Description

Apres Ski

You may find yourself on the slopes earlier than you think at Big Sky - it's not that you'll be rising closer to dawn, it's simply that from your bed to the lifts is no great distance and once at the lift there is nothing and no-one to hinder your ascent. So by 9.15am you could well be 10,000 feet up, looking out over Yellowstone National Park, scratching your head and wondering - 'How Did I Get Here?' Don't worry this dislocation from your surroundings will not last long - here is one foolproof way to integrate yourself with the environment. Ride the Lone Peak Tram - this will give you a sense of perspective.

The Lone Peak Tram rises almost vertically to the craggy summit of Lone Mountain. At 11,166 feet this landmark towers over the surrounding wilderness and it is possible to see the stunning Grand Teton Range over 80 miles away - home to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Slightly closer to hand is 'Big Couloir' an insane descent from the summit through the rocky outcrops. But fear not, this is not the only way down, there are less whimper-inducing trails that advanced skiers will feel at home on - down the South Face. Others who come only for the view - and there are plenty of them - descend back to safety on the tram.

Back down at tree level - duly humbled, the fun can commence. The lower chairs on Lone Mountain, such as 'Shedhorn' and 'Swift Current Express' are surrounded by intermediate terrain - 'Calamity Jane' and it's near neighbour 'Lobo' are perfect for rediscovering your ski-legs. Once you have warmed up make your way over to Andesite and enjoy the beautiful, long wide-open 'Elk Park Ridge' - this picturesque sweep of terrain, dotted with snow covered trees merits many repeat visits. For those with kids and novice skiers the Southern Comfort area on Flat Iron and the slow ski area around the Explorer Chair, provide naturally separate zones for learning and confidence building. In fact, Big Sky is great for families with mixed levels of abilities, time can be spent together enjoying the gentle slopes or making the most of precious solitary time spent on more challenging trails.