GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING MOUNTAIN TOURS
The information below, as well as the tour map above, are ONLY RECOMMENDED GUIDES. We encourage Hosts who are giving a tour to be flexible, in order to accommodate for changes in snow or weather conditions, crowds, sizes of tours and other factors, as well as to provide the most informative and fun tour for any given group.
There are two times of day that are vitally important for our group: 10:15am and 12:15pm.
Every Host scheduled during either of these times is expected to be at the tour flag, prepared to give tours. In the absence of tours, Hosts will resume working the mountain on their respective sides of the resort.
All tours will begin at the Mountain Tour sign placed near the bottom of SwiftCurrent 6 by the Ski School corral. This season, we will offer our guests two different tour options, the South Side Tour at 10:30 am and the North Side Tour at 12:30 pm. ALL Hosts should be familiar with both sides of the resort and the respective tour routes. Be prepared to lead tours on either side of Lone Mountain.
Getting Organized: At the Host Base near SwiftCurrent 6
• Introduce yourself and the other Hosts to guests. Explain that the tour is designed for intermediate skiers. Point out the steepness of Ambush to give guests a feel for the level of skiing they can expect.
• Explain that we offer two tours of the Big Sky area—one showcasing the south side of the resort (at 10:30am) and one detailing the north (Moonlight) side of the resort (at 12:30pm). They are welcome to join either or both tours any day.
• Organize the groups according to their preference for touring the mountain. Groups should be a manageable size - to keep the group together as you ride chairs and navigate the mountain. A group of 7 guests is a manageable size tour.
• Let guests know that the tour will likely take approximately 90 minutes to complete. Please do not extend tours beyond 110 minutes.
• Announce that, if at any point a guest wishes to leave the group, he/she should inform the Host/Sweep before leaving.
Additional Tour Points to Remember
• No Host is required to take more than 7 guests on a tour—about 2, 4-person chairs. The safety of our guests is our number one priority. Group sizes sometimes exceed 7 guests. Proceed with the group size you are confident keeping together, keeping safe. If you don’t feel confident with a group larger, either split the group to create another tour group with another available Host or ask guests to come back to a later tour time.
• When large numbers show up for a tour, try to divide them according to ability. If staffing allows, start out large tours with two Hosts. As the guest show their ability to ski with confidence, or with caution, you can break the tour into the fast and the not-so-fast groups. This will help the tours stay together, and reduce waiting for tour members at your stopping and talking.
• The length of the tour will depend on the skiing ability and the desires of your group. Tours should normally be completed in 90 minutes. Parts of the tour may be eliminated if the group is very slow, and you need to finish in a reasonable time.
• Weather and snow conditions may impact tour plans. Determine the ability of your group and modify your route if necessary. Remember to adjust your skiing speed to accommodate your guests. Frequently look behind you to assess their progress.
• Some groups like less talking and more skiing, and vice versa. You may also find that you have to shorten a tour if the group becomes tired or cold. If it is extremely cold, feel free to add a short warm up in the Summit or Headwaters Grille.
• Remember that you are a representative of Big Sky Resort. While on duty, do not discuss any other business with which you are associated.
• Refrain from giving ski lessons during the tours. Inform guests where they can sign-up for a lesson at the Ski School office.
• Tipping is not allowed. Thank the guest for the compliment he/she is giving you and, if the guest is insistent on tipping, recommend that they make a donation in Base Camp to Eagle Mount, the adaptive ski program for disabled or challenged skiers.
• Mountain Hosts are to conduct tours at the designated times and defined routes only. Tours must stay on only on green and blue runs that are normally groomed. At times, due to snow after grooming, some groomed runs may have a heavy snow covering at tour time. Use good judgment regarding guest safety.
• Mountain Hosts are encouraged to combine the Tour Guidelines with their own points of interest, history, geology, humor, etc.
Be Flexible, Creative and Have Fun
The information below, as well as the tour map above, are ONLY RECOMMENDED GUIDES. We encourage Hosts who are giving a tour to be flexible, in order to accommodate for changes in snow or weather conditions, crowds, sizes of tours and other factors, as well as to provide the most informative and fun tour for any given group.
There are two times of day that are vitally important for our group: 10:15am and 12:15pm.
Every Host scheduled during either of these times is expected to be at the tour flag, prepared to give tours. In the absence of tours, Hosts will resume working the mountain on their respective sides of the resort.
All tours will begin at the Mountain Tour sign placed near the bottom of SwiftCurrent 6 by the Ski School corral. This season, we will offer our guests two different tour options, the South Side Tour at 10:30 am and the North Side Tour at 12:30 pm. ALL Hosts should be familiar with both sides of the resort and the respective tour routes. Be prepared to lead tours on either side of Lone Mountain.
Getting Organized: At the Host Base near SwiftCurrent 6
• Introduce yourself and the other Hosts to guests. Explain that the tour is designed for intermediate skiers. Point out the steepness of Ambush to give guests a feel for the level of skiing they can expect.
• Explain that we offer two tours of the Big Sky area—one showcasing the south side of the resort (at 10:30am) and one detailing the north (Moonlight) side of the resort (at 12:30pm). They are welcome to join either or both tours any day.
• Organize the groups according to their preference for touring the mountain. Groups should be a manageable size - to keep the group together as you ride chairs and navigate the mountain. A group of 7 guests is a manageable size tour.
- Sweep: If a group is large, ask one person to “sweep” for the group (bring up the rear of the tour) and hand them your sweep card. The sweep card shows your cell phone number in case the group gets separated. DO NOT FORGET TO ASK FOR YOUR SWEEP CARD BACK AT THE END OF THE TOUR.
• Let guests know that the tour will likely take approximately 90 minutes to complete. Please do not extend tours beyond 110 minutes.
• Announce that, if at any point a guest wishes to leave the group, he/she should inform the Host/Sweep before leaving.
