Big Sky Resort off to a great start for the 17-18 season

Big Sky Resort Opens Lone Peak Tram for Opening Week

In a historic move, Big Sky Resort also opens its iconic Big Couloir on the first day

Mother Nature is nurturing Big Sky Resort with snowy conditions that are continuing to persist.

Pre-season winter conditions have set up Big Sky Resort for having a solid base heading into the season. Forecasters are predicting even more snow in the coming days and weeks. Almost 100 inches of snow has fallen on Big Sky Resort since October. Big Sky is at 167 percent of average snowfall for this time of year. The dense, watery snow has created midwinter conditions on much of the mountain.

Big Sky Resort has a 27-inch base at the mid-mountain and a 49-inch base on the upper mountain.

“We are skiing parts of the mountain that aren’t usually skiable until January, and it’s not even December yet,” said Chelsi Moy, public relations manager for Big Sky Resort.

Case and point: It was the second time in the history of Big Sky Resort’s tram that the snow-covered Lone Peak was open to skiers and riders on Opening Day. Even rarer was allowing skiers and riders to descend the resort’s iconic Big Couloir on the first day of the season.

“It was super experience to ski the Big Couloir on Opening Day,” said Big Sky resident Rob Leipheimer. “It was really special.”

On Tuesday, Big Sky Resort opened the Challenger Chairlift. The resort received 8 inches of snow in the last 48 hours, and more is in the forecast for the weekend.

For those interested in a white Christmas, there are many opportunities to spend the holidays at Big Sky Resort. Right now, the resort is offering $79 room nights in the Huntley Lodge for stays between Dec. 7 and Dec. 26. Visit bigskyresort.com/79offer for more information.

Also, buying tickets online and early saves guests the most money off the window rate. Plus, save 20 percent and 30 percent off select hotels and properties by visiting bigskyresort.com/specials.