What’s Up With The New Tram At Big Sky Resort?

A Transformed Tram Experience at Big Sky Resort!

Big Sky Resort has a goal to be “the best ski experience, the best hospitality experience, and the best community experience in the North American ski industry” and they are on track!

Imagine being perched on the edge of the Montana mountains, surrounded by breathtaking vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. That’s the exhilaration you’ll experience when you step aboard the state-of-the-art Lone Peak Tram at Big Sky Resort, opening for Winter 2023-2024!

Rising to the summit of Lone Peak at an astounding 11,166 feet, this high-alpine feat of engineering whisks you to the highest scenic overlook in Montana at a speed of 22mph in only four minutes, granting you unparalleled year-round access to the best skiing, snowboarding, and sightseeing that Montana has to offer. The long-awaited transformation of the Lone Peak Tram stands as one of the most highly anticipated ski lift projects in the world! Chinook helicopters soared the skies hauling equipment and materials, including over 250,000 pounds of steel and 300 cubic yards of concrete used to create the sole 100-foot tower, two 75-passenger cabins traveled more than 5,000 miles from Olten, Switzerland, and specialists from around the globe collaborated to achieve a major milestone in the Big Sky 2025 vision.

As the Big Sky 2025 vision unfolds, each winter season at Montana’s Big Sky Resort gets bigger and better. Whether you’re a valued guest returning for an annual ski trip or Big Sky is dominating your ski destination searches and newsfeed and you’re coming to see what all the fuss is about – we’ve got the scoop on what’s new and what to expect at Big Sky Resort for the winter season ahead.

The Lone Peak Tram Experience

The Lone Peak Tram is more than an engineering marvel and mode of transport – it’s a journey that encapsulates the rugged beauty, awe-inspiring vistas, and endless adventures that define the Big Sky experience. The transformation of the Lone Peak Tram stands as a true testament to Big Sky Resort’s continued commitment to providing world-class experiences for its visitors.

Added Convenience

Big Sky Resort opened in 1973 with only four lifts! Today, Big Sky Resort boasts the fastest and most technologically advanced ski lifts in North America and an out-of-base capacity of approximately 10,000 skiers per hour. At Big Sky Resort, you can skip the lift lines, warm up on heated seats in the weatherproof Big Sky Blue Bubbles, and now ride the Lone Peak Tram at an unrivaled speed of 22 miles per hour to the most exhilarating terrain in North America, including the legendary Big Couloir.

In the final chapter of Big Sky 2025, the Explorer chair in Mountain Village will be replaced by a two-stage gondola creating a seamless base-to-summit lift network at Big Sky Resort. This new gondola and tram connectivity will allow for ADA-accessible pedestrian access to the summit of Lone Mountain for the first time ever, both in winter and summer.

Enhanced Comfort

With blue weatherproof bubbles, ergonomically shaped heated seats, individual headrests and footrests, and whisper-quiet operations, Big Sky Resort’s ski lifts are meticulously designed for maximum comfort – and panoramic vistas! The Lone Peak tram passenger cabins are equally impressive! Imported from Olten, Switzerland, the customized 75-passenger cabins include seating for up to 12, speakers for music, and glass floor panels for summer visitors to soak up the views.

Your comfort doesn’t end on the ski lifts! Big Sky Resort enhances your comfort both on and off the slopes. The Big Sky 2025 project includes enhanced on-mountain dining experiences featuring everything from family-friendly eateries and fireside fine dining to European-style après ski spots and live music. The final chapter of Big Sky 2025 features a new food and beverage hub at the connection terminal between the two-stage gondola top terminal and the Lone Peak tram, offering skiers, snowboarders, and pedestrian traffic endless options to refuel before adventuring to the summit of Lone Peak.

Winter Access to Lone Peak Tram

To preserve the Big Sky ski experience, access to the tram during the winter season will be carefully regulated, taking into account the available open terrain, mountain conditions, and prevailing weather conditions. The allocation of tram riders will be assessed and adjusted daily by our dedicated ski patrol team, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests at Big Sky Resort. The Lone Peak Tram opens in mid-December and will operate through the end of the season. This unique experience will be the highlight of your winter activities in Big Sky.

