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Instead of Vail...try skiing Big Sky, Montana
The experienceFor some, Vail equals skiing. For others, however, Vail equals "30-minute lift line." In Big Sky, Mont., snow and elbow room are in equal (and abundant) supply. This season, Big Sky and neighboring resort Moonlight Basin are offering a joint lift ticket for $78, just $13 more than Big Sky's normal pass. Lift lines are rare, so you'll have ample time to check out the two resorts' combined 230 trails. At night it's worth the 15-minute drive for dinner at Buck's T-4 Lodge, a local favorite that specializes in game dishes such as wild boar. And since skiing is really just an excuse to plop yourself in a hot tub, check out Big Sky's Saddleridge Townhomes, where two-bedroom condos start at $213 a night and come with their own private outdoor whirlpool -- something you're not likely to find in Vail, even at twice the price. Keep in mind Only six cities (and none on the East Coast) offer nonstop flights to Bozeman, Mont. It's a one-hour drive to the resort, so count on a little travel time to get there. Details To stay: Besides the Saddleridge, the nearby Summit Hotel has ski-in/ski-out access; rooms start at $151; two-bedroom suites start at $387 (800-548-4486 for Summit and Saddleridge). To ski: Big Sky Resort (800-548-4486; www.bigskyresort.com) and Moonlight Basin (800-845-4428; www.moonlightbasin.com). To eat: Buck's T-4 Lodge (800-822-4484; www.buckst4dining.com). |