DISCOVER
Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding in Big Sky
Lone Mountain Ranch sits at the doorstep of Big Sky Resort—one of North America’s premier ski destinations. With 5,850 acres of skiable terrain, 300 named runs across four interconnected mountains, and North America’s longest continuous vertical drop at 4,350 feet, Big Sky offers exceptional skiing without the crowds that define most major resorts.
BIG SKY, MONTANA
The Mountain Experience
Big Sky’s scale becomes clear when broken down by ability level: 15% beginner terrain (870 acres), 25% intermediate (1,460 acres), and 60% advanced to expert (3,520 acres). To put this in perspective, the resort’s beginner terrain alone exceeds the total acreage of many ski areas.
The mountain divides into distinct zones, each with its own character. Lone Peak rises to 11,166 feet and dominates the skyline—a dormant volcanic summit offering 360-degree skiing across alpine bowls, steep chutes, and wide-open powder fields. The celebrated Lone Peak Tram delivers skiers to the summit in under five minutes, where runs like the Big Couloir attract expert skiers from around the world.
Andesite Mountain provides varied terrain with a northeast aspect, beginning with groomed runs near Mountain Village and progressing to challenging expert slopes at elevation. The relatively light traffic on Andesite’s backside makes it a favorite among locals seeking untracked lines.
Moonlight Basin, acquired in 2013, adds 1,500 acres on Lone Peak’s north side. The terrain here skews gentler—long, rolling intermediate runs that wind through forest and open meadows, with the Headwaters lift accessing expert terrain for those who seek it. The Madison Base Area serves this zone and sees notably lighter crowds than Mountain Village.
LUXURY LIFTS & GONDOLAS
World-Class Lift Infrastructure
Big Sky has invested substantially in creating North America’s most technologically advanced lift network. The Madison 8—the world’s longest eight-passenger chairlift at 8,631 feet—nearly doubles uphill capacity on the north side while cutting ride time by thirty percent. Heated seats and protective weather bubbles transform what was once an exposed, cold ride into a comfortable ascent.
The resort now operates three bubble chairlifts and multiple eight-passenger lifts. The Ramcharger 8, installed in 2018 as North America’s first eight-seat chair, features heated ergonomic seats and high-definition displays. It services Andesite Mountain with a four-minute ride time covering 1,200 vertical feet.
The newly opened Explorer Gondola debuted this season and provides a nine-minute connection from Mountain Village base to the Lone Peak Tram lower terminal, creating seamless pedestrian access from base to summit. The gondola also features a mid-station with new beginner terrain and magic carpet lifts.
The updated Lone Peak Tram, operational since December 2023, accommodates 75 passengers per trip and features a dramatic glass-enclosed lower terminal inspired by natural snowflake geometry. The previous tram’s 15-person capacity created substantial wait times on powder days; the new system has largely eliminated this bottleneck.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
Terrain for All Levels
For Beginners
Big Sky offers three dedicated beginner zones with wide, gentle terrain. The Explorer area near Mountain Village feasstures a mega-long covered magic carpet and progression to easy chairlift-served runs. The Madison Base provides another excellent learning environment with minimal through-traffic from advanced skiers.
The Southern Comfort lift accesses nearly a dozen green runs with names like Sacajawea and Deep South—long, mellow trails that wind through scenic terrain. Many beginner runs extend for miles, offering genuine mountain experiences rather than short practice loops.
Beginners should note that some green runs marked on trail maps primarily provide access to residential areas rather than recreational skiing. Trail maps distinguish these access routes, but it's worth confirming your chosen run with resort staff.
The Southern Comfort lift accesses nearly a dozen green runs with names like Sacajawea and Deep South—long, mellow trails that wind through scenic terrain. Many beginner runs extend for miles, offering genuine mountain experiences rather than short practice loops.
Beginners should note that some green runs marked on trail maps primarily provide access to residential areas rather than recreational skiing. Trail maps distinguish these access routes, but it's worth confirming your chosen run with resort staff.
