{"id":106196,"date":"2026-06-03T10:41:45","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T08:41:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/?p=106196"},"modified":"2026-06-03T11:59:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T09:59:44","slug":"european-innovations-on-american-mountains-the-big-sky-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/si-alpin\/topics\/management-tourism\/european-innovations-on-american-mountains-the-big-sky-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"European innovations on American mountains: The Big Sky experience"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 gradient-container-1 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-1\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-1 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-2\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><h4><strong>SI:<\/strong> How was the season this year in Montana? Did you have a good winter?<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Troy Nedved:<\/strong> Throughout North America \u2013 specifically across the West and the Rocky Mountains \u2013 it was a record-low snow year. But when that happens, Big Sky benefits from what we call the lowest deviation of snowfall.<\/p>\n<p>That simply means we don&#8217;t really have bad years; our snowfall is extremely consistent. So, while other resorts suffered and had a really tough time this winter, we actually had a great season. It was a huge success.<\/p>\n<h4>Over the past 10 years, Big Sky has added 20 new lifts. Why was a transformation of this scale necessary?<\/h4>\n<p>The word &#8220;necessary&#8221; can be interpreted in a lot of ways, but this was a core part of our long-term vision. Our CEO, Stephen Kircher, and the Kircher family spend a lot of time in Europe.<\/p>\n<p>They see the incredible technology and investment in lift infrastructure over there, which is a very different model than what we typically see in the US. Stephen saw an opportunity to completely transform the mountain experience in North America.<\/p>\n<p>While the lift infrastructure in the European mountains is unbelievable, what we have here that elevates the experience even further is our snow \u2013 the consistency, the quality, and the unique feel of our terrain.<\/p>\n<p>By applying a robust lift network to our mountains, our goal was to keep lift lines to an absolute minimum and provide an exceptional guest experience. We wanted to do it differently than anyone else in North America.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-2 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container gradient-container-2 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:calc( 1120px + 0px );margin-left: calc(-0px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-0px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-flex-column gradient-column-3\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-3 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:16.666666666667% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 0px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:100% !important;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 0px;margin-left : 0px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:100% !important;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 0px;margin-left : 0px;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column gradient-column-4\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 0px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 0px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-0px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-0px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column si-quotebox si-quotebox-left\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div style=\"text-align:center;\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"1920\" image_height=\"2560\" image_id=\"106212\" title=\"IMG_0940\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0940-scaled.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-106212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0940-200x267.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0940-400x533.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0940-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0940-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0940-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0940-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:33.333333333333% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 0px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 0px;margin-left : 0px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 0px;margin-left : 0px;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-1 fusion_builder_column_inner_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column si-quotebox si-quotebox-right\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:0px!important;margin-bottom:25px!important;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:0px!important;margin-bottom:25px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:25px;\"><h3 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">Troy Nedved<\/h3><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-2{margin-top:0px!important;margin-bottom:25px!important;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-2{margin-top:0px!important;margin-bottom:25px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-2 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-four\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:25px;\"><h4 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\">President and COO, Big Sky Resort<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><p>I\u2019ve been at Big Sky for 29 years. Like many in this industry, my background started in ski instruction, and I\u2019ve seen this mountain come a incredibly long way. The 1995\u201396 season marked the debut of our original tram, which was a really bold and exciting move for the US. While lifts that go high up into the alpine peaks are common in Europe, going above the tree line was a rarity here in the States. When the Kircher family put that tram at the top of Lone Peak back in \u201995, it changed everything. In fact, that ambitious project is exactly what brought me to Big Sky.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:66.666666666667% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 0px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 0px;margin-left : 0px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 0px;margin-left : 0px;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-4 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:66.666666666667% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 0px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:100% !important;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 0px;margin-left : 0px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:100% !important;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 0px;margin-left : 0px;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-2{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 50px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 50px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 gradient-container-3 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-5\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-5 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-6\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><h4>What were the key aspects of the guest experience you aimed to improve?<\/h4>\n<p>There were a couple of key things. First, we have always been known for not having lift lines. We actually average about an acre of terrain per skier even on a busy day, which is highly uncommon for destination ski areas both here and in Europe.<\/p>\n<p>You have so much space and elbow room that you can be on a lift at Big Sky on a busy day and still be the only person on it. That amazing feel comes from having 2,367 hectares of terrain, with potential to grow in the future.