My favorite terrain to ski is tree runs. Finding some untouched powder and a hidden trail through the aspens is thrilling. I recently made a ski trip out to Big Sky, Montana and found some of the best tree runs I’ve ever skied. Overall, the Bavarian Forest from the Dakota 3 lift is the best tree run at Big Sky, see short below. But there are so many great runs to explore. Big Sky is massive, so if you plan your routes in advance then you will maximize your time carving through the woods. Here are my top 5 favorite tree runs at Big Sky that you need to check out.
- White Magic, Double Blue
White Magic is a great warm up run or one to try at the end of the day when your legs are spent. The easiest way to access this run is by taking the Swift Current 6 and cutting towards the Lone Peak Tram. At the base of the tram take Crazy Horse (blue) and White Magic will be on the right about halfway down. The run is a little gully in the woods weaving in and out of trees. The pitch of the slope is pretty forgiving. I highly recommend skiing White Magic.
- Forbidden Forest / Magic Meadows, Double Blue
Another great tree run off the Swift Current 6 is the Forbidden Forest / Magic Meadows. Take Jay Walk off of the lift all the way beyond the Powder Seeker lift. Forbidden Forest and Magic Meadows are in the same area. The pitch is moderate and there is a variety of spacing between trees from thick to sparse. These are great runs if you are going from Swift Current 6 to the Challenger 3 lift.
- Big Tree Cutoff, Double Blue
Big Tree Cutoff is an awesome run weaving between big trees. I think the best way to access these trees is off of the Madison 8 lift, although you can get there from the Lone Tree lift as well. If you take the Madison 8, cut hard left onto Still Water Traverse and cut under the Lone Tree lift. Big Tree Cutoff will be on the other side of Lone Tree. This run was a blast. There were different pitches and tree spacing to choose from. All around this was one of my favorite runs of my trip.
- Grizzly Meadows, Black
Grizzly Meadows is similar to White Magic but a little bit more advanced. Like White Magic, it is a gully through the forest. To access Grizzly Meadows, you will need to get to the Lone Tree lift (from Madison 8). Take Horseshoe and cut down Legend. There is a short catwalk from Legend to Grizzly Meadows. Grizzly Meadows is a little bit difficult to access since it is on the far edge of the resort, but it is worth the trek. Not only is Grizzly Meadows one of my favorite runs, but getting there via Horseshoe has some very scenic views.
- Bavarian Forest, Black
The best tree runs at Big Sky are accessed via Dakota 3. This lift is on the backside of the mountain and can be difficult to get to. But the Bavarian Forest and other runs from Dakota 3 are the absolute best. You can either take the Lone Peak Tram and ski down the backside or take the Swift Current 6 lift to Cow Flats. Take Cow Flats to the Shedhorn lift. And from Shedhorn take the Upper Sunlight and Mule Skinner runs to Dakota 3. The tree runs off of Dakota 3 have everything. Since the Bavarian Forest is out of the way, it consistently boasted the best snow our group experienced. There are a variety of slope pitches to choose from. Also, the tree spacing varies from dense or sparse. So you can choose your favorite line through the forest. If you are a tree run enthusiast like me, you need to visit Big Sky and spend a day or so on the Dakota lift skiing the Bavarian Forest. It was an unforgettable experience and I am sure you will have the time of your life.
Bavarian Forest from Dakota 3 Chair Lift
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