Many of the best-known ski resorts in the USA in Colorado, California, Wyoming and Utah are getting so developed with plush hotels and condos at their bases the whole “Wild West” feel seems a bit “Disneyfied”. But some resorts still remain largely “unspoilt”. Big Sky in Montana is one, boasting one of the biggest ski areas in North America but with one of the lowest visitor numbers, which means incredibly wide, open slopes to enjoy, with the bonus that the scenery is particularly spectacular too.
Best burgers and beer? The Lone Peak Brewery micro-brews its own beer on site as its name suggests, gradually expanding over nearly three decades to now offer 14 varieties on tap. The accompanying burger selection is popularly rated as the best in resort.
North America’s smallest cable car? The installation of the Lone Peak Tram in 1995 briefly gave Big Sky the title of “biggest lift-served vertical in the USA” – a title long held by Jackson Hole. Then Snowmass in Colorado built a higher lift. However, the “Lone Mountain Tram” may still be the smallest cable car built in the last 25 years. Carrying just 15 passengers in each cabin, it climbs 433 vertical metres to access the highest and most difficult terrain at the resort.
Bill Gates spotting? If you want to see how the other half live, follow the Deep South trail which leads you past massive mountain homes on your right just on the boundary of the Yellowstone Club, a private ski area that has a 8km border with Big Sky but which mere mortals are not allowed to ski into. Multi-millionaire status (at least) is required to own property and thus be allowed to ski there. Bill Gates and Justin Timberlake are among those who can, because they do.
Longest run? Due to its big area, which before Vail got control of both Park City and The Canyons ski areas in Utah and merged them into one, was the biggest in the USA, there are lots of magnificent long cruisers at Big Sky. The longest descent of all descends from Liberty Bowl back down to the Mountain Mall over 9.65km.
Cheap booze? The Hungry Moose Market & Deli is definitely not your typical ski resort convenience store – although it does seem a little like it as you walk in the door. Look closer though and you’ll see $1,000 (around £775) bottles of wine on the higher shelves above the usual cheap plonk and the finest gourmet cuisine in the fridge next to the frozen burritos. That’s because the store serves the billionaires heading to the neighbouring Yellowstone Club as much as the normal ski folks of Big Sky.
