As the snow continues to fall across the United States during March, powderhounds are not putting the skis away just yet with some phenomenal Spring skiing and boarding on offer across the country, including at one of the nation’s top resorts, Big Sky in Montana.

Over the past few weeks, more than three feet of snow has fallen at Big Sky, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, and more is on the way with several more inches due this weekend (Mar 22).

When you talk to the locals, they’ll tell you Spring is one of the best times to head to Montana, where you’ll avoid the crowds and lap up more powder days to come before the season is done.

“Don’t put your skis away in April,” says Big Sky Resort Public Relations Manager, Stacie Mesuda, adding the resort is open until Sunday April 28.

“Make the most of your season and experience Big Sky’s secret best season – wide-open terrain, sneaky April pow days, and warmer afternoons for outdoor après on our amazing decks.

“Smaller crowds and savings on lift tickets and lodging make the stunning views of Lone Peak and the surrounding mountains even better,” she says.

It has been a huge season for the popular Montana alpine playground which offers 5,850 skiable acres across 320 runs.

Exactly 50 years and four days from Big Sky Resort’s inaugural opening day in 1973, the new Lone Peak Tram began carrying guests to the resort’s 11,166-foot summit in mid-December 2023.

The new tram is a complete replacement of the original jig-back gondola built in 1995 and this state-of-the-art aerial tram technology is newly routed to carry more passengers spaciously up 2,142 vertical feet in just under five minutes.

According to Big Sky Resort President and CEO, Taylor Middleton, the Lone Peak Tram is an engineering marvel positioned to serve as a gateway to experience one of North America’s most spectacular summits on Lone Mountain.

“The original tram opened the high alpine terrain of Lone Mountain to skiers and riders, and the new tram is symbolic of the experiential transformation we are endeavouring to accomplish through our Big Sky 2025 vision,” Middleton said.

“This world-class summit experience is now serviced by a modern tram that will open up possibilities never contemplated until now, in both winter and summer.”

After two years of construction and many more years of planning, the new Lone Peak Tram marks a significant milestone in the resort’s 50th year.

Middleton said it allows for completely new ways to enjoy skiing the mountain’s high alpine eastern and southern exposures and will open up countless other experiences yet to be unveiled.

“The tram complex will evolve in the years ahead, with the addition of a breathtaking observation experience planned at the upper terminal in both the winter and summer season,” Middleton said.

“Plans for the tram also include an architecturally stunning lower terminal enclosure and a mountaintop food and beverage facility housed in the old top terminal of the original tram.”

The new Lone Peak Tram is part of a base-to-summit lift network that will more fully come to life by the end of the decade, starting with the addition of the Explorer Gondola, scheduled to open for winter 25/26.

Big Sky is also adding its second eight-seater and third state-of-the-art D-line chairlift replacing the existing Six Shooter lift.

The new eight-place lift will effectively double the uphill capacity while reducing ride time by 30%, offering guests swift and comfortable access to Big Sky Resort’s north side terrain from the Madison Base Area.

This lift will also set a new record globally as the longest eight-place installation in the world.

Middleton said this new lift network will create improved access to the resort’s premier learning terrain, accessible to pedestrians for the first time ever, and complemented with new food and beverage experiences.

ESSENTIALS: WHERE TO STAY IN BIG SKY, MONTANA

Our picks of the best hotels to book in Big Sky.

Big Sky Resort has some fantastic hotels on offer at both the base of the mountain that feature ski-in, ski-out and in the town of Big Sky, a few miles away, which is one America’s most happening new ski villages.

Mountainside, the Summit Hotel in the heart of the Big Sky Resort village offers an ultimate ski-in, ski-out experience complete stylish and spacious rooms, fantastic dining, an indoor-outdoor pool, spa and ski concierge. Here, head to Carabiner off the lobby for apres drinks and American eats, Peaks for steaks and fine American wine and enjoy suites with full kitchens and cozy living areas.

In the town of Big Sky a short drive away, book a room at The Wilson Hotel, one of Montana’s newest, stylish and most affordable properties that has spacious rooms and suites with kitchenettes, a heated outdoor pool and fantastic dining experiences. Book a table at Block 3 Kitchen and Bar (pictured), which offers seafood, burgers, steaks and delicious charcuterie and cheese blocks alongside the best whiskey and cocktail lists in Big Sky.

ESSENTIALS: GETTING TO BOZEMAN, MONTANA

The best way of getting to Bozeman in comfort and style.

United’s brilliant Polaris Business Class cabin

WAYFARER recommends flying to Bozeman, Montana on United Airlines, which offers daily flights to the city from across America (including Denver, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco) and around the world.

Book a ticket on the long-haul sector in United’s Polaris Business Class cabin, which features flatbed seats, pyjamas (on flights over 12 hours), all-new Saks Fifth Avenue bedding and onboard amenities from Therabody – including a kit that features an eye serum, face spray, hand cream and cleansing towelette exclusive to United customers – alongside fantastic inflight food and drinks (including an a new, brilliant wine menu), premium noise-reducing headphones and fantastic inflight hospitality.

It’s an exciting time for United, with the carrier dramatically increasing Australian services and debuting new United Clubs across the network.