Northern Rockies

Big Sky Sandwich Run: Snake Pit

We assess a panini special from Big Sky's Uncle Dan’s Cookies while exploring the expert Snake Pit run.

Jackson Hole Headwall: Is It Worth the Hike?

We explore the Headwall at Jackson Hole, a black-diamond area about a 20-to-30-minute hike off the Tensleep trail.

State of 2020-21 Resort Operations

With COVID-19 cases continuing to persist across North America, we’re seeing some resorts tighten capacity restrictions or push back openings, either voluntarily or by state mandate. As you debate whether to book a trip this season, we’ve decided to aggregate all we know in one place.

Big Sky Swift Current 6 Upgrade Under Construction

In recent weeks, Big Sky has made considerable progress on its Swift Current 6 lift upgrade project. This new six-pack bubble chair, which will replace the outgoing Swift Current high-speed quad, has seen both its haul rope and chairs arrive on-site.

Ratings Adjustment: Snow King Snow Score

Due to distinctions in accumulation character and snow preservation, we’ve decided to update Snow King’s score to adequately reflect the resort’s snow quality.

Key Trends in Ski Resort Lift Ticket Pricing

We’ve conducted extensive research on ski resort pricing behavior and found some key trends on the ways prices are set.

Whitefish

This northern Montana resort isn’t the biggest out there, but as far as independent ski resorts go, it’s hard to beat.

Snow King

This small, local Wyoming resort offers cheap lift tickets and demanding slopes—and has seen significant revitalization for the 2021-22 season. But a number of shortcomings still make the mountain less than ideal for beginner and intermediate visitors.

Schweitzer

Despite its remote location and modest size, this Idaho panhandle resort offers a few solid advantages for destination-goers, especially during peak times.

Grand Targhee

This Wyoming resort isn’t the largest or craziest out there, but it offers incredible snow and a distinctive, remote vibe.

Sun Valley

This Idaho mountain offers a world-class terrain experience for families, but snow and conditions are not as consistent as at other Rockies resorts. Despite a recent terrain expansion, the mountain still isn’t ideal for experts.

Big Sky (With Tram Add-On)

This massive resort offers one of the most well-rounded terrain experiences in North America, but a number of logistical problems persist.

Big Sky

This massive resort offers one of the most well-rounded terrain experiences in North America, but a number of logistical problems persist.

Jackson Hole

This Teton resort lives up to its extremely demanding reputation. Beginners need not apply.