Ski areas: Big Sky Resort
Population: Big Sky 1,221 (Bozeman 27.509)
Road and weather conditions: (406) 586-1313
Snow report: (406) 995-5900 or www.BigSkyResort.com
Annual snowfall: 400"
Ski season: Mid-November-mid-April
Chamber of Commerce: (406) 995-3000
Average cost 1-bedroom apartment: Winter $600, summer $500
Cost of adult 1-day lift ticket: $75
Local newspapers: Lone Peak Lookout, (406)995-4133; Bozeman Daily Chronicle; The Weekly, (406) 995-3878

Big Sky Resort Area Profile

This area earns its name because of its unbroken horizons, crisp, clean air, and the sheer magnitude of open space around it. The ski area was built by former NBC newsman Chet Huntley when he bought 10,000 acres of ranch land around 11,166-foot Lone Mountain. Located in the Gallatin National Forest between the Spanish Peaks Wilderness and Yellowstone National Park, today the resort is owned by Boyne USA Resorts. The fact that Yellowstone is in Big Sky's backyard lures visitors from all over the world. Big Sky's definition of "crowds" is having to wait five minutes in a lift line once or twice a season. This is the place to experience the rugged ambiance of Montana country. Most of the lodges are ski-in/ski-out and the seven-story Shoshone Condominium Hotel is reminiscent of European chateaux.

The nearest urban center is Bozeman, forty miles north of Big Sky.

Winter Activities

Big Sky is a great family skiing area with 3,300 vertical feet of fall-line cruisers, broad bowls, and death-defying steep areas. Twenty percent of the runs are marked beginner, 50 percent intermediate, and 30 percent expert. The expert terrain is mainly ungroomed and has tight moguls for a serious challenge. Lone Mountain's little brother, Andesite, is right down the road and offers more skill -level variety. Nearby, Lone Mountain Ranch has over fifty-five miles of Nordic trails to appease cross-country skiers.

One of the most popular winter activities in Big Sky is a snowmobile tour into Yellowstone National Park. Winter is especially interesting in this part of the country as the icy air mixes with the boiling steam of the geysers, the hot pots, and mud cauldrons. Other activities include dinner sleigh rides, hunting, and ice -fishing. Photographers can shoot local elk, bison, and moose native to Big Sky.

Summer Activities

Big Sky Resort owns and operates an 18 hole Arnold Palmer golf course in the summer.� There also is mountain biking, white water rafting, horseback riding, and fly-fishing in the Big Sky area.

To the southeast is Yellowstone National Park. Visitors and campers from around the world pack in to see Old Faithful and enjoy the park. To the north, Bozeman Hot Springs is great for exploration, and there are plenty of lakes for fly-fishing.

Transportation

The nearest airport to Big Sky is Gallatin Field (this is the way all airports should look!) in Bozeman, forty-three miles north on U.S. 191. There are daily flights into Gallatin by Northwest, Continental, and Delta, and additional service from Horizon Air and Skywest. Rental cars are available at the airport.� Karst Stage (800-287-4759) runs private bus service from Bozemen to Big Sky Resort.� You should make reservations prior to arrival.Fees range from $35 to $70 each way depending on the number of passengers.

Most resort employees stay near the base of the mountains, so there is no need for a car to get to work. If you want to explore, however, it's best to have some form of reliable, winterized transportation.

Housing

Employee housing is available in an area walking distance from the resort. If those accommodations are full, consider subscribing to the local papers prior to your move or calling a realtor in Big Sky for price information.

Big Sky Resort Employment

Hiring for Big Sky takes place in October. Read the company listing that follows for specific details on applying to the resort. Remember to include Yellowstone as another possible employer in this region. For more information, contact Big Sky Ski Resort's Human Resources Dept. at (406) 995-5820.

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