❖Destination Report: West
Big Sky, Montana By Rick Heinz
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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 the place. You can fly directly to Bozeman or make a connection in Denver. The direct flight takes about two-and-ahalf hours. Once in Bozeman, cars can be rented or a shuttle service can be used for about an hour-long drive following the scenic Gallatin River (where the movie A River Runs Through It was filmed). If a grocery stop is requested, it is
usually done in Bozeman, but there are smaller grocers closer to the resort. The Mountain Village, where the hotels and condos are, has free shuttle service to get between the lifts and different lodging sites (many of which are slopeside anyway). It can also take passengers down to the Meadow Village, the primary 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