Spring and summer sports roundup

By Doug Hare EBS Staff

As the temperatures get warmer and the sun shines late into the evening, the possibilities for outdoor recreational sports abound, even if the snow has stopped falling. Here’s EBS’s list of spring and summer recreational leagues and facilities in Big Sky to keep you active and entertained.

Co-ed softball

Thanks to the Big Sky Community Organization, the Big Sky Softball League is entering its 15th season, and might be the most popular group sporting activity in Big Sky during warm-weather months. Teams of up to 25 ballplayers compete throughout the summer in games that are equally competitive and fun. The season culminates in the Big Sky Softball League tournament in August, a three-day showdown to crown the league’s top team.

Games are held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at either 6 or 7:15 p.m. Teams are required to sign-up by May 19, so don’t hesitate to find a spot on a roster or start your own squad.

Frisbee golf

Big Sky boasts one 18-hole frisbee golf course and two nine-hole courses. The Bighorn Ridge course is located in the Big Sky Community Park near the skate park. The nine-hole courses are both located above Mountain Village. The easier one is located on Andesite near the Ramcharger chairlift, and the more difficult course is situated around the Explorer lift.

All three courses are free to play, but donations are welcomed. The Big Sky Resort courses can be accessed by purchasing a scenic lift ticket or by hiking up the Huckleberry Trail. Disc rentals are available at both basecamp and Everett’s 8800.

Volleyball

The Gallatin RiverHouse Grill has a sand volleyball court nestled next to the Gallatin River with a backdrop that never disappoints. If volleyball isn’t your game, the RiverHouse also has horseshoes and cornhole set up to test your hand-eye coordination.

Other activities

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spring season in good company if you know where to look. If you’re on Facebook, I recommend joining the Big Sky Sporting Network group. On nice days, you can easily find out about an activity for exercise and entertainment. Other options in the area include pick-up soccer, tennis/pickleball and golf.

Don’t be shy. If you’re looking for a tennis, mountain biking or climbing partner, or if you want to suggest your own sporting activity for the evening, it’s easy to find other locals who want to be outside and having fun.

For those who don’t want to break a sweat, a leisurely stroll through Big Sky Community Park is a nice way to end the day and see some of the ways the locals like to spend time outside.