As the largest ski area in Montana, and the fifth largest in North America, Big Sky is the rowdy, rugged and downright iconic resort that put the Treasure State’s glorious ski scene on the map.
Summit
11,166ft
Vertical
4,350ft
Terrain
5,850acres
Snowfall
400in/yr
Lifts
40
Runs
320
Terrain Parks
6
Base Elevation
7,500ft
On a clear day, you can see Lone Mountain cutting through the Madison Range the instant you turn off U.S. Highway 191. The sheer size and grandeur of the mountain immediately give you an idea as to the kind of skiing you’re about to experience at Big Sky Resort. From the top of Lone Peak, where the newly-installed 75-person tram takes the bravest among us, you have 4,350 vertical feet at your disposal. Factor that into the ski areas' 5,850 skiable acres, and you start to understand why Big Sky has acquired a devoted cult following over the years.
The Mountain Village base serves as most skiers' starting point, though you can also access the resort from the Montage Hotel, Moonlight Basin and Madison Base. Once you're on the mountain, you’ll find that nearly any kind of skiing, from glades to rugged alpine steeps, park laps to mellow cruisers, is at your fingertips. Massive renovations as part of the Big Sky 2025 project, such as new dining options, increased snow-making capacity and upgraded lifts, have made riding Big Sky more convenient than ever. The resort is expecting to open a new two-stage gondola during winter 2025/26, removing congestion at the base area and offering a quicker route onto the mountain.
Riding all that Big Sky has to offer is a bit like trying to visit every planet in the solar system. You could do it, but it would take most of your life. On the looker’s left side of the mountain, you’ll have access to lifts like Thunder Wolf, Shedhorn and Dakota. This is where you’ll find incredible glades, wind-blown pow pockets, flowy pump tracks and the occasional kicker in the trees. When the clouds roll in and make above-treeline riding difficult, this zone is an excellent option for clean turns and good visibility. The park is always a great bet too, found beneath the Swift Current 6 lift, known as Swifty. The ski area has put ample time and money into creating one of the best terrain parks in the entire U.S.
When it comes to Big Sky’s steeps, the tram gets most of the notoriety. While that fame is worthy, and Lone Peak's notorious Big and Little Couloirs are indeed bucket list runs, you’d be mistaken if you didn’t explore Big Sky’s other extreme offerings during your visit. Head for the Challenger and Headwaters chairlifts when the storm breaks. Accessible from this side of the mountain, the Headwaters and A-Z Chutes are some of the finest inbounds freeride skiing on earth. Importantly, bring a pack, beacon, shovel and probe, as these chutes mean serious business.
Overall, Big Sky will humble and reward you like few other mountains ever could. The variety and caliber of skiing here is second to none. But like any great destination, it’s best if you just experience it for yourself.
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You can head to Big Sky to escape the usual mega-resort crowds and find great accommodations, or you can head to Big Sky in search of the West’s best steep skiing. But if you’re smart (which we know you are), you go for both. Montana has become the face of mountain luxury in recent years, and you may as well take advantage of that while you’re there.
The Wilson Hotel and newly opened Gravity Haus are great, more affordable options located in the Town Center. The Summit Hotel and The Lodge at Big Sky are conveniently located at the base of the resort and prices can be reasonable when booked in advance. If you’re looking to go all out, the Montage Big Sky and the One&Only Moonlight Basin are two modern additions to the mountain that will have you never wanting to leave the swanky hotel rooms.
If you’re flying into Big Sky, you’ll be touching down just outside of Bozeman, Montana, at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. From there, it’s a short one-hour drive up through the Gallatin Canyon along Highway 191 until you reach the Big Sky Town Center. Keep on truckin’ towards Lone Mountain and you’ll be at the mountain base in no time.
You can rent a car right at the airport, or catch one of the several shuttles that roll from the airport to Big Sky. But if you’re traveling from the mountain west to begin with, we recommend driving your own rig. There’s so much to do in the area, from heading out for a night in Bozeman to snowmobiling and exploring Yellowstone National Park, to heading out for a ski tour with Big Sky Backcountry Guides. With all that on the table, you might want your own reliable transport if possible. Then again, taking your whole trip just to explore the resort is far from a bad call.
You can head to Big Sky to escape the usual mega-resort crowds and find great accommodations, or you can head to Big Sky in search of the West’s best steep skiing. But if you’re smart (which we know you are), you go for both. Montana has become the face of mountain luxury in recent years, and you may as well take advantage of that while you’re there.
The Wilson Hotel and newly opened Gravity Haus are great, more affordable options located in the Town Center. The Summit Hotel and The Lodge at Big Sky are conveniently located at the base of the resort and prices can be reasonable when booked in advance. If you’re looking to go all out, the Montage Big Sky and the One&Only Moonlight Basin are two modern additions to the mountain that will have you never wanting to leave the swanky hotel rooms.
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