BIG SKY, MONT., Nov. 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Having recently received 30 inches of snow, Big Sky, Montana continues to live up to its reputation as being home to the Biggest Skiing in America. Big Sky offers "big" incentives for both skiers and non-skiers, which include: its proximity to one of the oldest national parks in America, Yellowstone National Park; one of the biggest vertical drops in the U.S. from the top of Big Sky Resort's aerial Lone Peak Tram; the biggest variety of outdoor activities; and the biggest savings on ski packages throughout the season.
"Big Sky receives an average of 400 inches of snow annually, which means some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions anywhere in the U.S.," said Exec. Director of Visit Big Sky, Kitty Clemens. "But what makes Big Sky stand out in the minds of skiers and non-skiers alike, is the pristine beauty, abundant wildlife, and dozens of activities available. What you won't get at Big Sky Resort are long lift lines and crowded slopes."
Big Sky Resort officially opens on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26 while the Madison Base area opens on Dec. 11. With 5,800 acres of skiable terrain for beginner to expert ski levels, each skier has about two acres of terrain to themselves on average. Dec. 23 marks the Lone Peak Tram's 20th year since it began service. The tram offers the "biggest" and best scenery in the country with a 360 degree view of three states, two national parks and several mountain ranges. Skiers can begin atop Lone Peak at its 11,166 foot summit and ski down with a vertical drop of 4,350 feet – one of the biggest drops in the U.S.
Cross country skiers are in for the biggest and best Nordic skiing experience of their lives at Lone Mountain Ranch – voted the #1 Nordic Ski Resort in North America by Cross Country Skier Magazine because of their knowledgeable guides, 85 km of phenomenal terrain and dependable snow pack. Yellowstone Tour Guides also offers guided Nordic skiing tours. Visit bigskywinter.com/activities/cross-country-ski-resort/ for details.
Big Sky's proximity to America's oldest national park – Yellowstone National Park – allows visitors to use Big Sky as a home-base for activities when visiting the Park, especially since it's only 47 miles away. Though the Park is closed to vehicle traffic in the winter months, there are several outfitters in and around Big Sky that provide everything from snowcoach tours, guided snowmobile excursions and backcountry adventures in Yellowstone to Winter Wildlife Adventures where travelers can expect to see an abundance of wildlife including moose, elk, bison and even bald eagles. Visit bigskywinter.com/activities/yellowstone-park/ for a list of tour companies.
When it comes to big savings, visitors can always expect to find several ski and lodging specials in Big Sky. Several lodging facilities are offering discounts and specials including a free night and day of skiing with purchase of one or more nights of lodging and one or more days of skiing. Ski and stay participants include: Big Sky Resort, Lone Mountain Ranch, Big Sky Luxury Rentals, River Rock Lodge, Big Sky Vacation Rentals, Rainbow Ranch Lodge, Lone Mountain Ranch, and Buck's T-4. Certain blackout dates apply on packages. For more information, please visit bigskywinter.com/lodging/
For complete information on all Biggest Skiing in America related activities, lodging, and more, visit biggestskiinginamerica.com or call 800-943-4111.
About Biggest Skiing in America
Big Sky, Montana is home to the Biggest Skiing in America. The Biggest Skiing in America is comprised of 5,800 skiable acres; 4,350 feet in vertical drop; more time to ski and less time in lift lines; total annual snowfall of about 400 inches; the best mix of beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert terrain; and the one and only Lone Peak Tram. The Biggest Skiing in America is just an hour south of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and only 47 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.