Summer Access to Lone Peak Tram

During the summer season, the Lone Peak Tram will operate at a full capacity of 75 passengers per cabin, with ADA access to ensure all visitors can enjoy the Lone Peak Tram experience to the highest scenic overlook in Montana. The summer tram experience will include an all-glass viewing platform with panoramic views of the Montana peaks and down the fall line of Big Sky Resort’s most challenging terrain. The mid-station terminal of the new gondola (coming Summer 2024) will serve as an adventure hub for summer activities in Big Sky – including mountain biking, hiking, and ziplining.

Lone Peak Tram Pricing

For the 2023-24 winter season, pricing for the Lone Peak tram will change from a daily rate to a per-ride fee. Most Big Sky lift tickets will not include scenic rides or ski/snowboard rides on the tram! For those wanting to ride the tram frequently, the Gold + Ikon Base and Gold Season passes provide unlimited tram access, or the Double Black Pass includes 25 skier/snowboarder rides and 10 scenic rides for the season.

All other riders must enable Tram Autocharge with a credit card on their Big Sky Account to ride the tram. With the new per-ride dynamic pricing structure, rates will be set on a daily basis fluctuating between $10 in off-peak periods to $40+ in peak. The Autocharge account will be charged prior to each ride on the Lone Peak Tram. Create a Big Sky Account HERE to start planning your Lone Peak Tram experience!

Spectacular Terrain for All Abilities

Big Sky Resort boasts the “Biggest Skiing in America” with 5,850 acres of skiable terrain over four mountains, 300 named ski runs, 7 terrain parks, and 39 ski lifts (including the most technologically advanced lift network in North America). Stay within your limits on the wide beginner or intermediate groomers or, for steeps, deeps and unmatched expert inbound terrain, ride the Lone Peak Tram to the summit at a breathtaking 11,166 feet.

Forget the long lift lines and cold winter chills – Big Sky Resort has a total of 1,800 chairs with an hourly uphill capacity of 42,000 skiers including four enclosed Big Sky Blue Bubbles with head rests and luxurious heated seats to warm up for your next run. Don’t let the expanse of Big Sky intimidate you – there is terrain for every level of skier and snowboarder at Big Sky.

Big Sky Mountain Stats

Beginner: 23%
Intermediate: 25%
Advanced: 34%
Expert: 13%
Extreme: 5%

Better Connections

Big Sky, Montana ranks as one of the best-served mountain destinations in the US! There are over 40 non-stop flights from the east and west coast daily into Bozeman during the ski season with convenient car rental agencies and transportation services directly from Bozeman to Big Sky, MT. Arrange slopeside ski-in ski-out lodging and you can vacation in Big Sky without a car!

Book your Lift Tickets & Ski Days

To ensure an enhanced ski experience and maintain a reputation of fewer lift lines and uncrowded slopes, lift ticket availability may be limited on certain peak dates. Big Sky Resort encourages skiers and snowboards to buy lift tickets in advance for the best rates and availability. New to winter 2022-2023, Ikon and Mountain Collective pass holders will be required to reserve their ski days in advance.

Big Sky Resort Activities & Programs

Big Sky Mountain Sports School offers private and group lessons with world-class ski and snowboard instructions, kids camps for ages 3 and up, and experienced tram guides to maximize (and enhance) your time spent discovering the best inbound terrain and biggest skiing in America off Lone Peak! Be sure to book your Big Sky lessons and guided experiences well in advance.

Unique Alpine Experiences Off the Slopes

Big Sky’s beauty is not limited to thousands of acres of terrain off Lone Peak. When planning your ski trip to Big Sky, be sure to adventure beyond the slopes into the wilderness of the Montana mountains. From thrilling snowmobile and dog-sled adventures to ice-skating, family sleigh rides or winter fly-fishing expeditions on the world-famous Gallatin River, unique alpine experiences await in Big Sky, MT. For more bucket-list adventures, include a winter tour of Yellowstone National Park in your Big Sky itinerary.

