Destinations United States
Matt Harding
Montana is called “Big Sky Country” due to its wide-open spaces and skies that seem endless. There’s one town in the state that exemplifies this perfectly and, fittingly, it’s called Big Sky. Home to about 4,000 people, Big Sky is famous for Big Sky Resort, the perfect winter destination for those heading to Montana to ski.
According to Visit Montana, the Big Sky Resort gets an average of 400 inches of powder, and lift lines, they say, are practically “non-existent.” Big Sky Resort welcomes skiers of all levels, from beginners to experts, to traverse its 5,850 acres of terrain. But Big Sky is all about big skiing. They recommend hiring a guide to lead the way through the terrain, helping you to choose routes depending on your skill level and interests. Guides also have avalanche gear if you want to take on more advanced terrain like Big Couloir. According to Ski.com, Big Couloir is the most famous run at Big Sky and is referred to as simply “The Big.”
Skiing at Big Sky Resort
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Big Sky Resort recommends at least three days to explore, with four areas and dozens of chairlifts across the vast terrain. The ski destination has maps and signage but suggests getting to know the area ahead of time by checking out trail maps before heading out for the day. There’s also an app for tech-savvy skiers. Speaking of high-tech, the lift system is impressively advanced and often super-fast. One chairlift even has heated seats.
The resort opens on Thanksgiving Day, and throughout the winter, there’s a lot of fresh snow on the mountains, perfect for skiers. According to Big Sky Resort, the busiest times for skiing includes the holiday season and long weekends in the winter. They recommend coming during the period they call the “secret season,” which is April. There will still be a lot of snow, but the climate will be friendlier, and crowds will be lighter.
