BIG SKY, Mont. - November 15, 2022 – With one of the biggest early season snowfalls in recent years, record-breaking snowmaking efforts, and reliably cold temperatures, Big Sky Resort teams have been working nonstop to prepare the mountain for an early opening to kick off the 2022-2023 winter season. 

Big Sky Resort will open on Wednesday, November 23 at 9 a.m. for skiing and riding for all – including season passholders, lift ticket holders, and Ikon and Mountain Collective passes. The resort’s original opening date was scheduled for Thursday, November 24. 

“Thanks to favorable conditions and an extraordinary effort from our team, we’re thrilled to deliver an early opening and start the winter season off with mid-winter conditions,” said Troy Nedved, the resort’s general manager. 

The resort will open with 2,000 skiable acres, serviced by four lifts: Swift Current 6, Explorer, Challenger, and Iron Horse, plus all Mountain Village carpets. Ramcharger 8 will open on Thursday, November 24, once early-season race camps are concluded, adding an additional 500 acres. 

“We’re looking forward to the most expansive opening day in our history, with great coverage thanks to more than five feet of early season snow and round-the-clock snowmaking work,” said Nedved.

Opening day festivities will kick off on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., with live DJs playing in the base area. Early risers will be greeted with complimentary hot chocolate and breakfast snacks in the base area, and for après, complimentary Swifty Session Pale Ale tastings.

Lift ticket offices will open Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. for ticket and pass pickup.  

Resort restaurants, including Vista Hall, Westward Social, Montana Jack, Chet’s, Mocha in the Huntley, and Carabiner, will also open for the season on November 23. 

Mountain operations teams will continue to assess terrain daily. Additional terrain and lift announcements can be found on Big Sky Resort’s trail status page.

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