Big Sky Resort has something new brewing this winter…literally. In an effort to commemorate the installation of Swift Current 6 chairlift, Big Sky has partnered with local brewer, Map Brewing Company to brew the new Swifty Session Pale Ale.
Swift Current 6, affectionately known by Big Sky skiers and riders as “Swifty,” will debut on the Resort’s opening day of the 2021-2022 season. There is no better way to toast the new chairlift than with a beer that bears it’s name. It is the very definition of a lift beer.
North America’s Fastest Lift Deserves a Toast
When Swift Current 6 takes its maiden voyage up on November 25th, it will be the fastest six-person chairlift in North America. Complete with a weatherproof bubble and heated seats “Swifty” is what a modern chairlift should be, comfortable and quick. A lift this good deserves to be commended and that’s exactly what Big Ski Resort and Map Brewing intends to do.
MAP Brewing has been a Bozeman, Montana-based brewing institution for six years. Their beers are highly regarded, not only locally, but in the larger craft beer world too. Now Map Brewing is helping celebrate this new, incredible lift.
“We constantly encourage our crew to get outside and enjoy everything Montana has to offer, so we’re excited to be collaborating with Big Sky Resort on this beer,” said Patrick “PK” Kainz, owner of MAP Brewing. “Light-bodied with light citrus and pine notes, it’s the perfect beer to enjoy after a beautiful day on the mountain.”
A Beer Made for Après Ski
Swifty Session Pale Ale is crafted to be the perfect après ski beer. Brewed with specialty hops this Pale Ale offers a light, sessionable, citrus flavor profile. That’s exactly what you want after a day of exploring Big Sky’s 5, 850 acres. Refreshing, light and sessionable…just like an après ski beer should be.
“Swifty Session Pale Ale will be available in all Big Sky Resort dining facilities in Mountain Village and the Madison Base Area, as supplies of this limited brew last,” said Adam Stevens, vice president of food and beverage, Big Sky Resort. “We’re looking forward to sharing our passion for innovation, great beer, and a love for the mountain experience with our guests this season.”
It’s More Than Beer and Skiing
Their passion, however, extends beyond great beer and great skiing. In order to maintain that excellent mountain experience, the people at Big Sky know we must have a more sustainable planet. Therefore, the new Swift Current 6 chairlift includes sustainability-themed chairbacks designed to educate skiers and riders about the Forever Project, the resort’s sustainability initiative and roadmap to net-zero emissions.
Swifty Session Pale Ale will also benefit a local sustainability initiative right here in Big Sky. A portion of draft beer sales will benefit Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization (Big Sky SNO), a local and engaged non-profit organization to further environmental conservation and advocacy in the community of Big Sky.
“What a fun and celebratory collaboration with Big Sky Resort and MAP Brewing to increase environmental awareness and engagement in the community, and encourage collective efforts towards reducing Big Sky’s carbon footprint,” said Lizzie Peyton, Big Sky SNO’s community engagement director.
Skiing and après ski is about to get even better at Big Sky. North America’s fastest lift is all set to open on when the resort opens this week and thanks to the collaboration with Map Brewing there will be plenty of beer to celebrate. Not only that, you’ll be drinking for a good cause. So be sure to pay them a visit this winter and partake in the ultimate lift beer.
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après and the co-host of the Beyond the Après podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres