Northern Rockies

State of 2021-22 Ski Resort Operating Plans, Opening Dates, and Updates

In the wake of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 Omicron variant, several resorts have added new mask mandates. No outdoor capacity restrictions have been reinstated as of yet.

Big Sky Score Change: Extra-Cost Tram Access Outweighs An Effective Swift Current Lift Upgrade

Major lift upgrades are not enough to outweigh the loss of Lone Peak Tram access for those who only purchase regular ticket and pass products.

Big Sky Announces Final Phase of Big Sky 2025 Plan, Including New Tram, Gondola, and On-Mountain Facilities

Big Sky unveiled the final plans for its Big Sky 2025 vision today, including a major revamp of its Mountain Village-to-Lone Peak lift network and improved on-mountain facilities. Plans include a Lone Peak Tram replacement, a new two-stage gondola, and two new mid-mountain lodges.

Big Sky Confirms New Tram Will Continue to Be Priced As Extra-Cost Add-On

Even when the tram is replaced, the Montana resort will continue the new access premium instituted this season.

Jackson Hole Upgrading Thunder To High-Speed Quad for Upcoming Season

This modern lift will replace the existing fixed-grip quad, providing a faster ride time and capacity upgrade for this popular mid-mountain area.

Score Change: Snow King Sees The Most Radical Transformation of a Ski Resort in Years

Improvements in lifts, terrain access, and signage earn this Wyoming hill the largest single score increase we’ve ever given to any mountain.

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.