For Intermediates
Intermediate skiers will find Big Sky's 1,460 acres of blue terrain particularly rewarding. The Ramcharger 8 services a collection of excellent groomed runs like Calamity Jane and Elk Park Ridge, with the lift's speed allowing multiple laps without wasting time in transit.
The South Face offers intermediate bowl skiing and gladed runs. Upper Sunlight provides alpine cruising beneath the A-Z chutes, while runs like Africa introduce intermediates to manageable moguls. The tree runs here—Fremont's Forest, Pomp, White Magic—offer widely spaced glades that allow blue-level skiers to experience tree skiing safely.
Moonlight Basin's intermediate terrain deserves special mention. Long cruisers like Horseshoe wind along the resort's northern boundary with spectacular Spanish Peaks views. The terrain here sees light traffic and provides the feeling of having the mountain to yourself.
The South Face offers intermediate bowl skiing and gladed runs. Upper Sunlight provides alpine cruising beneath the A-Z chutes, while runs like Africa introduce intermediates to manageable moguls. The tree runs here—Fremont's Forest, Pomp, White Magic—offer widely spaced glades that allow blue-level skiers to experience tree skiing safely.
Moonlight Basin's intermediate terrain deserves special mention. Long cruisers like Horseshoe wind along the resort's northern boundary with spectacular Spanish Peaks views. The terrain here sees light traffic and provides the feeling of having the mountain to yourself.
For Advanced & Experts
Advanced skiers gain access to nearly the entire mountain—roughly 3,500 acres of challenging terrain ranging from steep groomers to extreme couloirs. The Powder Seeker lift services expert terrain with heated seats and weather protection, a thoughtful touch given the exposed ridgeline location.
Expert terrain reaches its apex at Lone Peak's summit. The Big Couloir drops precipitously from the peak—a narrow, committing line that's become one of North American skiing's iconic descents. The North Summit Snowfield offers wide-open steep terrain with multiple entry points. Chutes like A-Z, Marx, and Lenin provide varied lines down Lone Peak's south face.
The Headwaters area in Moonlight Basin requires a hike from the chairlift but rewards the effort with sustained steep terrain through widely spaced trees. The Challenger zone offers double and triple black terrain with limited tree skiing—open faces that hold snow well in Montana's dry climate.
Expert terrain reaches its apex at Lone Peak's summit. The Big Couloir drops precipitously from the peak—a narrow, committing line that's become one of North American skiing's iconic descents. The North Summit Snowfield offers wide-open steep terrain with multiple entry points. Chutes like A-Z, Marx, and Lenin provide varied lines down Lone Peak's south face.
The Headwaters area in Moonlight Basin requires a hike from the chairlift but rewards the effort with sustained steep terrain through widely spaced trees. The Challenger zone offers double and triple black terrain with limited tree skiing—open faces that hold snow well in Montana's dry climate.
LUXURY TRANSPORATION
Access & Logistics
The resort operates two base areas. Mountain Village serves as the primary hub with the majority of lifts, dining, and services. The Madison Base at Moonlight Basin provides a quieter alternative with direct access to the north side terrain. Efficient lift connections allow skiing between zones, though most skiers choose one base for the day and explore that area’s terrain.
Lone Mountain Ranch is just ten minutes from Big Sky Resort and fifteen minutes from Moonlight Basin. Through our Base Camp Winter package, guests enjoy complimentary shuttle service to both throughout the ski season—eliminating the need for a personal vehicle and avoiding base-area parking challenges on busy days.
WORLD-CLASS CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Beyond Downhill - Nordic Skiing at the Ranch
While Big Sky Resort anchors the region’s alpine skiing, the ranch itself offers 85 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails that wind through old-growth forest and open meadows. The contrast between the two experiences proves complementary—the intensity and speed of downhill balanced by Nordic skiing’s meditative rhythm and wilderness immersion.
PLAN A TRIP TO BIG SKY
Planning Your Winter Visit
Lift tickets can be purchased in advance or on-mountain. The resort offers multi-day ticket packages with pricing advantages. The Lone Peak Tram requires a separate add-on ticket beyond the base lift pass.
