Things to do with kids at Big Sky Resort

Everything is big at Big Sky, from the views to the on-snow experiences, writes Helen Hayes.

Oh my. The view! All around, the word ‘wow’ echoes as we take in the panorama over 10 mountain ranges, two national parks and into three states. We are at the top of Lone Mountain, 3403m up in the white world of Big Sky Resort in Montana, where the braver people among us step out onto the glass floor of the two-storey Kircliff observatory. The best part? You can get up here without having to ski.

Kircliff is the crowning jewel of Big Sky, opened last season to skiers and snowboarders, and for the first time, to sightseers of all ages. That means you can all enjoy these vistas from the very top, whether you are a non-skier, a beginner skier or rider, or an expert.

To get up to Kircliff, board the new Explorer Gondola – the fastest 10-person gondola in the world – which goes from Mountain Village up to the Bowl in two stages. Then it’s a short walk to the new Lone Peak Tram, which takes you on the steep ascent to the summit. Skiers and boarders can also ride to Swift Current chairlift, then ski down to the base of the Lone Peak Tram. After you ride up, have a break at Iglu, a real igloo, where you can get a hot cocoa for the kids and something stronger for grown-ups.

Things to do at Big Sky Resort

While the mountaintop views are spectacular, kids will gaze in wonder at the Enchanted Forest after dark. Ride the Ramcharger bubble chairlift up to Everett’s 8800, then stroll along the kilometre-long path as more than 10,000 lights illuminate the forest. Linger by the firepit, then warm up with dinner or a hot chocolate at Everett’s.

Everything about a Big Sky snow holiday is magical. The terrain is dreamy, with 2300ha of skiable terrain threaded by more than 320 named runs serviced by 40 lifts. From absolute beginners to advanced, the mountain delivers, and the ski school here is absolutely world-class. Kids can learn from age two in the Small Fry private lessons, with a plethora of group lessons for older kids, sorted by ability. Big Sky also has six terrain parks, from Wolf Pup up to Swifty, enabling progression for park-happy kids.

Stay and play at Big Sky Resort

Big Sky’s Mountain Village is the main base with excellent family-friendly accommodation at the slopeside Summit Hotel and Huntley Lodge, ski and snowboard rentals and plenty of places to drink and dine.

There is also ski-in, ski-out accommodation at Madison base and at Montage. The town of Big Sky, down the mountain, also has some great hotel options. There is so much for families to do, from sleigh rides to dinner in a rustic cabin in the woods, to ziplining, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and more. You can even do a tour to Yellowstone National Park.

Keep reading:

• Big Sky Resort Montana is one of the best mountains in the US
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This article was produced by Helen Hayes partnership with Big Sky Resort and is a Holidays with Kids digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter below.

Family accommodation