* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 75 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central and southwest Montana. * WHEN...Until midnight MST tonight. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are expected. Travel will be very difficult to impossible, especially for high profile vehicles.
A fresh dusting of 1.5 inches is expected today at Big Sky Resort, offering a subtle refresh to the slopes as skiers and riders get their turns in under relatively mild December temps—overnight lows hovered at 30°F. Big Sky Resort in Montana is one of the largest ski resorts in the country, boasting over 5,800 skiable acres.
Wind
Humidity
With a current snowpack depth of 18 inches, conditions are thinner than average for this time of year, sitting roughly 27% below historic norms. However, the forecast looks promising: over 5 inches are expected in the next 72 hours, and another 5 inches are on tap through the 5-day outlook. The base is holding steady thanks to a Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) of 5.4", indicating a denser, more supportive snowpack for carving turns. Early risers will enjoy firmer groomed terrain in the morning, softening as the day warms.
Beyond the slopes, Big Sky is buzzing with energy. The Swift Current Six chairlift is temporarily closed for avalanche mitigation cleanup, but skiers can still access expansive terrain via alternative lifts. The resort is celebrating its 50th anniversary with retro charm, new luxury upgrades, and mountain-top views from the soon-to-open Kircliff Glass Summit. Voted best ski resort for 2024-25, Big Sky is blending innovation with tradition—making it a must-ride destination this winter season.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Lone Mountain.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Big Sky Resort.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Big Sky Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Big Sky Resort in Montana is situated in the Madison Range, which is part of the Rocky Mountains. The resort is known for its expansive ski terrain, with over 5,800 skiable acres and 300 runs, including the famous Lone Peak.
Lone Peak is the highest peak at Big Sky Resort, standing at 11,166 feet. It offers some of the most challenging and iconic terrain at the resort, including steep chutes, cliffs, and open bowls. The Lone Peak Tram takes skiers and riders to the summit for breathtaking views and access to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the area.
Other notable peaks at Big Sky Resort include Andesite Mountain, which offers a variety of intermediate and advanced runs, and Challenger Peak, known for its expert terrain and backcountry access.
Overall, Big Sky Resort is known for its diverse and challenging mountain ranges, offering something for every level of skier or snowboarder.
The resort offers a variety of terrain for skiers of all levels, including some of the best intermediate and advanced runs in the region. For beginners, the resort's Moonlight Basin area offers gentle slopes and a welcoming atmosphere. As for an interesting fact, Big Sky Resort was founded by NBC News anchor Chet Huntley in 1973. For apres ski, the resort's Scissorbills Saloon is a popular spot for drinks and live music. Overall, Big Sky Resort is a must-visit destination for any skiing enthusiast looking for a challenge or a fun day on the slopes.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 21 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 23000 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2073 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 3812 Acres |
Established | 1973 |
Run Count | 150 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow, mainly before 11am. the snow could be heavy at times. widespread blowing snow, mainly between 10am and 11am. temperature falling to around 18 by 5pm. breezy, with a south southwest wind 20 to 23 mph becoming west in the morning. winds could gust as high as 55 mph. chance of precipitation is 90%. new snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Big Sky Resort is expected to receive up to 5.67" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Moonlight Basin
Spanish Peaks Resort
Yellowstone Club
Montana ski resorts are seeing significant snowfall, especially in the northwestern and southwestern regions. Badger Pass near Lost Trail Powder Mountain leads the state today with a remarkable 21" of new snow in the past 24 hours and 17–18" more forecasted over the next five days. Flattop Mountain and Pike Creek areas near Glacier National Park, and nearby Whitefish Mountain ... Read more