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Big Sky Montana USA
General Feel
The resort of Big Sky Montana is an awesome mountain . Its biggest news lately is it has buried the hatchet with Moonlight Basin, the resort that shares the backside of the Lone Peak Mountain – both resort's signature peak. Now skiers can ski both on the same pass, but they remain separate entities – a similar situation to Alta and Snowbird.
Skiing Magazine ranked Big Sky Montana #8 Overall and #5 Steeps. The terrain is impressive and is incredibly challenging. The lodging and services are superb. As a destination resort, Big Sky is also famous for short to non-existent lift lines.
Tips
Big Sky's terrain is big. It can vary from simple groomed greens to scary steep expert runs. The runs are very steep with cliffs, cornices, and deep powder. There is also a wide selection of moguls, groomers, and tree runs.
If you're fearless, are carrying avalanche equipment, and have a buddy. Sign in with Big Sky Ski Patrol to ski Big Couloir – a 1,400 ft drop at 40+ degree pitch. It's as intense as it gets. Also from the top of the Lone Peak tram you can access The Gullies, Z Chutes, or Cache Trees on the front side. Or on the South side ski, Dictator Chutes, The Wave, Dirtbag Wall, or Lenin. The steepest run inbounds is Castro's Shoulder, which hits 50 degrees. The average expert pitch is 40 degrees.
Big Sky also offers good skiing in the Dakota Territory, which offers high alpine bowls, running into fun cliffs, and tree skiing in the Bavarian Forest. A few other notable runs are located around the mountain. Be sure to ski Big Rock Tongue, Green, Snake Pit, and Bacon Rind.
The backcountry is good in the Tobacco Root Mountains, which Big Sky calls home. With the great terrain inbounds, you may find it hard to justify going out of bounds. Big Sky Montana does have several backcountry gates for those inclined for some adventure in avalanche terrain.
Family Rating
Big Sky Montana is one of the best family resorts and ranks near the top with Beaver Creek and Deer Valley in family category. The skiing terrain selection suits all abilities. The kid's ski school is fantastic. If you're taking a day off to rest the legs, there is plenty to do – sleigh rides, dog sledding, trips to Bozeman, Museum of the Rockies, Tubing, Daycare, Kid's Club, a spa, free family movie nights, and of course world-class shopping and skiing.
It may be worth noting that the young ones, 10 and under, ski for free.
Bars
A good place to have an après beer is Chet's. The Carabiner Lounge has relaxing chairs and daily drink specials. Whiskey Jack's has whiskey and beer. The Bambu Bar is open late. The Half-Moon Saloon has beer and big screen televisions.
Food
Any type of food you want, you can get it. Blue Moon Bakery has sandwiches. Country Market has groceries. Bambu has Thai, Chinese, or Japanese and sushi. The Cabin has burgers. Cinnamon Lodge has Mexican. Milkie's has pizza and beer. Huckleberry Café serves breakfast. The Corral has steaks. M.R. Hummers has ribs. Lone Peak Café has salads. And this just scratches the surface.
Disclosure
From Skiing Big Sky Montana back to adventures on skis page
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