Additional Tour Points to Remember
• No Host is required to take more than 7 guests on a tour—about 2, 4-person chairs. The safety of our guests is our number one priority. Group sizes sometimes exceed 7 guests. Proceed with the group size you are confident keeping together, keeping safe. If you don’t feel confident with a group larger, either split the group to create another tour group with another available Host or ask guests to come back to a later tour time.
• When large numbers show up for a tour, try to divide them according to ability. If staffing allows, start out large tours with two Hosts. As the guest show their ability to ski with confidence, or with caution, you can break the tour into the fast and the not-so-fast groups. This will help the tours stay together, and reduce waiting for tour members at your stopping and talking.
• The length of the tour will depend on the skiing ability and the desires of your group. Tours should normally be completed in 90 minutes. Parts of the tour may be eliminated if the group is very slow, and you need to finish in a reasonable time.
• Weather and snow conditions may impact tour plans. Determine the ability of your group and modify your route if necessary. Remember to adjust your skiing speed to accommodate your guests. Frequently look behind you to assess their progress.
• Some groups like less talking and more skiing, and vice versa. You may also find that you have to shorten a tour if the group becomes tired or cold. If it is extremely cold, feel free to add a short warm up in the Summit or Headwaters Grille.
• Remember that you are a representative of Big Sky Resort. While on duty, do not discuss any other business with which you are associated.
• Refrain from giving ski lessons during the tours. Inform guests where they can sign-up for a lesson at the Ski School office.
• Tipping is not allowed. Thank the guest for the compliment he/she is giving you and, if the guest is insistent on tipping, recommend that they make a donation in Base Camp to Eagle Mount, the adaptive ski program for disabled or challenged skiers.
• Mountain Hosts are to conduct tours at the designated times and defined routes only. Tours must stay on only on green and blue runs that are normally groomed. At times, due to snow after grooming, some groomed runs may have a heavy snow covering at tour time. Use good judgment regarding guest safety.
- It is OK to accompany guests toward a point they are asking about when you are skiing as part of your normal host duties (...such as moving from sign duty to the base to join the 10:30 or 12:30 host meeting and tours, or as you end your shift.) Do not abandon your sign duty assignment to do this.
- No host should ever conduct a "private," non-regularly scheduled tour under any circumstance during a shift, or when wearing a host's jacket. Enthusiastically recommend to guests that they'd enjoy attending the regularly scheduled tours.
• Mountain Hosts are encouraged to combine the Tour Guidelines with their own points of interest, history, geology, humor, etc.
Be Flexible, Creative and Have Fun
South Tour (Big Sky side)
Begin your tour by accompanying your guests on the Swiftcurrent Chairlift. Explain to your group that you will be meeting at the top of Swiftcurrent, but away from the disembarking area of the chair.
Stop 1: Top of SwiftCurrent 6 Lift.
• Point out the blue runs of Calamity Jane and Lobo, one of which is usually groomed every night. Also, to skier’s right at the top of
SwiftCurrent 6 lift is Lobo Meadows, which will take guest to Chuck’s Run and Stump Farm.
• Point out the way to Shedhorn (keep to skier’s right, take the first right and follow the sign to Cow Flats/Shedhorn lift). Let guests know there is a yurt restaurant near Shedhorn where one can stop for lunch or snack items. Point out that the Dakota lift can be reached at the top of Shedhorn or by descending from the Tram.
• Remind your tour group to check the open/closed signs at the top of Swiftcurrent for the status of Shedhorn, Dakota, Powder Seeker and Challenger lifts.
• Point out black/expert runs are Rice Bowl, Buffalo Jump and Soul Hole.
• Explain that Duck Walk is the return from Shedhorn and the Tram areas. At the top of Swiftcurrent, Duck Walk becomes Jay Walk.
• When skiing catwalks, be sure to look all around you and especially uphill when there is ski terrain above you. (This is a good time to mention that in skiing to the next stop, you will be in an area where skiers are coming from Jay Walk, the Bowl and Upper Morningstar, so please be aware.)
Stop 2: The Cross at Powder Seeker 6 Chair or at a gathering point nearby, if church is in session.
• Point out access to Rice Bowl, Crazy Horse, Tango Trees and Mr. K.
• There is a natural half-pipe accessed on the left of upper Mr. K. Do not take guests into the halfpipe, but do point it out.
• Point out the Bowl, which is a black run accessed by the Powder Seeker 6 Chair. The South Wall, via Turkey Traverse, is a black/expert area that is a good place to get the feel for the steepness of Liberty Bowl, off the Tram, for those that may be curious if their skiing ability would be adequate for a trip up the Tram.
• Point out Upper Morningstar that is a blue run that is frequently groomed.
• The Tram is accessed via the Powder Seeker 6 Chair.
• There is only expert/extreme skiing from the Tram. There is no easy way down. There are three major runs: Liberty Bowl, Lenin and Marx, with Liberty Bowl being the least difficult. Let guests know that “scenic” Tram rides are available for guests not wanting to ski the Tram, but to witness the views. Guest, should leave their skis at the base of the Tram and take their ski poles for ease of hiking to the very top for the best views. On a clear day, nine mountain ranges (Bridger, Crazy, Gallatin, Madison, Absaroka/Beartooth, Ruby, Gravelly, Tobacco Root and the Tetons) can be seen. Trips for “scenic” tours are best planned for the end of the day, when the last 30 minutes the Tram is open is reserved for scenic riders.
• Scenic Tram riders can take the Tram back down and take Upper Morningstar (blue) down.
• Non-denominational church services are held on Sundays, at 1:30 pm, by the cross.
• Point out the restrooms. Say that Ski Patrol is posted at the top of all of the major lifts.
Stop 3: Ski to Lower Morningstar and begin to ski down the mountain back to the base area.
• Stop and point out Black and Blue and the access to the Challenger Lift.
