When asked about one of the main draws to the Bozeman area for locals and tourists alike, undoubtedly the top quality skiing will come to the forefront of most conversations. Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin, and Bridger Bowl all offer excellent skiing and amenities that can compare favorably with the “big names� in the Rocky Mountain region.

Looking back at the 2006-07 season, the number of ski visits as a whole was down 6.5% nationwide from the record setting 2005-06 season. This setback can be attributed in part to abnormally warm temperatures and below average snowfall in most areas of the country. However, the Rocky Mountain region (which includes Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico ) seemed to be immune from the national trend with no significant decrease in the length of the season and actually a slight increase in the number of skier visits. In fact, the 2006-07 season, while only up 0.6% in number of visits, set a record for the third consecutive year by reaching 20.8 million visits, which comprised approximately 38 percent of the total visits nationwide.

Big Sky Resort has continually set high standards for not only skiing satisfaction but for a complete resort package. The area is frequently expanding and improving its offerings to ensure a memory filled experience – whether a day trip or complete vacation. But Big Sky definitely has Mother Nature on its side also. Big Sky encompasses 3,812 acres, 150 named runs, 400+ inches of average annual snowfall, and 4,350 feet of vertical drop. These statistics certainly showcase Big Sky as the best conditions Montana has to offer. However, Moonlight Basin adds an additional 1,900 acres, 400 inches of average annual snowfall, and 4,150 feet of vertical drop. Additionally, Bridger Bowl can certainly stand on its own with 1,500 acres, 71 trails, 350 inches of average annual snowfall, and 2,600 feet of vertical drop.

Just to give a glimpse of how attractive our local ski resorts are when compared to others in the Rocky Mountain region, the same statistics from many of the more renowned resorts are included. Vail, Colorado (the largest ski resort in the United States ) boasts 5,289 acres, 193 trails, 346 inches average annual snowfall, and a 3,450 foot vertical drop. Telluride, Colorado possesses 1,700 acres, 84 trails, 309 inches annual average snowfall, and a 3,530 foot vertical drop. Steamboat, Colorado has 2,965 acres, 165 named trails, 331 inches average annual snowfall, and a 3,668 vertical drop. Sun Valley, Idaho has 2,054 acres, 220 inches annual average snowfall, and a 3,400 foot vertical drop. Jackson Hole, Wyoming has 2,500 acres, 116 trails, 450 inches average annual snowfall, and 4,139 feet of vertical drop. Park City, Utah reports 3,300 acres, 104 runs, 350 inches of average annual snowfall, and 3,100 feet vertical drop. Finally, Deer Valley, Utah (which received the top ranking in SKI Magazine’s annual “Top 50 Resort Guideâ€?) touts 2,026 acres, 99 runs, 300 inches average annual snowfall, and a 3,000 foot vertical drop. Within Montana, Whitefish Mountain Resort (formerly Big Mountain ) has 3,000 acres, 93 marked runs, 335 inches average annual snowfall, and a 2,500 foot vertical drop. Red Lodge Mountain consists of 1,600 acres, 70 trails, 250 inches average annual snowfall, and a 2,400 foot vertical drop.

With these figures, it is easy to see why our local resorts have much to be proud about. Quoting from Bridger Bowl’s website, “Bridger Bowl has become a cornerstone for Bozeman ’s recreational community and a major contributor to the area’s vibrant winter tourism economy. Bridger Bowl’s original mission still stands to this day: to plan, develop and maintain facilities and services in a financially sound manner which provide the best possible skiing experience at a reasonable cost to local, regional and destination skiers.â€? And from Big Sky Resort’s website, “With more accommodations, terrain and services than ever before, Big Sky Resort continues to make its mark on the mountain vacation industry, and more importantly, make fond memories for guests.â€?

So, how does all of this correlate to the real estate market? Second home buyers and investors look at and compare us to other communities in the region when making their buying decisions. Bozeman and Big Sky’s terrain, vertical drop and snowfall stack up near the top in every category. It is just another compelling component of the real estate economy which helps Bozeman stay vital and growing.

Robyn Erlenbush is owner of ERA Landmark Real Estate (with offices in Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston and Clyde Park) and Intermountain Property Management. She can be reached at robyn@eralandmark.com.

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