The Way I Ski It: Big Sky Resort's Blog

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.

While the rest of the west suffers bleak ski conditions, Big Sky Resort has gotten plenty of pow.  Now, we're sharing the love by inviting Epic Pass holders to ski free at Big Sky through January.
  

COLORADO SKI CONDITIONS have been less-than-epic this season.  In Montana, that’s not the case - with several large snowstorms and 3,381 acres open so far this season, Big Sky Resort has the best ski conditions and most open acres in the Rocky Mountains.  With such good Montana conditions contrasting with Colorado’s distinct lack of snow, Big Sky Resort is spreading the love by inviting Epic Pass holders to ski for free throughout the month of January.

“Big Sky has about twice the open acreage that Vail and Breckenridge do right now, plus we’ve had some great powder,” said Chad Jones, Big Sky Resort Public Relations Manager. “And with other Epic Pass resorts like Heavenly at under 200 acres, we decided to share the wealth.  We’re a skier’s and rider’s mountain, and no one should miss out on good snow just because they live in Colorado or California.”

The home of the Biggest Skiing in America, Big Sky Resort is currently open with 3,381 skiable acres, 4,350 vertical feet, and 100% of lifts running.  From rolling groomers to chutes off of the Lone Peak Tram and Big Sky’s 5 new gladed runs, 131 out of Big Sky’s 155 named runs are currently open.  

Epic Pass holders are now able to take advantage of these great conditions and join in the fun throughout January: Big Sky Resort will honor Epic Passes by allowing holders to ski free for the duration of their stay when they book lodging with Big Sky Central Reservations and ask for the Epic Package.  Big Sky Resort will extend the Bring a Buddy Coupon to holders as well, allowing friends in their reservation without Epic Passes to ski for $74/day.

So stop praying for snow, and just come find it.  See you soon, Coloradans!

 -  Greer

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport offers 35 direct flights to and from Denver and 14 to and from San Francisco each week, as well as direct flights to and from eight other cities and hubs.  Visit bigskyresort.com/epic or call Big Sky Central Reservations at 1-800-548-4486 for more information.


Don't believe just how great the skiing at Big Sky is?  Take a look for yourself in the latest video from BSPN:

 
Vail's back bowls have been left dry so far this season; Big Sky's slopes have had great early season coverage

 
A December 2011 powder day at Big Sky; The first big snow at Big Sky this season - October 2011.

Big Sky