Big Sky Resort is in Big Sky, Montana, 72 kilometers (45 miles) south of Bozeman on highway 191. It’s another 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of West Yellowstone. The resort is in the northern Rocky Mountains. This creates unique conditions that provide more than 400 inches of snow annually.
Big Sky opened in 1973, by a Montana native named Chet Brinkley. The resort opened on the east side of the 11,167-foot mountain, Lone Peak. Two years after Chet’s death, the resort sold in 1976. This ushered in the beginning of corporate ownership at Big Sky Resort.
Fast forward to 2013. Big Sky expanded 2,200 acres, coining the resort the “Biggest Skiing in America.” Absorbed by Big Sky Resort, the once failing Moonlight Basin is on the north side of Lone Peak. After two years, in 2015, Park City in Utah eclipsed Big Sky Resort as the largest ski resort in the U.S.
Ramcharger 8
Skiers and riders should never have to ride the same line twice. These two resorts combine for more than 5,850 acres of prime skiable terrain. Big Sky has more than 300 named runs. They boast 39 chairlifts, including the “most advanced lift ever built,” Ramcharger 8. The Ramcharger 8 opened to the public On December 15th, 2018. It was the first high speed eight-person chair in North America.
The Terrain
Big Sky has 4,350 vertical feet from the peak to Mountain Village base, an elevation of 7,510-feet. The Lone Moose Base is even lower, at 6, 800-feet. The longest scenic route on the mountain starts at the top of Liberty Bowl to the Mountain Village base. It’s more than 6 continuous miles of riding.
Please note, that this route only services more advance black diamond terrain for the first 1/3 of the run. To get to the top of the Liberty Bowl, take the Lone Peak Tram. The tram is in the Winter Bowl, after taking the Powder Seeker 6 chair.
There are plenty of activities to keep the entire family busy in this corner of Montana. The runs cover the spectrum. There’s 22% of runs for beginners (green runs). 25% is set aside for intermediate (blue runs). While 35% is for the more advanced (black diamond), and the final 18% for experts (double black diamond).
There are six terrain parks and each services a different skill level. The mountain has plenty of wide groomers. Yet, it’s the bucket list descents that will challenge the most skilled athletes.
It’s All About the Backcountry!
During my five days of riding, I got to know the Challenger 3 lift, along with the Moonlight Basin. Both feature incredible tree runs, with wonderful backcountry terrain. Beginners should avoid the runs in both areas. The lifts service a handful of intermediate blue runs. Everything else is more advance and up!
Other winter activities include snowshoeing and zip-lining. Big Sky is a winter wonderland. It’s also a dream destination during the summer. Once the snow melts, play some archery, go golfing, find a friend and play some tennis.
Opening Day!
Looking for more adrenaline? Choose between horseback riding or mountain biking. According to All Trails, Big Sky has 29 scenic trails, ranging in difficulty and length. The winter season begins Thanksgiving week, with opening day on Thursday, November 24th.
I spent a week visiting in March, to ride and see my buddy Tevin. I loved the mountain! The terrain is endless, and I never had to ride the same line if I didn’t want to. The Ikon Pass allows five full days of riding at Big Sky. I made sure to use each one!
Lift ticket prices vary throughout the season. Yet, they can go as low as $79 (during the early season) and as high as $225 (during blackout dates). I highly recommend looking into a season pass or partial season passes. They save a large chunk of funds and give flexibility to go any time.
Getting There
Jackson Hole is 3 hours south, inside Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Yellowstone is roughly 45-minutes south with Glacier National Park is roughly 6-hours north. The Bozeman Hot Springs are a short drive away and one of the highlights of the Bozeman area.
Getting to Big Sky is simple. There’s a bus seven days a week from Bozeman via Skyline Busses. A rental car and Google Maps will allow for the most freedom of travel. There are taxis around Big Sky, but they’re expensive.
Where to Stay
There is one hostel in Bozeman, but unfortunately there are none in Big Sky itself. The Treasure State Hostel offers accommodations for $29.50 per night per person through Hostelworld. Booking.com has hotels available for reservations. Be sure to do this early as Big Sky often sells out for the ski season.
Final Thoughts
If Big Sky calls to you, then be sure to stop in the Blue Moon Bakery. They have delicious pizza, sandwiches, and the dankest baked goods! Everything I ate was delicious and made in house. All ingredients are locally sourced too.
I loved Big Sky, so much that I moved to Bozeman a couple weeks after visiting. The area is stunning. Big Sky is the destination that I’d choose to move back to in the United States. It is my favorite little mountain town, and one I cannot wait to return to. If you get the chance, go and enjoy all that Big Sky has to offer!
Quick Notes:
- Opening Day: November 24th, 2022
- Lift Tickets vary throughout the season, between $79 and $225
- Reserve Treasure State Hostel in Bozeman for $29.50/night on Hostelworld
- Book hotels through Booking.com
