By Jack Reaney ASSOCIATE EDITOR
A new shuttle service builds connective tissue between Big Sky and Jackson, Wyoming, about 180 highway miles apart.
With the recent launch of Mountain West Scenic Shuttle, guests can now ski a few days in one location, hop into a shuttle and continue their vacation at the other. Shuttles from Big Sky to Jackson will depart from the Town Center bus stop at 7 a.m. every morning, and from Jackson back to Big Sky at 12:30 p.m. every afternoon. Both trips will run every day, according to Ash Tallmadge, who presented the concept at the Visit Big Sky Winter Tourism Outlook meeting on Dec. 5.
“We had a lot of conversations within the hospitality communities in both ski villages and really saw a need for this service. Nothing like that existed until right now, and we’re really happy to be able to offer this,” Tallmadge said.
The Mercedes Sprinter van will fit seven riders. Shared rides will cost $250 per person, and private shuttles can be booked for $1,500. All vans will include snacks and water, and storage for ski equipment and luggage.
The shuttle will provide discounts to Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective Pass holders.
Tallmadge believes that many mountain-hopping visitors will take advantage of the opportunity to explore both resorts, including one-way bus trips. She emphasized that beyond convenient transportation, Mountain West Scenic Shuttle will offer a unique experience. Drivers are not only trained for winter road conditions, but naturalist guides who are familiar with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
“They’re going to keep their eyes out for wildlife we spot along the way, they’re going to give their interpretation of the Yellowstone Supervolcano, all the calderas we drive through… They’re really going to give these guests [a] more in-depth holistic experience that goes above and beyond just a ski vacation.”
Tallmadge is general manager of Yellowstone Safari Company, a year-round guide service based in Bozeman. Although the businesses are separate, they share a common naturalist spirit and regional expertise.
Tallmadge recommends booking as far in advance as possible. She emphasized to EBS that the service is open to anyone, not just skiers or snowboarders.
At this time, the shuttle does not plan on stopping at Grand Targhee Resort, for sake of time.
“But that might be something that we explore going forward, in the future. Obviously, we’re not trying to bypass Targhee… We just see this being the first go-between where there’s the highest demand right now,” Tallmadge explained.
The service has not yet seen high demand, but Tallmadge is confident that bookings will come with more snow and mid-winter visitation.
