Location: Madison County, MT Map
Runs: 150
Longest run: 6 miles (10 km)
Big Sky Resort in the western United States is a popular ski
resort. It is located in Madison County in southwestern Montana.
It is one hour south of Bozeman, Montana via U.S. Highway 191
from Big Sky, Montana, and is the second largest ski resort in
the United States by area.
Opened in late 1973, Big Sky
Resort features over 5,800 acres (9.1 square miles, 23.5 km2) of
terrain and a 4,350-foot (1,330 m) vertical drop. in July 2013,
Big Sky Resort was purchased by the private club acquired 200
acres (0.8 km2) of Spirit Mountain, formerly owned by Spanish
Peaks. In October of the same year, Big Sky Resort acquired the
terrain and facilities of Moonlight Basin, a nearby resort that
shared the north side of Lone Mountain. Big Sky Resort is visited by tourists all year long, but
it is particularly famous for its 150 ski runs. The longest run
measures up to 6 miles (10 kilometres). With a total area of
5,800 acres (2,347.2 ha) it is second largest ski resort in the
US by territory. Big Sky resort opened in December 1973 with a
main base area at an elevation of 7,510 ft (2,289 m) above sea
level on the eastern face of Lone Mountain, 11,166 ft (3,403 m)
above sea lever.
In winter Big Sky Resort is popular for
its skiing and snowboarding. In summer it offers paintball
activities, zip-lining, hiking, mountain biking, horseback
riding, golf and many other activities. In summer of 2012 Big
Sky Resort got its own summer tram that offers rides to visitors
of the park. It takes tourists to the top of Lone Peak.
Big Sky Resort is primarily known for its winter activities,
which include skiing and snowboarding, seven terrain parks,
zip-line and snowshoeing, but it has become an increasingly
popular summer attraction. Several zip-lines, archery, tennis,
hiking, and mountain biking trails are available on the
mountain, with golf and Horseback riding available near the
Meadow Village, situated at an elevation of 6,300 feet (1,900
m), between the ski area and US-191.
Terrain Aspects -
Skiing
North: 37%
West: 2%
East: 36%
South: 2%
The Lone Peak Tram is an aerial tramway at
the Big Sky Resort that begins at the top of the Powder Seeker
chairlift and unloads at the summit of Lone Mountain at 11,166
ft (3,403 m). Opened in the fall of 1995, the 15 passenger cab
climbs 1,420 ft (433 m) over a distance of 2,828 ft (862 m),
with two cabs traveling in opposite directions. It provides
access to the most difficult terrain at Big Sky Resort,
including former Moonlight Basin terrain. Construction was
completed by the high-altitude construction firm Matrix, based
in Alaska.
Starting in the summer 2012 season, Big Sky
Resort introduced daily summer tram rides to take visitors to
the top of Lone Peak, called The Lone Peak Expedition.