Slow snow start for Big Sky

Big Sky started spinning chairs on Wednesday, Nov. 22, but only had a few runs available due to the lack of snow. As December gets closer, the snow hasn’t shown much sign of coming around.

“At this time last year, we had a very substantial amount of snow, so much that I got stuck in the stadium parking lot in my car when leaving for Thanksgiving break. This year is posing a different climate. An early season lack of snow will have an effect on the terrain that is open, as it already does, so everybody do your snow dance,” Big Sky ticket checker Macy Williams said. 

Despite the early season lack of snow, Big Sky still presently has the best terrain to ride in the Bozeman area. The resort started the season with four runs off of two lifts — Ramcharger and Swift Current — and will be looking to add more runs with both man-made and real snow as the temps continue to drop. 

“I think every big-mountain skier should experience the beauty and vastness of the resort because there is surely something for everyone that can be found in Big Sky,” Williams said. “My favorite spot to ride is on the Moonlight Basin side of the mountain because it's like its own little world over there. Normally, the lift lines are shorter because it's more secluded and that's what makes it so awesome,” she said. 

Even though Moonlight won’t open for a few weeks because of the lack of snow, the runs currently open off Ramcharger and Swift Current provide some great turns. Also on the horizon is the grand opening of the new tram, which is scheduled to start serving guests on Dec. 19. 

“I am thrilled for the installation of the new tram which is a very exciting addition to the resort for the celebration of its 50th anniversary. The new tram can transport substantially more people at one time than the old one, which poses a bit of an issue. Though the mountain is huge, that many people skiing at the same time can be dangerous,” Williams said. 

The new tram is twice as long as the old one and will also run at two times the speed. 

As everyone continues to hope for snow, get up to the hill and catch some groovy corduroy turns. 

“Skiing is electric, Big Sky is rad and the Apres are like no other — so come visit us this season,” Williams said.