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Big Sky Ski Holidays

At a glance

  • US’s biggest ski area
  • Celebrity ski resort
  • Near Yellowstone National Park

Great for

  • Intermediates
  • Experts
  • Off-piste

Ski Holidays in Big Sky

2013 saw Big Sky overtake Vail to become THE biggest ski area in the US, with 5800 skiable acres across 4 different mountains. For all its draws, the place manages to stay gloriously quiet and unassuming – whether you’re an A-List celeb or mere mortal skier, this is a place to ski, relax and enjoy good company.

  • Flight Time
  • 9 hours
  • From London
  • Nearest Airports
  • Denver, Jackson Hole etc.
  • Time zone
  • GMT -5 to -8 hours
  • Language
  • English
  • Currency
  • US Dollar
  • Ski Season
  • Dec - April

Big Sky Stats

Top Altitude
3403m
Bottom Altitude
2073m
Resort Altitude
2286m
Total Piste
5800 acres/ 300 runs
Longest Run
10km
Slope Orientation
Vertical Drop
Skiable Vertical
945m
Night Skiing
No
Glacier Skiing
No

The vision of an NBC anchor-man, Big Sky started life in 1973 as a purpose-built mountain village at the foot of 11,000ft Lone Mountain - in the south west of Montana between Bozeman and West Yellowstone.

For such an unassuming collection of buildings, it has several claims to fame… If you haven't been persuaded by the fact this is the Kardashians’ favourite ski resort, at least give Big its due for the skiing – Like Kim K, it’s time to go Big or go home…

For starters, you’ve that colossal ski area (5800 acres on last count), since a 2013 merger with the nearby mountains of Mountain Basin and Spanish Peaks. Next up, there’s the vertical: one of the biggest in North America at 4366 feet (1330m). With 10 metres of snow a year, even the snow record isn’t half bad, with lots of powder days sprinkled throughout the season.

Then there’s the fact that with so few locals in Montana, even the busiest slopes barely hear a peep.

Spread a little thinly between the Mountain Village and Moonlight Basin bases, this resort definitely focuses more on winter sports than stylish shops and flash facilities. With the colossal Yellowstone National Park on Big’s doorstep, you’re unlikely to spend much time back at base. Many cross the Atlantic for an “authentic American experience” here and Big is in prime position for snowmobile and snowcoach trips out among its legendary natural features.

The main question is how far you’re willing to travel for perfect powder and peaceful runs… Involving a 6-hour drive from Salt Lake City airport or a stopover in Denver or LA, the trip’s not ideal for the restless. We say – good things come to those who wait.

(images: Michel Tallichet, Jeff Engerbretson & Glenniss Indreland)

Winter Sports Ratings

Beginners

Intermediate

Advanced

Snowboarding

Big Sky Transfer Times

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport 52 miles, 1h10

The nearest airport to Big Sky is Bozeman at 72 km or about ? by car

What's the ski area like in Big Sky?

With great size comes great variety, and at 5800 acres spread over 4 mountains, Big Sky runs with the big boys. What’s truly brilliant about Big is that with so many massively long, wide trails, most practically empty, skiers and boarders of every level can cruise around almost side-by-side.

Long, deserted runs are a recipe for success for a new skier and Big has a bounty of them. There’s a well-developed nursery area at the base of the Explorer chair with a separate Explorer pass, accessed directly by many of the Mountain Village hotels.

When it’s time to progress, the Swift Current chairs are the place to head.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find better intermediate skiing than here when more than 60% of the US’ biggest ski area is geared towards intermediates and advanced intermediates.

In fact, before the resort set up a cable car to the exposed Lone Peak, almost all of the clientele came for the blues. Standouts include Silverknife under the Ramcharger lift and Big Horn served by the Thunder Wolf High Speed Quad.

All of the terrain from the Tram is classified black, with steep bowls, chutes and cliffs to keep experienced skiers and boarders busy. The steepest runs are the Big Couloir on the Big Sky side and the North Summit Snowfield on the Moonlight side, while the steep glades from the Dakota triple chair can’t be missed.

Ski Area Facts

Location
Established
Downhill5800 acres/ 300 runs
Lift Pass$89-129 (adult pass per day)

Beginner Slopes

15%

Intermediate Skiing

25%

Advance & Expert Terrain

60%

Snowboarding Trails

5800 acres/ 300 runs100%

Big Sky Restaurants

Big Sky Après Ski

Big Sky Activites for Non-skiers

Clothing Food & Souvenir Shops

More than 30 stores in the immediate area offer a bewildering variety of merchandise, from art to clothing to sports equipment and more! For souvenirs you will find a wide selection of uniquely Montana gifts.