Stay Near the Lone Peak Tram with Big Sky Vacation Rentals

As Big Sky gains recognition as a top-notch ski and snowboard destination and Montana’s ultimate year-round escape, demand for resort lodging is on the rise! With over 130 vacation condos, cabins, custom lodges and ski chalets, Big Sky Vacation Rentals represent one of the largest collections of luxury vacation rentals in Big Sky and continue to hand-pick the best ski homes in Big Sky to meet the demand.

Enhance your vacation by choosing a Big Sky vacation rental conveniently located near Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village base area. Wake up to stunning mountain views, enjoy effortless access to the Lone Peak Tram, and return to all the comforts of home, and more! Big Sky Vacation Rentals is your gateway to a seamless, professional, and engaging mountain experience. We live here, we work here, we know Big Sky.

Booking with Big Sky Vacation Rentals ensures a hassle-free Big Sky vacation and a luxurious place to stay – secluded in the wilderness or slopeside at Big Sky Resort for easy early season ski access! Our luxury guest amenities ensure quality time off the slopes – gourmet kitchens, games rooms, indoor and outdoor entertainment areas, cozy fireplaces and outdoor fire pits, and private hot tubs overlooking Lone Peak.

We partner with local reputable companies to offer our guests easy transportation to and from Bozeman International Airport, ski and snowboard rental and delivery, shipping services, grocery delivery to your vacation home prior to arrival, and elevated in-house dining options.

Browse our selection of Big Sky luxury vacation rentals, download our Big Sky Vacation Guide for easy trip planning, or call our local team at +1-888-915-2787 to start planning your ski trip to Big Sky!

November 23, 2021November 1, 2024

The Perfect 3-Day Big Sky Winter Itinerary

Big Sky Vacation Rentals offer a hand-picked selection of over 125 luxury vacation rentals in prime locations throughout Big Sky. We’ll find you the perfect home to suit your Big Sky vacation itinerary and assist with vacation planning to ensure your 3-day getaway to Big Sky is a special experience.

To help you plan your stay, our local team has put together the best of Big Sky from dining, après-ski, to the best outdoor activities! Here are our suggestions for unique ways to experience the best of Big Sky in just three days.

Day 1 – A Warm Welcome to Big Sky

Breakfast

Begin your first day in Big Sky with a classic, hearty breakfast at the Carabiner Lounge overlooking the slopes of Big Sky Resort. Open daily from 6:30am this will not have to interfere with your on-mountain time! If you’re still settling in, start the day off slow with fresh coffee and homemade waffles prepared in your modern kitchen from the comfort of your Big Sky vacation home.

Ski Big Sky Resort

You’re fueled up and it’s time to hit the slopes at Big Sky Resort. Save time and reserve your lift tickets early! Big Sky boasts 5,850 acres of terrain and an average of 2 acres per skier, with fun and challenging slopes for every member in your travel pod.

Slopeside Lunch

If you’re staying slope side you can always stop home for lunch, but we have a few on-mountain suggestions for a refuel. For a quick lunch, the best local meal deal on the mountain and legendary hot dogs, head to Yeti Dogs in Mountain Village or take your time and enjoy homestyle comfort food and a local brew at Westward Social in The Exchange.

Après Ski

After a long day of warming up your ski legs and cruising some of the greatest snow on earth, enjoy slopeside après ski with the best Montana craft brews on tap, signature cocktails and panoramic views of Lone Peak at the Vista Bar in Big Sky’s inviting food court overlooking the Mountain Village Plaza.

Dine Out in Big Sky

Whatever tantalizes your taste buds, you’ll find it here in Big Sky. Experience the authentic flavors of Northern Italy at the award-winning Michelangelo’s contemporary bistro, sample Big Sky’s best sushi at the Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge or feast on drunken noodles and tasty Thai at Thai Basil.

