There are some seriously steep ski runs around North America, with the title of “steepest” being thrown around here and there. You have to consider whether natural runs or only tree-cut runs count when considering the steepest, and whether or not runs with mandatory airs count. No matter the case, Big Couloir at Big Sky is easily one of the steepest.
Big Couloir starts at the top of Lone Peak, Big Sky’s highest point. It drops over 1,400 vertical feet and reaches 50° at its steepest point. Skier Chris Walch got some pointers from Brenna Kelleher to prepare for this intimidating run.
Big Couloir is one of Big Sky’s Triple Black Diamonds, a rating that only exists at a handful of resorts around the United States. It’s a rating created to increase guest education and awareness of the risks of skiing high alpine, high-consequence terrain, and is comparable to “Expert Terrain” ratings at other resorts. It’s also one of Big Sky’s Managed Access routes, meaning any guests skiing it must sign out with Ski Patrol, carry a beacon, and ski with a partner.
