One of four new Prinoth Bison S snowcats, which feature low energy consumption and sustainable environmental protection with increased efficiency and performance, tames the terrain at the top of the Powder Seeker lift. PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG SKY RESORT
BIG SKY – On Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day, Big Sky Resort will
open for its 46th season. Before returning to their favorite runs, snowsports
enthusiasts are bound to notice improvements to mountain amenities from
previous seasons.
This summer, Big Sky Resort renovated the Mountain Mall, now dubbed The Exchange, reenvisioning their dining, après ski area, restrooms and lockers in the Mountain Village base area. All-new cuisine options will greet skiers this winter, including sushi flown in fresh from both coasts, a ramen station, a taqueria, stone-fired pizza, specialty coffee and crepe stations, as well as a deli and grill serving soups, sandwiches and other items.
The new food hall on the third floor
will offer abundant indoor seating for guests taking a ski break, warming up or
grabbing a bite to eat. Seating capacity has been nearly doubled with an
increase of more than 350 seats for use from breakfast to après.
Après ski will be enlivened with new outdoor decks boasting prime views of Lone Mountain and a cozy outdoor fireplace. The enhanced deck seats more than 250 people, perfect for soaking up the sun and drinking in the quintessential Lone Mountain views.
Guests will also notice improvements to the facility’s lower level, including complimentary day-use cubbies, day and seasonal-use lockers, a new changing area and expanded bathrooms to start the day in comfort.
A new public elevator installed in
the central core of the building will be available to all, including skiers
arriving to the 15-minute drop-off zone in Mountain Village, who may want to
hit the slopes as quickly as possible. The elevator will enable guests to
access retail and restaurants, and the resort hopes that the elevator will be
most impactful for the large contingent of special ability recreationalists who
visit Big Sky.
The renovated common area will also serve as a flexible event venue with a capacity of over 750 people. Total restroom capacity in the renovated space has increased by more than 50 percent. Staff locker facilities on the lower level have also been expanded and modernized.
The Exchange will open in stages beginning Dec. 5.
The on-mountain experience will also be different from
seasons past: gone are the days of paper tickets, removing gloves, and fumbling
with lanyards to present a ticket or pass to load the chairlifts. This summer,
Big Sky Resort installed Axess smart gates equipped with Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) technology at select lifts that serve as access points to
the mountain. RFID allows a ticket or season pass to be scanned from inside a
pocket, keeping hands warm and ski days smooth.
All winter lift tickets and season pass products will be
loaded on to a Sky Card equipped with RFID technology. RFID gates have been
installed at select access lifts that will automatically open with active
media.
“RFID technology
allows for a guest-friendly lift ticket and season pass process, making it
easier than ever to load lifts and add additional days to your pass without
visiting the ticket window,” said Troy Nedved, general manager of Big Sky
Resort.
All Sky Card media will be electronically reloadable for
added guest convenience. Once guests have a Sky Card, days can be reloaded
online, eliminating the need to visit the ticket window to update passes or
lift tickets.
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 15 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 9:00 am - September 23 (Monday) 12:00 pm
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 30 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
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Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
Time
July 24 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 1:00 pm