Day 2 – Unique Big Sky Adventures

Breakfast

Pick up a coffee to go and breakfast sandwich or dine-in for local farm-to-table fare at Cowboy Coffee, an intimate eatery in Big Sky. You’ll need plenty of carbo loading for your day of outdoor adventures in Montana’s Big Sky country.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is one of the top winter activities in Big Sky and the best way to explore the remote Montana wilderness is by snowmobile. Canyon Adventures offer half and full day guided backcountry trips near Big Sky or escape the crowds and discover the beauty and natural wonders of nearby Yellowstone National Park on a guided or self-guided snowmobiling tour.

Après Ski

A day of wilderness adventures is likely to leave you shattered so you may want to recoup and enjoy après ski curled in front of the fire or stargazing from your private hot tub. But, if the Big Sky après ski scene has you hooked, the Block 3 in Big Sky Town Center has a daily happy hour with delicious spiked hot drinks, après ski cocktails, elevated pub grub and a laid-back atmosphere.

Ride a Snowcat to Dinner

For a unique backcountry dining experience, we highly recommend the 3-course candlelit dinner at the Montana Dinner Yurt. Ride a snowcat through the peaks of Big Sky to a secret location on Lone Peak for delicious fireside dining, live acoustic music, torch-lit sledding for the whole family, and the most spectacular stargazing in Big Sky.

Day 3 – Back on the Big Sky Slopes

Breakfast

Start your day slope side at the Vista Hall food court on the upper level of The Exchange in Big Sky Mountain Village. The Café & Bakery is a European style coffee shop and café serving freshly roasted illy coffee, smoothies and a selection of breakfast pastries for hungry skiers to start their day the right way. Of course, coffee and croissants as you watch the skiers on the slopes from your private hot tub (or pillow) sounds equally enticing.

Back on the Big Sky Slopes

Big Sky boasts the biggest skiing in America, so there’s still plenty of terrain still to cover. The world’s most advanced chairlift makes it easy and quick to explore the vast terrain of Big Sky from the easy groomers to the expert terrain at the summit of Big Sky’s iconic Lone Peak.

Slopeside Lunch

Ski over to the Madison Base Area on the Moonlight side for a slope side lunch at the Headwaters Grille. On Big Sky’s bluebird days, you can dine on the outdoor patio or stay cozy and watch the skiers and boarders from a window table while you savor salads, soups, grilled farm-to table specials and burgers or chicken fingers for the kids!

Cross Country Skiing

Explore the beautiful scenery on over 85 kilometers and 2,200 vertical feet of groomed cross country ski trails right out of Big Sky. Lone Mountain Ranch was voted #1 Nordic ski destination in North America in Cross Country Skier magazine and certified instructors available, they invite skiers of all abilities to venture out on the trails.

Big Sky Brewery Experience

Beehive Basin Brewery is one of the top après ski spots in Big Sky and a fun place to wind down after a day on the slopes. Grab a pint, fill up a growler or sample a flight of hand crafted Montana beer while soaking up spectacular views of the Big Sky landscapes.

Dine in a Historic Mountain Lodge

Take a scenic drive to Lone Mountain Ranch for a fine dining experience in the historic mountain lodge. Sip on one last après ski cocktail in the saloon bar and continue your evening at the Horn & Cantle for an authentic Big Sky culinary experience.

Stay With Big Sky Vacation Rentals

Where you stay on your Big Sky family vacation can make or break the entire mountain experience. Whether your family ski trip calls for a cozy mountain cabin or luxurious lodge for a big family reunion, you’ll find a tempting selection of slopeside vacation rentals with ski-in, ski-out access to the lifts and slopes in our collection of Big Sky Vacation Rentals.

The perks of a private slopeside home for a ski vacation with kids are endless! You benefit from a beautiful home away from home with space for the kids to play, private bedrooms, modern kitchens to cook your own meals, and the bonus of popping home between ski runs or for a midday nap! End your day of skiing with the kids snuggled around the fireplace, stargazing from the hot tub, and enjoying the peace of mind that the morning missions of getting the kids to ski school or on the slopes are effortless!

Download our Big Sky Vacation Guide and have all the resources for an amazing vacation in one place – at your fingertips! A kid-friendly ski vacation is only a click away at Big Sky Resort, MT.

