the sunny porch, sounds of the Gallatin River, and if they get there quick enough amid popular demand, Riverhouse’s famous fried chicken deal. riverhousebbq.com
2nd: Michaelangelo’s Big Sky
3rd: Horn and Cantle
Editor’s Pick: Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge
Best Nonprofit: Big Sky Community Food Bank
Big Sky Community Food Bank doles out an average of 2,300 food boxes to 900 households every year to help make Big Sky a more livable and sustainable community. The organization is a partnership between local leaders and the Human Resource Development Council, so it also helps customers find other relevant social services when they need them. bigskyfoodbank.org
2nd: Big Sky Thrift
3rd: Arts Council of Big Sky
Best Women-Owned Business: Big Sky Eyes
Many dread a visit to the optometrist, but the ladies at Big Sky Eyes—Dr. Erica Perlman and office manager Amy Herran—are making optical procedures a breeze for their patients. Located in Big Sky Town Center, Big Sky Eyes performs eye exams, disease treatments, vision therapy and more to help people see more clearly, and they also stock an array of contact lenses, glasses, and sports and boutique fashion eyewear. bigskyeyesoptometry.com
2nd: Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital
3rd: Hungry Moose Market & Deli
Best Small Business: The Rocks Tasting Room and Liquor Store
For a relaxed atmosphere with fun cocktails and food in Town Center, look no further than the Rocks Tasting Room and Liquor Store. The establishment sells a variety of food in a warm, cozy atmosphere and serves signature cocktails for summer days and chilly winter apres. bigskytowncenter.com/directory/the-rocks-tasting-room-and-liquor-store/
2nd: Wrap Shack
3rd: First Tracks Tire Services
Editor’s Pick: The Waypoint
The Waypoint, located in Town Center, offers craft cocktails, delicious food from local Chef Dustin Rixey and the latest movies on rotation on their two big screens. The Waypoint is also a fantastic place to host an event, as BOBS attendees know all too well. thebigskywaypoint.com
Community Member of the Year: Big Sky Fire Department
Thanks to our dedicated fire department, safety and awareness are always at the forefront of every season. To say our firefighters are vigilant when responding to emergencies is an understatement. As Explore Big Sky often reports, the Big Sky Fire Department is always the first on the scene responding to emergencies no matter where they happen in our community. It’s an honor to share our community’s recognition for the unsung heroes of this invaluable team. bigskyfire.org
2nd: Big Sky Ski Patrol
3rd: Jeremy “JJ” Harder
Editor’s Pick: Kristen Kern
The Hungry Moose Market & Deli is more than just a storefront. Behind this community cornerstone is Kristen Kern, who purchased the business with her husband from the Robin family in 2019. Niece of Big Sky Resort founder Chet Huntley, Kern has not only preserved the legacy of this community-driven business, but she also continues to support locals, small business owners and the thriving commerce in a town she loves. hungrymoose.com
Best Business: Big Sky Ace Hardware
For more than 30 years, ACE Hardware has provided all the general store necessities to Big Sky from, well, hardware, to pet supplies, gifts, office supplies, cleaning supplies and more. The store had its start with Kevin and Tina Barton who purchased Mountain View Mercantile and ran it as a mom and pop shop before transitioning to the Ace Hardware family. Since then, ACE has supported Big Sky schools, emergency departments and nonprofits, all while training more than 20 employees to serve the Big Sky community. acebigskytools.com
2nd: Hungry Moose Market & Deli
3rd: Montage Big Sky
Editor’s Pick: Lone Mountain Land Company
As Big Sky grows, Lone Mountain Land Company has been carefully overseeing a wide range of projects in Big Sky, including our very own Town Center and their newest, One&Only at Moonlight Basin. LMLC has a local team of dedicated employees with a wide range of skills, such as engineers, land planners, financial analysts, marketing specialists and real estate professionals. lonemountainland.com
