A Complete Guide To Skiing at Big Sky, MT
Planning your first ski trip to Big Sky can feel a little overwhelming. Big Sky Resort is huge with 5,850 acres of ski terrain, two main base areas, hundreds of runs and enough terrain that figuring out where to start isn’t always obvious.
We’ve been skiing Big Sky with our family for more than 15 years, and our daughters have skied here since they were 4.
We’ve learned which areas work best for beginners, where we like to ski as a family, when to visit and how to make the most of a week here.
We’ve consistently found Big Sky to be the perfect combination of family-friendly, unpretentious, and less crowded compared to other large western ski resorts.
The breathtaking scenery, dominated by the iconic Lone Peak, minimal lift lines, and variety of ski terrain keep us coming back every year. There’s not much to do here–the focus here is all about skiing, and that’s a good thing for us.
But there are a few things we wish we’d known before our first trip.
This guide covers the practical details we’ve learned over years of skiing Big Sky – from the best time to visit and how to navigate the mountain to our favorite runs, lift tickets, rentals and all the tips we’ve learned over our years skiing at Big Sky.
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Skiing Big Sky At A Glance
| Best for | Families, intermediate and advanced skiers |
| Our favorite month | February |
| Best base for first-timers | Mountain Village |
| Best beginner area | Explorer |
| Our favorite green | Mr. K |
| Our favorite blue | Elk Park Ridge |
| Closest airport | Bozeman Yellowstone International |
| Drive from BZN | About 1 hour, 10 minutes |
| Where we stay | Mountain Village- Shoshone Hotel |
| Car needed | Helpful, but not essential in Mountain Village |
| Biggest drawback | Cost |
What Is Skiing at Big Sky Really Like?
Let’s get to it. How’s the skiing at Big Sky? Big Sky Resort boasts the “Biggest Skiing in America” with 5,850 skiable acres, 4,350 feet vertical drop, 39 lifts, 320 ski runs, and average annual snowfall of 400+ inches.
Lone Peak is the prominent mountain peak at Big Sky Resort topping out at 11,167 feet.
Another reason we love Big Sky is its manageable altitude. The base sits at 7,500 feet, allowing skiers to acclimate quickly.
You can easily discover new runs for every day of your visit. Big Sky Resort is known for its challenging terrain, but we’ve found plenty of great runs for beginners as well as advanced skiers.
And after 15 years of skiing, we are still discovering new runs. It’s just that big!
Mountain Village vs. Madison Base
Big Sky is big. The options and size of the ski resort can be daunting to first time visitors.
The first thing to understand is that Big Sky Resort is separated into two main ski base areas: Mountain Village (the main base) and Madison Base which is further up Lone Mountain Rd in the Moonlight Basin area.
Both bases have great access to green beginner runs as well as advanced terrain and provide lessons and rentals.
Mountain Village Base
Mountain Village serves as the primary base area of the ski mountain with 2 heated lifts (Ramcharger and Swiftcurrent) that take you to an amazing variety of ski terrain.
It’s good for first-time skiers as well with its covered magic carpet and beginner terrain access from the Explorer Gondola.
You’ll also find a few restaurants, the new Vista Food Hall with a variety of options, ski rentals, and lodging within walking distance to the lifts, etc.
Madison Base
Big Sky Resort’s Madison Base is about 10 minutes further up the mountain from Mountain Village. The smaller Madison Base has a completely different feel from the busy Mountain Village base area.
If you wanted, you could just ski the runs at Madison Base and be perfectly happy. But you can still access all of Big Sky’s ski terrain from here using the Madison Lift.Â
Also note that Moonlight’s Madison Base chairlifts often open later in the season and close earlier than Big Sky’s Mountain Village Base, so conditions could be questionable in December and April.
There is just one cafeteria-style restaurant here, Headwaters Grille, that serves breakfast, lunch, and apres. Or, the nearby One & Only Hotel has a restaurant.
How To Navigate Big Sky Resort
Our approach to the mountain is to pick an area of the mountain to ski and stay put for a while so you’re not wasting time traversing to other parts of the mountain.
We’ve always spent most of our ski time on runs accessed from the Mountain Village base area with its Explorer lift for beginner ski runs and the heated Swift Current and Ramcharger lifts once the family advanced from Explorer.
Moonlight Basin’s Madison base area offers plenty of ski runs for all levels as well, but we’ve always stayed in Mountain Village so we primarily accessed the runs from Swift Current and Ramcharger lifts.
See our post Where To Stay In Big Sky for the best places to stay on your ski vacation. I describe the two main areas of lodging and the pros and cons of each to help you make your decision.
If you’d like to sample a bit of everything Big Sky has to offer, check out their “Ski The Sky Loop Challenge.” This curated ski plan takes you on a total of 27 runs scattered throughout the different areas of the mountain.
