TL;DR
Big Sky Resort in Montana has released updated ski trail maps, including a new Lone Peak Tram base terminal location for easier access. They've also introduced a double blue rating for advanced intermediate terrain, improving skier confidence in terrain choices, reclassifying some trails, and making approximately 15% of the terrain double blue for the 2023-24 season.
As ski season approaches, it's the time for new trail maps to emerge. Recently, Big Sky in Montana, one of North America's largest ski resorts, released their updated maps, still featuring the classic artistic style of James Niehues but with a few tweaks.This new trail map is significant for a couple of key reasons. Firstly, it provides clarity on the new Lone Peak Tram. While the base terminal's relocation had been confirmed by Big Sky, this map illustrates how to access it from different parts of the mountain. Previously, the old terminal was situated amid the Upper Middle Star trail, but the new tram's base terminal is now conveniently located near Jay Walk and the top of the Crazy Horse pistes. Accessing the tram is now much simpler – you just need to ride the Swift Current 6 and ski to the new base terminal, eliminating the need for a detour through Swift Current 6 and Powder Seeker 6.
The new Big Sky bowl trail map which includes the new location of the new Lone Peak Tram. Credit: Big Sky Resort Furthermore, after introducing triple black diamond runs to their most extreme and challenging trails in 2019, the resort is now incorporating advanced intermediate terrain, often referred to as double blues. Big Sky believes that this "increased specificity gives skiers more confidence when making terrain decisions and navigating the mountain." This adjustment has led to the reclassification of previously easy trails like Safari and El Dorado, now designated as intermediate runs. Additionally, trails like Elk Park Ridge, Ambush, Congo, and White Witch have been upgraded to double blues. As of the 2023-24 season, approximately 15% of the terrain is designated as advanced intermediate. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Big Sky Resort (@bigskyresort)
