Location: Madison County, MT Map
Runs: 150
Longest run: 6 miles (10 km)
Big Sky Resort, nestled in the Madison Range of the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Montana, is North America's largest skiable area, encompassing over 5,850 acres of diverse terrain across four interconnected mountains: Lone Peak, Andesite, Moonlight Basin, and Spanish Peaks. Located in Gallatin National Forest just 45 miles south of Bozeman and about an hour's drive from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) via the scenic U.S. Highway 191 through Gallatin Canyon, the resort is ideally positioned as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park (only 18 miles from the West Entrance). The resort's base elevation sits at 7,500 feet in the vibrant Mountain Village, rising to a summit of 11,166 feet on Lone Peak, offering a vertical drop of 4,350 feet and an average annual snowfall of 400 inches—creating a playground for winter sports enthusiasts and summer adventurers alike. Known for its "no lines, big sky" ethos—referring to uncrowded slopes under vast Montana skies—Big Sky attracts over 500,000 visitors annually, blending high-adrenaline pursuits with luxury amenities in a setting that feels both remote and accessible, with direct flights from 20 major U.S. cities to BZN. The resort operates year-round, transitioning from powder-filled winters to wildflower-strewn summers, and is undergoing a transformative "Big Sky 2025" 10-year vision to enhance connectivity, infrastructure, and multi-season appeal.
Big Sky Resort's origins trace back to the early 1970s, when NBC
news anchor Chet Huntley, a Montana native seeking to create a
year-round destination that preserved the state's natural
beauty, spearheaded its development after retiring from
broadcasting. Huntley envisioned a community-focused resort in
the then-remote Gallatin Canyon, purchasing 11,500 acres of
ranchland in 1969 and breaking ground in 1970. The resort
officially opened for its inaugural winter season in December
1973 with modest beginnings: four lifts (Andesite, Explorer,
Lone Peak, and a gondola), 16 runs, the Huntley Lodge (named
after him), and a small Mountain Mall serving as the base
village. Early challenges included harsh weather and limited
infrastructure, but Huntley's celebrity draw and emphasis on
family-friendly skiing helped it gain traction.
In 1976, the
resort was acquired by Boyne Resorts for $8.5 million, marking
the start of significant expansions under the leadership of
Everett Kircher's family-owned company. Key milestones followed:
the 1978 installation of the Mad Wolf lift, expanding
intermediate terrain; the 1980s addition of high-speed quads and
night skiing; and the 1990s growth into summer operations with
mountain biking and a zip line. The 2000s brought further
development, including the 2003 opening of the Lone Peak
Expedition (now Ramcharger 8) tram, accessing expert bowls, and
the 2013 purchase of additional terrain. A pivotal moment came
in 2023 with the merger of adjacent Moonlight Basin, instantly
doubling the skiable area to over 5,800 acres and creating
seamless access across four mountains via high-speed lifts.
Today, under Boyne's stewardship, Big Sky emphasizes
sustainability and innovation. The "Big Sky 2025" plan, launched
in 2021, is a decade-long $400 million+ initiative to elevate
the resort into a world-class, multi-season destination.
Highlights include the 2024 completion of the Madison 8—the
world's longest eight-passenger chairlift—replacing the old Six
Shooter on Moonlight Basin, and ongoing projects like enhanced
base village connectivity, improved summer facilities, and
better airport shuttles. This vision centers the mountain
experience while fostering local partnerships and addressing
climate resilience through snowmaking expansions and
eco-friendly lifts, ensuring Big Sky remains a beacon of
Montana's outdoor heritage.
Situated at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Big
Sky Resort occupies a dramatic alpine landscape shaped by
ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving, with Lone Peak as
its iconic centerpiece—a sheer, 11,166-foot granite monolith
rising abruptly from forested valleys. The resort spans the
Madison and Gallatin Ranges, where elevations range from 7,500
feet at the base to over 11,000 feet at multiple summits,
creating microclimates from dense lodgepole pine forests at
lower elevations to treeline tundra and exposed bowls higher up.
The terrain is roughly 50/50 beginner-to-advanced split, but its
true allure lies in the vast, unglaciated "Headwaters"
area—North America's only ski-in/ski-out access to such
expansive, lift-served backcountry-style bowls without permits.