<\/p>\n<p>The second aspect is specific to the type of lifts we chose. Montana can be cold \u2013 on average, it\u2019s colder and at a higher elevation than its European counterparts. We wanted to completely insulate our guests from those elements.<\/p>\n<p>By adding blue bubbles, heated seats, and focusing on fast, quiet lifts, our goal was to buffer the cold temperatures and mitigate the less desirable aspects of the weather.<\/p>\n<h4>You have invested in top-tier European lift technology, such as Doppelmayr&#8217;s D-Line. Which specific technical features of these new lifts are particularly important to you and why?<\/h4>\n<p>We&#8217;ve absolutely embraced Doppelmayr\u2019s D-Line technology, primarily for its reliability and longevity \u2013 these are 50-year lifts. As a company, we think long-term and focus on the long game. Investing in older technology just puts us in a position where we&#8217;d have to replace things sooner, so we are always looking to the future. That makes the D-Line very important to us.<\/p>\n<p>Regarding heated seats and bubbles, because we have colder temperatures, we also get the best snow on earth. Allowing people to warm up with comfortable, heated seats and weather bubbles perfectly fits and completely transforms the Montana ski experience.<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;ve even embraced the new Fatzer rope systems, which are extremely quiet. All the fine details around these new machines are a surprise to our guests because they simply aren&#8217;t used to seeing them anywhere else in North America. It makes the Big Sky experience truly unique.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-6 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-4 image-wide-container gradient-container-4 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-equal-height-columns\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-6 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-7\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-headline cbp-1125284319\"><div class=\"custom-si is-underline text-right\"><H3>Modern lifts equipped with heated seats and protective bubbles<\/H3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><p style=\"text-align: right;\">are the important part of Big Sky Resort\u2019s investment strategy.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-7 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-7 fusion_builder_column_5_6 5_6 fusion-five-sixth fusion-column-last gradient-column-8\" style=\"width:83.333333333333%;width:calc(83.333333333333% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.83333333333333 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-qcustomelement- cbp-1079692374\"><div class=\"custom-si-image \"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-big-sky-resort-lifts-madison-8-reshoot-stills-2025-es-7-Ethan-Schumacher.jpg\" \/><div class=\"copyright\">\u00a9 Ethan Schumacher\/ Big Sky Resort<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-8 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-5 gradient-container-5 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-8 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-9\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-9 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-9 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-10\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><h4>Is Doppelmayr&#8217;s new TRI-Line system \u2013 designed specifically for high-wind conditions \u2013\u00a0also a topic for Big Sky?<\/h4>\n<p>We do not have that set up as of yet. Because we&#8217;ve replaced a lot of our lifts with heavier D-Line carriers, they are already much more wind-resistant.<\/p>\n<p>We don&#8217;t really have any zones exposed enough to justify the TRI-Line right now. Thanks to this new D-Line technology and the weight of the carriers, our lift downtime has been cut by over 50% \u2013 they handle crosswinds incredibly well.<\/p>\n<p>Even our tram, which is a bit more exposed, is heavy enough to handle the wind beautifully. So while we haven&#8217;t needed to utilize TRI-Line yet, it&#8217;s certainly something that may fit into future applications.<\/p>\n<h4>Are autonomous technologies like AURO system relevant to you?<\/h4>\n<p>They are. We&#8217;ve actually been in conversations with Doppelmayr about potentially testing some of that technology. In the US, finding employees in mountain towns and high-alpine environments is often challenging, so we are always looking for opportunities to operate more efficiently.<\/p>\n<p>We are highly interested in technology that allows us to run these lifts with less staff, while also making the experience better and safer. We are currently waiting to see how the technology evolves. We haven&#8217;t tested it yet, but we are definitely interested.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-10 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-6 fusion-flex-container gradient-container-6 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1164.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-10 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column gradient-column-11\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-2 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"1200\" image_height=\"753\" image_id=\"106224\" title=\"web big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-11\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-11-e1780474820623.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-106224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-11-e1780474820623-200x126.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-11-e1780474820623-400x251.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-11-e1780474820623-600x377.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-11-e1780474820623-800x502.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-11-e1780474820623.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-11 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-10{width:50% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-10 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 3.84%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 3.84%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-10{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-10 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-10{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-10 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-11 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column gradient-column-12\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-3 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"1200\" image_height=\"759\" image_id=\"106226\" title=\"web big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-43\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-43-e1780474930378.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-106226\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-43-e1780474930378-200x127.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-43-e1780474930378-400x253.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-43-e1780474930378-600x380.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-43-e1780474930378-800x506.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-big-sky-resort-scenic-lone-peak-tram-lower-terminal-2024-es-43-e1780474930378.