Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky is set in the heart of the magnificent wilderness area of South Western Montana, just north of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The resort was the brainchild of the late NBC newscaster, Chet Huntley. It first opened for skiing in 1973. Just 3 years later, Boyne USA Resorts purchased Big Sky, and has owned and managed it since.

The purpose built mountain village (at 7500') sits under Lone Mountain (11166'). Many green and blue runs end at the village, so ski-in, ski-out accomodation is the norm.

First timers should be tackling the super easy greens by the end of their first unforgetable week. Two good long green runs are Lower Morning Star and Mr K, from the top of Gondola One. Both give ample time to hone your budding technique (or may seem unending, depending on your enthusiasm level!).

Intermediates will love the long blue cruising runs from the top of Andesite Mountain (served by the Thunder Wolf chair), such as Elk Park Ridge and Big Horn. If you want to get higher up on the main mountain, there are some enjoyable runs like Sunlight on the lower slopes of the South Face.

For expert skiers, there's a good and varied range of terrain (over 50% is rated black or double black.) Head up to the summit of Lone Peak (access via the Lone Peak tram) to check out the steep chutes on the south face such as Lenin, Marx, or Castro - routes as uncompromising and unforgiving as their namesakes. Also test yourself on Big Sky's signature black, Big Couloir - long, steep but thankfully quite wide. Alternatively take the Challenger chair to the north east ridge of the mountain - here you'll find difficult skiing terrain, with drop-off entries into narrow chutes.

For accommodation, there's a big choice of modern, good quality hotels and condos in the ski village. The town of Big Sky itself is about 5 miles down the valley from the village.