Viral Video of Massive Avalanche at Montana’s Big Sky Resort

A massive avalanche triggered by Big Sky Ski Patrol on Wednesday has captured the attention of skiers and snowboarders across the region. The avalanche, which occurred in the Bone Crusher area, sent a wall of snow tumbling down towards the Swift Current 6 chairlift.

Massive Avalanche Closes Chair Lift at Montana's Big Sky Resort

Video footage of the incident quickly spread online, showing the overwhelming force of the snow as it engulfed the lift terminal. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but seven Big Sky employees had to be rescued by rope evacuation after the avalanche struck.

According to Unofficial Networks, the avalanche was set off during a routine avalanche mitigation operation by the ski patrol before the lifts were opened for the day. The snow slid down to the top terminal of the Swift Current 6 lift, nearly burying the entire structure. Reports estimate that 15 feet of snow piled up around the upper terminal.

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In dramatic video captured by a Big Sky employee and shared on TikTok, viewers can see the impact of the avalanche. In one video, the lift shack is almost completely covered by snow, with only a portion of the building visible.

@chadsgap POV getting hit by an avalanche at Big Sky Resort while in the lift shack that shack is built pretty damn well to hold up that 15+ft of snow. #skiing #avalanche #bigsky #montanalife #skipatrol #skitok ♬ original sound - ChadsGap

A second video from @chadsgap shows the lift shack nearly buried under an estimated 15 feet of snow, showcasing the extent of the damage and the work ahead for ski patrol and maintenance crews.

@chadsgap Avalanche BURIES Big Sky Lift Shack 15 feet below the snow this is going to take ski patrol & maintenance a long time to get this taken care of before anyone goes skiing today. #skiing #avalanche #bigsky #montanalife #skipatrol ♬ original sound - ChadsGap

This video above was shared with the following caption.

Avalanche BURIES Big Sky Lift Shack 15 feet below the snow this is going to take ski patrol & maintenance a long time to get this taken care of before anyone goes skiing today.

The Swift Current 6 lift remains closed as crews work tirelessly to clear debris and restore access. For the latest updates on conditions and closures at Big Sky Resort, click here.