Big Sky quote of the week:

“You just need to let go of your nervousness and let yourself go fast and be free.”  –Wilson to Bailey after day 1 of skiing.

3 out of 5 Owens say that Big Sky is their favorite place to ski.

What we loved about Big Sky:

Lots of long, blue runs with varied terrain

A few nice, open green runs for beginners

The absolute best lifts with heated seats and a bubble that can be pulled down to protect you from the wind

Short lift lines and less crowds than Colorado or Park City

Easy flight and drive to and from Bozeman

Proximity to Yellowstone for a rest-day adventure 

Things we didn’t like about Big Sky:

Some of the “easiest” routes on the mountain sucked.  They were narrow and crowded and should be avoided at all costs.

Big Sky proper was a good 15 minute drive from the ski resort, which meant you were doing a decent amount of driving on snowy roads to either ski or go out for dinner, depending on which location you picked to stay.

Tips for Skiing Big Sky:

1. Get your rentals the evening before skiing at Grizzly Outfitters in Big Sky.  You can pick up your rentals anytime after 3:00 PM for the next day .  We saved around $500.00 by renting from them for the week and their staff was friendly and knowledgeable. They have a very reasonably priced “premium” ski package that allows you to upgrade to nicer skis (1 day premium rental $45; 1 day demo rental $70).  Getting your rentals all sorted out the day before skiing will allow you to save your energy for skiing and get your day off to a much nicer start.  If you want, you can valet your skis at Big sky for the next day (overnight ski/snowboard valet $13).  Since our kids are all old enough to carry their own, we opted to bring ours home each evening and save the extra $80 a day.  Four years ago, I would have used the valet.

2. Don’t ski Pacifier.  Ever.  It looks so tempting with its long winding path through the woods, but it’s too narrow and crowded, making it a horrible and dangerous run for beginners.  By labeling this the easiest route on Andesite, the resort encourages beginners to take this route.  Don’t do it.  Take Safari instead.

3. Do ski the southern comfort lift if you are looking for beginner runs.  El Dorado, Deep South, and Sacajewea are some of the nicest green runs I have ever skied anywhere.  They are wide and sustained and beautiful.  Leaving the warm Ramcharger and Swift Current 6 lifts is a big sacrifice, but totally worth it if you are looking for good beginner runs.

4. If you are a blue skier, don’t ski the same run twice.  There are so many good blues here.  

5. Try some blues that wind through the forest.  I usually don’t like skiing in the trees (because I don’t want to die) but some of the blue runs in the trees here are fantastic. Jaws, Pomp, and Lizette are a great introduction to skiing in the trees. 

6. If you like blues, don’t skip Madison Basin.  With a plethora of long blue runs and less beginners, it deserves a day of skiing.

Food recommendations in Big Sky: 

Horn and Cantle: great vibe, good service, excellent appetizers. The Elk Meatballs, Cedar Plank Mushrooms, and the Crisp Brussel Sprouts were crowd favorites.

Michaelangelo’s: Great homemade pasta, very reasonably priced for the quality. The Carpaccio di Manzo con Olio di Tartufi (Waygu Beef Carpaccio) and Sacchetti al Tartufo (Ricotta and Black Truffle Stuffed Pasta) should not be missed.

Westward Social: There were some issues with their supply chain and they always seemed to be out of something, but this was much higher quality food than your standard on-the-mountain lunch with super speedy service. Try the fried Cauliflower and don’t miss the Fries with Parmesan and Chimchurri.

Favorite Runs in Big Sky

Wendi: Upper Morning Star

Joey: Lobo

Wilson: Elk Park

Bailey: Deep South

Gus: Pomp

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