Ski Report for Big Sky Resort, Montana
Daily Ski Conditions for Big Sky Resort, Montana
Big Sky Resort is looking solid for the holiday stretch, with some decent snow on the ground and more on the way just in time for the weekend. Currently, the mountain is sitting at 76 centimeters (about 30 inches) of snow at the summit elevation of 3,403 meters, while the base at 2,073 meters has 20 centimeters of snow coverage. That's respectable for late December, especially with fresh powder quality described as "gripping" after the most recent snowfall hit on December 22.
The resort just recorded about 5 centimeters of new snow at the summit over the past couple of days, with 4 centimeters at the base, so the conditions are actively improving. Looking ahead at the next five days, you're in for a mixed bag typical of Montana's dynamic mountain weather. Tomorrow and the next couple of days look relatively quiet with no significant new snow expected, but here's the good news for powder hounds: Thursday, Christmas Day, should bring around 5 centimeters at the summit and 2 centimeters at the base. Then Friday is forecasted to deliver another 3 centimeters at the summit and 3 centimeters at the base, so the weekend is shaping up nicely for fresh turns.
Temperature-wise, you're looking at highs around 39°F in the valley with lows around 33°F today, but it's noticeably colder up high where it matters. At the summit, temperatures are hovering around -7°C with overnight lows around -14°C, which is ideal for maintaining that snow quality and keeping the base solid. Over the next few days, expect it to stay cold with occasional slightly milder temps in between snow events.
Currently, 72 of Big Sky's 250 kilometers of slopes are open (about 29 percent), with 20 of 40 lifts running at 50 percent capacity. The season runs through April 26, 2026, so there's plenty of time ahead. For the 2025-26 season overall, forecasters are optimistic about Big Sky's prospects. An AI-powered long-range model developed by the resort's leadership is predicting between 113 and 123 percent of average snowfall, which translates to around 300 to 325 inches at mid-mountain. That would be a significant year, especially with January and February potentially seeing exceptional snowfall conditions between 135 and 155 inches under favorable atmospheric patterns combining El Niño and Pacific Decadal Oscillation effects.
Big Sky typically receives an average of 250 to 400 inches annually, so this season is tracking toward the upper end of that range. Historically, the mountain gets about 66 snowfall days per year, and with regional forecasters calling for "an abundance of snow" across the northwest and particularly strong conditions mid-winter, locals are feeling pretty optimistic. Just keep in mind that December weather in the Rockies is notoriously fickle, so always check current conditions before heading out. The piste conditions right now range from fresh powder to firm surfaces depending on exposure and usage, while off-piste conditions are more variable as wind and sun exposure play major roles. Bundle up, watch the forecast, and enjoy what's shaping up to be a promising season at Lone Mountain.
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