For sports equipment, Sports in the Mountain Mall can equip you whether your day involves hiking, golf, horseback riding or skiing. Call (406)995-5840.

Best Time to Visit Big Sky

The snowfall here averages 400 inches – more than most resorts in Colorado. Together with excellent grooming, this helps the ski season run from November to April. The average temperature during the daytime in winter is -3.8°C. A lift capacity of 38,300 SNO lovers an hour keeps queues minimal even in the busiest weeks.

What's Big Sky like at Christmas?

If you’ve asked Santa for quiet pistes and lots of them, Christmas in Big Sky is just the ticket.

What's Big Sky like in the New Year?

The Kid’s Club usually hosts a party for teens over New Years in Big Sky, ensuring every age group has a way to celebrate.

What's Big Sky like in Half-Term?

February crowds don’t tend to exist when it comes to Half Term in Big Sky, making America’s biggest ski area as yours to enjoy.

What's Big Sky like at Easter?

Ski your socks off and explore the Yellowstone National Park (under an hour from the West Entrance) during a wonderful Easter in Big Sky.

Big Sky Snow Conditions

Snow Report, History & Forecast

View our detailed Big Sky snow report to see skiing confitions now. Our Big Sky snow history shows you what snow depths have been in recent years month-by-month. If you're visiting soon, use the Big Sky snow forecast to see predicted snowfall over the coming days.

  • Light snow Today
  • Heavy snow Sunday
  • Light snow showers Monday
  • Moderate snow Tuesday
  • Freezing fog Wednesday
  • Freezing fog Thursday
  • Current snow depth at top
    N/A cm
  • Alternate Text
  • Current snow depth at base
    N/A cm
If we had to make the perfect ski area for families, it would have long, wide, empty pistes – and miles of them. Which is pretty much Big Sky in a nutshell. We love the “slow skiing” base area for beginners, where learners can pick up the basics in peace and quiet. If your tots are too young to ski, the Lone Peak Playhouse in the slope-side Snowcrest Lodge looks after little ones from 6 months old. There’s also the Kids’ Club that hosts pizza parties as well as things like Tye Dye Tuesdays and Mask-Making Mondays – to keep youngsters occupied after their lessons so you can have a bit more adult time.
Groups of 25 or more can usually benefit from lift pass discounts, and with a whacking great 300 runs on 4 mountains to enjoy, there’s more than enough to keep different abilities busy here. Off the mountain, the après ski won’t see you dancing on table tops until the early hours but it will see you enjoying good food, drink and live music together in the local bars and restaurants (we like the Montana micro-brew at Chet’s and the games tables at Choppers).
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Ski Extras

How much is a ski pass in Big Sky

Maximum and minimum adult Big Sky lift pass prices ranged from $354 to $709 for 6 days access to the Big Sky ski lift system at the start of the 2025 winter season. Our lift passes are part of a packaged Big Sky holiday with accommodation, so prices vary depending on chalet or hotel suppliers. Confirm price for the lift ticket before booking your holiday.

Lift Tickets Child Adult Senior
1 Day Price $29 - $90 $59 - $139 $39 - $117
6 Day Price $174 - $462 $354 - $709 $234 - $587
Age Range 6 - 10 18 - 69 70+

Getting to Big Sky

Most of our ski holidays to Big Sky packaged with flights include airport transfers. We can also arrange private transfers to Big Sky from nearby airports

How long does it take to fly to Big Sky from the UK?

Flights from London take about 9 hours to Denver, Jackson Hole etc.. This table shows approximate transfer times to Big Sky from the nearest airports, smaller airports can be more prone to delays.

Airport Distance Transfer Time
Bozeman 72 km ?

How long is the transfer from nearest United States train station to Big Sky?

The transfer time from alpine train stations are generally shorter than from airports, Call us for details of Big Sky transfers.

Station Distance Transfer Time
? ? km ?

Big Sky Maps

Big Sky piste map
Click to Enlarge
Regional map
Click to Enlarge
Town Map
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Big Sky Ski Holiday Resources

Need help choose your Big Sky ski holiday? Call us on 020 7770 6888 or click Enquire - we love to help!

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