Big Sky Country knows how to live in the moment and celebrate the everyday. From nights beneath stadium lights, to mornings summiting peaks, to afternoons on the river, 2017 in Montana had no shortage of these inspirational moments.  

In the spirit of reflection, here at UpTop, we’ve tracked down the 2017 top 20 Montana inspired posts on Instagram.

Here’s what we found:

Enjoying the moment at Headwaters Country Jam in Three Forks

Why we love this post: Good friends, good beer and country music. What’s not to love?

Photo: @savannahandy

 

 Electric nights with Big Gigantic at the Wilma

Why we love this post: Capturing the energy of an electric music concert is tough goings, but @liamkeshishian slayed it with this shot.

Photo: @liamkeshishian

 

School pride at its finest at Montana State’s annual Undie Run

Why we love this post: Because the Bobcats are known for underachieving.

Photo: @msuexpo

 

 The Essence of Summer

Why we love this post: With the best trout streams in the lower 48, you’re a fool not to spend all summer long reeling in the moments.

Photo: @georgehillart 

 

Shredding the slopes in Whitefish

Why we love this post: Cold smoke and powder days!!!!!!!!

Photo: @racy_red

 

The Rivalry Spans Continents  

Why we love this post: Because you can take the man out of Montana…

Photo: @tannererickson

 

The smell of victory in the morning as the Bobcats won the 2017 #brawlofthewild

Why we love this post: There are few rivalries in the nation as exciting to watch at the Brawl of the Wild.

Photo: @406sports

 

 “Up with Montana boys, down with the foe…”

Why we love this post: Even the losing team needs cheerleaders #brawlofthewild2017.

Photo: @maryashley

 

Adventure is out there while hiking in Glacier National Park

Why we love this post: With epic views, strenuous hikes and mountains like that you can’t not include Glacier.

Photo: @kaylaadeean

 

Happiness is a riding horse

Why we love this post: Because she’s a Montana girl through and through.

Photo: @pipers_zoo

 

Dangling from the edge

Why we love this post: Because the picture is always worth it.

Photo: @andyaustinphoto

 

Tailgating in Griz country

Why we love this post: Because tailgating with your bros is the best part of the weekend.  

Photo: @realpsloan

 

Irish pride at Butte’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival

Why we love this post: Because @bcladue isn’t the strangest person you’ll find roaming the streets of Butte on St. Paddy’s.

Photo: @bcladue

 

Enjoying the moment

Why we love this post: Because Montana Till I Die.

Photo: @brooklynn_1628

 

On top of the world

Why we love this post: Boots on a cliff over bare feet on a beach any day.

Photo: 406_outdoors_406

 

Big skies and epic climbs while Racing “The Rut” in Big Sky

Why we love this post: Runners gain 10,500 feet over 50 kilometers in one of the toughest races in the world. And @mikefootemt is still smiling.

Photo: @mikefootemt

 

Hops and drops  

Why we love this post: Beer and skiing. Like peanut butter and jelly.  

Photo: @theadventuresoffatandhappy

 

Montana is for badasses while ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon

Why we love this post: Because this is what winter is for.

Photo: @perpetual_motion_nw

 

Current Mood with Dustin Lynch at the Northwest Montana Fair

Why we love this post: The best summer nights are spent with small-town boys.

Photo: @lauren.picard3

 

Eyes on the prize

Why we love this post: Because the epic Gold Rush can be admired even by a grizzly.  

Photo: @erica_belden

 

Here’s to an even more epic 2018.