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-12 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-11{width:50% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-11 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 3.84%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 3.84%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-11{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-11 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-11{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-11 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-6{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-7 gradient-container-7 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-12 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-13\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-13 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-13 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-14\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><p>The Lone Peak Tram travels to the top of Lone Mountain. \u00a9 Ethan Schumacher\/ Big Sky Resort<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-14 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-8 gradient-container-8 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-14 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-15\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-15 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-15 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-16\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><h4>Did you have to adapt any European concepts to better fit the American market? For example, in terms of loading and unloading habits, queue management, or station design?<\/h4>\n<p>Yes, that is an interesting question. The ski culture in Europe is clearly different, especially when it comes to lift lines. Skiing sits a little differently in American culture, and our guests simply need more structure in lines.<\/p>\n<p>When we worked with Axess \u2013 a access control group we use quite a bit \u2013 they shared specifications based on European standards.<\/p>\n<p>We quickly found that those often don&#8217;t work here and have to be modified for American skiers. We need more distance between scan gates and load boards, and we typically need more staff to organize the queues and fill seats.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Europeans tend to be much more assertive in lines; they push their way forward and naturally fill every seat. Americans are a little less assertive and require more encouragement and organization.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>We&#8217;ve actually gone through a few different redesigns for our maze management \u2013 adjusting gate placements and distances \u2013 and we have finally found a setup that works really well for the American market, but it is distinctly different.<\/p>\n<h4>At the end of 2025, you also opened the observatory. What was the idea behind building it, and what role does it play in the overall resort experience?<\/h4>\n<p>We were ranked the number one ski resort in North America last year, and we&#8217;ve known we have the best skiing for a really long time. Now, we&#8217;re trying to develop the &#8220;and&#8221; \u2013 the part of the mountain experience that goes beyond just skiing.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Every family has someone who might not be a hardcore skier, and we also have our summer season. We wanted to add that touch of more experiences, that true &#8220;wow&#8221; factor. You see this in France and other places across Europe, where high-alpine observatories are a key part of the experience.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>It was something we wanted to bring to Big Sky. What better place to do it than on what we call &#8220;America&#8217;s Matterhorn&#8221;? The observatory is exceptional because you get pristine 360-degree views and can see three different states from that one location. It is the perfect addition to both our summer and winter experiences.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-16 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-9 image-wide-container gradient-container-9 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-equal-height-columns\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-16 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-17\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-headline cbp-415465880\"><div class=\"custom-si is-underline text-right\"><H3>Kircliff, perched at 3,403 meters above sea level,<\/H3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><p style=\"text-align: right;\">is a two-story glass observation deck.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-17 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-17 fusion_builder_column_5_6 5_6 fusion-five-sixth fusion-column-last gradient-column-18\" style=\"width:83.333333333333%;width:calc(83.333333333333% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.83333333333333 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-qcustomelement- cbp-27303438\"><div class=\"custom-si-image \"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/imgi_3_30bdc8d5066878affbda573b1ddefa27b5a8da1e-2100x1401-1.jpg\" \/><div class=\"copyright\">\u00a9 Big Sky Resort<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-18 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-10 gradient-container-10 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-18 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-19\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-19 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-19 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-20\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\"><h4>What other new experiences or attractions have been introduced at the resort in recent years?<\/h4>\n<p>Just in this last year, alongside the new gondola \u2013 which gave non-skiers a direct route to the tram and the summit for the very first time\u2013 we introduced a new igloo. This was inspired by a European experience.<\/p>\n<p>Back in 2019, when we toured Europe looking for tram replacements, we visited a few locations that had these incredible apr\u00e8s-ski igloos with drinks and a great atmosphere. We always wanted to bring that to the US, we just needed the right time. This was the first winter we built an igloo right at the base of our tram, and it has created an amazing apr\u00e8s experience for our guests.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-20 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-11 fusion-flex-container gradient-container-11 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1164.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-20 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column gradient-column-21\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-4 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"1200\" image_height=\"812\" image_id=\"106233\" title=\"web DiningEverettsInterior_JE-11\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-DiningEverettsInterior_JE-11.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-106233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-DiningEverettsInterior_JE-11-200x135.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-DiningEverettsInterior_JE-11-400x271.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-DiningEverettsInterior_JE-11-600x406.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-DiningEverettsInterior_JE-11-800x541.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-DiningEverettsInterior_JE-11.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/span><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-21 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-20{width:50% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-20 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 3.84%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 3.84%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-20{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-20 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-20{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-20 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-21 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column gradient-column-22\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\"><blockquote>\n<p>Beyond that, we are actively expanding our culinary offerings. We have new on-mountain restaurants in the works soon. Recently, we also brought fine dining to our village with a Michelin-star restaurant called M.