Big Sky Resort has been named the top ski resort in the U.S. in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, the resort announced Oct. 6. The awards are determined by traveler votes.
The honor arrives as the resort completes Big Sky 2025, a decade-long investment plan focused on lift infrastructure, on-mountain amenities and the guest experience.
“Over the past decade, Big Sky has set out to lead the transformation of the American mountain experience,” Troy Nedved, president and COO of Big Sky Resort, said in an Oct. 6 press release. “This recognition belongs to our team and the community that brought Big Sky 2025 to life, and to the guests who have been with us every step of the way.”
The centerpiece of that plan is the Explorer Gondola, which opened in December 2025 and which the resort bills as the world’s fastest 10-person gondola. It connects Mountain Village to the Lone Peak Tram, giving skiers, riders and sightseers a continuous route from the base area toward the summit of Lone Mountain. At the top is Kircliff, an alpine observatory at 11,166 feet with a glass floor and 360-degree views spanning three states and two national parks.
New this winter is the Explorer Gondola Mid-Station Learning Center, which has dedicated surface lifts and beginner terrain beside the gondola’s mid-mountain station. Placing the learning area mid-mountain puts new skiers and riders near the rest of the mountain’s activity rather than set apart from it.
Other returning and expanded offerings include:
- Iglu Big Sky, the snow-built bar at the base of the Lone Peak Tram, returns for 2026-27 with a larger footprint. The resort says it was built using centuries-old European alpine techniques.
- M by The Alinea Group returns for a second season. The seasonal dining concept is led by chef Grant Achatz and launched as part of The Alinea Group’s 20th anniversary world tour.
Brad Niva, CEO of Visit Big Sky, said the award reflects more than the winter product.
“Recognition from Condé Nast Traveler readers carries real weight, because it comes from people who travel widely and know what makes a place worth returning to,” Niva said. “This honor confirms what we already know: Big Sky is a truly special place, with incredible skiing, just as much to discover in summer, and a community that brings genuine Montana hospitality to everything it does.”
Big Sky Resort’s 2026-27 winter season begins Nov. 25.
