Page 20 - SRCG_Spring_HTML_2011

❖Destination Report: West

Big Sky, Montana

By Rick Heinz
B
Big Sky, a Boyne resort, is located in
Southwest Montana. Sprawling across
three peaks, it has a total of 3,812 acres
with 150+ named runs.

Big Sky boasts the second longest vertical
drop in the country at 4,350 feet. The
area has a variety of terrain, dependable
snowfall and no lift lines.

In addition to all the great skiing offered
at Big Sky, there is another resort,
Moonlight Basin, which shares Lone Peak
with Big Sky. Both resorts are accessible
on an optional, interconnecting ticket
called the Biggest Skiing in America Pass.
Combined, there are over 5,500 acres of
skiable terrain between both resorts,
creating the largest continuous area of
skiing in North America.

Big Sky is not difficult to get to, nor is it hard to get around usually done in Bozeman, but there are smaller grocers
the place. You can fly directly to Bozeman or make a con- closer to the resort.
nection in Denver. The direct flight takes about two-and-a-
half hours. Once in Bozeman, cars can be rented or a shuttle The Mountain Village, where the hotels and condos are,
service can be used for about an hour-long drive following has free shuttle service to get between the lifts and different
the scenic Gallatin River (where the movie A River Runs lodging sites (many of which are slopeside anyway). It can
Through It was filmed). If a grocery stop is requested, it is also take passengers down to the Meadow Village, the pri-
mary residential area, for additional retail and restaurants.

Big Sky and Moonlight Basin offer a plethora of beautifully
furnished, independently owned condos, townhouses and
cabins, but clubs would probably be more interested in
the hotel lodging at Big Sky in order to accommodate a
large group at an affordable price. The Huntley Lodge is
a slopeside accommodation managed by Big Sky Resort.
It has hotel-style rooms, some of which have lofts. This
feature eliminates the requirement for clubs to sign up
an even number of members for the trip. The Huntley has
one of the best complimentary breakfasts around with a
rotating hot menu buffet and omelet bar.

Group leaders of clubs staying at The Huntley are typically
given a comp to stay in a condo unit at Shoshone, a
building connected to The Huntley Lodge. The condo units
provide a large enough space for get-togethers and parties.
The other place popular with clubs is The Lodge at Big Sky.
This is not owned by Big Sky but is accessible to its

20 ❖ MIDWEST SKIER SPRING 2011 PLANNING ❖ www.skicmsc.com