Big Sky Resort Celebrates 50 Years of Skiing in Montana

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Big Sky Resort, located in the beautiful Gallatin Gateway area of Montana, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1976 by Everett Kircher of Boyne Resorts, the resort has evolved over the decades to offer a unique blend of modern and traditional skiing experiences, from a new tram and high-speed chairlifts to a quaint mercantile store and modest lodge.

Why it matters

Big Sky Resort's longevity in the remote Montana landscape is a testament to the resort's ability to adapt to changing times while preserving its old-school charm. As ski resorts across the West become increasingly crowded and commercialized, Big Sky stands out as a destination that has maintained an authentic, uncrowded skiing experience.

The details

Big Sky Resort features a mix of new and old amenities. New additions include a tram that takes skiers and sightseers to a mountain lodge hanging off Lone Peak's summit cliff, as well as an 8-person chairlift with heated seats, auto open-and-close safety bars, and Plexiglas bubbles. The resort also has an old-school mercantile store with quaint ski clothes and a modest, sparsely populated lodge at the Madison Base that hosts family picnics and short lift lines for reasonably priced food.

• Big Sky Resort was founded in 1976 when it was acquired by Everett Kircher of Boyne Resorts.
• Over the next 50 years, Boyne Resorts shepherded the resort to its present modern-and-old-style blend.
• The resort is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.

What’s next

Big Sky Resort is expected to continue its blend of modern and traditional skiing experiences as it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.