Big Sky, MT, Report: Winter's Not Over Yet

Full on winter conditions at Big Sky. | Photo: Zach Armstrong

Report from Saturday, March 22, 2025

“What about Big Sky?” my partner asked while we were perusing the list of Mountain Collective resorts early in the season, planning possible ski trips for the season. Though I had always been aware that Big Sky was a big resort in the grand state of Montana, I had not found my way up there until this season. And I’m so glad I did.

Expecting full-on spring conditions in late March, we were surprised to find seven inches of fresh new snow and windchill in the single digits. Full on winter! The snow in the trees at lower elevations was nice and soft, and after taking a few runs to remember how to ski moguls, we had a blast carving through the tight, moguled trees off of the Madison chairlift.

Lots of trees to explore. | Photo: Zach Armstrong

Once the moguls had inoculated our legs with a sense of accomplishment, we cruised down to the Madison Base Area and had probably some of the tastiest barbecue I’ve had at a ski resort. Perhaps we were just super hungry from a chairlift breakfast, but that was a damn good sandwich. Properly fueled and warmed up, we headed to the Challenger Chairlift to ski some of Big Sky’s classic steep runs. The wind was strong enough on Challenger that for three or four runs we were getting fresh tracks. Free refills! Peering into some of the chutes next to the Headwall Bowl was enticing, but with visibility going in and out, we decided to wait for another day.

The Challenger and Headwall chairlifts (shown here) provide access to some pretty amazing terrain. | Photo: Zach Armstrong

Throughout our visit to Big Sky, we met more than a few very friendly and knowledgeable skiers who were more than happy to point us in the direction of their favorite runs. Following the advice of one such chairlift chum, we made our way from the Challenger Chairlift to the Tram.

Challenger Chairlift gives off ‘mothership’ vibes. | Photo: Zach Armstrong

Big Sky’s Lone Peak Tram was first opened in 1995 and was quite a feat of engineering at the time of its opening. The Tram rises more than 2,100 vertical feet with only a single tower in between the terminals. In 2023 the Tram was replaced, and in 2024 a geodesic glass dome was added to the lower terminal.

Big Sky replaced the Lone Peak Tram in 2023 and added a geodesic dome enclosure in 2024. | Photo: Zach Armstrong

The tram ride takes you over some of the gnarliest-looking ski terrain in the country. Famed lines such as Big Couloir, The Gullies, and The Dictator Chutes would be clearly visible from the tram ride, but just as we were boarding the tram, a cloud settled over Lone Peak, making us question how the heck we were going to get down such a challenging, imposing mountain.

Visibility deteriorating right as we got on the tram. | Photo: Zach Armstrong

We headed towards Liberty Bowl, the easiest route off Lone Peak, and made a few timid jump turns through extensive snow fencing in fog so thick we couldn’t see the tips of our skis. Once we dropped a hundred vertical feet or so, visibility opened up into a stunning view of the Liberty Bowl, full of welcoming untouched powder specially delivered for us by the howling winds! I had probably one of the best runs of the season down a thousand vertical feet of creamy untouched powder.

Once we got below the clouds in Liberty Bowl, we were treated to awesome snow! | Photo: Zach Armstrong

Near the bottom, we stuck to the south side of the resort and took a few fun runs on the Shedhorn lift. As our legs started to tire, we headed towards the base area and finished out the ski day with a few easy runs on the Ramcharger 8 Chairlift, a truly massive chairlift complete with comfortable chairs, heated seats, and a bubble. Once our legs hinted our ski day should probably come to an end, we started the recovery portion of our trip with a soak in one of the Huntley Lodge’s two outdoor hot tubs.

The Huntley Lodge provides excellent slope-side accommodations. | Photo: Zach Armstrong

The Huntley Lodge also has wood fireplaces throughout the lodge, a cozy luxury! We returned to the Mountain Village to find the festivities in full swing, with the Umbrella Bar packed to the gills, music pumping, and windows completely steamed up.

The Huntley Lodge has cozy wood fireplaces. | Photo: Zach Armstrong

Big Sky is a remarkable place to ski with a dizzying amount of steep, technical skiing. It was pretty special to visit on a day with fresh snow. The Challenger Chair alone has so much possibility that it gives off Mothership vibes, and the Lone Peak Tram contains acres upon acres of skiing that I would trade my top boot buckles to have even one run at my home mountain. With fresh snow in late March on top of a decent base, there’s plenty of excellent skiing to come this season. Thanks for a great trip, Big Sky!