Note: An alternate route is to ski down Mr. K to the White Wing cutoff, then over to Lower Morningstar/White Wing to the next stop. If on the alternate route, point out Crystal Images taking pictures from 11:00 am to noon, every day. Another alternate route is to continue on BRT Road to the intersection with Fast Lane to point out the Challenger Lift and the access to Moonlight Lodge and the North side of the Mountain (this is the route of the North Tour). With this option, return via Fast Lane.
Stop 4: Continue down Lower Morningstar (or Fast Lane) to White Wing, across from the top of Explorer Lift.
• Point out that this is the bottom of Lower Morningstar.
• Point out the top of the Explorer Lift, that serves beginner skiers and is interminably slow.
• From this point, there is a good view of the runs on Andesite: Silver Knife, Tippy’s Tumble (named after Chet Huntley’s wife, Tippy), Ambush, Hangman’s and Africa, which are all blue runs; Safari and Pacifier, which are green runs; and the tree runs of Blue Room, Blackfoot, Ambush Glades, Wounded Knee and Congo.
• Looking west, skiers will get a beautiful view of Lone Peak, as well as the Bowl and Challenger.
• If you ski to the bottom of White Wing, you will pass the Medical Clinic and the Ski Patrol Headquarters on your way to the base of the Explorer Lift.
• Point out that you will be turning right in a short distance and will be crossing Lone Wolf, which is a slow skiing area for beginners and families taking lessons. Do not ski through a Mountain Sports School class.
• It is helpful at this point to warn skiers to watch for your hand signal, indicating where you will be turning right onto Lone Wolf.
Stop 5: Chet’s Knob and away from the flow of skier traffic.
• Point out the Ski Patrol and Medical Clinic buildings. Note to guests that if family members get hurt, they can go to the Mountain Services office and transport will be arranged to the Medical Clinic to meet their injured family members.
• Point out the Huntley Lodge, Shoshone Condos, Village Center, Mountain Mall, Snowcrest Lodge, Summit Hotel and Arrowhead Mall, as well as the Mountain Sports School and Daycare areas.
• Point our base area amenities such as restaurants, restrooms, coffee shops, I-ranch, ski shops, ski rentals, etc. You may also discuss other guest amenities in the Meadow Village and along Hwy 191.
• Describe the free bus service available from Skyline. Route 3 will take you to the lodges near the ski area base, as well as the Moonlight Base Area. Point out that all bus loading occurs behind the parking shack.
• Mention services available at Basecamp, such as snowshoe tours, zip lining, yurt dinners and reservations for traveling to Yellowstone Park.
Stop 6: Load the Ramcharger 8 Lift to the top of Andesite Mountain.
• Point out Pacifier and Safari as the easiest ways down from Andesite, but caution guests that Safari is more a blue run at the top. Give directions to Hangman’s, Congo and Africa.
• Mention the Big Horn cut-off (left side of Ponderosa), which eliminates the need for pole-ing to access Big Horn from Ramcharger.
• Point out the Ski Patrol Hut and restrooms.
• Point out Everett’s on-mountain dining (old Pinnacle).
• Point out Ponderosa and say that it is the easiest blue run at the resort.
• Proceed down the Yellow Brick Road, pointing out El Dorado and stop at the top of Pomp.
Stop 7: Top of Pomp.
• Describe Pomp and Lizette as the easiest glades at the Resort.
• Continue to Sacagawea or Deep South and down to the Base of Southern Comfort, pointing out the exits from Pomp and Lizette as
you pass them.
Stop 8: Base of Southern Comfort lift.
• Point out the trail to Spirit Mountain. Share that Spirit offers additional beginner terrain and usually low skier traffic.
• Indicate that there are two chairlifts serving Spirit Mountain: Sacajawea Triple Chair and Lewis & Clark Quad.
• Indicate that the way back to Big Sky Base Area is via the Southern Comfort Lift, up and over the peak of Andesite.
• Board the Southern Comfort Lift.
Stop 9: Top of Southern Comfort Lift.
• Gather your group near the trail map at the top of Southern Comfort.
• Point out the Dakota/Shedhorn Area, as well as Duck Walk.
• Let your guests know that this spot is a prime spot for photographs of Lone Peak.
• Point out the way to get to Sacajawea and Deep South.
• Tell your guests that there are catwalks back to the top of Ramcharger and the top of Ponderosa/Big Horn cutoff.
• Proceed to either Elk Park Ridge or Big Horn.
Stop10a: Skiing down Elk Park Ridge.
• Mention that you will be passing the top of Ambush. Take the catwalk to the blue signs that denote Elk Park Ridge.
• Point out the way to Silver Knife and Tippy’s Tumble. Point out the Spanish Peaks. Mention that “action” photos are taken daily on Elk Park Ridge, weather permitting.
• Ski to the area below the trees to the right of upper Elk Park Ridge. Stop at the Madison Avenue and Elk Park Meadows sign and point out Madison Avenue, Elk Park Meadows, the Big Horn area and Flat Iron Mountain with the Lone Moose Lift. Talk about the runs off of the Lone Moose Lift.
• Ski to the base of Thunderwolf Lift.
• Remind skiers to look for the Lone Moose open/closed sign at the base of Thunderwolf before skiing over to the Lone Moose lift.
• Point out Mad Wolf and Broken Arrow, which are both black runs.
• Board the Thunder Wolf Lift.
Stop 10b: Skiing down Big Horn.
• Proceed to Big Horn via the cut-off on Ponderosa.
• Stop just below the exit of the Big Horn cut-off on the right hand side and where on-coming skiers can easily see your group. Point out the Gallatin Range and the locations of Snake Pit and Bear Lair.
• Stop just above the left turn and point out the access to Southern Comfort via Little Ewe.
• Point out the return from Flat Iron Mountain from the Lone Moose Triple chair and talk about the runs off of Lone Moose.
• Ski to the base of Thunderwolf Lift.