For families or groups with varying abilities, Big Sky’s scale and diverse terrain allow everyone to find appropriate challenges without separating for the entire day. The high-speed lift network makes regrouping for lunch or afternoon runs practical even when skiing different zones in the morning.
Ski and snowboard rentals, lessons, and guide services are available through the resort. Private guides prove particularly valuable for first-time visitors seeking to navigate Big Sky’s extensive terrain efficiently and discover runs that match their ability and interests.
For current lift ticket pricing, trail maps, and snow conditions, visit bigskyresort.com
DISCOVER LONE MOUNTAIN RANCH
The Original Base Camp: Stay Where Big Sky Began
Effortless Skiing. Private Luxury Cabins. Historic Soul.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park?
The “best” time depends on your preferences. Summer (June-August) offers full road access, all services, and warmer weather, but it’s also the busiest. Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer fewer crowds, good wildlife viewing opportunities, and vibrant colors, though some roads and services may be limited. Winter (November-March) provides a unique, snowy experience with access primarily via snowcoach or snowmobile, and limited open entrances.
Where is Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone National Park’s boundary is just a short 18 miles from Lone Mountain Ranch. There are several beautiful trails for horseback riding and hiking around this area including the Bacon Rind Trail, Big Horn Pass & Fawn Pass. The famous “West Gate”, located in West Yellowstone, Montana, about 45 minutes from Lone Mountain Ranch, is the main entrance where most Lone Mountain Ranch based tours begin.
How big is Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone National Park is vast! It encompasses approximately 3,472 square miles (or about 2,221,766 acres). To put that into perspective, it’s larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined.
Can I swim in the hot springs or other thermal features?
No, swimming or soaking in Yellowstone’s hot springs and other thermal features is strictly prohibited due to extreme temperatures, fragile formations, and dangerous toxic gases. There are developed hot springs outside the park, like Yellowstone Hot Springs and Chico Hot Springs, where soaking is allowed.
When does Old Faithful erupt?
Old Faithful erupts approximately every 90-92 minutes, though the exact interval can vary by about 10 minutes depending on the duration of the previous eruption. Check prediction boards at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center for the most accurate current times.
Where are the best places to see wildlife in Yellowstone?
Lamar Valley (in the northern part of the park) and Hayden Valley (in the central part) are renowned for wildlife viewing, particularly for bison, elk, and often wolves and bears. The early morning and late evening hours are generally the best times for sightings when animals are most active.
What are the rules for viewing wildlife safely?
Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife. The park requires visitors to stay at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from all other animals, including bison and elk. Never feed wildlife, and never approach them.
What are some popular geysers and hot springs to see besides Old Faithful?
Don’t miss the Grand Prismatic Spring (Midway Geyser Basin) for its vibrant colors, Mammoth Hot Springs for its travertine terraces, and Norris Geyser Basin for its diverse and active features, including Steamboat Geyser (the world’s tallest active geyser, though eruptions are infrequent).
Are there accessible options for visitors with disabilities?
Yellowstone’s front-country attractions are quite accessible, with many thermal features viewed from well-maintained boardwalks and paved paths. Parking lots often have disabled spots and accessible restrooms. An “Accessibility Guide” is available at entrance gates and visitor centers.
Is there public transportation within Yellowstone National Park?
No, there is no public transportation within Yellowstone National Park. Most visitors explore by private vehicle. Guided bus tours are available.
Can I fish in Yellowstone National Park?
Yes, fishing is permitted in Yellowstone National Park with a valid Yellowstone National Park fishing permit and a state fishing license for the state in which you are fishing (Wyoming, Montana, or Idaho, depending on the body of water). Regulations vary by location, so check current rules.
What should I do if I encounter a bear or other large animal while hiking?
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals. If you encounter a bear, make yourself look as large as possible and back away slowly. Do not run. If a bear charges, use your bear spray. For other large animals like bison or elk, give them a wide berth and never approach.
Is cell service available in Yellowstone National Park?
Cell service in Yellowstone is generally limited and spotty, especially outside of major developed areas like Old Faithful, Canyon Village, and Mammoth Hot Springs. Don’t rely on it for navigation or emergencies. Download maps and information before you arrive.