This Big Things are Happening at Big Sky Resort feature is sponsored by Visit Montana and Big Ski Resort.
Now that I’m a snow”skier”, a whole new world has opened up! I can now relate to topics of conversation that include everything from the terrain conditions, open trails, and new chair lifts. A few years ago, I would have had zero clue about any of these things, but after visiting several ski resorts I have a new appreciation for all things snow and ski!
Up until recently, I have only visited ski resorts close our home in New York City and within driving distance. I’ll be honest, it’s definitely convenient, however, there are some draw backs. Crowded mountains, long lift lines, and man- made snow are common things one sees in the northeast area. Of course anytime on the mountain is always fun and I’m proud to say my family learned to ski and we have the skills to visit anywhere now!
This past Spring, I went on an all girls trip with Nicole from Momtrends and Pam from Project Nursery to Big Sky, Montana. Leading up to our trip, I started hearing such wonderful things about Big Sky. I couldn’t really grasp the concept in my head, but I was super intrigued when I heard phrases like “real snow” and “wide trails”. Nicole and I flew from NY seemlessly into the charming Bozeman airport and had an easy and entertaining (I might add) short bus drive to Big Sky Resort.
Upon arrival, we checked in to Big Sky Resort and also secured our ski rentals. The lobby was so inviting with oversized western themed decor and a gorgeous fireplace. I could already tell I was going to love this place by the cozy vibes!
If there’s one thing I learned the hard way, be SURE to get your rentals squared away asap. You will avoid any long lines and morning mayhem by doing this the day before. We literally made record timing getting our rentals taken care of and then checked them in to make sure they would be waiting for us the next morning.
We stayed nearby at a spacious Black Eagle Townhouse. The views were incredible from the massive windows, and everything was so comfortable including my bed. This was the perfect place to call home the next couple days as we explored Big Sky and skied.
Big Sky Resort has an average of 400 inches of snow per year and more than 5, 800 acres of skiable acres. If you’re like me and not really sure what this means…. I’ll tell you! This means Big Sky is truly a wonderland of fresh snow and wide open trails. You don’t have to fear being knocked down or taken out by another skier or snow boarder. Of course, this doesn’t mean you don’t have to watch your back, but it’s definitely much safer than anything I’ve experienced so far.
I was lucky enough to ski with a one on one instructor and I can’t recommend this enough. A ski instructor quickly analyzes your problem areas and we spent our time working on my weak points. I was the most inexperienced of our group, but quickly gained confidence with the help of my instructor. Bad habits are easy to get into on the mountain and my ski instructor quickly reversed these for me.
If left on my own, I will most likely go down the same exact couple of trails I feel comfortable with, but with my instructor from Big Sky Resort I tested my limits and even shocked myself with some daring trails. There will always be some things my skill level doesn’t allow me to do such as moguls and skiing on ice but I’m getting there!
The lift lines at Big Sky Resort had very little wait time to non existent which was impressive! Also, the new Ramcharger 8 is just one of the new and exciting things at Big Sky. This is the most technologically-advanced chairlift in the world, and debuted in December 2018. Guests can experience a whisper-quiet ride with extra-wide heated seats and a weather proof Big Sky Blue Bubble.
I would now classify myself as an intermediate skier and lucky for me Big Sky Resort has more beginner and intermediate terrain than most ski resorts have in total acreage. This is perfect for families and I saw a ton of kids on the mountain zipping down the trails with a parent or ski school. There are many kids trails designed for fun and learning. I’m always impressed with these little rippers going down the mountain… they are much better than me most of the time!
At Big Sky Resort Children 6 and under always ski free. Children 12 and under ski free with a lesson. As an alternative to skiing, kids can stay at the Lone Peak Playhouse (ages 6 months to 8 years) . If kids choose to only take a 1/2 day lesson, an instructor can drop them off here for fun activities. I would recommend making reservations.
If you plan to visit Big Sky Resort, a meal at Everett’s is a MUST. This was just one of the many highlights and the food and ambiance was phenomenal. You must take a chair lift up the mountain to this restaurant and from there you will be able to sit down, relax and recharge in this charming setting. Hearty food is encouraged on the mountain since you are burning so many calories anyway, so we all relaxed, swapped ski stories and just enjoyed “the moment” in this log cabin restaurant. Also, don’t miss their first tracks breakfast. Guests can enjoy a cozy, exclusive breakfast with the whole family, surrounded by beautiful views of Lone Peak. Afterwards, skiers can experience the First Tracks down one of the intermediate level terrains.
One exciting addition to Big Sky Resort for he 2019-2020 ski season is the New Modern Food Hall- The Exchange This will be a hub for gathering, shopping, and of course FOOD! Just visualize an inviting deck, fireplace, quintessential views, a coffee bar, stone-fired pizza station, sushi, and more! Areas like this are so important on the mountain and Big Sky Resort is upping the ante with this brand new dining facility complete with apres ski, restrooms and lockers.
One thing I noticed while driving around town is lots and lots of construction! It’s obvious that people fall in love with Montana immediately and this is the perfect place to put down roots for a winter home, or even a year around home! There are new hotels, including the brand new Wilson Hotel, a new Residence Inn by Marriott. Here you can find 129 suites with a full service restaurant and bar, pool and hot tub, picnic area and free Wi-Fi + complimentary breakfast!Big Sky Resort offers so many activities for everyone. If skiing is not your thing , there’s dogsledding, a nature zip line, snowshoe tours and a bungee trampoline.
During our trip we took a break from snow skiing and gave Nordic skiing a try! This was a first for me and luckily we had a beautiful sunny day for our lesson at Lone Mountain Ranch. We all enjoyed this activity and although I took an epic spill that gave us all a good laugh but it reminded me that the reason we are alive is to try new things and constantly try to improve our physical abilities as best we can.
After or Nordic skiing lesson, we had a delicious meal at Lone Moutnain Ranch. There were blankets at the tables in case you get cold and heat lamps as well. Everything was so freshly prepared and you can also find a Montana influence on the menu. I’m not very adventurous but I will say my salad was excellent!!
One night at Big Sky Resort we hopped aboard a “Snow Cat” and went up the mountain to a Yurt Dinner. This was a first for me and it was truly so special I’ve told everyone about the experience. Reservations must be made in advance and I would highly encourage anyone to experience this! With snow gently falling we made our way to the yurt with very hot French onion soup waiting on us at the table. It’s BYOB so don’t forget a bottle of wine! We had the best time and loved everything about this meal including the live music and on- site entertainment of kids sledding down a hill if they chose.
On our last night we stayed at the very beautiful and upscale Spanish Peaks. I’m not sure if my photos do justice but it was truly a special experience to stay here. There is a ski in/ski out option, beautiful restaurant, pool, and state of the art gym facility.
Thank you to the team at Big Sky Resort for showing off their beautiful town and letting us experience all it has to offer! I look forward one day to visiting again and seeing all the new things that are up and coming. This place is just getting started!
XOXO,
Suzanne