4/23/2012 12:09:00 PM

Big Sky Resort had consistently good snow conditions throughout the 11/12 season, leading to a record number of skier visits.

IN JANUARY, the ski landscape across the west looked bleak. The snow wasn’t falling. Resorts struggled to open on time. Photos of still grassy bowls at Vail circulated on Facebook.

But at Big Sky Resort, the snow came in on time and kept falling all season long. Powder was consistent and good, and snowfall numbers were right on target.

The good snow translated to visitor numbers, and skiers flocked to Big Sky’s snowy slopes. In January, Big Sky extended an offer to deprived Colorado and California skiers and riders – free lift tickets at Big Sky when they booked in Big Sky’s lodging. The deal did not go unnoticed.

Big powder dumps before Christmas and Presidents’ weekend brought in record holiday skier visits. On Sunday, February 19th Big Sky Resort recorded its highest number of skiers in one day with an increase of 6% over the previous record day during the April 2011 Pond Skim.

And the final tally is in – the exceptional snow and deals meant a record season for Big Sky, even while other ski resorts coast to coast saw a nearly 20 percent drop in skier volume. With a season two week’s shorter than the previous record season in 2010/11, Big Sky still drew in more skiers than ever before.

“The consistently good snow at Big Sky is key,” said Taylor Middleton, Big Sky Resort’s General Manager. “Skiers go where there’s snow.”

The uptick is good for the resort as well as the entire Big Sky community, Middleton said. “More skier visits means more business.”

But the best part? While more skier visits equal more business, it doesn’t equal crowds, said Big Sky PR Manager Chad Jones. “Our massive terrain and lift capacity maintain one of Big Sky’s best assets: virtually no lift lines!”

- Greer

Big Sky had big powder in December while other resorts struggled to open terrain. Snowfall stayed consistent at Big Sky throughout the entire 2011/12 season.

Tags: big sky resort, big sky resort epic deal, vail, vail epic pass, record ski season, big sky record ski season, big sky snow, big sky snow report

Montana | Skiing | The Way I Ski It | Snowsports | General

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Endless Winter - Snow Sticks in Big Sky

3/28/2012 4:34:00 PM

Lone Peak is still heavily snow-covered in March and April.

FROM NOVEMBER to April in a ski town, the population becomes overcome with thoughts of skiing and snowboarding. Visions of freeskiers dance in local’s heads, and every conversation revolves around sick lines and snowpack. All talk turns to turns, and people talk skiing non-stop everywhere - In a house, with a mouse, in a box, with a fox. In the Hungry Moose, like Dr. Seuss: Would you ski here or there? I would ski anywhere! Do you like to ride the tram? Yes, I love it, Sam I Am!

Just don’t pull a real Green Eggs and Ham – if you’re secretly excited for spring, you sure as heck better not admit it! You’ll risk blank stares and long silences until you break the ice by mentioning the snow forecast and the fact that winter is still in full swing up on Lone Peak.

Because though it may be 60 degrees in Bozeman and unseasonably warm across the country, yesterday Big Sky received 9 inches of snow. With three weeks left in the ski season, there’s still time for winter fun – on and off the slopes. But you better get it in now, before lifts stop turning and temps start climbing.

Skiing and Snowboarding: There’s a reason Big Sky locals are obsessed with skiing: it’s really, really fun. Especially when temperatures are comfortable enough to take off your gloves on the chairlift and enjoy beers in the base-area.

Pond Skimming: The perfect winter-meets-spring activity for skiers, riders, and swimmers. Sign up for Big Sky’s annual Pond Skim on April 14th.

Snowshoeing: Mountain trails stay snowy up high - strap into a pair of shoes the size of tennis rackets and start hiking.

Ziplining: Not many ziplines are open in the winter, but at Big Sky it’s an all-season affair.

Nordic Skiing: Trails are melting in the meadow, but higher up you can still skate and classic ski routes at Lone Mountain Ranch.

Running: That’s what YakTrax are for!

- Greer