Arapahoe Basin vs Big Sky
Comparing Arapahoe Basin (CO) and Big Sky (MT) on price, terrain, snowfall, and lift wait. Numbers from the 2026 season.
Arapahoe Basin
Keystone, CO
Ikon pass
Window price$199
Online (advance)$79
Season pass$1,329
Big Sky
Big Sky, MT
Ikon pass
Window price$222
Online (advance)$98
Season pass$1,329
Side-by-side
| Stat | Arapahoe Basin | Big Sky | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $199 | $222 | Arapahoe Basin |
| Online (30+ days) | $79 | $98 | Arapahoe Basin |
| Season pass | $1,329 | $1,329 | Tied |
| Annual snowfall | 306" | 400" | Big Sky |
| Skiable acres | 1,428 | 5,850 | Big Sky |
| Vertical drop | 2,538' | 4,366' | Big Sky |
| Runs | 146 | 317 | Big Sky |
| Lifts | 9 | 28 | Big Sky |
| Summit elevation | 13,338' | 11,166' | Arapahoe Basin |
| Beginner terrain | 10% | 15% | Big Sky |
| Advanced terrain | 60% | 60% | Tied |
| Average lift wait | 10 min | 10 min | Tied |
The Match
Arapahoe Basin is cheaper at the gate ($79 vs $98 entry). Big Sky is significantly bigger (5,850 vs 1,428 acres). Big Sky sees more snow (400" vs 306"). Both are on the Ikon pass — same pass, same wallet.