November 15, 2021November 1, 2024

The Perfect 5-Day Big Sky Winter Itinerary

To help you plan your stay, our local team has put together the best of Big Sky from dining, après-ski to the best activities! Here are our suggestions for unique ways to experience the best of Big Sky in 5 days.

Day 1 – Stay Local in Big Sky

Slopeside Breakfast

Day 1 deserves a slope side breakfast at Big Sky Resort to get your bearings and switch slowly to mountain time. Vista Hall is Big Sky’s newly renovated food court with views of the ski runs, inviting fireplaces and a delicious European style café & bakery with fresh roasted coffee and breakfast pastries to start your day.

Ski Big Sky Resort

Big Sky Ski Resort boasts 5,850 acres of terrain with over 400 inches of the greatest snow on earth, groomed runs for every skiers and snowboarder in your group and extreme off-piste skiing for the adventurous. With 39 lifts and over 300 named runs ranging from wide-open groomers to challenging steeps, we suggest you plan your day on the slopes in advance!

Lunch

If the conditions are good and the adrenaline is rushing, make a quick pit stop at Yeti Dogs in Mountain Village for quick service and the best hot dogs in Big Sky or ski-in to warm up at The Exchange. The Vista Hall food-court has plenty of options for you to enjoy.

A Local Big Sky Dinner

Big Sky Town Center and Meadow Village have many enticing eateries ranging from wood-fired pizza at Ousel & Spur to traditional Asian and Thai cuisine at Blue Buddha or Thai Basil and elegant fine dining. Whether you’re visiting Big Sky with kids, friends or your beloved beau, you’ll find the perfect dining experience locally in Big Sky.

Late Night Drinks

Save space for dessert and after dinner drinks at The Waypoint, Big Sky’s best cocktail lounge. The Waypoint is Big Sky’s hottest new après ski spot with a selection of local beer and wine, over 50 hand-crafted cocktails, warm, spiked after dinner drinks, and a delicious dessert bar.

Day 2 – Big Sky Backcountry

Breakfast in Meadow Village

Start your day with a hearty and nourishing organic breakfast at Cowboy Coffee, a trendy eatery in Meadow Village. Cowboy Coffee offers a fun and flavorful farm-to-fork experience with all you need to fuel your day of adventures in Big Sky’s beautiful backcountry.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling in Big Sky is a must-do experience and is geared for the whole family. Play in the powder fields and open meadows of Gallatin Canyon on a Big Sky snowmobiling adventure with Canyon Adventures or take it full throttle and book a guided snowmobile tour of Yellowstone National Park surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, frozen waterfalls and winter wildlife.

Fireside Après Ski

Let the spirit of adventure continue at Block 3 in Big Sky’s Wilson Hotel. Lounge by the fire with an old-fashioned or sip spicy margaritas, share ski stores with friends round the outdoor firepit and warm up for a night of more Big Sky adventures at one of the best après ski spots in Big Sky.

Dinner in a Yurt

It’s not often you get to ride a snow cat to dinner, sled by torch light with the kids, sing along to acoustic tunes and enjoy a candlelit dinner in a secret Yurt on the slopes of Lone Peak! The Montana Dinner Yurt offers the most unique dining experience in the backcountry of Big Sky. Be sure to book ahead!

Day 3 – Unique Big Sky Experiences

Breakfast

You’ve only scraped the surface of Big Sky’s endless terrain so it’s time to get back on the slopes. Plan your ski day with breakfast at home or gather the crew and start your day slopeside with pancakes or a hearty omelet at the Carabiner Lounge in Mountain Village.

Ski Big Sky Resort

Sharpen your skills at Big Sky’s seven terrain parks or ride the Lone Peak Tram to discover the terrain at the summit of Lone Mountain. While the easiest run off Lone Peak is a steep black diamond, the journey is worth it for the 360-degree views of 3 states, 2 national parks and the spectacular peaks surrounding Big Sky Resort.

Slopeside Lunch

It’s time to take a break to refuel. Mountain Village has lots of ski-in eateries for a quick lunch break (dine in or to-go!) or make your way to the Madison Village Base Area on the Moonlight side of Big Sky for lunch on the slopes at Headwaters Grille.

