Adaptive Lift Ticket and Season Pass Policy
Guests who require assistance to load, ride, or unload the chairlifts or require special assistance while skiing because of a diagnosed disability may purchase day tickets at the window rate. With that ticket purchase, they will be able to receive a single complimentary 1-day lift ticket for their assistant, valid for the same day as the original ticket purchase. If a guest requiring assistance purchases a season pass or a multi-day ticket, they may request a single-day lift ticket each day that they ski or ride at Big Sky Resort for their assistant. The ticket for the assistant is valid on the day that they are functioning as an assistant only.
We cannot issue season passes or multi-day lift tickets for assistants. All transactions must be done in the Mountain Services office. If there are any questions or concerns about this policy, please call Neil Johnson in the Mountain Services office at (406) 995-5741.
General use of 'Other Power-driven Mobility Devices' in pedestrian areas of Mountain Village and surrounding property:
Big Sky Resort may ask a person using an 'other power-driven mobility device' to provide a credible assurance that the mobility device is required because of the person's disability. Big Sky Resort accepts the presentation of a valid, State-issued disability parking placard or card or other State-issued proof of disability as a credible assurance that the use of the other power-driven mobility device is for the individual's mobility disability. In the absence of such documents, Big Sky Resort shall allow the use of another power-driven mobility device if the individual states that the device is being used for a mobility disability. Any evidence to the contrary may be evaluated and acted upon by Big Sky Resort.
Use of 'Other Power-driven Mobility Devices' for Use On-Mountain during Summer Season:
Consistent with Big Sky Resort's policy of "no motorized" use, which restricts the use of any motorized vehicles by members of the public on Resort-owned lands. The use of any power-driven devices or vehicles by the public, including other power-driven mobility devices used by individuals with mobility disabilities, which were not primarily designed for use by individuals with disabilities, creates a substantial risk of serious harm to the user and others, and to the immediate environment and natural resources, and therefore are not permitted. This policy is in place to address the safety of the public and our employees, as well as the need to address soil integrity, erosion, and vegetative concerns. These safety requirements are based on actual risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.
Use of 'Other Power-driven Mobility Devices' On-Mountain Use during Winter Season:
Consistent with Big Sky Resort's policy of "no motorized" use, which restricts the use of any motorized vehicles by members of the public on Resort-owned lands. The use of any power-driven devices or vehicles by the public, including other power-driven mobility devices used by individuals with mobility disabilities, would conflict with Big Sky Resort's safety requirements necessary for the reasonably safe operation of our on-slope activities. These safety concerns include the use of devices on the slopes that expose the user and skiers/snowboarders to a safety hazard and/or access into closed areas that pose avalanches and other hazards. These safety concerns are compounded by our facility's large volume of trail use. These safety requirements are based on actual risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.
Use of Mobility Devices in Pedestrian Areas:
Big Sky Resort allows individuals with mobility disabilities to use wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids, such as walkers, crutches, canes, braces, or other similar devices designed for use by individuals with mobility disabilities in areas open to pedestrian use.
Use of Adaptive Devices:
Big Sky Resort allows the use of adaptive devices or other 'manually-powered mobility aids' designed and manufactured primarily for use by individuals who have disabilities, including, without limitation, mono skis, bi skis, outriggers, and sit-skis. Big Sky Resort Snow Sports facility can assist guests wishing to enjoy winter sports through the use of adaptive equipment in scheduling adaptive lessons through Eagle Mount of Bozeman, www.eaglemount.org, or phone: 406-586-1781.
On-Mountain Use of Service Animals:
Big Sky Resort supports the use of trained service animals. All service animals must meet current ADA guidelines, including, but not limited to: remaining under the direct control of the user and on a leash at all times, being housebroken, and being trained and utilized for a specific disability approved by ADA regulations. Animals must be well-behaved and not pose a safety risk to other guests or wildlife. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.
Service Animals on Lifts
Chairlifts (Foot Passengers): Foot passengers on chairlifts are allowed to bring lap-sized service animals that meet ADA guidelines. The service animal must remain under the direct control of the handler at all times during transport.
Gondola and Tram (Foot Passengers): Foot passengers on the gondola and tram are allowed to bring service animals of any size that meet ADA guidelines. The service animal must remain under the direct control of the handler at all times during transport.
Chairlifts (Skiers, Snowboarders, and Mountain Bikers): Skiers, snowboarders, and mountain bikers on any lift are allowed to bring a service animal carried in a backpack, provided the animal meets ADA guidelines and remains secure during transport.
Service Animals On-Mountain
Skiing, Snowboarding, & Mountain Biking: No service animals are allowed to run down the slopes or trails for skiing or mountain biking. This restriction is maintained due to Big Sky Resort's safety requirements necessary for the reasonably safe operation of our on-mountain activities. These safety concerns include the use of service animals on the slopes that expose the user, animal, and other guests to safety hazards. These safety concerns are compounded by our facility's large volume of trail use.
Summer Hiking: Well-trained pets under the direct control of their owners are allowed on multi-use and hiking-specific trails. All pets must be on a leash.
Pedestrian Area Use of Service Animals during Summer & Winter Season:
Big Sky Resort supports the use of trained service animals during the summer and winter operating seasons. All service animals must meet current ADA guidelines, including, but not limited to: remaining under the direct control of the user and on a leash at all times, being housebroken, and being trained and utilized for a specific disability approved by ADA regulations. Animals must be well-behaved and not pose a safety risk to other guests or wildlife. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.
Use of Miniature Horses as Service Animals:
Use of miniature horses as service animals must meet the standards set forth by the American Miniature Horse Association. Specifically, miniature horses may not exceed thirty-four (34) inches at the withers measured at the last mane hairs. Certain areas within buildings on the resort property may be restricted from the use of miniature horses due to weight, size, or other safety considerations associated with each location. All service animals must meet current ADA guidelines, including, but not limited to: remaining under the direct control of the user and on a leash at all times, being housebroken, and being trained and utilized for a specific disability approved by ADA regulations. Animals must be well-behaved and not pose a safety risk to other guests or wildlife. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. These safety requirements are based on actual risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.
Key Contacts:
Specific questions or concerns regarding Big Sky Resort's policies concerning the use of Service Animals and 'other power-driven mobility devices' should be directed to:
Neil Johnson, Mountain Services Vice President, Big Sky Resort
njohnson@bigskyresort.com
Michelle Frederick, Lodging Vice President, Big Sky Resort
mfrederick@bigskyresort.com
