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Resort Comparison

Big Sky Resort vs Heavenly Mountain Resort

Big Sky Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and village atmosphere. Big Sky Resort's ski school starting at age 3 may be decisive for families with young children.

The Verdict

Big Sky Resort leads with 5 wins
Best for Families
Big Sky Resort

Ski school from age 3

Best Snowfall
Heavenly Mountain Resort

175.5" average season

Best Terrain
Big Sky Resort

5,800 acres to explore

Best Value
Big Sky Resort

Moderate pricing

Easiest Access
Big Sky Resort

1h from BZN

Best Village Vibe
Big Sky Resort

Pleasant base area

Big Sky Resort
Montana, United States
$$Ikon
Heavenly Mountain Resort
California, United States
$$$Epic

Family

Ski School Age
3+
4+
Full-Day Program
Beginner Terrain
7.5
6.5
Walkability
7.0
7.0
Village Vibe
7.5
7.5

Mountain

Vertical
4,366'
3,500'
Skiable Area
5,800 ac
4,800 ac
Green Runs
15%
20%
Trails
300
97
Lifts
36
28

Getting There

Airport
BZN
RNO
Drive Time
1h
1h
Road Ease
7.0
6.5

Cost

Passes
Ikon
Epic
Day Pass
$185
$230
Cost Tier
Moderate
Premium

Village

Dining
Good
Excellent
Grocery
Spa
Pool
Add a third resort to compare

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Big Sky Resort

130.5"

avg season

2024-25 season

142.5" total

109%

Heavenly Mountain Resort

175.5"

avg season

2024-25 season

151.4" total

86%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr
176"88"0"
Big Sky Resort
Heavenly Mountain Resort

Key Insights

Big Sky Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and village atmosphere. Big Sky Resort's ski school starting at age 3 may be decisive for families with young children.

Key Differences

  • Big Sky Resort's beginner terrain score (7.5) exceeds Heavenly Mountain Resort's (6.5), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
  • Big Sky Resort's ski school accepts children from age 3, while Heavenly Mountain Resort starts at age 4
  • Big Sky Resort is moderately priced while Heavenly Mountain Resort falls in the premium category
  • Heavenly Mountain Resort has more beginner/intermediate terrain (65% green and blue), while Big Sky Resort skews more advanced (60% black and double black)

Best For

Big Sky Resort

  • Parents with young children (ski school from age 3)
  • Budget-conscious families
  • Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

Heavenly Mountain Resort

  • Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

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Explore More

Regions

Colorado
Utah
British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners
Most Walkable
Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide
Best Time to Go Skiing