Big Sky ski resort guide & reviews Ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do at Big Sky
Overview
The picture-postcard family friendly ski resort of Big Sky in south-west Montana is the largest skiing area in the US with a massive 5800 acres to explore spread across 3 mountains.
The ski area straddles the counties of Madison and Gallatin and combines the resorts of Big Sky and Moonlight Basin - 2 world class resorts that have been welcoming skiers since the early 1970s.
Big Sky Après-ski
The atmosphere, as you would expect, is laid back and relaxed in Big Sky. There are over 25 bars including the lively and fun Whiskey Jacks and restaurants serving up family-friendly fare - steakhouses are very popular. For something different, try the backcountry yurt and sleigh ride dinners around a crackling fire with endless views.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 2286m |
| Top lift | 3399m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Ski area (acre) | 5800 |
| Longest run | 10 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 85 km |
| Season | Nov - April |
| Snowboard parks | 6 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✔ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Lively |
Big Sky Mountain ski area guide
With the merger of Big Sky and Moonlight Basin resorts, the combined ski areas really do offer something for every level of skier and boarder from complete beginner to professionals. With 5800 acres to ski around including 298 trails, the sight of a lift queue is rare which is a major advantage - but it can feel like you are the only person on the mountain and can get quite lonely.
The ski area is spread across 3 mountains...
- Lone Mountaon
- Andesite Mountain with gladed runs
- Spirit Mountain
And, via a tiny cable-car with a capacity of just 15 people, there is access to the untouched snow fields at the back of the summit of Lone Mountain at 3398m giving a vertical of 1330m - this is a fantastic itinerary for off-piste touring.
Beginners
Beginners have a dedicated area near the base of Lone Mountain and once the basic skills have been learnt, there are delightful gentle trails through the glades that connect well to the blue runs.
Intermediate
With over 50% of the trails coded blue / red, intermediate skiers and boarders have an awful lot of terrain to play around in.
Advanced
Lone Mountain is the place to head to via the tram as the terrain is steep enough to make your jaw drop! The narrow couloirs and cliffs are tailor made for expert skiers and the off-piste backcountry accessed on the back of the summit is not to be missed.
Snowboard
Unlike some resorts, snowboarding is permitted across the entire mountain. With 6 terrain parks and essentially unlimited off-piste, this is a snowboarders mecca.
Featured Big Sky lodges
The accommodation is divided between Meadow Village (town centre) at 1890m and the Mountain Resort at 2286m where there are lodging options to suit singles, couples, families and groups of any size. At the Mountain Resort, many ski chalets, lodges and condominiums are either on or next to the slopes - practically ski-in, ski-out which is perfect for families who don't want the hassle of the ski bus.
See all rentals
Children & childcare
The Lone Peak Playhouse (LLP) creche is in the Big Sky Lodge at the base station. It caters for children aged between 6 months and 8 years old and there are half or full day options available including meals. LLP will also get your child ready for their ski lessons but request they arrive 20 minutes before so they can get them dressed in their ski gear.
Babysitting can also be arranged through Big Sky Resort concierge service and can be booked by calling (406) 995-5806 - 48 hours notice is required.
Things to see & do at Big Sky
Big Sky is often used as a base for exploring Yellowstone National Park with its gushing geysers and thermal pools and abundant wildlife. A highlight of any holiday is a snowmobile tour of of the park - pristine natural wilderness and a fabulous day out for the whole family.
- Cross-country skiing at Lone Mountain Ranch
- Tubing
- 1500m zipline tour and high ropes
- Tobogganing
- Ice skating
- Guided snowshoeing
- Dog sledding
- Winter horseback riding
Spa & wellness
Big Sky has several spa and wellness centres such as the Solace Spa at Moonlight Lodge and the Sonic Touch. Therapeutic massages, full body scrubs, body wraps and Tibetan and crystal bowl therapy techniques that use sound and vibration can be tried - the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day on the slopes.
Our view on Big Sky ski resort
Big Sky is by far the best resort in Montana and can easily compete with the big boys in Colorado and Utah when it comes to the quality and extent of the skiing. Definitely worth the trek...!
