Big Plans for Big Sky, New Tram and Two-Stage Gondola in Works

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SAM Magazine—Big Sky, Mont., Feb. 15, 2022—Boyne Resorts is looking to transform access to Big Sky’s Lone Peak with a new base-to-summit lift network that includes a two-stage gondola and a higher-capacity tram. BigSkyGondola The multi-year project is the final phase of the Big Sky 2025 master plan.

“The new lift system from the base area to the summit of Lone Peak will revolutionize the way we access ‘America’s Matterhorn’ in both winter and summer,” said Taylor Middleton, president and COO of Big Sky Resort.

The new two-stage Doppelmayr D-line gondola will start from the resort village and terminate at the bottom terminal of the new higher-capacity tram, allowing skiers and pedestrians alike to access the summit of Lone Peak year-round, unlike the resort’s current tram, a 15-passenger lift accessible only by those equipped to slide.

“In creating this must-do experience accessible to all, we will offer the premier high-alpine experience on Montana’s highest scenic overlook," said Middleton, noting that the ski area still intends “to preserve the core ski experience off the summit by managing the number of skiers every hour based on current conditions."

The lift installations will be coupled with two new mid-mountain food and beverage complexes, one at the gondola/tram intersection and one at gondola mid-station. The mid-station lodge will also serve as a beginner Mountain Sports teaching center. Several summer attractions are also on the project docket, including ziplines, a mountain coaster, and expanded mountain biking access. In addition, the top terminal of the tram will boast an all-glass scenic viewing platform, and the tram itself will have a glass bottom for down the fall line views.

These marquee projects aim to transform Lone Peak into “a summit experience worthy of Europe’s highest peaks.”

“Coupling a truly world-class tram experience with the most architecturally thoughtful on-mountain food and beverage and Mountain Sports facilities will set a new standard for mountain communities in North America,” said Stephen Kircher, CEO and president of Boyne Resorts. “This innovative project will kick off an exciting new chapter in transforming the future of tourism in Big Sky and across southwest Montana, and sets the stage for planning Big Sky’s next steps.”