<\/p>\n<p>That is something very atypical for the US ski environment, and it really goes beyond the traditional American ski experience.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11\"><p>\u00a9 Justine Esslinger\/ Big Sky Resort<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-22 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-21{width:50% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-21 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 3.84%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 3.84%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-21{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-21 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-21{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-21 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-11{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-12 gradient-container-12 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-22 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-23\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-23 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-23 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-24\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12\"><h4>Of all the upgrades completed under the Big Sky 2025 plan, which\u00a0 project has had the greatest impact on your daily operations and guest flow?<\/h4>\n<p>I would say, although it was the last to be finalized, it is the Explorer gondola, because it plays a key role in allowing so many other things to happen. For the first time, it allows foot traffic to connect directly to the tram and the summit.<\/p>\n<p>It also completely transforms our beginner experience. We are moving all of our beginner skiers and ski lessons out of the base area and up to a beautiful new mid-mountain complex \u2013 we&#8217;re going to have one of the best beginner areas in the world.<\/p>\n<p>The gondola has been the key that ties everything together up to this point, and there are another five to ten projects that can now happen specifically because of that lift.<\/p>\n<h4>What has been the total investment in the resort over the past 10 years?<\/h4>\n<p>While I&#8217;m not allowed to share the exact figure, I can tell you that we ended up spending roughly twice the amount we originally projected back in 2016 for our bold Big Sky 2025 vision. We didn&#8217;t just achieve our original goals; we accomplished many other projects on top of them. It has been quite a ride.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-24 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-13 image-wide-container gradient-container-13 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-equal-height-columns\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-24 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-25\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-headline cbp-944939471\"><div class=\"custom-si is-underline text-right\"><H3>The Explorer Gondola connects the Mountain Village with the summit of Lone Peak: <\/H3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13\"><p style=\"text-align: right;\">The first time in Big Sky&#8217;s history that full lift access exists in both summer and winter.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-25 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-25 fusion_builder_column_5_6 5_6 fusion-five-sixth fusion-column-last gradient-column-26\" style=\"width:83.333333333333%;width:calc(83.333333333333% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.83333333333333 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-qcustomelement- cbp-958570041\"><div class=\"custom-si-image \"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Gondola-Bottom-Station-Rendering-1.png\" \/><div class=\"copyright\">\u00a9 Big Sky Resort<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-26 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-14 gradient-container-14 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-26 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-27\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-27 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-27 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-28\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-14\"><h4>What, in your view, makes Big Sky truly unique?<\/h4>\n<p>It comes down to the way the mountain is set up &#8211; it is the perfect ski mountain. We have a beautifully balanced terrain with roughly 30% green, 30% blue, and 30% black runs.<\/p>\n<p>Because Lone Peak is so visible, we are mostly known for our high-end black diamond skiing, but what many people don&#8217;t realize is that our intermediate and novice terrain is absolutely unbelievable. We have everything from wide-open alpine bowls to incredible tree-line skiing.<\/p>\n<p>In places like Val d&#8217;Is\u00e8re and many beautiful European resorts, you are entirely in the high alpine \u2013 there are no trees, and the descent back to the base can be very steep. Big Sky is built differently.<\/p>\n<p>The beginner and intermediate terrain is perfectly situated on the lower and mid-mountain, and it gets progressively more challenging the higher you go. Yet, everyone still gets those incredible views.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, we ski 360 degrees around Lone Peak, covering the north, south, east, and west aspects, which means we always have great snow on at least one side of the mountain.<\/p>\n<h4>Do you often visit ski resorts outside the US? Which countries, approaches, or experiences do you find particularly valuable or inspiring?<\/h4>\n<p>Europe has absolutely had a significant influence on how we are designing our ski area and building out our vision. We are essentially taking the best components of Europe and applying them to Montana and the US in our own way.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>While I&#8217;ve been to New Zealand, South America, and many other places, I would say our strongest influence is undoubtedly from Europe. I&#8217;ve spent a lot of time in Austria and skied numerous resorts there, as well as in Italy. More recently, we\u2019ve been looking at France.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>From a village standpoint, various French resorts are offering a lot of inspiration for how we want to design an experiential feel that goes beyond just skiing. When it comes to restaurants, food, and beverage, we are getting a lot of our best ideas directly from France.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-28 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-15 image-wide-container gradient-container-15 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-equal-height-columns\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-28 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-29\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-headline cbp-1968575810\"><div class=\"custom-si is-underline text-right\"><H3>Big Sky Resort<\/H3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-15\"><p style=\"text-align: right;\">offers a balanced mix of terrain, with roughly 30% green, 30% blue, and 30% black runs.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-29 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-29 fusion_builder_column_5_6 5_6 fusion-five-sixth fusion-column-last gradient-column-30\" style=\"width:83.333333333333%;width:calc(83.333333333333% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.83333333333333 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-qcustomelement- cbp-126364410\"><div class=\"custom-si-image \"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-SkiPowder_2023_JB_DSC00788.jpg\" \/><div class=\"copyright\">\u00a9 Jackson Bland\/ Big Sky Resort<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-30 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-16 gradient-container-16 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-30 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-31\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-31 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-31 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-32\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-16\"><h4>Is the resort actively working to attract international visitors? If so, how, and which markets are you focusing on as priority audiences?