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ADA Accessibility Policies

Adaptive Lift Ticket and Season Pass Policy

Guests who require assistance to load, ride, or unload the chair lifts or require special assistance while skiing because of a diagnosed disability may purchase day tickets at the window rate. With that ticket purchase, they will be able to receive a single complimentary 1-day lift ticket for their assistant, valid for the same day as the original ticket purchase. If a guest requiring assistance purchases a season pass or a multi-day ticket, they may request a single-day lift ticket each day that they ski or ride at Big Sky Resort for their assistant. The ticket for the assistant is valid on the day that they are functioning as an assistant only.  

We cannot issue season passes or multi-day lift tickets for assistants. All transactions must be done in the Mountain Services office. If there are any questions or concerns about this policy, please call Neil Johnson in the Mountain Services office at (406) 995-5741.
 

General use of 'Other Power-driven Mobility Devices' in Plaza other pedestrian areas of Mountain Village and surrounding property:

Big Sky Resort may ask a person using an 'other power-driven mobility device' to provide a credible assurance that the mobility device is required because of the person's disability. Big Sky Resort accepts the presentation of a valid, State-issued disability parking placard or card or other State-issued proof of disability as a credible assurance that the use of the other power-driven mobility device is for the individual's mobility disability. In the absence of such documents, Big Sky Resort shall allow the use of another power-driven mobility device if the individual states that the device is being used for a mobility disability. Any evidence to the contrary may be evaluated and acted upon by Big Sky Resort.
 

Use of 'Other Power-driven Mobility Devices' for Use On-Mountain during Summer Season:

Consistent with Big Sky Resort's policy of "no motorized" use, which restricts the use of any motorized vehicles by members of the public on Resort owned lands. The use of any power-driven devices or vehicles by the public, including other power-driven mobility devices used by individuals with mobility disabilities, which were not primarily designed for use by individuals with disabilities, creates a substantial risk of serious harm to the user and others, and to the immediate environment and natural resources, and therefore are not permitted. This policy is in place to address the safety of the public and our employees, as well as the need to address soil integrity, erosion, and vegetative concerns. These safety requirements are based on actual risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.
 

Use of 'Other Power-driven Mobility Devices' On-Mountain Use during Winter Season:

Consistent with Big Sky Resort's policy of "no motorized" use, which restricts the use of any motorized vehicles by members of the public on Resort owned lands. The use of any power-driven devices or vehicles by the public, including other power-driven mobility devices used by individuals with mobility disabilities, would conflict with Big Sky Resort's safety requirements necessary for the reasonably safe operation of our on-slope activities. These safety concerns include the use of devices on the slopes that expose the user and skiers/snowboarders to a safety hazard and/or access into closed areas that pose avalanches and other hazards. These safety concerns are compounded by our facility's large volume of trail use. These safety requirements are based on actual risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.
 

Use of Mobility Devices in Pedestrian Areas:

Big Sky Resort allows individuals with mobility disabilities to use wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids, such as walkers, crutches, canes, braces, or other similar devices designed for use by individuals with mobility disabilities in areas open to pedestrian use.
 

Use of Adaptive Devices:

Big Sky Resort allows the use of adaptive devices or other 'manually-powered mobility aids' designed and manufactured primarily for use by individuals who have disabilities, including, without limitation, mono skis, bi skis, outriggers, and sit-skis. Big Sky Resort Snow Sports facility can assist guests wishing to enjoy winter sports through the use of adaptive equipment in scheduling adaptive lessons through Eagle Mount of Bozeman, www.eaglemount.org, or phone: 406-586-1781.
 

On-Mountain Use of Service Animals during Winter Season:

Big Sky Resort supports the use of trained service animals during the winter operating season. All service animals that meet current ADA guidelines include, but not be limited to, remaining under the direct control of the user at all times, being housebroken, and being trained and utilized for a specific disability approved by ADA regulations. Consistent with Big Sky Resort's policy of "no animals" on ski terrain or ski lifts, which restricts the use of animals to only dogs specifically trained, or in the process of being trained, for avalanche search and rescue work and under the direct control of Resort Staff. The use of service animals on ski lifts and ski terrain conflicts with Big Sky Resort's safety requirements necessary for the reasonably safe operation of our on-slope activities. These safety concerns include the use of service animals on the slopes that expose the user and skiers/snowboarders to a safety hazard. These safety concerns are compounded by our facility's large volume of trail use.
 

On-Mountain Use of Service Animals during Summer Season:

Big Sky Resort supports the use of trained service animals during the summer operating season. All service animals must meet current ADA guidelines to include, but not be limited to, remaining under the direct control of the user at all times, being housebroken, and being trained and utilized for a specific disability approved by ADA regulations. The use of service animals on ski lifts and mountain biking trails conflicts with Big Sky Resort's safety requirements necessary for the reasonably safe operation of our on-slope activities. These safety concerns include the use of service animals on the slopes that expose the user, mountain bikers, and other rolling vehicles to a safety hazard. These safety concerns are compounded by our facility's large volume of trail use. Service animals are approved for use on trails associated with approved hiking, ziplines, high ropes and other challenge courses, and open roadways. Persons using service animals shall obey all other permanent or temporary closures of terrain, trails, roads, or other areas within Big Sky Resort property.
 

Pedestrian Area Use of Service Animals during Summer & Winter Season:

Big Sky Resort supports the use of trained service animals during the summer and winter operating seasons. All services animals must meet current ADA guidelines to include, but not be limited to: remaining under the direct control of the user at all times; be house broken; and be trained and utilized for a specific disability approved by ADA regulations.
 

Use of Miniature Horses as Service Animals:

Use of miniature horses as service animals must meet the standards set forth by the American Miniature Horse Association. Specifically, miniature horses may not exceed thirty-four (34) inches at the withers measured at the last mane hairs. Certain areas within buildings on the resort property may be restricted from the use of miniature horses due to weight, size, or other safety considerations associated with each location. All service animals must meet current ADA guidelines to include, but not be limited to, remaining under the direct control of the user at all times, being housebroken, and being trained and utilized for a specific disability approved by ADA regulations. Note: These safety requirements are based on actual risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.

 

Key Contacts:

Specific questions or concerns regarding Big Sky Resort's policies concerning the use of Service Animals and 'other power-driven mobility devices' should be directed to:

Neil Johnson, Mountain Services Vice President, Big Sky Resort
njohnson@bigskyresort.com 

Michelle Frederick, Lodging Vice President, Big Sky Resort
mfrederick@bigskyresort.com 

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