By Leslie Kilgore EBS STAFF
Peter Christian has known Big Sky well for his entire life, and southwest Montana. A fifth-generation Montanan and Bozeman native, who grew up ski racing at Bridger Bowl Ski Area, Christian understands the value of the state’s wide-open skies, rugged landscapes and a family legacy that stretches back to the 1870s. After decades building a career in hospitality in Seattle, Washington, including a long tenure as vice president of food and beverage at the Washington Athletic Club, he and his wife returned home to bring their expertise to Rainbow Ranch Lodge. Together, they lead a dedicated team that delivers a boutique lodge experience steeped in history, comfort and Montana charm where many returning guests come to slow down, reconnect with the outdoors and feel like part of the community.
This series is part of a paid partnership with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. The following answers have been edited for brevity.
Explore Big Sky: How did you first come to Big Sky, and what brought you here?
Peter Christian: Well, I’m a Bozeman boy, born and raised here. I’m a fifth-generation Montanan—my family homesteaded just south of Bozeman proper in 1870. My great-great-grandfather, James Patterson, even has Patterson Road named after him. He had big tracts of land for ranching and farming along 19th Street out towards Golden Spike. My parents have passed, but my daughter came here for school and now has a young family. My wife and I also moved back after careers in Seattle. I was vice president of food and beverage at the Washington Athletic Club and then Scott Gibson of Rainbow Ranch suggested that we join him here.
EBS: So you work with your wife at Rainbow Ranch Lodge?
PC: Yes. She’s the director of operations. We divide up senior leadership. I’m the general manager, but you could go to her office and get the same answer as mine. We have a really good team here. We’re currently looking to hire a catering salesman, but otherwise, our team has been very stable, which helps us keep a consistent and high-quality experience for our guests.
EBS: What makes your team at Rainbow Ranch so special?
PC: Staffing is the most important thing as a manager. We’ve been very selective, and it shows. For example, two of our sommeliers are from Colombia, which is key for our extensive wine program. We also have a strong front desk, chef and catering team. Everyone contributes to the culture here.
EBS: Tell us about Rainbow Ranch Lodge itself. What makes it stand out in Big Sky?
PC: We’re a historic boutique lodge with 21 rooms in three different styles. The restaurant, Wild Caddis, is open seven days a week and has a carefully curated selection of food, drinks and wine. Our guests love the pace here. They can relax on porches facing the river, take walks to the trailhead, hike Lemon Knob, or enjoy the big hot tub, which fits 11 people. We also lean into our history and heritage—many guests have been returning for decades, sometimes even bringing their children for weddings or special events.
EBS: What’s your approach to hospitality?
PC: Listening to your team is everything. I started in hospitality at 16 and became a general manager by 26. You learn from the people dealing with guests day-to-day. Flexibility and being a change agent are key. I’ve opened almost a dozen restaurants, which taught me to pivot and adapt. That’s why I still love this business. There’s always a new challenge, and it keeps me growing.
EBS: How do you and your team engage with the Big Sky community?
PC: The community is very supportive. The [Big Sky] Chamber of Commerce and local businesses work together to keep Big Sky relevant year-round. We collaborate with local musicians and vendors, welcome newcomers, and participate in events like business openings. There’s a real sense of helping each other succeed here.
EBS: Growing up and spending most of your life here, what’s a favorite Montana memory?
PC: One that stands out is pretty personal. It was my dad’s last Bobcat football game. He was a huge, lifelong fan and didn’t miss a home game from, I think, like, 1948 to 2015. And in his last few years, he just couldn’t go. He had a stroke and didn’t have the mobility. He passed away at age 90. Anyway, in this memorable game, one player ended up running like 70 yards for a touchdown to win the game. This was the day before we were by my dad’s gravesite.
And that night, it snows in October. So we’re up at the cemetery, and we’re shoveling, and the sun is out. It’s 40 degrees. There’s not a cloud in the sky. You have snow on the ground, and the Bobcats won on the last play of the game to a sold-out stadium. And I looked up and I’m giving the eulogy on this beautiful Montana day and I said I know that my dad is watching this and he couldn’t be happier. I was able to give his eulogy that day, and it felt like a perfect storybook ending. It’s a memory of family, sports and Montana life that I’ll never forget.
EBS: That’s such an incredible memory and really represents what the Bobcats and southwest Montana’s legacy and traditions mean to so many people and families here, for generations!
One more question for you: What do you love most about being back in Big Sky?
PC: The outdoor lifestyle, the friendliness, and the small town Montana feel. Big Sky has grown, but it still maintains that welcoming vibe. I love walking around town, seeing people say hello to one another, and knowing there’s a true sense of community here. It’s just a great place to live and work.
