Get Lifted

When Big Sky opens for another winter season in November, veterans of the ski area will hardly recognize the place, due in large part to the resort’s major lift expansion that took place this past summer. Two new lifts, one replacing the Lone Peak Triple, and one replacing Challenger, vastly increase uphill capacity, while providing further creature comforts to Big Sky’s patrons. In the bowl, a six-person, high-speed lift, featuring wind covers and padded headrests, will cut down on congestion and speed up travel time to the Tram. Over on Challenger, a newer Doppelmayr three-seat model will replace the aged two-seater, which failed mid-season last winter. “These lift improvements are intended to minimize lines, improve traffic flow through the bowl, and make for an overall better ski experience,” says Mike Unruh, Big Sky’s director of mountain operations.