Big Sky Resort

Big Sky Resort is a ski resort located in the Rocky Mountains in Big Sky, Montana, owned by Boyne USA Resorts. Big Sky has grown over the last 30 years into a large ski resort. There is also a golf course and tennis courts at the resort. Due to its large size, with over 150 runs, ski lift ticket prices have risen to $65. Big Sky shares its largest mountain, Lone Peak, with nearby Moonlight Basin.

Resort History

The resort was the idea of NBC Newscaster Chet Huntley, a Montana native, and was opened in December 1973. After three ski seasons, Boyne USA Resorts purchased the resort in 1976. In 1995 construction of the resort's signature Lone Peak Tram was completed. By early 2000, the $50 million dollar Summit at Big Sky project was completed, which added a new hotel at the foot of the slopes of Lone Peak and Andesite Mountain. In April 2001, Boyne USA announced $400 million in improvements over the next ten years to Mountain Village and the ski area.

Activities

Big Sky is known for its winter activities, which include ski and snowboard terrain, a terrain park, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing, but it has become an increasingly popular summer attraction as well. Horseback riding and hiking the trails are available on the mountain, with golf and tennis available further down by Meadow Village. Fly fishing and white water rafting are popular on the Gallatin River.

Lone Peak Tram

The Lone Peak Tram is a lift at the Big Sky Resort that begins at the top of the Lone Peak Triple chairlift and unloads at the summit of Lone Peak at 11,166 feet (3403 m). Opened in 1995, the tram has a 3 minute ride for 15 passengers and travels 1,450 vertical feet (442 m) over a distance of 2,828 feet (862 m), with two cabins traveling in opposite directions. It provides access to the most difficult terrain at Big Sky Resort and nearby Moonlight Basin. Construction was completed in 1995 by the high-altitude construction firm Matrix, based in Alaska.