Report from March 29
Spring in Big Sky, with long days fueled by warm temperatures and corn snow, has been some of my favorite skiing of the season thus far. After a season lacking powder days—partly due to low snowfall or, more likely, my poor timing—a change in conditions was a welcome sight.
For the past two weeks, high pressure has dominated the western United States. Southwest Montana has been caught in a warm cycle that’s been rapidly chipping away at the already below-average snowpack for the 2025-26 season. Understandably, many have started to transition, putting skis back into storage in exchange for bikes and fishing rods.
But 60°F and sunny has created arguably some of the most fun conditions of the year. And for those who’ve chosen to stick it out, a reward is in the short-term forecast.
The last weekend in March delivered classic spring conditions in Big Sky Country. If you’re willing to look past the dirt creeping in on the sides of the runs, the snow that’s holding is fantastic. By 10 a.m., whatever froze overnight had softened into perfect, spreadable corn. Opposite of the firm, icy mid-winter groomers, these conditions let you trust your turns and ski a bit better than you remembered you could.
Lapping groomers at high speeds all morning while we waited for the upper mountain to soften up was the name of the game.
Testing my luck on the first morning of the trip, I found firm, frozen slush from the night before. Disguised by warm weather and sun, it was an unwanted surprise when making confident turns at speed.
After taking a spill, a ski patroller hollered from the chair above, “Wait until at least 1 p.m.” Taking the advice, we indulged in a long spring lunch on the base patio that included giant chicken sandwiches and a few cold beverages.
When we circled back around at 2 p.m., we found what we were looking for: steep, soft snow that spread like butter.
Following our daily routine of groomer laps in the morning, a long lunch, and then searching for upper mountain corn in the afternoon, Kaitlyn, a lifelong skier, announced she would be snowboarding for the remainder of the day. Not worried about missing out on a powder day and encouraged by the forgiving snow, there was no better time to try.
Warm spring temperatures can be the perfect time to learn something new on the hill.
Looking ahead, there is a lot to be excited about. A powerful spring storm looks to bring over 20 inches of snow to southwest Montana, helping to stretch the season further into April and provide much needed relief to the dwindling snowpack, one that could have larger implications for the summer months ahead.
SNOW CONDITIONS
