Big Sky, Montana is the USA’s most underrated ski resort

Big Sky, Montana flies under the radar for skiers and snowboarders, but it should be front of mind, as should the world-class Big Sky Resort.

Tucked up high in the meadows of southern Montana is Big Sky, an area rich in natural beauty and wildlife. A frame of mountains towers over sprawls of tall trees and rolling green hills, the snow-capped peaks gleam invitingly in the sun. This spectacular scenery is known for its world-class skiing, hiking and other outdoor pursuits.

Where is Big Sky Resort?

Big Sky, Montana is located in the Rocky Mountains. Yellowstone National Park is positioned to its southeast, and Gallatin River and Gallatin Canyon to its northeast. Big Sky Resort is located in Montana’s ‘Big Sky’ country, an hour from the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, and 45 minutes’ drive from Yellowstone National Park.

Skiing at Big Sky Resort

With a reputation of being the home of ‘the biggest skiing in America’, Big Sky Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in North America with more than 2,347 hectares of skiable terrain. Big Sky Resort is broken up into approximately 23% beginner, 25% intermediate, 34% advanced and 13% expert runs, with 5% dedicated to extreme runs.

• Skiable hectares: 2,347
• 1.01 metres annual snowfall
• 300 named runs
• Longest run: 9.65 kilometres
• 38 lifts
• Elevation: 3403-metre maximum, 2072-metre minimum
• 1,325 vertical metres

Is Big Sky a difficult ski resort?

Sometimes the scenery at a ski resort is so spectacular that it stops you in your tracks. Big Sky Resort in Montana is such a place. Ride the Powder Seeker chairlift up and enjoy its heated seat and ‘Big Sky Blue’ bubble to keep out the wind and snow, and when you get off at the top – look up to a view of the momentous Lone Mountain peak, with a tiny black dot at the top. That’s where the cylindrical tram deposits extreme skiers and sightseers, while lower down, spiny ridges and a rugged wall of rock hide myriad chutes, couloirs and bowls that are so difficult, a new classification of triple black diamond was introduced.

The view from the top of the tram is quite astonishing, and from next season (23/24) the new and expanded tram will carry 75 people to the peak. Non- skiing sightseers will be able to take in the view from the new glass viewing platform opening in the 24/25 season.

Is Big Sky Resort for beginners?

Big Sky Resort resort has 2,367 hectares of skiable terrain that will excite everyone from extreme skiers to beginners. In fact, 23% of the runs are for beginners! Hiring an instructor to take you around and improve your technique is advisable due to the diversity and sheer size of the terrain. Skip from Spanish Peaks on one side to Madison Base on the other, and be sure to explore the powder-topped runs around almost every lift. Big Sky, Montana is a glorious adventure, made even more incredible by lunch at the charming Everett’s 8800, a beautiful cabin with fireplace, great ambiance, and wonderful food.

Accommodation in Big Sky, Montana

At the main base of Big Sky Resort, popular accommodation options include The Summit Hotel and Huntley Lodge, both of which have undergone refurbishments in the last year or so. The Summit, Big Sky Resort’s premier slopeside lodging, presents well-designed and beautifully furnished rooms, a range of eateries, and a ski valet. The location is steps from the new and fast chairlifts, Ramcharger 8 and Swift Current 6 – which are also bubble chairs with heated seats – part of what is the most technologically advanced lift network in North America.

On the other side of the mountain, Montage Big Sky opened in late 2022 and is magnificent, from its ski-in, ski-out convenience (the Lewis & Clark lift is metres from the property), and impeccable service everywhere from the ski valet to the spa, restaurants and bars, to the US$1 million in curated art. And there’s more to come. In the winter of 2024/25, One&Only Resorts will open its first American property at Big Sky. One&Only Moonlight Basin will be steps from the Pony Express and Iron Horse chairlifts.

Things to do in Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky has a big range of big experiences. When you are not skiing or snowboarding, there are plenty of things to do around the area including a sleigh ride to dinner, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding and ziplining. For something different, ski or snowboard down the mountain at night with nothing but a headlamp.

Another magical experience is to stroll through the Enchanted Forest, lit up like the proverbial Christmas tree. Sitting at the top of the Ramcharger lift, this walk fills you with child-like wonder as you take in the ethereal light display under a blanket of stars. With big dreams, big plans and its big, beautiful views, Montana’s Big Sky Resort will leave you starstruck.

In summer, Big Sky is an outdoor-lovers dream. Play golf. Ride mountain bikes, hike or try your hand at archery. Horseback riding, whitewater rafting, rock climbing and fly fishing are also popular in the warmer months.

How to get to Big Sky Resort

Qantas flies to Dallas Fort Worth, or American Airlines to Los Angeles, with connections to American Airlines’ direct flights to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.