Northern Rockies/Alberta 2023-2024 Big Sky Resort/Conditions/Meetups

[skidrew]

The new tram is a big deal for avid skiers because it’s The Tram, The Steeps, The Marketing plan.
The gondola is a big deal because it dramatically impacts the other 90% of Big Sky skiers by improving traffic flow across the base area, reducing wait times in lift lines, improving the ski school, improving the beginner skier experience, improve on mountain dining, provide the mountain experience (access) for non skiers and connect the base to the peak every day the resort is open.
AND will probably lead to additional base area lodging and additional retail.

Supposedly there are plans for another hotel and retail/dining complex where the parking lot is next to Huntley/Explorer lift.

At one point I had heard they were considering having the gondola base be integrated into the new hotel (which I imagine would require destruction of one wing of the Huntley). But from the images it appears that's not happening - they'll just build the base where Explorer is now, with some ramps for walking access.

Agree that this project is probably more significant for the vast majority of skiers than the new gondola, which is more sizzle.

 

[milkman]

I’d heard that same “conventional wisdom plan” for a long time. It was probably accurate when the 2025 vision was published. Maybe high end projects in Moonlight and Spanish Peaks have altered that course a little but I’d bet base area lodging and retail expansion will happen sooner than later.

 

[skidrew]

I’d heard that same “conventional wisdom plan” for a long time. It was probably accurate when the 2025 vision was published. Maybe high end projects in Moonlight and Spanish Peaks have altered that course a little but I’d bet base area lodging and retail expansion will happen sooner than later.

Fair . . . though I'd guess there's ample room/demand for hotel-style lodging at a quality level of the Summit but not One and Only/Montage level. That said, with interest rates where they are, the model of selling hotel room "condos" may not be strong for the time being.

 

[Talisman]

In non real estate news Big Sky was making some snow today to augment the skiff of natural snow.

 

[tele]

I’d heard that same “conventional wisdom plan” for a long time. It was probably accurate when the 2025 vision was published. Maybe high end projects in Moonlight and Spanish Peaks have altered that course a little but I’d bet base area lodging and retail expansion will happen sooner than later.

BSR doesn’t own any of the land at MB or SP. Therefore, it would seem their focus will continue to be on the areas they do own, which is the base.

I’m expecting to hear a final build out vision on the MB side later this year. From what I hear so far, no more hotels, some condos though. Rumor is Moonlight Basin Club has multiple new groomers on order for a new ski area west of horse shoe. However it may be a private ski area, which I hear BSR isn’t too happy about.

 

[Talisman]

Lone Peak with a helicopter over the summit on a very clear day.

 

[Bill Miles]

Lone Peak with a helicopter over the summit on a very clear day.
View attachment 214493

Good pic of some of the gnarly terrain.

 

[skidrew]

Starting to fill in nicely already!

Are they removing the crane on the summit used for new tram construction?

 

[BS Slarver]

T-mans photo above of the helicopter hovering over the peak was the Chinook getting the cranes down.
while idle it sat in the parking lot next to the crane parts and their own tanker truck for refueling- no photo but impressive !

 

[skidrew]

Big Sky introduced a new promotion called "Ski the Sky Loop" https://bigskyresort.com/ski-the-sky-loop for which you get a pin after completing a circuit covering much of the resort on green and blue trails.

I note that it appears to require at least a scenic ride up the tram . . . I wonder if they'll actually make people do that to get the pin.

 

[tele]

Rumor: Six Shooter information update coming by end of year.

 

[tele]

Need more snow….

 

[milkman]

Rumor: Six Shooter information update coming by end of year.

^ Shooter Info about what?

 

[skidrew]

^ Shooter Info about what?

Assuming any worthwhile information update would relate to replacement or supplementation of lifts in the base area.

 

[milkman]

I’ve heard talk of a redesign to six shooter to include bubble covers but fewer chairs to keep the weight within spec. Maybe speed it up a little to make up for lost capacity?

 

[BS Slarver]

It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll ! The view from the base of the new tram


This thing is going to be SICK !
Parked and ready to go, just add snow



There are 5 RFD gates, not necessarily in this order with quantities TBD
1 General public
2 Patrol
3 Sight seeing
4 Guides
5 Ski School

 

[skidrew]

I’ve heard talk of a redesign to six shooter to include bubble covers but fewer chairs to keep the weight within spec. Maybe speed it up a little to make up for lost capacity?

Can the strip off the safety bars and the cushions and add some capacity?

 

[teejaywhy]

Subscribing to this thread. Our first visit to Big Sky will be in early March. Hoping to gather insights on where to park, where to ski, what to eat, etc. Have the Mountain Collective pass and have made reservations.

We are a couple of seniors, Adv-intermediate skiers, not sure if taking the tram, skiing Liberty Bowl will be a good idea. Weather and snow conditions dependent, I suppose.

Thanks!

 

[tele]

Subscribing to this thread. Our first visit to Big Sky will be in early March. Hoping to gather insights on where to park, where to ski, what to eat, etc. Have the Mountain Collective pass and have made reservations.

We are a couple of seniors, Adv-intermediate skiers, not sure if taking the tram, skiing Liberty Bowl will be a good idea. Weather and snow conditions dependent, I suppose.

Thanks!

While the rest of what you are looking for seems somewhat important, better hope for a lot more snow or we’re going to be in a world of pain.

 

[BC.]

While the rest of what you are looking for seems somewhat important, better hope for a lot more snow or we’re going to be in a world of pain.

Their trip is in March…..it’s November. Don’t kill their trip already…lol.