Each year, Explore Big Sky releases a Gift and Gear Guide with items and experiences that fit in well with the mountain lifestyle we love. This year, each of our products was hand-reviewed by one of our staff or family members – from quality outdoor gear from Stio, to fine cured meat from RegenMarket, to a handy headlamp from your local ACE Hardware in Big Sky. Get gift ideas for your loved ones (or yourself), from all of us, to you – enjoy!
Stio: Head to toe, get “shreddy” to go
Reviews by Ersin Ozer & Henry H
Gear your kids up from head to toe with Stio’s jacket, pant and bib options. also reviewed: Jr. helmet and goggles to keep your young one safe this winter.
Why Surefoot? Because you don’t know what you don’t know about your skiing feet
Review by Jack Reaney
After about 200 total ski days, I brought my boots into Surefoot’s new shop on Town Center Avenue, I yanked out my K2 factory liners, and asked manager Chris Fajardo to give me his honest opinion on their condition. Find out why you should do the same.
A Montana Culinary Experience: Olivelle’s Big Sky Steak Salad Recipe Gift Kit
Review by Taylor Owens
Olivelle’s Big Sky Steak Salad Recipe Gift Kit is a perfect gift for the home cook that may not have all the right spices readily available and wants a straight-forward recipe to make a killer meal.
FITFO: Humidors made for adventures PLUS exclusive Bill Henry t-shirt
Review by Ersin Ozer
FITFO Custom Cans has one mission: To create a portable, durable, rugged, airtight and distinctive humidor for their clients. Each is handcrafted, durable, unique and functional even under the most rugged conditions.
Lone Peak Cannabis Co.: Holiday cheer? Look no further!
Review by Sara Sipe
Whether you’re just here for a visit or are a longtime local, Lone Peak Cannabis Company offers a wide variety of high-quality options for all. LPC has an array of products to help you gear up for an elevated holiday experience!
A gift for the outdoorsy family: KidRunner
Review by Taylor Owens
KidRunner Multisport is a game-changer for active parents who refuse to compromise on their outdoor pursuits. Based in Bend, Oregon, KidRunner has crafted an innovative, award-winning trailer that has evolved into a versatile multisport platform. Get 10% off trailers & the adventure kit with the code OUTLAW at checkout.
Cudaway Knives: Handmade, chef knives for every day
Review by Ennion Williams
For a chef, there are certain aspects of a knife that are essential to having a knife being your go-to. Cudaway knifes checks all the boxes.
Big Sky Natural Health: The gift of health this winter
Review by Sophie Gotwald
Give the gift of good health this winter at Big Sky Natural Health! We recommend the Vitamin B and D combined shot as a quick and effective way to get a boost when you’re feeling down this winter – for yourself, or a loved one as a well-earned gift.
Book your reservation at Baldface Valhalla
Review by Ersin Ozer
On a brisk January morning, imagine standing out in front of Baldface Lodge deep in the Selkirk mountains of British Columbia, eager to ride in the 30 cm of fresh snow that had settled from the previous night’s reset. This could be you.
A gift everyone could use: Ace Hardware Big Sky
Review by Ersin Ozer
We’ve all been in this scenario: imagine the last time you needed both of your hands to hold tools to work on something but you also really needed a light – or, whatever you’re working on is in a tight space and you can barely see it. Enter the impact resistant LED light from ACE Big Sky.
Keep it mellow with a wellness package from The Florist Cannabis
Review by Mira Brody
Although new to the Big Sky scene, The Florist Cannabis is already making its mark on the community with high quality cannabis products for every mood and use. We reviewed their wellness package, which contained a medley of infused chocolates, gummies, tincture and even CBD calming treats for your canine friend.
What you’re doing next summer: a river trip with Boundary Expeditions
Review by Jack Reaney
The trip of a lifetime starts on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Idaho Wilderness. Join a Boundary trip while sign-up space remains.
406 Agave Añejo Old Fashioned: A Taste of Montana’s Spirit
Review by Tucker Harris
Nestled in the heart of Big Sky, Montana, 406 Agave boasts tequilas born of rugged landscapes and artisanal craft. Made by generations-old distillers in Jalisco, Mexico with 100% Blue Weber Agave, the Blanco, Reposado or Añejo tequilas are sure to serve the perfect cocktail holiday season.
BuzzBallz: Cocktails to go!
Review by Conner Clemens
Buzzballz may be small, but they pack a mighty punch! We took the holiday collection pack, featuring Choco Chiller, Espresso Martini and Eggnog, out to a football tailgate for the group to try.
Peak Ski Company: Rippin’ on the Peak 104s
Review by Leslie Kilgore
Got a one-quiver skier on your holiday list? Then the Peak 104 by Peak Ski Company is the ultimate gift. And the crew just launched their 2023-24 lineup ready to shred any mountain aspect that comes into path.
LMNT: Chocolate Mint Energy Bites
Review by Leslie Kilgore
Minty, salty, chocolaty and sweet. What more could you ask for? For an afternoon pick-me-up or a tasty and healthy treat after a cold day outside, the Chocolate Mint Energy Bites made with LMNT’s Chocolate Mint electrolyte powder is the perfect wintertime snack. Get the recipe and shop for the pack – it’s the perfect stocking stuffer this season.
Garlic lemon salmon with roasted carrots and asparagus
Review by Michael Ruebusch
RegenMarket has a short list of hand-selected partners and farmers committed to producing food at the highest calibre. Here, we give their Alaskan-caught salmon a try in a delicious recipe good for any night.
The Halfdays Kit at Bluebird
Review by Leslie Kilgore
Functional, stylish and cozy. That’s what you’ll find this season at Bluebird, Big Sky’s newest outdoor clothing shop located in Big Sky Town Center. Focused on men’s and women’s skiwear and unique lifestyle brands, warm up this season with outerwear and accessories from the brand Halfdays, a favorite of Bluebird’s owners.
Hey Bear: Stay safe with the SCAT Belt
Review by Mira Brody
I’ve left the house for a run and forgotten some ridiculous things: my watch, a jacket, enough snacks, one time even my shoes. But if there’s one thing that I never forget, running thousands of miles per year in bear country, it’s my bear spray. The SCAT Belt makes remembering easy.
Yellowstone Foods: Trail snacks and travel snacks
Review by Jen Clancey
I tried Yellowstone Foods’ snacks for the first time in the Bozeman airport while I was waiting for my plane ride to Minneapolis, which would eventually leave for New York City – I was in for a long trip.
