If you're looking for uncrowded slopes, mixed terrain ideal for groups or families with varying levels of expertise, a massive amount of terrain—5,850 acres to be exact—and a relaxing, laid-back mountain setting, then a Big Sky Resort ski trip should be a top-of-mind choice. Being off the beaten path, as Big Sky is, certainly has its perks. Lift lines are nonexistent, and locals and return visitors often joke that if they have to wait in line for more than two minutes, it’s a very busy day. Big Sky also offers a handful of exceptional, rustic Montana dining experiences, sure to gratify guests looking for a unique meal.
Located just 52 miles from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), getting to Big Sky is relatively easy. The airport is serviced by many major airlines and receives non-stop flights from 24 domestic cities and a slew of international departures. Once you’ve arrived at BZN, you can choose from a laundry list of shuttle services or rental cars.
Navigating Big Sky is convenient with tons of shuttles and taxis that can be reserved. Additionally, the Skyline Bus offers transportation around the Big Sky area and to nearby attractions.
One thing’s for sure on a Big Sky ski trip, your legs are going to get tired, which makes the ski-in ski-out hot tubs that much sweeter. There's a lot of skiing to be had at Big Sky.
The resort hosts a 4,350 vertical drop of skiing from the impressive 11,166-foot Lone Peak, which is accessed via its namesake, Lone Peak Tram. Beginners have their own private area without the interference of intermediate or expert skiers in the area between the Pony Express and Derringer lifts. Intermediate skiers have incredible access and can get the feel of Big Sky’s expert terrain via trails at the base saddle of Lone Peak. It takes only one look at Lone Peak to realize that this mountain is an expert or extreme skier’s sanctuary. With challenging terrain in nearly every direction from the peak’s summit, experts can enjoy one of North America’s longest vertical runs.
With trails that are miles long, and feel miles wide, and are virtually empty, your entire family can cruise around Big Sky practically side-by-side. The resort’s 5,850 acres offer a nice mixture of terrain, so every skier in the family will have the time of their lives with several ideal “beginner zones,” miles upon miles of cruisin’ groomers, six terrain parks and the challenging steeps, chutes and bowls of Lone Peak.
Novice families have an entire dedicated beginner section of the mountain at Madison Base area, between Derringer and Pony Express Lift. These trails weave around private homes and lodges, which makes for a fun and interesting experience. At Big Sky, beginner families can learn to ski in the “slow skiing” base area, which tends to be an uncrowded part of the mountain during the day. More experienced beginner families looking to warm up their legs should head to the Southern Comfort High-Speed Quad lift.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find better intermediate skiing than Big Sky. About 29% of the resort's terrain is designated intermediate to advanced-intermediate. Combine that with Big Sky’s uncrowned reputation, and intermediate families will want to return year after year.
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