It’s designed for intermediate skiers and can be started from any base area- Madison Base (Moonlight) or Mountain Village.
Another option for getting the lay of the land is joining up with a mountain host during your first couple of days.
These green jacketed hosts lead free 90 minute tours for intermediate skiers and above. See the website for meeting times and places. We wish we had known about this sooner!
Tip: The Big Sky App is worth a download for quick access to updated conditions and weather reports, parking lot status, trail and lift status, trail maps, and even a ski tracker to record your ski runs.
Our Favorite Ski Runs At Big Sky
Big Sky Green Runs
Big Sky has plenty of greens for beginning skiers. After graduating from the Magic Carpet/Bunny hill, the green Lone Wolf run is the perfect first off the chair run while White Wing offers a bit more variety but similar difficulty.
Mr. K., accessed from Swift Current Lift, is an all-time family favorite run even today. It is a wide and long groomer with a gentle slope, so you get plenty of practice for turns, stops, and building confidence on longer runs.
Lower Morningstar is comparable to Mr. K as well.
Tip: Take the requisite Instagram photo of the Big Sky lettering at the top of Swifty! (see image below)
From Ramcharger lift, you’ll have access to some more of our very favorite green runs in Big Sky: Sacajawea and Deep South.
Green Run From Madison Base– The green Cinnabar run is very similar to the Mr. K run described above. We’ve only skied this run a few times over the years as we are typically based in Mountain Village.
Our Big Sky Beginner Skiing Guide breaks down the best green runs, lifts and areas for learning.
Our Favorite Blue Runs At Big Sky
We’ve found the Blues at Big Sky to be a more challenging version of the Blues found on the East Coast. Some of our favorite blue runs include Calamity Jane, Pomp, Lizette, and oh so many more.
Some of the more challenging Blue runs that we enjoy include Elk Park Ridge, Elk Park Meadows, Tippy’s Tumble, and Silver Knife.
Elk Park Meadows is ungroomed so when the snow is good it is a nice wide area to ski and is usually has just a few skiers on it.
Elk Park Ridge, Tippy’s Tumble, and Silver Knife are nice wide groomed runs that provide just enough steepness for hard carving turns.
You could pretty much never ski the same Blue run twice. You have plenty to choose from at Big Sky!
Our Favorite Advanced Terrain At Big Sky
The runs off Shedhorn and Dakota lifts supply endless challenging terrain to explore. With good snow coverage, the Black runs off of Challenger offer amazing views and thrilling runs for the expert skier.
For more ski run info, check out Visit Bozeman’s Best Big Sky Runs and Discover Big Sky’s Best Intermediate Runs at Big Sky Resort.
Big Sky Resort’s winter trails map can be found here.
When Is the Best Time to Ski Big Sky?
Big Sky Resort opens the day before Thanksgiving and closes near the end of April. Opening day in November generally doesn’t have many runs open, but with snow making capabilities, there will always be something to ski during November. Might not be much, but you can ski!
Averaging 400” of snow per year, Big Sky receives fairly consistent snow throughout the season even into April.
Even seasons with lower snowfall still have skiing conditions that are good enough to warrant a trip.
Overall, you’ll likely get at least a bit of fresh powder over a week’s stay no matter what the forecast.
The busiest weeks at Big Sky include the week between Christmas and New Years, MLK Weekend in January, President’s Day Weekend in February, and any weekend with recent powder. March can also be fairly busy with school spring breaks.
All of that being said, there is plenty of mountain to ski, so it never feels that crowded and lift lines have always been manageable, generally less than a 10 minute wait tops.
We think overall February has the best guarantee of good snow, but we’ve always found good groomers and pockets of powder throughout the season. Tip: April continues to offer really good skiing at discounted prices.
Big Sky Lift Tickets and Passes
Lift tickets can be purchased online ahead of your visit. The more days you bundle, the better the daily rate– “4 of 5 day” adult lift ticket (meaning you pick the 4 days out of a 5 day window that you’d like to ski).
Tip: The daily price of lift tickets fluctuates based on demand, so early ski season and late ski season is less expensive as are lift tickets to ski Monday thru Thursday. Weekends will always be priced higher.
Beginner Lift Ticket– As mentioned above, you can purchase a discounted Beginner lift ticket if you plan to stick to just the Explorer Gondola in Mountain Village or the Derringer Lift at Madison Base. It also includes the Magic Carpet/Bunny Hill. No online purchase, so you’ll have to purchase tickets at base.
Note: Pick up your lift tickets at any Sky Card Express box. You’ll find a convenient one at the Base Camp building in Mountain Village.