Cross Country Skiing

Big Sky Brewery Experience

Quench your thirst with a cold craft brew at Beehive Basin Brewery, Big Sky’s newest brewery. Beehive Basin is a seven barrel microbrewery and taproom with a rotating selection of seasonal brews, Big Sky mountain views and a fun ski-town vibe.

Dinner on the Ranch

From a star studded dinner in a yurt to fine dining in a historic Montana ranch lodge! Lone Mountain Ranch offers an authentic Montana culinary experience at the authentic saloon bar and the intimate Horn & Cantle Restaurant. Savor the best of the west, paired with signature cocktails, local Montana beers and an impressive wine list.

Day 4 – Discover Yellowstone’s Natural Wonders

Sunrise Breakfast

With a full day of adventures ahead, it’s an early start! Pick up a quick coffee and breakfast pastry at Caliber Coffee Roasters or a grab-n-go breakfast on your way out of town at Café 191 in Big Sky Canyon Village.

Yellowstone Park Winter Tour

Yellowstone is a natural wonderland that is even more beautiful under a blanket of snow. Only a one-hour drive from Big Sky, Yellowstone is easily accessible and an experience not to be missed. You’re welcomed by vast snow-covered plateaus with free roaming elk, wolves and moose, frozen waterfalls, thermal pools, erupting geysers and spectacular natural wonders.

Take a self-guided tour or book a winter tour of Yellowstone from Big Sky. Yellowstone Guidelines offer snowshoe, cross-country ski and wildlife tours throughout the winter or book a guided Yellowstone tour from Big Sky Meadow Village with Yellowstone Scenic Tours.

Adventures for the Kids

Consider a dog sled adventure through beautiful Moonlight Basin or a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride and family-style dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch. Also try 320 Ranch Sleigh Rides for a unique and once-in-a-lifetime expereince!

Dinner on the Gallatin River

The Riverhouse is a Big Sky attraction and locals favorite! Located just outside of Big Sky (and conveniently on the way home from Yellowstone) on the banks of the Gallatin River, the Riverhouse serves up authentic Texas BBQ with a Montana twist. As they say, “it’s a smokin’ good time” at Riverhouse BBQ.

Day 5 – Create Lasting Big Sky Memories

Breakfast in Bed

You’re exhausted, we get it! There’s so much to do in Big Sky but today it’s breakfast in bed, a soothing hot tub and slow start at home. Big Sky Vacation Rentals kitchens are well-equipped (and pre-stocked if you choose) to whip up a home-cooked meal any time of the day! If you’ve got ski-in/ski-out access to Big Sky there’s no rush at all!

Breathe in the Crisp Mountain Air

It’s your final day in Big Sky so be sure to get outdoors and breathe in the crisp mountain air! This may mean heading back to your favorite ski runs or terrain park, fly-fishing on the Gallatin River, heading off the trails on a backcountry snowshoe hike or early après ski on a sunny outdoor patio. Savor the day and make lifelong memories in Big Sky.

Lunch at the Summit

Wherever you roam, we suggest reserving a table for lunch at Everett’s 8,800 for a Big Sky mountain-top dining experience at the summit of Andesite Mountain. This beautiful timber lodge boasts unbeatable Lone Peak views from the indoor dining area and outdoor deck with roaring fireplaces, exceptional alpine cuisine and an elevated dining experience.

Après Ski

Soak up the Big Sky après-ski scene with one last drink on the mountain. Grab a snack from the Vista Hall food court, enjoy a cocktail or cold brew and get a final picture perfect shot of Lone Peak at the Vista Bar in the Mountain Village Exchange.

Dinner on the Mountain

Enjoy cozy and casual fine dining at the Cabin Bar and Grill, overlooking the ski runs in the heart of Big Sky’s Mountain Village. Delectable Rocky Mountain cuisine, a full bar and extensive wine list, Big Sky views and take-out if you’d prefer to dine in the comfort of your luxury Big Sky vacation rental.