Thursday, November 1, 2007

Behold the biggest skiing in America !





Where is the Biggest Skiing In America?

Granted Vail is huge, what with the Back Bowls and all. But the biggest skiing is not in Colorado. And the Wasatch Range, home to Snowbird and Alta, is certainly impressive as you land at Salt Lake City. But the answer is not Utah either. Nor is it California. Squaw Valley at Tahoe is big enough for the Olympics, but it’s not the biggest. Not even close.

The answer …

The Biggest Skiing in America (that is, the United States) is found in Montana … at Big Sky / Moonlight Basin.

Check out these stats …

Ø 5,512 Skiable Acres

Ø 4,350 Feet of Vertical Drop




That’s huge.

But you know, these two figures, impressive as they are, only begin to tell the Big Sky / Moonlight Basin story. You have to ski this place, on the preferred Lone Peak interchangeable ticket, to really appreciate just how vast it really is. And how beautiful.

Just how you ski it, depends on the terrain you like. And there is plenty for all levels. Lets take a look …

Are you new to skiing?

Maybe you just prefer to cruise at a steady pace on green and easy blue runs, making turns and taking in the scenery. My suggestion would be to start your day with a ride up the Gondola (not to be confused with the Tram) and head on down gentle Mr. K or Lower Morning Star for a nice warm up.

Next, hop on the Ramcharger High Speed Quad and drop into the gentle trails off Andesite Mountain, all serviced by the Southern Comfort High Speed lift. The longest green trail here is Deep South, but Little Eve, with a bit more pitch is really nice too. When it’s time for lunch, cruise back to the base of Big Sky on Pacifier, and plan out your afternoon at Moonlight Basin, where you will find another dozen long, well groomed trails. More about those great trails at a later date. You can access to Moonlight Basin via the Iron Horse Quad. Move to your left off the Gondola to Britt Road and Blue Moon, you can’t miss it.

Want more gusto? Hang on!

If you are an advanced or expert skier (whatever that is), then you are certainly in the right resort. The base of the Lone Peak Tram is the last outpost of civilization before you ride to 11,166 feet and find yourself on the perch of some of the steepest open terrain anywhere. You might want to start with the South Face or The Gullies. Truth be known, it’s all demanding – and rewarding for those with the skills.

Looking for more? Really? Then head over to Moonlight, grab a seat on the Headwaters chair and prepare for a short hike to any one of a dozen super steep drops, each with occasional rock outcroppings for good measure. This is truly amazing terrain just to look at, much less to ski or board. And it’s a super treat for intermediate skiers and riders too, because we get to watch from directly below, as some of the best snow athletes in the world test their metal against this imposing terrain.

So much great skiing and boarding, makes for lots of animated conversation at dinner. Speaking of which, stay tuned for the low down on the best dining and nightlife in Big Sky / Moonlight Basin … as well as the best deals on lodging and even full packages.

Can’t wait? Just give the Ski Organizers a call at 800 283 2754. We know Big Sky well. Truth is, we love this place – and you will too!