Big Sky: "honest" trail map?

[SquidWeaselYay]

Came across this looking for some info on good runs to hit up in Big Sky.

https://www.reddit.com/r/skiing/comments/6nidng
I got a good laugh out of it! But then I was curious if there is any truth to it. Is it really that rocky? Any Big Sky veterans think this is accurate?

 

[marzNC]

In comparison to other destination resorts I've been to in the west, Big Sky has by far more rocks on trails. They keep falling all season. Not just a matter of thin cover, as can be the case in some places. I remember seeing rocks on the traverses below steep terrain during both trips (2012, 2013). Will keep an eye out next week.

As with any assessment of a large mountain, some of the comments are dead on and others reflect the personal bias of the creator.

What's impossible to appreciate until you take a few runs at any mountain is the scale of the trail map. Big Sky is huge! It's both wide and tall. It takes a good 15-20 min to get from one major section to another. Say from the main base to Shedhorn, or getting back to the main base from the edge of Moonlight. Even Moonlight Basin by itself is as big as some ski resorts. It was, after all, an independent ski resort for quite a while. I could easily spend an entire day on Andesite Mtn and not get bored. And that was before Ram8 existed. I was starting to explore bumps and trees. There were good places to explore solo, as well as terrain that I would only do with more advanced friends during my first trip in 2012.

Have you skied at Snowmass?

 

[sibhusky]

The rocks at Big Sky seem to be of a sharp, shale-like consistency, not rounded like typical gravel. I believe they migrate upwards pretty much all season long. Here, they are in thin areas early season, then go away. There? They seem to be everywhere and it's not "safe" to think "it's loose, no biggie". Yes, they are loose but they are sharp. Maybe they are lighter for their size? Just keep an eye out and try to avoid them.

And yes, Big Sky is pretty overwhelming in size.

 

[elemmac]

Only been once...skied 4 days...Yes. Rocks. Lots of rocks. Specifically in the red area...but everywhere as well.

A local told me that "if you live there and you don't own rock skis, you will."

 

[bsskier]

I’ve noticed Big Sky has added more “hidden obstacles” signs this season so if you’re heading toward rocks, they’re trying better to prepare you. In the old days, you just had to remember to steer clear.

 

[rhymeandreason]

There are more "Honest Trail Maps" posted here

https://www.reddit.com/r/skiing/comments/9s4iq3
Some are only meant to be humorous, but others are quite informative!

 

[MissySki]

Yes on the rocks, and they are sharp suckers!

 

[CarverJill]

The Mad River glen honest map is the best.

 

[SquidWeaselYay]

Well crap. I'm already the core shot queen...my poor, poor skis....this shall not end well for any of us....

 

[rhymeandreason]

The Wachusett one is pretty sarcastic as well. I’ve been to Wachusett, ages ago. I do remember having to wait a while on the weekends. These maps are pretty fun. There are still some big mountains missing.

The Mad River glen honest map is the best.