• Remind skiers to look for the Lone Moose open/closed sign at the base of Thunderwolf before skiing over to the Lone Moose lift.
• Point out Mad Wolf and Broken Arrow, which are both black runs.
• Board the Thunder Wolf Lift.
Stop 11: Top of Thunder Wolf/Everett’s restaurant.
• Explain that the official tour is over, ask for questions, thank your tour guests, hand out survey cards and invite them to ski down Tippy’s or Silver Knife with you to the base. If your guests are tired or have been struggling with the terrain, Safari and Pacifier are also good routes to take to the base. Make sure that any guests who want to ski down other runs or stop in the restaurant know how to get to the base, but always follow down skiers that you judge to be non-confident with blue runs. If guests follow you down Tippy’s, point out the gates leading to Wolverine, Shady Chute, Colter’s, Blue Room and Blackfoot, and provide a brief description of each.
Begin your tour by accompanying your guests on the Swiftcurrent Chairlift. Explain to your group that you will be meeting at the top of Swiftcurrent, but away from the disembarking area of the chair.
Stop 1: Top of SwiftCurrent 6 Lift.
• Point out the blue runs of Calamity Jane and Lobo, one of which is usually groomed every night. Also, to skier’s right at the top of
SwiftCurrent 6 lift is Lobo Meadows, which will take guest to Chuck’s Run and Stump Farm.
• Point out the way to Shedhorn (keep to skier’s right, take the first right and follow the sign to Cow Flats/Shedhorn lift). Let guests know there is a yurt restaurant near Shedhorn where one can stop for lunch or snack items. Point out that the Dakota lift can be reached at the top of Shedhorn or by descending from the Tram.
• Remind your tour group to check the open/closed signs at the top of Swiftcurrent for the status of Shedhorn, Dakota, Powder Seeker and Challenger lifts.
• Point out black/expert runs are Rice Bowl, Buffalo Jump and Soul Hole.
• Explain that Duck Walk is the return from Shedhorn and the Tram areas. At the top of Swiftcurrent, Duck Walk becomes Jay Walk.
• When skiing catwalks, be sure to look all around you and especially uphill when there is ski terrain above you. (This is a good time to mention that in skiing to the next stop, you will be in an area where skiers are coming from Jay Walk, the Bowl and Upper Morningstar, so please be aware.)
Stop 2: The Cross at Powder Seeker 6 Chair or at a gathering point nearby, if church is in session.
• Point out access to Rice Bowl, Crazy Horse, Tango Trees and Mr. K.
• There is a natural half-pipe accessed on the left of upper Mr. K. Do not take guests into the halfpipe, but do point it out.
• Point out the Bowl, which is a black run accessed by the Powder Seeker 6 Chair. The South Wall, via Turkey Traverse, is a black/expert area that is a good place to get the feel for the steepness of Liberty Bowl, off the Tram, for those that may be curious if their skiing ability would be adequate for a trip up the Tram.
• Point out Upper Morningstar that is a blue run that is frequently groomed.
• The Tram is accessed via the Powder Seeker 6 Chair.
• There is only expert/extreme skiing from the Tram. There is no easy way down. There are three major runs: Liberty Bowl, Lenin and Marx, with Liberty Bowl being the least difficult. Let guests know that “scenic” Tram rides are available for guests not wanting to ski the Tram, but to witness the views. Guest, should leave their skis at the base of the Tram and take their ski poles for ease of hiking to the very top for the best views. On a clear day, nine mountain ranges (Bridger, Crazy, Gallatin, Madison, Absaroka/Beartooth, Ruby, Gravelly, Tobacco Root and the Tetons) can be seen. Trips for “scenic” tours are best planned for the end of the day, when the last 30 minutes the Tram is open is reserved for scenic riders.
• Scenic Tram riders can take the Tram back down and take Upper Morningstar (blue) down.
• Non-denominational church services are held on Sundays, at 1:30 pm, by the cross.
• Point out the restrooms. Say that Ski Patrol is posted at the top of all of the major lifts.
Stop 3: Ski to Lower Morningstar and begin to ski down the mountain back to the base area.
• Stop and point out Black and Blue and the access to the Challenger Lift.
Note: An alternate route is to ski down Mr. K to the White Wing cutoff, then over to Lower Morningstar/White Wing to the next stop. If on the alternate route, point out Crystal Images taking pictures from 11:00 am to noon, every day. Another alternate route is to continue on BRT Road to the intersection with Fast Lane to point out the Challenger Lift and the access to Moonlight Lodge and the North side of the Mountain (this is the route of the North Tour). With this option, return via Fast Lane.
Stop 4: Continue down Lower Morningstar (or Fast Lane) to White Wing, across from the top of Explorer Lift.
• Point out that this is the bottom of Lower Morningstar.
• Point out the top of the Explorer Lift, that serves beginner skiers and is interminably slow.
• From this point, there is a good view of the runs on Andesite: Silver Knife, Tippy’s Tumble (named after Chet Huntley’s wife, Tippy), Ambush, Hangman’s and Africa, which are all blue runs; Safari and Pacifier, which are green runs; and the tree runs of Blue Room, Blackfoot, Ambush Glades, Wounded Knee and Congo.
• Looking west, skiers will get a beautiful view of Lone Peak, as well as the Bowl and Challenger.
• If you ski to the bottom of White Wing, you will pass the Medical Clinic and the Ski Patrol Headquarters on your way to the base of the Explorer Lift.
• Point out that you will be turning right in a short distance and will be crossing Lone Wolf, which is a slow skiing area for beginners and families taking lessons. Do not ski through a Mountain Sports School class.
• It is helpful at this point to warn skiers to watch for your hand signal, indicating where you will be turning right onto Lone Wolf.
Stop 5: Chet’s Knob and away from the flow of skier traffic.
