Photo: Sesamehoneytart / CC BY-SA 4.0About Big Sky
Big Sky is a ski resort in Montana. It offers 4,350 feet of vertical drop, 5,850 skiable acres, 320 marked runs, served by 40 lifts, with an average of about 400" of snow a year. Big Sky opened for its first winter season in 1973 after being envisioned by broadcaster Chet Huntley. Everett Kircher purchased the resort in 1976, bringing it into the Boyne family. The resort is organized around Lone Peak and reports 5,850 acres, 320 named runs and 4,350 vertical feet.
Why Visit Big Sky?
- 320 runs with 4,350ft of vertical drop
- Average annual snowfall of 400"
- 5,850 skiable acres with terrain for all ability levels
- 40 lifts including tram, gondola, chairlift
Where to Stay
Live prices for hotels, condos and homes near Big Sky, plus places we’ve researched.
Live prices & availability
Live prices and availability from Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo — hotels, condos and private homes. You book on their site. These are affiliate links: Everything Ski may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Photos
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Mountain Statistics
11,165ft
Summit Elevation
3,403m
7,402ft
Base Elevation
2,256m
4,350ft
Vertical Drop
1,326m
5,850 acres
Skiable Area
2,367.41 ha
320
Total Runs
6.0mi
Longest Run
9.7km
40
Lifts
400"
Avg. Snowfall
1016cm annually
How Big Sky compares
Terrain Breakdown
21%
29%
50%
●Beginner
21% of trails
■Intermediate
29% of trails
◆Advanced / Expert
50% of trails
Trail Map
Open the current Big Sky trail map:
Season & Operating Hours
Last season (2025–26)
Opening DayNovember 22, 2025
Closing DayApril 19, 2026
Status Closed for the season
This season’s dates are set by the resort — check its official site for opening day.
Getting to Big Sky
By Car
Big Sky is in Montana, USA. Tap the button below for turn-by-turn directions from where you are.
Get DirectionsGPS Coordinates
Latitude45.2833
Longitude-111.4014
RegionMontana, USA
Lift Tickets
The rest of your Big Sky trip — for lodging, see Where to Stay above.
Nearby Resorts
Frequently Asked Questions
Opening and closing dates are set by the resort each season, so check its official site for this year's dates. Big Sky averages 400" of snowfall a year.
Big Sky rates 21% of its terrain as beginner, across 320 marked runs. Check the resort's site for its ski school and learning areas.
Big Sky averages 400" of snowfall a season, with a summit elevation of 11,165 ft.
Big Sky is located in Montana, USA. Use the "Get Directions" button at the top of this page for turn-by-turn directions from where you are. GPS coordinates: 45.2833, -111.4014.
The Where to Stay section near the top of this page shows live prices for hotels, condos and vacation rentals around Big Sky, plus any places we've researched.
Articles About Big Sky
Planning
How to Plan a Ski Trip on a Budget: Real Numbers, Real Advice
Skiing has a reputation for being expensive. Some of that reputation is earned. But there are specific ways to cut the cost significantly.
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Gear Reviews
Ski Resort Season Pass Guide 2026: Epic vs Ikon and Beyond
A comprehensive breakdown of the Epic Pass, Ikon Pass, and top regional alternatives for the 2025-2026 ski season. Find out which pass saves you the most money based on where and how often you ski.
14 min