Big Sky’s name isn’t an attempt at false advertising; this place really is big. An hour drive south from Bozeman, Montana, the resort’s Lone Peak rises to 11,166 feet and the Lone Peak Tram runs to the top, giving skiers a breathtaking 4,350 of vertical to explore. The destination resort basically dares you to ski the same run twice with 400-plus inches of snow every year spread over 3,832 acres. The latter number nearly doubles with the joint Lone Peak Pass to adjacent Moonlight Basin, making for 5,532 acres of rippable terrain.
The terrain itself is a potpourri of steeps, bowls, and long winding runs through the picturesque Spanish Peaks. More advanced skiers can test their mettle on the frontside showstopper Big Couloir or take a mellower trip down Liberty Bowl, riding all the way down to the Dakota triple, for an extended stay in bowl paradise. Big groomed avenues on Andesite and Flatiron Mountains offer fun alternatives for those looking to enjoy a tamer experience with the same astounding views.
The resort has notable terrain parks, with two parks and one natural halfpipe. The Swifty 2.0 Terrain Park draws talent from around the region and features medium to large hits that satiate any park rat’s appetite in between long powder runs.
Big Sky wants guests to come, ski, and stay a while, offering a variety of home and condo rentals in addition to the Summit at Big Sky or the budget option Whitewater Inn. For après, a bloody Mary at Whiskey Jack’s is always a good option, and if you have the extra cash take a snowcat to the Montana Dinner Yurt for a really different dining experience. For families, keep in mind that children under 10 ski free if the trip is booked through Big Sky Central Reservations, another way to save some dough.
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