• Point out the Ski Patrol and Medical Clinic buildings. Note to guests that if family members get hurt, they can go to the Mountain Services office and transport will be arranged to the Medical Clinic to meet their injured family members.
• Point out the Huntley Lodge, Shoshone Condos, Village Center, Mountain Mall, Snowcrest Lodge, Summit Hotel and Arrowhead Mall, as well as the Mountain Sports School and Daycare areas.
• Point our base area amenities such as restaurants, restrooms, coffee shops, I-ranch, ski shops, ski rentals, etc. You may also discuss other guest amenities in the Meadow Village and along Hwy 191.
• Describe the free bus service available from Skyline. Route 3 will take you to the lodges near the ski area base, as well as the Moonlight Base Area. Point out that all bus loading occurs behind the parking shack.
• Mention services available at Basecamp, such as snowshoe tours, zip lining, yurt dinners and reservations for traveling to Yellowstone Park.
Stop 6: Load the Ramcharger 8 Lift to the top of Andesite Mountain.
• Point out Pacifier and Safari as the easiest ways down from Andesite, but caution guests that Safari is more a blue run at the top. Give directions to Hangman’s, Congo and Africa.
• Mention the Big Horn cut-off (left side of Ponderosa), which eliminates the need for pole-ing to access Big Horn from Ramcharger.
• Point out the Ski Patrol Hut and restrooms.
• Point out Everett’s on-mountain dining (old Pinnacle).
• Point out Ponderosa and say that it is the easiest blue run at the resort.
• Proceed down the Yellow Brick Road, pointing out El Dorado and stop at the top of Pomp.
Stop 7: Top of Pomp.
• Describe Pomp and Lizette as the easiest glades at the Resort.
• Continue to Sacagawea or Deep South and down to the Base of Southern Comfort, pointing out the exits from Pomp and Lizette as
you pass them.
Stop 8: Base of Southern Comfort lift.
• Point out the trail to Spirit Mountain. Share that Spirit offers additional beginner terrain and usually low skier traffic.
• Indicate that there are two chairlifts serving Spirit Mountain: Sacajawea Triple Chair and Lewis & Clark Quad.
• Indicate that the way back to Big Sky Base Area is via the Southern Comfort Lift, up and over the peak of Andesite.
• Board the Southern Comfort Lift.
Stop 9: Top of Southern Comfort Lift.
• Gather your group near the trail map at the top of Southern Comfort.
• Point out the Dakota/Shedhorn Area, as well as Duck Walk.
• Let your guests know that this spot is a prime spot for photographs of Lone Peak.
• Point out the way to get to Sacajawea and Deep South.
• Tell your guests that there are catwalks back to the top of Ramcharger and the top of Ponderosa/Big Horn cutoff.
• Proceed to either Elk Park Ridge or Big Horn.
Stop10a: Skiing down Elk Park Ridge.
• Mention that you will be passing the top of Ambush. Take the catwalk to the blue signs that denote Elk Park Ridge.
• Point out the way to Silver Knife and Tippy’s Tumble. Point out the Spanish Peaks. Mention that “action” photos are taken daily on Elk Park Ridge, weather permitting.
• Ski to the area below the trees to the right of upper Elk Park Ridge. Stop at the Madison Avenue and Elk Park Meadows sign and point out Madison Avenue, Elk Park Meadows, the Big Horn area and Flat Iron Mountain with the Lone Moose Lift. Talk about the runs off of the Lone Moose Lift.
• Ski to the base of Thunderwolf Lift.
• Remind skiers to look for the Lone Moose open/closed sign at the base of Thunderwolf before skiing over to the Lone Moose lift.
• Point out Mad Wolf and Broken Arrow, which are both black runs.
• Board the Thunder Wolf Lift.
Stop 10b: Skiing down Big Horn.
• Proceed to Big Horn via the cut-off on Ponderosa.
• Stop just below the exit of the Big Horn cut-off on the right hand side and where on-coming skiers can easily see your group. Point out the Gallatin Range and the locations of Snake Pit and Bear Lair.
• Stop just above the left turn and point out the access to Southern Comfort via Little Ewe.
• Point out the return from Flat Iron Mountain from the Lone Moose Triple chair and talk about the runs off of Lone Moose.
• Ski to the base of Thunderwolf Lift.
• Remind skiers to look for the Lone Moose open/closed sign at the base of Thunderwolf before skiing over to the Lone Moose lift.
• Point out Mad Wolf and Broken Arrow, which are both black runs.
• Board the Thunder Wolf Lift.
Stop 11: Top of Thunder Wolf/Everett’s restaurant.
• Explain that the official tour is over, ask for questions, thank your tour guests, hand out survey cards and invite them to ski down Tippy’s or Silver Knife with you to the base. If your guests are tired or have been struggling with the terrain, Safari and Pacifier are also good routes to take to the base. Make sure that any guests who want to ski down other runs or stop in the restaurant know how to get to the base, but always follow down skiers that you judge to be non-confident with blue runs. If guests follow you down Tippy’s, point out the gates leading to Wolverine, Shady Chute, Colter’s, Blue Room and Blackfoot, and provide a brief description of each.
North Tour (Moonlight side)
Begin your tour by accompanying your guests on the Swiftcurrent Chairlift. Explain to your group that you will be meeting at the top of Swiftcurrent, but away from the disembarking area of the chair. If your guests have already been on the South Tour, you can eliminate some of the beginning portions of this tour, as they are a duplication.
Stop 1: Top of SwiftCurrent 6 Lift.
• Point out the blue runs of Calamity Jane and Lobo, one of which is usually groomed every night. Also, to skier’s right at the top of
Swiftcurrent lift is Lobo Meadows, which will take guest to Chuck’s Run and Stump Farm.
• Point out the way to Shedhorn (keep to skier’s right, take the first right and follow the sign to Cow Flats/Shedhorn lift). Let guests know there is a yurt restaurant near Shedhorn where one can stop for lunch or snack items. Point out that the Dakota lift can be reached at the top of Shedhorn or by descending from the Tram.
