Big Sky Resort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Sky |
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Lone Mountain
Arrowhead Village
Bottom of Big Sky Resort
Alpine Lake
Mountain Bowl
Ramcharger 8 chairlift
Sunset View
Big Sky Resort in 2006
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 Big Sky
Location in Montana
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| Location | Big Sky, Madison County, Montana  United States |
| Nearest city | Bozeman - 50 mi (80 km) |
| Coordinates | 45°16′30″N 111°25′55″W / 45.27500°N 111.43194°W |
| Vertical | 4,350 ft (1,326 m) total |
| Top elevation | 11,166 ft (3,403 m) |
| Base elevation | 6,800 ft (2,073 m) Lone Moose 7,500 ft (2,286 m) Mountain Village |
| Skiable area | 5,800 acres (23.5 km2) |
| Runs | 250+ - 15% beginner - 25% intermediate - 60% advanced |
| Longest run | 6 mi (10 km) |
| Lift system | 36 lifts |
| Snowmaking | Yes, 10% |
| Website | bigskyresort.com |
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Big Sky Resort, often called Big Sky, is a popular ski resort located in Big Sky, Montana. It's about 50 miles (80 km) from Bozeman. The resort gets its name from Montana's famous nickname, "Big Sky Country."
Opened in late 1973, Big Sky Resort has a huge area for skiing and snowboarding, covering more than 5,800 acres (23 km²). The mountain has a vertical drop of 4,350 feet (1,326 m), which is the difference between its highest and lowest points. In 2013, Big Sky Resort grew even bigger by adding land from Spirit Mountain and merging with Moonlight Basin, another nearby resort.
Big Sky Resort is also a place where people can hold meetings, weddings, and company events.
Contents
Big Sky Resort: A Mountain Adventure
How Big Sky Started
Big Sky Resort was started by Chet Huntley, who was from Montana. He was a famous TV news anchor before he retired. The resort first opened its doors in December 1973. Its main area is located at 7,510 feet (2,289 m) above sea level. It sits on the eastern side of Lone Mountain, which is a very tall peak at 11,167 feet (3,404 m).
When it first opened, Big Sky had three main lifts. One was a gondola that could carry four skiers in each cabin. It went up 1,525 feet (465 m) to a height of 9,040 feet (2,755 m). The Lone Peak chairlift took skiers even higher, to 9,800 feet (2,987 m). This gave skiers a vertical drop of almost 2,300 feet (701 m). There was also a simpler Explorer chairlift for beginners.
In 1976, a company called Boyne Resorts bought Big Sky. This happened after Chet Huntley passed away in 1974.
Growing Bigger Over the Years
Over the next few decades, Big Sky Resort kept growing. More lifts were added, and the area for skiing and snowboarding became much larger. In 1979, the Mad Wolf lift was added, which made the ski area even bigger and increased the vertical drop.
The resort continued to add new and faster lifts. In 1990, the Ramcharger high-speed quad lift was installed. In 1997, the Swift Current 4 high-speed quad replaced an older gondola. These new lifts helped skiers get up the mountain much faster.
A big change happened in 1995 when the Lone Peak Tram was built. This tram takes people all the way to the 11,166-foot (3,404 m) summit of Lone Mountain. This made Big Sky's vertical drop even more impressive, reaching 4,180 feet (1,274 m). Later, in 1999, another lift was added at a lower elevation, increasing the total vertical drop to 4,350 feet (1,326 m).
Big Sky also built new places for visitors to stay and gather. The Shoshone Condominium Hotel and the Yellowstone Conference Center were built in 1990. In the early 2000s, more large buildings like the Summit Hotel and the Village Center Complex were added.
In 2013, Big Sky Resort officially joined with its neighbor, Moonlight Basin. This merger made Big Sky one of the largest ski areas in North America.
Fun Things to Do at Big Sky
Big Sky Resort offers many exciting activities all year round.
Winter Fun
In the winter, the main activities are skiing and snowboarding. Big Sky has over 250 trails for all skill levels. There are also seven special areas called terrain parks where skiers and snowboarders can practice tricks. Other winter activities include zip-line rides and snowshoeing.
Summer Adventures
When the snow melts, Big Sky transforms into a summer playground. You can still enjoy zip-lines, and there are also activities like archery, tennis, and lots of trails for hiking and mountain biking. If you like golf or horseback riding, those are available nearby in the Meadow Village.
Mountain Terrain for Skiing
Big Sky's highest point is Lone Peak, at 11,166 feet (3,404 m). The ski trails face in all directions, which means you can find good snow and sunshine throughout the day.
- North-facing slopes: 37%
- West-facing slopes: 2%
- East-facing slopes: 36%
- South-facing slopes: 25%
Getting Around: The Lift System
Big Sky has one of the biggest collections of chairlifts in North America, with 31 lifts in total. Ten of these are "detachable lifts," which means they slow down when you get on and off, making it easier and safer. Five of these even have special blue bubble covers to protect riders from the wind and snow!
When Moonlight Basin and Spanish Peaks joined Big Sky in 2013, their lifts became part of Big Sky's system too.
The Lone Peak Tram
The Lone Peak Tram is a special aerial tramway that takes visitors right to the very top of Lone Mountain, at 11,166 feet (3,404 m). The first tram was built in 1995. It climbs 1,420 feet (433 m) and gives access to some of the most challenging ski terrain at Big Sky Resort.
Since 2012, Big Sky has offered summer tram rides called the Lone Peak Expedition. This allows visitors to enjoy the amazing views from the summit even when there's no snow. To ride the tram, you usually need a special pass or ticket. A new, improved tram replaced the original one, starting near the Powder Seeker lift.