Just scan the QR code in your confirmation email, and it will print out your Sky Cards with your lift tickets pre-loaded. Place your Sky Card in a pocket of your ski coat by itself. Your Sky Card is reusable year after year, so hang on to it!
Lone Peak Tram Access– The Lone Peak Tram can be ridden to ski down from the top of Lone Mountain or as a scenic ride. The easiest run off of Lone Peak is Liberty Bowl, an advanced (single black diamond) run.
Lift tickets include unlimited access to Lone Peak Tram Rides but Ikon and Mountain Collective pass holder and some Big Sky Resort Pass holders will have to pay extra to take the tram by enabling autocharge option.
Big Sky Resort welcomes Mountain Pass Collective pass holders as well as the Ikon Pass. Mountain Pass Collective includes 2 days of skiing at Big Sky with your pass, then 50% off lift tickets. Reservations required, so book ahead of time for preferred dates.
Ikon Pass offers 5 and 7 day passes with no blackout dates as well as 2, 3, 4, or 5 day passes with blackout dates. Blackout dates are generally the week between Christmas and New Years, MLK weekend, and President’s Day weekend. Passholders must make reservations, so book early for best availability.
Where To Rent Skis at Big Sky
When we first started skiing at Big Sky, we rented from the resort at Big Sky Rentals. Located in the Mountain Village, it is the most convenient option. Save 20% booking online.
Never had a problem and great service. With our younger daughters, we wanted the flexibility of an on-mountain provider in case the fit wasn’t right for their growing feet.
Our most recent rentals over the last few years have been from East Slope Outdoors located down the mountain in Town Center. We like the price, service, and selection there.
The folks at East Slope are super nice and helpful, and we have made this our first stop each time we come. They offer some really nice choices for skis, and the rental is less expensive than the resort. Just keep in mind that you will need to transport them up the mountain.
Is Big Sky Good For Families?
Big Sky is very family friendly with smooth transitions from “never skied before” to beginner and advanced terrain. There really is something for everyone here no matter what level of skier you are.
See our Beginner’s Guide To Big Sky to learn about our favorite green runs.
Staying in Mountain Village is also easy for families. You can walk to everything you need, and several of the hotels (Huntley Lodge, Shoshone, and Summit) have access to swimming pools which the kids will love.
The overall environment of Big Sky is generally family-friendly as well. There’s no night life to speak of, and some of the hotels will have movie nights and arts and crafts sessions on certain days.
Lessons
Throughout the years, our daughters have loved the kid’s ski camps. It’s a fun atmosphere and their skills always significantly improved over the week. You can sign up online in advance.
We have found the staff to be super friendly and they will advise you on the best plan for your family. They also offer group lessons and private lessons for adults. Consider taking at least one day of lessons on the first day of skiing.Â
Sign up online for lessons in advance. Multi-day lessons are discounted.
Our philosophy is that you’ll never regret taking a ski lesson. You can book private lessons, group lessons, private family ski lessons, and even a “Teen Mountain Experience” for your 13-17 year-old.
Find out all the info here at Big Sky’s Mountain Sports School.
Childcare
Big Sky’s Lone Peak Playhouse offers childcare daily for children 6 months to 8 years at both the Mountain Village and Madison Base locations. You can coordinate time at Lone Peak Playhouse and Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Sports School for private lessons along with day care.
Getting To Big Sky Resort
Closest Airport To Big Sky, Montana
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is the closest airport to Big Sky, about 50 miles and roughly 1 hour, 10 minutes away.
Car rental at the Bozeman Airport is super easy, and the airport is small which means no bus shuttles to retrieve your car. Just walk out to the car rental parking garage and off you go!
Driving To Big Sky From Bozeman
From Bozeman, Big Sky Resort is a beautiful 1 hour and 10 minute drive south alongside the Gallatin River through the Gallatin Canyon before heading up Lone Mountain Trail to the resort.
We’ve never had any problem driving to Big Sky due to weather conditions, but we always rent an all-wheel drive vehicle.
Tip: Need a place to eat after your flight and before you begin your drive to Big Sky? MacKenzie River Pizza (11am-9pm) in Belgrade is close by or grab sandwiches to go from Chalet Market (closed Sundays) on Jack Rabbitt Lane.
Note that the weather in Bozeman is not necessarily the weather you’ll find in Gallatin Canyon!
For the most part, US 191 through Gallatin Canyon is sanded and plowed often. That being said, I recommend driving during daylight hours if you can.
Not only will you be able to experience this scenic drive firsthand, but it will give time for snowplows and traffic to pave the way during inclement weather.
Tip: Check Facebook Group “Gallatin Canyon Road Conditions” for updates on road conditions.
Make sure to be on the look out for eagles, elk, and bighorn sheep on your way up to Big Sky. We almost always spot bighorn sheep at the beginning of Lone Mountain Road, and elk herds are often congregating a bit further up.