• Remind your tour group to check the open/closed signs at the top of Swiftcurrent for the status of Shedhorn, Dakota, Powder Seeker and Challenger lifts.
• Point out black/expert runs are Rice Bowl, Buffalo Jump and Soul Hole.
• Explain that Duck Walk is the return from Shedhorn and the Tram areas. At the top of Swiftcurrent, Duck Walk becomes Jay Walk.
• When skiing catwalks, be sure to look all around you and especially uphill when there is ski terrain above you. (This is a good time to mention that in skiing to the next stop, you will be in an area where skiers are coming from Jay Walk, the Bowl and Upper Morningstar, so please be aware.)
Stop 2: The Cross at Powder Seeker 6 Chair or at a gathering point nearby, if church is in session.
• Point out access to Rice Bowl, Crazy Horse, Tango Trees and Mr. K.
• There is a natural half-pipe accessed on the left of upper Mr. K. Do not take guests into the halfpipe, but do point it out.
• Point out the Bowl, which is a black run accessed by the Powder Seeker Chair. The South Wall, via Turkey Traverse, is a black/expert area that is a good place to get the feel for the steepness of Liberty Bowl, off the Tram, for those that may be curious if their skiing ability would be adequate for a trip up the Tram.
• Point out Upper Morningstar that is a blue run that is frequently groomed.
• The Tram is accessed via the Powder Seeker 6 Chair.
• There is only expert/extreme skiing from the Tram. There is no easy way down. There are three major runs: Liberty Bowl, Lenin and Marx, with Liberty Bowl being the least difficult. Let guests know that “scenic” Tram rides are available for guests not wanting to ski the Tram, but to witness the views. Guest, should leave their skis at the base of the Tram and take their ski poles for ease of hiking to the very top for the best views. On a clear day, nine mountain ranges (Bridger, Crazy, Gallatin, Madison, Absaroka/Beartooth, Ruby, Gravelly, Tobacco Root and the Tetons) can be seen. Trips for “scenic” tours are best planned for the end of the day, when the last 30 minutes the Tram is open is reserved for scenic riders.
• Scenic Tram riders can take the Tram back down and take Upper Morningstar (blue) down.
• Non-denominational church services are held on Sundays, at 1:30 pm, by the cross.
• Point out the restrooms and Soup Shack. Say that Ski Patrol is posted at the top of all of the major lifts.
Stop 3: Top of Lower Morningstar—at sign. This is the BRT (Big Rock Tongue) Road.
• Point out Gun Mount, which comes off Upper Morningstar.
• Point out Lower Morningstar, a green run that goes all the way to the Huntley Lodge.
• Point out the Challenger Lift, which offers black diamond skiing only—there is NO easy way down.
Stop 4: Either at the horseshoe bend on BRT or the open area just above the sign on Fast Lane.
Make sure that your group is out of the downhill traffic flow and is easily visible to on-coming skiers.
• Point out the Fast Lane trail back to the base area of Big Sky.
• To access the Challenger Lift, skiers bear to the right part way down Blue Moon.
• Depending upon the ski level of your group, ski down Blue Moon to the Iron Horse Lift or, if conditions are not great, ski the catwalk trail to the Moonlight Lodge and then down to the Iron Horse Lift.
Stop 5: Bottom of Iron Horse Lift.
• Count and make sure your entire group has arrived at the Iron Horse Lift.
• Point out the Moonlight Lodge and briefly describe the amenities there.
• Show your guests the Pony Express Lift and how to access it from Moonlight Lodge.
• Upload on the Iron Horse Lift and tell your group you will reassemble near the trail map sign at the top of the lift.
Stop 6: Trail Map at the top of the Iron Horse Lift.
• Show your guests the North exposure and point our key items on the trail map sign.
• Point out Fast Lane as the way to return to the base area of Big Sky. Fast Lane is the higher of the two lanes—the lower one takes you back to the Iron Horse Lift via Blue Moon.
• Tell your guests that you will be skiing Cinnabar down to the Madison Base Area. Depending upon the ski ability of your guests, you can access Cinnabar via the trail going under the Iron Horse Lift and looping back or by skiing down the face to skier’s left.
• Proceed down Cinnabar at a measured pace, keeping your group together. Plan at least 1-2 stops to insure that skiers are keeping up.
Stop 7: Fork of Cinnabar and Wagon Train.
• Show both ways to get to the lower part of the Moonlight territory—Cinnabar and Wagon Train. Both are green runs, however Wagon Train is the location of the Peacemaker and Maverick Terrain Parks.
• Continue down Cinnabar to the Madison Base Area.
Stop 8: Madison Base Area.
• Show guests the Madison Base Area and describe the amenities located there, including the Headwaters Grille, brown bag room, ski rentals, ski lessons and the small ski shop.
• Indicate the Derringer Quad disembark and that, depending upon where they ski, they may need to use the Derringer Quad to get back to the Madison Base Area from the bottom of the Six Shooter Area.
• Proceed to the Six Shooter Lift while reminding your guests that this is a “slow ski” area that is oftentimes crowded, so please ski cautiously.
Stop 9: Six Shooter Lift.
• Reassemble your group and proceed up the Six Shooter Lift. Remind your group that you will reconvene by the Trail Map sign at the top of Six Shooter Lift.
Stop 10: Top of Six Shooter Lift near the Trail Map Sign.
• Point out the Warming Hut, Porta Potties and Ski Patrol located at the top of Six Shooter.
• Show your guests how to access the Headwaters Lift—all double Black Diamond terrain with no easy way down. Point out the Headwaters Chutes.
• Indicate that the Lazy Jack run is the easiest way to get back to the Iron Horse area and also the way to get to Fast Lane and return to the Big Sky Base Area.
