Ski Report for Big Sky Resort, Montana

Daily Ski Conditions for Big Sky Resort, Montana

Big Sky Resort is firing up to kick off what's shaping up to be a fantastic 2025-26 season. As of early December, the resort is still in its early-season ramp-up phase, but there's plenty of reason to get excited about what's coming.

Right now, the mountain is sitting at 50 centimeters (about 20 inches) of snow at the summit, with a more modest 5 centimeters at the base—typical early-season conditions when Mother Nature is still getting warmed up. The snow quality up high is described as gripping, which means the base is consolidating nicely and setting up well for the incoming fresh powder. The last meaningful snowfall hit on November 30th, so things are still relatively fresh at altitude.

Currently, 7 of the resort's 250 kilometers of terrain are open, with 8 of 40 lifts spinning. It's not a lot, but that's par for the course in early December. The valley run is open for those wanting to build confidence or warm up before heading higher.

Here's where things get really interesting for the next five days. A significant weather system is moving in that should paint the mountain white. Thursday and Friday are looking particularly juicy, with forecasts calling for up to 8 centimeters of fresh snow Thursday and a more substantial 12 centimeters Friday. Those early risers will want to set their alarms. Saturday could add even more accumulation, though Sunday looks like it'll be a bit quieter. Temperatures will be dropping into the minus-teens Celsius range at elevation, which means the snow that falls will stay around and bond beautifully with what's already there.

Looking at the bigger picture, Big Sky is forecasting an exceptional 2025-26 season overall. Using an AI-powered long-range model, resort leadership is predicting 113 to 123 percent of normal annual snowfall—that's roughly 300 to 325 inches at mid-mountain. January and February are expected to be particularly generous, potentially delivering 135 to 155 inches during those two months alone when favorable ocean conditions align. The 30-year historical average here is 265 inches annually, so this forecast is truly optimistic.

For visitors planning their December trips, temperatures in town are expected to fluctuate between the low 30s and mid-40s Fahrenheit, with occasional dips below freezing at night. Higher elevations will be significantly colder, which is exactly what you want for preserving snow quality. The freeze-thaw line will settle somewhere mid-mountain, meaning lower elevations might experience some softening during the warmest parts of afternoon, while upper terrain stays locked in and playful.

One thing to keep in mind is that while early December typically sees limited terrain and lift access, that's about to change dramatically once these incoming storms deposit their goods. Early-season skiing in North America has a special character—fewer crowds, clean snow, and that sense of adventure as the resort gradually opens more terrain. Plus, with the forecast calling for significantly above-average snowfall this winter and temperatures running cold, the base is building rapidly and trail expansions should follow in the coming weeks.

If you're flexible with timing, waiting a few days to let Friday's snow settle might be your ticket to some seriously fun conditions. But if you're heading up this week, expect that classic early-season vibe: limited terrain, excellent snow quality where it's open, and the energy that comes with a season just getting started. Either way, all signs point to Big Sky delivering an exceptional winter.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI