In-Bounds Avalanche Suspends Swift Current 6 at Big Sky Resort

Big Sky Resort in Montana, temporarily suspended operations of its Swift Current 6 chairlift following an in-bounds avalanche triggered during avalanche mitigation efforts Wednesday morning. The slide occurred in the Bone Crusher area before public opening, impacting the upper lift terminal of Swift Current 6, according to an official statement from the resort.

The massive crown left behind the slide. Photo: Big Sky

Ski patrol had preemptively halted the lift as part of avalanche mitigation protocols before deploying explosives. When the avalanche released, debris covered the surrounding area near the upper terminal of Swift Current 6. Seven Big Sky team members who were on the lift at the time were safely evacuated via rope rescues conducted by ski patrol.

“This morning's events reinforce why we conduct thorough avalanche mitigation work before opening to the public,” said Tom Marshall, Big Sky Resort’s general manager of mountain experience. “Our ski patrol and mountain operations teams executed their safety protocols while managing the situation professionally and efficiently.”

Following the incident, Swift Current 6 remained closed while resort teams worked to clear snow and conduct a thorough evaluation of the lift’s infrastructure. The chairlift was inspected and successfully reopened at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, Big Sky Resort confirmed.

In addition to the lift closure, Big Sky Resort reported delays in opening upper-mountain terrain due to extreme winds, with gusts ranging from 40 to 60 miles per hour. According to the resort’s snow report, sustained summit winds reached an average of 65 miles per hour overnight, contributing to significant snow transport and loading, which ski patrollers mitigated prior to opening.

While rare, in-bounds avalanches impacting lift infrastructure have occurred at ski resorts across North America and globally. In 2014, a ski patrol-triggered avalanche at Crystal Mountain, Washington, destroyed a chairlift while the resort was closed. Similarly, in 2012, a slow-moving avalanche damaged a lift at St. Francois-Longchamps, France.

Big Sky Resort emphasized its commitment to guest and staff safety, stating that continuous monitoring and mitigation efforts are in place to ensure stable conditions throughout the mountain. Further updates on lift operations and terrain openings will be shared via the resort’s official channels.

For the latest snow and safety reports, visit Big Sky Resort’s website or follow their social media updates.