• Tell your guests how to access Snakebite, Upper Elkhorn, Runaway and Highline.
• Let your guests know you plan to take the Stillwater Traverse to the Lone Tree Quad to continue the tour. Regroup at the top of the Lone Tree Quad.
NOTE: If your tour group is slow, you may want to eliminate the Lone Tree Quad and subsequent run down Horseshoe/Lookout Ridge. In lieu of that, proceed to take your group down Meriwether back to the Six Shooter Base Area.
Stop 11: Top of Lone Tree Lift.
• Indicate you will be skiing a long blue run back down to the bottom of the Six Shooter Lift. At Host option, choose either Lookout Ridge (recommended), Horseshoe or Trembler. Tour stops described are from Lookout Ridge route.
• Point out the Black Diamond Runs of Lone Tree, Broken Heart and the Patrol Trees.
• Describe the North Summit Snowfield, Deepwater Bowl, Great Falls and Rips—all double Black Diamond runs. These runs are accessed from the Tram.
• Warn your guests that the top of the run here is often wind-blown and icy and to be careful—the challenge will be short.
• Proceed to Lookout Ridge.
Stop 12: Lookout Ridge to the sign for Ice House.
• Point out Ice House and Marshal.
• Indicate that there are some nice runs (both black and blue) accessible from Ice House on the way back down to the Six Shooter Lift.
• Point out Fan Mountain to the west.
• Describe other black and tree runs that will be off the main Lookout Ridge run: Moonshine, Ulery’s Trace, Double Jack and Single Jack.
• Continue down Lookout Ridge or Ice House to the bottom of Six Shooter Lift, skiing at a modest pace so your guests can stay together.
Stop 13: Bottom of the Six Shooter Lift.
• Let your guests know that you will, once again, be going up to the top of Six Shooter and that is where the tour will officially end.
• Should guests desire lunch, break, restrooms, etc., let them know they are welcome to leave the tour at this point and take the Derringer Lift back up to the Madison Base Area.
Stop 14: Top of Six Shooter Lift.
• Tell your guests that the North tour is officially over.
• Thank your guests for joining you and ask if they have any questions.
• Hand out survey cards.
• Describe the ways back to the Big Sky Base Area (Lazy Jack to Fast Lane to Lower Morningstar/White Wing) or back to the Madison Base Area (Elkhorn, Lazy Jack to Cinnabar) or to the Moonlight Lodge (Lazy Jack to Powder River by the Cowboy Cabins).
• Depending upon your shift, volunteer to have your guests join you to your next destination (Big Sky Base Area for “B” hosts and the Madison Base Area for “M” hosts).
Begin your tour by accompanying your guests on the Swiftcurrent Chairlift. Explain to your group that you will be meeting at the top of Swiftcurrent, but away from the disembarking area of the chair. If your guests have already been on the South Tour, you can eliminate some of the beginning portions of this tour, as they are a duplication.
Stop 1: Top of SwiftCurrent 6 Lift.
• Point out the blue runs of Calamity Jane and Lobo, one of which is usually groomed every night. Also, to skier’s right at the top of
Swiftcurrent lift is Lobo Meadows, which will take guest to Chuck’s Run and Stump Farm.
• Point out the way to Shedhorn (keep to skier’s right, take the first right and follow the sign to Cow Flats/Shedhorn lift). Let guests know there is a yurt restaurant near Shedhorn where one can stop for lunch or snack items. Point out that the Dakota lift can be reached at the top of Shedhorn or by descending from the Tram.
• Remind your tour group to check the open/closed signs at the top of Swiftcurrent for the status of Shedhorn, Dakota, Powder Seeker and Challenger lifts.
• Point out black/expert runs are Rice Bowl, Buffalo Jump and Soul Hole.
• Explain that Duck Walk is the return from Shedhorn and the Tram areas. At the top of Swiftcurrent, Duck Walk becomes Jay Walk.
• When skiing catwalks, be sure to look all around you and especially uphill when there is ski terrain above you. (This is a good time to mention that in skiing to the next stop, you will be in an area where skiers are coming from Jay Walk, the Bowl and Upper Morningstar, so please be aware.)
Stop 2: The Cross at Powder Seeker 6 Chair or at a gathering point nearby, if church is in session.
• Point out access to Rice Bowl, Crazy Horse, Tango Trees and Mr. K.
• There is a natural half-pipe accessed on the left of upper Mr. K. Do not take guests into the halfpipe, but do point it out.
• Point out the Bowl, which is a black run accessed by the Powder Seeker Chair. The South Wall, via Turkey Traverse, is a black/expert area that is a good place to get the feel for the steepness of Liberty Bowl, off the Tram, for those that may be curious if their skiing ability would be adequate for a trip up the Tram.
• Point out Upper Morningstar that is a blue run that is frequently groomed.
• The Tram is accessed via the Powder Seeker 6 Chair.
• There is only expert/extreme skiing from the Tram. There is no easy way down. There are three major runs: Liberty Bowl, Lenin and Marx, with Liberty Bowl being the least difficult. Let guests know that “scenic” Tram rides are available for guests not wanting to ski the Tram, but to witness the views. Guest, should leave their skis at the base of the Tram and take their ski poles for ease of hiking to the very top for the best views. On a clear day, nine mountain ranges (Bridger, Crazy, Gallatin, Madison, Absaroka/Beartooth, Ruby, Gravelly, Tobacco Root and the Tetons) can be seen. Trips for “scenic” tours are best planned for the end of the day, when the last 30 minutes the Tram is open is reserved for scenic riders.
• Scenic Tram riders can take the Tram back down and take Upper Morningstar (blue) down.
• Non-denominational church services are held on Sundays, at 1:30 pm, by the cross.
• Point out the restrooms and Soup Shack. Say that Ski Patrol is posted at the top of all of the major lifts.
Stop 3: Top of Lower Morningstar—at sign. This is the BRT (Big Rock Tongue) Road.