Lone Mountain Trail (Route 64) which takes you to Big Sky Resort is generally plowed as well but can be slick after storms.
Tip: If we have a late night flight arrival or an early return flight, we stay the night in a hotel in Bozeman. The Holiday Inn Express and EVEN Hotel are closest (less than 5 minutes from the Bozeman Airport) and both are quiet, comfortable, and clean.
Have extra time? Here’s how we’d spend one day in Bozeman. Staying in Bozeman? See our Guide To Where To Stay In Bozeman.
Do I Need A Car In Big Sky?
Overall, I recommend renting a car to get to Big Sky from the Bozeman Airport. However, it depends on where you are staying in Big Sky and the cost of the shuttle.
For our family of four, it has always been cheaper or at least the same price to rent a car rather than book 4 roundtrip shuttles to/from the airport. However, if you are worried about driving in snowy conditions, the shuttle could be a good option for you.
If you stay in lodging at Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village near the base where you can essentially walk to the lifts and restaurants, you could easily do without a car during your stay.
If you stay in Big Sky Resort’s Moonlight Basin area or down the mountain in Big Sky Town Center or want the flexibility to travel to additional restaurants, I recommend having a car.
Choosing between Mountain Village, Town Center and Moonlight Basin? See our complete guide to where to stay in Big Sky.
Shuttles From The Bozeman Airport To Big Sky
We’ve never taken the shuttle from the airport, but we have friends who have taken Karst Stage and all went very smoothly for them.
Karst Stage is a large motorcoach or van driven by experienced drivers, and there’s plenty of room for your luggage and skis. Karst will even stop for grocery orders that have been prearranged with Albertsons in Belgrade 2-3 days prior to arrival.
Also, see our “Family Ski Trip Packing List” to make your trip planning that much easier!
Parking At Big Sky
Parking is free (perhaps the only free add-on at Big Sky!), and Big Sky runs frequent open-air shuttle trailers to transport you from the parking areas to the base.
In general, parking is hassle-free, but lots can fill up during peak weeks, especially on President’s Day weekend and also on weekends with fresh powder.
As in life, the key is to arrive early on those busy days. The Big Sky App also has parking info that gives the status of the lots (open, full, what % percentage full), so you can plan accordingly.
If you have 3 or more passengers in your car, you can park in the small carpool lot.
Where We Stay When Skiing Big Sky
Overall, I prefer to stay in Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village for its easy access to Swift Current, Ramcharger and Explorer chairlifts, ski rentals, lessons, a small grocery, and restaurants.
We prefer Mountain Village for ski trips, especially with kids. Walking to the lifts, ski school, rentals, and restaurants just makes things easier.
The 1 bedroom Shoshone Hotel-Condo in Big Sky’s Mountain Village is always our first choice. Walkable to lifts, restaurants, a small grocery, etc. For a full review, see our “7 Reasons To Stay At Shoshone Big Sky.“
For a detailed overview of lodging options and more recommendations on where to stay, see our “Where To Stay In Big Sky.”
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Where To Eat In Big Sky
Big Sky has a pretty good variety of restaurants to choose from both at the resort and in the Big Sky Town Center down the mountain. In general, the food is better in Town Center but the convenience of dining in Mountain Village is certainly a plus.
The 15 minute drive down Lone Mountain Trail to Town Center at night isn’t one of my favorites with tired kids who just want to chill out, so we usually dine in Mountain Village or pick up a pizza from Vista Food Hall.
For a quick lunch, we head to the Exchange Building at Mountain Village and get food from one of the various eateries at Vista Food Hall or grab a sandwich downstairs from Hungry Moose Market.
For more restaurant recommendations, see our blog “Where To Eat In Big Sky.”
Things To Do In Big Sky, MT In Winter (Besides Ski!)
When you check in to your lodging, you will receive a list of all the activities taking place at the resort for the week. Be sure to check it out.
Snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and many other activities like a snow coach tour to Yellowstone’s Old Faithful can be arranged. P.S. The winter Yellowstone tour is amazing!
You’ll also want to check out Big Sky’s brand new experience this season- take the Explorer Gondola and tram to the very top of Lone Peak to take in the view from the brand new two story glass viewing platform called Kircliff.
This is a great way for those who don’t ski or who stick to the tamer runs to experience the amazing views from an elevation of 11,166 feet.
Here are more suggestions for activities for any non-skiers in your group or for your off ski day: 10 Things To Do In Big Sky for Non-Skiers.
Hope you enjoy your first time to Big Sky! We guarantee you’ll want to return! Happy Trails! – Also, see our “Family Ski Trip Packing List” to make your trip planning that much easier! Amy