Key statistics highlight its scale: 5,850 skiable acres
(third-largest in the U.S.), 317 named runs (plus unlimited tree
skiing and glades), 5,800 acres of lift-accessible terrain, and
40 lifts—including 21 high-speed chairs, two eight-passenger
gondolas (like the new Madison 8), and the Ramcharger 8 tram for
quick summit access. The four zones offer variety: Lone Peak for
experts (steep chutes and 16 alpine bowls), Moonlight Basin for
intermediates (rolling meadows and family pods), Spanish Peaks
for groomed cruisers, and Andesite for beginners with gentle
greens. Longest run: 9.6 km (Mr. Big); seven terrain parks for
park rats; and 300+ inches of "Moonlight Basin powder" annually,
thanks to its north-facing slopes and proximity to Pacific
storms. Ecologically, the area supports diverse wildlife like
grizzly bears, wolves, and elk, with the resort committing to
habitat preservation through its location in protected federal
lands.
Big Sky thrives as a four-season destination, with winter dominating but summer gaining momentum under the 2025 vision. Winter activities center on skiing and snowboarding across its massive terrain, with options for all levels: 20% beginner, 25% intermediate, 55% advanced/expert, including 4,000+ acres of above-treeline bowls and 1,000 acres of tree skiing. Nordic skiing spans 30+ km of groomed trails, while snowshoeing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, and snowmobiling add variety. Summer shifts to adventure: 30+ miles of hiking/biking trails, ziplining over canyons, whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River (Class II-V rapids), fly fishing in blue-ribbon trout streams, horseback riding, ATV tours, rock climbing, disc golf, and water sports at Lake Levinski Marina (kayaking, paddleboarding). Guided options like the Alpine Cirque Tour explore glacial cirques, and scenic lift rides provide easy access to high-country views. Yellowstone tours depart from the resort, offering wildlife safaris just minutes away.
Big Sky's 2025 calendar buzzes with community-driven festivals blending music, food, and adventure. Highlights include the free Music in the Mountains concert series (Thursdays, June 26–Aug 28) featuring local and national acts at Town Center Plaza; Savor Big Sky Food, Wine & Spirits Festival (June 26–29) with tastings, hikes, and seminars; Big Sky PBR Rodeo (July 17–19) for bull riding thrills; Big Sky Emerging Artist Series (summer art exhibits); and Wildlands Music Festival (August). Winter kicks off with Opening Day (Nov 26, 2025), followed by Big Sky Skijoring (Feb 7–9, 2026—dog-pulled skiing races) and Big Sky Winter Pride (Mar 24–30, 2026). The Big Sky Farmers Market runs weekly through fall, and Community Week (summer) offers volunteer-led cleanups and workshops. Events emphasize local culture, with many free or low-cost, held at Mountain Village or Town Center.
Access and Transportation: Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone
International Airport (BZN), 48 miles north; shuttles (e.g., Big
Sky Resort's free guest shuttle) or rentals cost $50–100
one-way, with a 45–60 minute drive through Gallatin Canyon
(watch for wildlife). On-site, free shuttles connect Mountain
Village, Town Center, and Westfork; parking is ample but fills
on weekends. Rental cars recommended for exploring Yellowstone.
Lodging: Options abound via Big Sky Central Reservations:
ski-in/ski-out hotels like the Huntley Lodge (rustic, central
with pool/hot tubs); luxury condos and cabins (1–5 bedrooms,
kitchens, fireplaces); and private homes for groups (up to 20+
guests, spas, mountain views). Amenities include concierge,
housekeeping, fitness centers, and summer perks like free lift
tickets. Rates vary ($300–$1,500/night winter; lower summer);
book early for 2025 holidays. Nearly all are slopeside in
Mountain Village.
Fees and Hours: Lift tickets (2025–26
winter): $100–$200/day adult (pre-season deals now);
kids/seniors discounted; Epic Pass valid. Summer scenic rides:
$20–$40. Resort open year-round; winter lifts 9 AM–4 PM
(Nov–Apr); summer 10 AM–5 PM (June–Sep 11, 2025), with Lone Peak
Tram closed for construction. Activities require reservations;
guided tours $50–$200/person.
Current Conditions (as of
September 8, 2025): Late summer vibes prevail as the resort
winds down operations ahead of winter prep—expect mild weather
(highs 60–70°F days, 30–40°F nights, light rain possible
mid-week) with golden aspens and low crowds. Summer lifts (Swift
Current 6 and Ramcharger 8) operate daily 10 AM–5 PM through
September 11 for hiking/biking access; all other lifts closed.
No snow yet (base 0 inches, summit trace possible by late Sep);
trails are dry and dusty—ideal for final disc golf or ATV runs,
but fire bans may apply due to dry conditions. The Madison 8
lift is fully operational post-2024 install. Visitor center in
Mountain Village open 9 AM–5 PM; check bigskyresort.com for
real-time cams and alerts. Safety: Bear-aware hiking (carry
spray), high UV at altitude, and road delays in Gallatin Canyon.
Contact: 800-548-4486 or info@bigskyresort.com.