• Point out Gun Mount, which comes off Upper Morningstar.
• Point out Lower Morningstar, a green run that goes all the way to the Huntley Lodge.
• Point out the Challenger Lift, which offers black diamond skiing only—there is NO easy way down.
Stop 4: Either at the horseshoe bend on BRT or the open area just above the sign on Fast Lane.
Make sure that your group is out of the downhill traffic flow and is easily visible to on-coming skiers.
• Point out the Fast Lane trail back to the base area of Big Sky.
• To access the Challenger Lift, skiers bear to the right part way down Blue Moon.
• Depending upon the ski level of your group, ski down Blue Moon to the Iron Horse Lift or, if conditions are not great, ski the catwalk trail to the Moonlight Lodge and then down to the Iron Horse Lift.
Stop 5: Bottom of Iron Horse Lift.
• Count and make sure your entire group has arrived at the Iron Horse Lift.
• Point out the Moonlight Lodge and briefly describe the amenities there.
• Show your guests the Pony Express Lift and how to access it from Moonlight Lodge.
• Upload on the Iron Horse Lift and tell your group you will reassemble near the trail map sign at the top of the lift.
Stop 6: Trail Map at the top of the Iron Horse Lift.
• Show your guests the North exposure and point our key items on the trail map sign.
• Point out Fast Lane as the way to return to the base area of Big Sky. Fast Lane is the higher of the two lanes—the lower one takes you back to the Iron Horse Lift via Blue Moon.
• Tell your guests that you will be skiing Cinnabar down to the Madison Base Area. Depending upon the ski ability of your guests, you can access Cinnabar via the trail going under the Iron Horse Lift and looping back or by skiing down the face to skier’s left.
• Proceed down Cinnabar at a measured pace, keeping your group together. Plan at least 1-2 stops to insure that skiers are keeping up.
Stop 7: Fork of Cinnabar and Wagon Train.
• Show both ways to get to the lower part of the Moonlight territory—Cinnabar and Wagon Train. Both are green runs, however Wagon Train is the location of the Peacemaker and Maverick Terrain Parks.
• Continue down Cinnabar to the Madison Base Area.
Stop 8: Madison Base Area.
• Show guests the Madison Base Area and describe the amenities located there, including the Headwaters Grille, brown bag room, ski rentals, ski lessons and the small ski shop.
• Indicate the Derringer Quad disembark and that, depending upon where they ski, they may need to use the Derringer Quad to get back to the Madison Base Area from the bottom of the Six Shooter Area.
• Proceed to the Six Shooter Lift while reminding your guests that this is a “slow ski” area that is oftentimes crowded, so please ski cautiously.
Stop 9: Six Shooter Lift.
• Reassemble your group and proceed up the Six Shooter Lift. Remind your group that you will reconvene by the Trail Map sign at the top of Six Shooter Lift.
Stop 10: Top of Six Shooter Lift near the Trail Map Sign.
• Point out the Warming Hut, Porta Potties and Ski Patrol located at the top of Six Shooter.
• Show your guests how to access the Headwaters Lift—all double Black Diamond terrain with no easy way down. Point out the Headwaters Chutes.
• Indicate that the Lazy Jack run is the easiest way to get back to the Iron Horse area and also the way to get to Fast Lane and return to the Big Sky Base Area.
• Tell your guests how to access Snakebite, Upper Elkhorn, Runaway and Highline.
• Let your guests know you plan to take the Stillwater Traverse to the Lone Tree Quad to continue the tour. Regroup at the top of the Lone Tree Quad.
NOTE: If your tour group is slow, you may want to eliminate the Lone Tree Quad and subsequent run down Horseshoe/Lookout Ridge. In lieu of that, proceed to take your group down Meriwether back to the Six Shooter Base Area.
Stop 11: Top of Lone Tree Lift.
• Indicate you will be skiing a long blue run back down to the bottom of the Six Shooter Lift. At Host option, choose either Lookout Ridge (recommended), Horseshoe or Trembler. Tour stops described are from Lookout Ridge route.
• Point out the Black Diamond Runs of Lone Tree, Broken Heart and the Patrol Trees.
• Describe the North Summit Snowfield, Deepwater Bowl, Great Falls and Rips—all double Black Diamond runs. These runs are accessed from the Tram.
• Warn your guests that the top of the run here is often wind-blown and icy and to be careful—the challenge will be short.
• Proceed to Lookout Ridge.
Stop 12: Lookout Ridge to the sign for Ice House.
• Point out Ice House and Marshal.
• Indicate that there are some nice runs (both black and blue) accessible from Ice House on the way back down to the Six Shooter Lift.
• Point out Fan Mountain to the west.
• Describe other black and tree runs that will be off the main Lookout Ridge run: Moonshine, Ulery’s Trace, Double Jack and Single Jack.
• Continue down Lookout Ridge or Ice House to the bottom of Six Shooter Lift, skiing at a modest pace so your guests can stay together.
Stop 13: Bottom of the Six Shooter Lift.
• Let your guests know that you will, once again, be going up to the top of Six Shooter and that is where the tour will officially end.
• Should guests desire lunch, break, restrooms, etc., let them know they are welcome to leave the tour at this point and take the Derringer Lift back up to the Madison Base Area.
Stop 14: Top of Six Shooter Lift.
• Tell your guests that the North tour is officially over.
• Thank your guests for joining you and ask if they have any questions.
• Hand out survey cards.
• Describe the ways back to the Big Sky Base Area (Lazy Jack to Fast Lane to Lower Morningstar/White Wing) or back to the Madison Base Area (Elkhorn, Lazy Jack to Cinnabar) or to the Moonlight Lodge (Lazy Jack to Powder River by the Cowboy Cabins).
• Depending upon your shift, volunteer to have your guests join you to your next destination (Big Sky Base Area for “B” hosts and the Madison Base Area for “M” hosts).