<\/h4>\n<p>Right now, Europeans make up a very small percentage of our destination travelers, though we do get a fair amount of visitors from South America and Australia. However, growing our international market is a major focal point for us.<\/p>\n<p>As I described earlier, from a European standpoint, our strategy is to take the very best elements of European ski culture and apply them here \u2013 but put them on top of a wonderful ski mountain with exceptional snow.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>When Europeans do come to Big Sky, their reaction is often: &#8216;I can&#8217;t believe this. We never get to experience days like this; they are incredibly few and far between.&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Because of that reaction, I firmly believe our appeal to the international market will continue to grow, and that is absolutely our intent.<\/p>\n<h4>In the Alps, there is a strong push toward year-round operations and summer tourism due to changing climate patterns. Is Big Sky following a similar trajectory?<\/h4>\n<p>That is a large part of why we built this infrastructure. We knew there was massive summer potential that goes well beyond winter. For summer foot traffic, we&#8217;ve been building a trail network around the new lift infrastructure so people can experience the mountain all the way from the gondola, up to the tram, and eventually to the clear views at the summit.<\/p>\n<p>For mountain biking, our network is incredibly robust.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>We have exceptional downhill trails, and we run five of our lifts in the summer specifically for our bike park.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>We&#8217;ve even added brand-new Doppelmayr carousel bike carriers to our gondola. Finally, we are very fortunate to be located so close to Yellowstone National Park, which draws almost 3.7 million visitors in the summer. Our plan is to capture some of that audience and bring them up to Big Sky for a day or two.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-32 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-17 fusion-flex-container gradient-container-17 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1164.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-32 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-flex-column gradient-column-33\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-33 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-32{width:16.666666666667% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-32 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 11.52%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 11.52%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-32{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-32 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-32{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-32 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-33 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-flex-column gradient-column-34\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-5 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"1200\" image_height=\"674\" image_id=\"106256\" title=\"web LandscapeWinter2022_22\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-LandscapeWinter2022_22.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-106256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-LandscapeWinter2022_22-200x112.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-LandscapeWinter2022_22-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-LandscapeWinter2022_22-600x337.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-LandscapeWinter2022_22-800x449.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/web-LandscapeWinter2022_22.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/span><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-34 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-33{width:66.666666666667% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-33 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 2.88%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 2.88%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-33{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-33 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-33{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-33 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-17{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-18 gradient-container-18 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-34 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-35\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-35 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-35 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-36\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-17\"><p>\u00a9\u00a0Big Sky Resort<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-36 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-19 gradient-container-19 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-36 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-37\" style=\"width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-37 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-37 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-38\" style=\"width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-18\"><h4>What do you see as the next frontier for US ski resorts? Which trends will shape the next decade of mountain infrastructure?<\/h4>\n<p>I think we&#8217;ve truly made our mark on the mountain infrastructure side. Everyone has noticed that we&#8217;ve probably been more aggressive than any other resort in North America up to this point, and our 2025 plan really accomplished that.<\/p>\n<p>The next chapter for us is our 2040 vision, which we will probably be announcing in the next year or so. It&#8217;s largely going to focus on connecting the hospitality component to the full guest experience.<\/p>\n<p>We want to introduce elements that go beyond just exceptional skiing and high-end lifts. We are focusing heavily on hospitality \u2013 integrating hotel brands, spas, and other unique on-mountain experiences that appeal to much more than just the traditional ski enthusiast, both in summer and winter.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><em>Interview: Gerald Pichlmair<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-38 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Over the past decade, Big Sky Resort has invested twice its original projection into modernization, adding 20 cutting-edge lifts. In an SI interview, President and COO Troy Nedved explains why the American market had to adapt to European technologies, which innovations are capturing the interest of the US market, and the current trends driving the development of American ski resorts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":106205,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[178,179],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/106196"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=106196"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/106196\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":106270,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/106196\/revisions\/106270"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/106205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=106196"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=106196"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=106196"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}