Big Sky, Montana – It was a quiet offseason at Big Sky Resort for the first time in years, with no significant changes coming next winter. Just kidding! You could argue that the most prominent improvements for next winter out of any ski resort in the United States are happening at Big Sky.
On Monday, Big Sky Resort announced what’s coming for the 2024-25 season. The major improvements are the new Madison 8 chairlift, a brilliantly designed enclosure for Lone Peak Tram’s base terminal, and the opening of the One&Only Moonlight Basin.
The most noteworthy addition is the new Madison 8 chairlift. This offseason, the Six Shooter chairlift is being replaced by a Doppelmayr D-Line detachable high-speed eight-pack bubble chairlift. The new chairlift has double the uphill capacity and is 30% faster than its predecessor. The eight-pack chairlift will fittingly have a ride time of eight minutes. Big Sky anticipates opening the new chairlift in December 2024.
“Big Sky Resort is at the forefront of transforming the North American ski experience by adding the most advanced and comfortable lift system to our mountain. This lift replacement supports our long-standing reputation for having some of the shortest lift lines in the Rockies,” said Troy Nedved, the general manager of Big Sky Resort.
For the Lone Peak Tram, they are adding a sweeping glass dome to its base terminal. The design draws inspiration from snowflakes and other natural elements. The dome will be 400 panels of one-inch-thick glass, protecting the tram in the years to come. Click here for more information about that project.
The final big project is the opening of phase one for One&Only Moonlight Basin. The resort will feature 72 guest rooms and suites, 18 cabins, private residences and lots, dining options, and numerous amenities. For guests, there will be a lodge and a gondola that accesses Big Sky Resort, which is free to access for people skiing there. The ski lodge and gondola will open during the 2024-25 season. The entire One&Only Moonlight Basin resort will open in 2025.
Improvements are also on tap for employees. This summer, Big Sky opened Levinski Lodge buildings B & C, giving them more employee housing options for its workers. These units, which are 50-60% below market rates in the ski town, give employees a cheap and convenient place to live.
This is part of the final chapter of Big Sky 2025, which has brought many significant changes to the Montana ski resort. These improvements include the Lone Peak Tram, new chairlifts and lifts, snowmaking upgrades, hotel renovations, more dining options, and the construction of employee housing buildings.
Big Sky’s projected opening date is November 27, 2024. More changes will be coming to Big Sky in 2025…
Image/Video Credits: Big Sky Resort, Ethan Schumacher
