Montana's secret ski haven
Ski Destination

by David Lee & Tiffany Chin

One thing always comes to mind when you think of large ski resorts: dreadful hour-long lift lines...not at Big Sky, Montana.   The Big Sky Resort features an impressive 3,600 skiable acres with an impressive skier/terrain ratio of approximately 2 acres per person.

It is not surprising that Conde Naste Traveler rated the resort number one for lift lines and terrain. At its busiest, the longest time I had to wait in line was about five minutes, this being at the base of the mountain.   18 lifts provide approximately 150 runs on the mountain.   These are long runs, much longer than your typical ski resort.   I found myself having to stop and rest to take a breather in the middle of the mountain.   Big Sky's longest run is 6 miles (accessible from the tram)!

Beginner and intermediate terrain are located at the base of the mountain, ideal for families and those learning how to ski.   These wide-open runs are groomed daily for long relaxing cruisers.   Big Sky also boasts one of the best ski schools in the world, led by Austrian ski pro Hans Schernthaner.