Mountain bike trails delayed due to lingering snow; update on Six Shooter replacement
By Mario Carr EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Big Sky Resort’s summer season will begin as scheduled this Saturday, June 8.
Due to heavy spring snowfall and sustained snowpack, Big Sky’s lift serviced downhill mountain biking trails will have a delayed opening as the mountain continues to dry out. Adam West, director of mountain operations, stated in a press release that the resort will continue to monitor conditions to open as soon as possible.
“After an assessment by our bike trail crew, the team decided that the ground is too saturated to offer downhill biking this weekend,” West stated. “Out of respect to the trails, we will continue to monitor conditions, and hopefully, with the forecasted clear and warm weather, we can offer select bike trails by next weekend.”
Beyond the mountain biking delay, the resort provided an update on some of its summer activities in the press release.
Scenic chairlift rides will be available starting June 8 through September 15. However, until June 27, Swift Current 6 and Explorer will only operate Thursday through Sunday—after June 27, all three lifts will all operate daily, for the remainder of the season.
Starting July 4, Lone Peak Expedition will bring visitors to the summit of Lone Mountain via Swift Current, an off-road vehicle and the Lone Peak Tram. After July 4, Lone Peak Expedition will remain open every week from Friday to Sunday until September 8.
Basecamp will open as scheduled for June 8, with summer activities including nature and adventure ziplines, bungee trampoline, giant swing and climbing wall. Basecamp will be open Thursday through Sunday until July 1, and afterwards daily until September 15. And starting June 8, mini-golf and gemstone mining will be open daily all summer long.
Savor Big Sky, a celebration of fine dining food and drinks from around the world, will take place from June 27-30. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample foods and beverages while out on the mountain enjoying the views. Tickets are on sale now.
Madison 8 construction update
On April 17, Big Sky Resort began construction of the Madison 8 chairlift, expected to be the longest eight-person chairlift in the world, on the Moonlight Basin side of the mountain. The resort decommissioned and removed Six Shooter to begin the process, and by mid-May, all 29 towers were removed via helicopter.
The resort will post construction updates online throughout the summer, with Madison 8 expected to open in time for next winter.
