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SlopeGuide

© 2026 SlopeGuide. 2025-2026 season data. Resort information is provided for reference only. Verify conditions with official resort websites before traveling.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Big Sky
🇺🇸

Montana, United States

Big Sky Ski Resort

Open NowOpen · ~27d left

2025-2026 season dates, 317 trails, lift pass pricing, and monthly snow conditions

Expert Terrain
Snow Sure

11,166ft

Peak Elevation

4,366ft

Vertical Drop

317

Trails

400"

Annual Snow

Overview

Big Sky is a ski resort located in Montana, United States, sitting at an elevation range of 6,800ft (2073m) to 11,166ft (3403m). With a vertical drop of 4,366ft (1331m), the resort offers 317 trails served by 39 lifts across 5,800 skiable acres. The nearest airport is Bozeman Yellowstone (BZN), approximately 60 minutes by car. Known for exceptional snowfall, Big Sky averages 400 inches of snow per year, making it one of the snowiest resorts in United States. Snowmaking covers 10% of the terrain, ensuring consistent conditions throughout the season.

Season Overview

Season Timeline

Late November to Mid April

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Opens: Late NovemberCloses: Mid April
Peak Open Early Late Closed

Snow Conditions

Powder

Fresh, uncompacted snow. Ideal conditions.

110cm

Snow Depth

(43")

-9°C

-20°C to -9°C

(-4°F / 16°F)

400"

Annual Snowfall

(1016cm)

10%

Snowmaking

coverage

Monthly Snowfall

Monthly Snowfall

400"

annual avg

110
Jan
100
Feb
80
Mar
35
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
5
Oct
35
Nov
85
Dec
Peak Open Early Latecm/month

Terrain & Trails

317

Total Trails

39

Lifts

5,800

Skiable Acres

4,366ft

Vertical Drop

Trail Difficulty Breakdown

15%
Beginner: 48 trails
25%
Intermediate: 79 trails
35%
Advanced: 111 trails
25%
Expert: 79 trails
15%Beginner (48)
25%Intermediate (79)
35%Advanced (111)
25%Expert (79)

Big Sky offers a balanced mix of terrain with 15% beginner, 25% intermediate, 35% advanced, and 25% expert-only runs. The abundance of black and double-black terrain makes this a destination for experienced skiers seeking a challenge.

Lift System & Elevation

39

Total Lifts

4,366ft

Vertical Drop

1,331m

(4,366ft)

Lift Types

Gondola3 (8%)
High-Speed Quad14 (36%)
Fixed-Grip Chair12 (31%)
Surface Lift10 (26%)

Elevation Profile

11,166ft

Peak

6,800ft

Base

Price Trends

Price Trends

Day pass pricing across the season

$192

avg/day

$209
Jan
$209
Feb
$189
Mar
$159
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
$169
Nov
$219
Dec
Peak Shoulder Off-PeakBest value: April ($159)

Best Month to Visit Big Sky

Top Pick

January

Deep snowfallLow crowdsPeak conditions
82
score
110cm
Low
$209/day

January offers the best overall balance of snow quality, crowd levels, and pricing at Big Sky. Expect reliable powder days with an average of 110cm of fresh snowfall. Lines are short and the mountain feels spacious.

Runner-Up

February

100cm snow, moderate crowds, $209/day

Best Value

April

$159/day, 35cm snow, low crowds

Monthly Conditions

Monthly Conditions

Best Month

January

Peak Season

110cm

snowfall

-9°/-20°

high/low °C

crowds

$209

day pass

February

Peak Season

100cm

snowfall

-7°/-18°

high/low °C

crowds

$209

day pass

March

Open

80cm

snowfall

-2°/-12°

high/low °C

crowds

$189

day pass

April

Late Season

35cm

snowfall

4°/-5°

high/low °C

crowds

$159

day pass

November

Early Season

35cm

snowfall

-3°/-14°

high/low °C

crowds

$169

day pass

December

Open

85cm

snowfall

-7°/-18°

high/low °C

crowds

$219

day pass

Monthly conditions are based on historical averages. Actual conditions vary year to year. Click on any month for detailed weather forecasts, crowd analysis, and packing tips for Big Sky.

Lift Passes & Pricing

Adult Day Pass

$189

per day

Season Pass

$2,399

full season

Multi-Resort Pass Inclusion:

Ikon

Day pass pricing at Big Sky varies by date. Peak periods (holidays and weekends) may cost 10-15% more. Purchasing lift tickets online in advance typically saves $10-20 per ticket. Big Sky is included on the Ikon pass, which can offer significant savings for skiers visiting multiple resorts per season.

Getting to Big Sky

Nearest Airport

Bozeman Yellowstone (BZN)

Approx. 60 min drive

Location

Montana, United States 🇺🇸

45.2833°N, 111.4014°W

Big Sky is conveniently located within an hour's drive of Bozeman Yellowstone. Most rental car agencies operate at the airport, and shuttle services are often available during peak season.

Where to Stay

Big Sky offers a range of accommodation options for every budget. On-mountain lodging provides ski-in/ski-out convenience but typically costs 30-50% more than staying in the nearest town. Budget travelers can find hostel-style accommodations starting around $80 per night, while mid-range hotels and condos average $150-300 per night. Luxury ski-in/ski-out properties can exceed $500 per night during peak periods.

Booking 2-3 months in advance secures better rates, especially for holiday periods. Many resorts offer lift-and-lodging packages that bundle accommodation with multi-day tickets at a discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Big Sky open for the 2025-2026 season?
Big Sky typically opens in Late November and closes in Mid April. Exact dates depend on early-season snowfall and conditions. Check the official resort website for confirmed opening dates.
How much is a day lift pass at Big Sky?
Adult day lift passes at Big Sky start at $189 for the 2025-2026 season. Prices vary by date, with holiday and weekend periods typically costing 10-15% more. Booking online in advance often saves $10-20 per ticket.
Is Big Sky good for beginners?
Big Sky has 15% beginner terrain, which is below average. While ski lessons are available, intermediate and advanced skiers will find more to explore here. Consider a resort with 25%+ beginner terrain for a first trip.
How much snow does Big Sky get per year?
Big Sky receives an average of 400 inches (1016cm) of snowfall per year. The resort supplements natural snow with snowmaking on 10% of its terrain.
What is the best month to ski at Big Sky?
January is typically the best month to ski at Big Sky, with peak snow conditions, an average of 110cm of snowfall, and low crowd levels. January and February generally offer the most reliable conditions.

Quick Stats

Elevation Range
6,800 - 11,166ft
Vertical Drop
4,366ft (1331m)
Trails
317
Lifts
39
Skiable Acres
5,800
Annual Snowfall
400" (1016cm)
Season
Late November - Mid April
Day Pass
$189
Nearest Airport
BZN (60min)

Monthly Guides

JanFebMarAprNovDec

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Peak

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Trails

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Peak

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Trails

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Peak

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Trails

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Park City

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Peak

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Trails

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Vertical

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Epic