Ski Report for Big Sky Resort, Montana
Daily Ski Conditions for Big Sky Resort, Montana
Well, well, well—looks like Big Sky is waking up from its November slumber, and the mountain is ready to play! As of this week, the resort officially opened on November 26th, and fresh snow has been keeping everyone's spirits high. Let's dive into what's actually happening up there right now.
**The Snow Situation**
Here's the good news: Big Sky just got blessed with some new powder. As of early December, the mountain is sitting at 50 centimeters (about 20 inches) of snow at the summit, while the base is holding onto 5 centimeters. The last significant snowfall hit on November 30th, and the snow quality is described as gripping—meaning it's packed nicely and ready to carve. Tuesday's fresh dump added another 4 centimeters at both the mountain and base elevations, so the skiing gods have been listening to those snow dances.
**What's Open Right Now**
Currently, Big Sky has 7 out of 250 kilometers of slopes open, which works out to about 3 percent of the terrain. Before you panic, remember this is early season! With 8 out of 40 lifts running, the resort is wisely opening terrain strategically as conditions improve. The valley run is open, which gives riders a chance to get those legs warmed up. This limited opening is completely normal for early December, and as we head toward the holidays, more terrain will open up.
**The Weather Outlook**
Today's looking mild with highs around 37°F and lows near 11°F, which is pretty typical for early December. Looking ahead over the next five days, conditions remain relatively cool. Friday brings a chance of about 5 centimeters of new snow at the mountain, which would be a welcome addition. Temperatures will generally hover between the low 30s and teens, perfect for maintaining a solid snowpack. The forecast suggests mostly variable conditions with occasional clouds, though nothing dramatic is expected to blow through immediately.
**Something Exciting to Know**
Mark your calendars for December 20th! That's when Big Sky's brand new Explorer Gondola opens, replacing the resort's last original chair from 1973. This high-speed, 10-person gondola will provide seamless base-to-peak access and dramatically improve the beginner experience. Plus, they're opening Kircliff, a stunning glass alpine observatory at Lone Peak's summit where you'll be able to see three states, two national parks, and countless mountain ranges. It's going to be absolutely incredible.
**The Big Picture**
Here's where things get really exciting: Big Sky's long-range AI forecast is calling for a seriously impressive season ahead. The model predicts between 300 to 325 inches of snow at mid-mountain—that's 113 to 123 percent of the annual average. January and February are expected to be particularly snowy, with between 135 and 155 inches forecasted during peak season. The El Niño and Pacific Decadal Oscillation patterns are aligning favorably this year, similar to legendary snow years in 2017-18, 2010-11, and 2007-08. Temperatures are also expected to run two to four degrees below average, which means that powder will stick around beautifully.
**The Verdict**
While early December at Big Sky is always a bit of a waiting game with limited terrain, the conditions are solid and the outlook is genuinely fantastic. The recent storm activity has everyone buzzing, and with the Explorer Gondola launch coming right at the holidays, this is shaping up to be an exceptional season. Pack your layers, bring your patience for the early crowds, and get ready for what could be an absolutely memorable winter on Lone Mountain.
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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI