Big Sky Ski Resort is a premier ski resort in Montana. The resort is one of the largest in the United States, with approximately 5,800 acres of skiable terrain and more than 4,350 feet of vertical drop. Big Sky Ski Resort, with 38 lifts and 300 designated lines, caters to skiers of all skill levels, from beginners to specialists. The resort’s diverse terrain includes groomed routes, steep chutes, and glade regions. A terrain park is also available for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. The resort provides ski-in/ski-out lodging, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.
Overview of the Terrain
Beginner Runs 15% 25% 42% Intermediate Runs 18% for Advanced Runs Expert Runs 317 Runs in 6 Miles The longest run is 5800 acres, and the skiable terrain is 400 acres. The Making of Snow
Montana’s Big Sky region
Big Sky is Montana’s most popular ski resort and one of the largest in the United States. It attracts travelers from all over the world looking for colder snow and magnificent terrain near Bozeman. Availability of the best options in the best ski resorts in Montana is important for a fabulous adventure. They came twice for this review, once early and once in the middle of the season.
Considerable Sky Evaluation – Overall
* Sigh * This is a difficult one. Most visitors to Big Sky will fall in love with it. According to remarks on the lifts, many people consider it the best skiing in North America. On paper, it has everything you could desire in a ski resort: a big area, huge vertical, tons of snow, no rain, and 39 lifts (albeit only 20-serve skiing pods). The issue is that, for whatever reason, the experience there did not live up to the expectations.
The Stones
The first thing you’ll notice is the rocks on groomed runs. It looks like a place that gets less than 400 inches of snow yearly. On both occasions, my skis became acquainted with fresh rocks on about every other run. And, in December 2017, the route from the tram’s summit involved roughly 300 vertical sideslipping over rocks to get to the skiable area. In the photo below, notice the narrow strip of snow behind the orange sign, which was the main path down. Consider 50 mph wind gusts and the sheer drop-off you’re on the verge of.
The large crowds
Then there are the crowds. Yes, it’s popular, but with 20 or more lifts, it could handle the groups. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Looking for a place to eat was an exercise in frustration. The excellent terrain was constantly crowded because many lifts were short or flat. On both journeys, the tram had a 30-minute wait. In 2021, they planned to add a $30 tram ride fee to the already pricey $209 lift ticket. We’re glad they went before this policy was implemented! So, while they didn’t love it and are unlikely to return, I can see why it’s popular, and it’s probably excellent for less discerning skiers on rental skis.
The elevators
OK. Enough of the griping. Over the two trips, I skied almost every area of Big Sky, but I will discuss the nice ones. First and foremost, the Big Sky town boasts two excellent ski pods on Andesite mountain: Ramcharger and Thunder Wolf. They experienced outstanding snowfall in December 2017 and had the finest runs on Ramcharger on the first day with 16 inches of new snow.
In the summer of 2018, Ramcharger was replaced by the first high-speed 8-person chair in North America, which should assist with the long lineups there, but the tradeoff will be a LOT more people skiing that pod.
Why Big Sky, Montana is The Best Place to Ski this Winter
Aspen. Vail. Park City is in Utah. Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Big Sky? Big Sky, you are correct. This Montana ski resort, about an hour outside Bozeman, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary during the 2023-24 winter season, is finally ready to be counted among the country’s ski resort nobility. In reality, it is prepared to compete with its new colleagues.
Big Sky Resort, owned and maintained by the Boyne family, opened in 1973 with four lifts and less than 20 trails. It currently has 38 rides and over 300 courses. Still, more importantly, it has a style and vibe, allowing it to compete with famous mountains thanks to new luxury lodgings, top-of-the-line lifts, bucket-list experiences, and genuine Rocky Mountain snow power. The resort announced a $150 million capital renovation plan in 2016, with the completion of infrastructure, sustainability, and community enhancements projected by 2025.
I witnessed the resort’s resurgence firsthand during a family visit last February. The magnificent northern Rockies were greeted by several feet of fluffy, white powder. They dropped the oldest child off at ski school and the youngest at the Mountain Village’s daycare—yes, there is a daycare at the base for children too young to hit the slopes, which is a huge help for parents.
The next thing I knew, I was looking up at the peaks inside Big Sky’s new Ramcharger 8, a heated, super-fast lift with glass-encased chairs. They ascended quickly up the slope of Andesite Mountain, and when they arrived at the top, there were few people. My oyster was 5,850 acres of skiable terrain. But first, lunch at Everett’s 8800 chalet-style restaurant, positioned at the top of the mountain and offering panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Big Sky Montana’s Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Big Sky Ski Resort features a massive ski and snowboard terrain with numerous trails for all skill levels.
- The ski area could be more crowded because there is so much space for skiers and snowboarders to stretch out.
- Big Sky Resort continues to invest heavily in infrastructure improvements.
- Yellowstone National Park is only about an hour away from Big Sky.
Cons
- Big Sky has a small village feel to it. There is no lovely village to wander around. Evening meal options are sparse, and après ski is as poor.
- The entire place feels like a real estate carnival with a tasteless display of extravagant wealth (OK, maybe we’re just jealous because we’re ski bums).
- Big Sky Ski Resort has some incredible alpine expert terrain off Lone Peak, but the tiny little tram that accesses it only seats 15 people (!! ), so expect highly long lines even on non-powder days.
- Big Sky lacks on-mountain dining alternatives for lunch and warming up, and it can be a long trek back down to the main village.
- Depending on your point of view, this could be a pro or a con.
- Most lodging is ski-in/ski-out or near the slopes, but it’s dispersed. While there are buses that run between the various zones, going out in the evenings might take a lot of work (which may explain the scarcity of restaurant alternatives).
- Big Sky can be reached via the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective, but don’t tell any residents that you have an Ikon Pass because they will eat you alive for making it busier.
- Big Sky Resort has purchased high-speed chairs. However, some of the other chair lifts are excruciatingly sluggish.
FAQs About Big Sky Ski Resort in Montana
1. When is the ideal time to go to Big Sky Ski Resort?
The resort is open from November to April, with the best skiing often occurring in January and February. Conversely, March might be a terrific time due to longer days and cooler weather.
2. How many ski runs does Big Sky have, and how challenging are they?
Big Sky Mountain Resort boasts about 5,800 acres of terrain and 300 named routes. With 15% beginner, 25% intermediate, 42% advanced, and 18% expert terrain, the resort boasts an excellent mix of runs for all skill levels.
3. What is Big Sky Ski Resort’s highest elevation, and how many lifts are there?
Lone Peak, Big Sky’s highest point, is 11,166 feet above sea level. There are 36 lifts at the resort, including two high-speed 8-passenger gondolas and seven high-speed quads.
4. Does Big Sky Ski Resort provide any non-skiing activities?
Yes, Big Sky offers a variety of non-skiing activities. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice skating, zip-lining, and other activities are available.
5. How can I acquire Big Sky Ski Resort lift tickets?
Ski lift tickets are available both in advance online and at the ticket windows at the resort. The resort offers multi-day and season passes for those who want to come more than once.
6. Does Big Sky Ski Resort provide lodging?
Yes, Big Sky has a variety of lodging alternatives, including hotels, condos, and vacation houses. Some accommodations even have ski-in/ski-out access.
7. What are the food alternatives at Big Sky Ski Resort?
Big Sky has many dining options, from casual venues like the Mountain Mall food court to fine dining establishments like Everett’s 8800. There are also several bars and après-ski establishments.
8. How big is Big Sky Ski Resort’s terrain park?
Swifty 2.0, Big Sky’s terrain park, is a top-rated park with various attractions for all ability levels. Jibs, jumps, and other obstacles may be found around the park.
9. Can I take ski lessons at Big Sky Ski Resort?
Big Sky provides ski and snowboard lessons for people of all experience levels. Private and group lessons, as well as children’s programs, are provided.
10. Does Big Sky Ski Resort offer a shuttle service?
A free shuttle connects the resort, accommodation regions, and adjacent towns. There are also various automobile rental companies in the area.