SAM Magazine-Big Sky, Mont., Feb. 24, 2012-For the first time, Big Sky will run the Lone Peak Tram to give guests access to the 11,166-foot peak and its 360-degree views, and offer guided Lone Peak Expeditions, starting in July 2012. The outings will involve riding a chairlift, the tram, and safari vehicle. The Tram has operated winters only since 1996.

Expedition guests can choose one of four daily guided trips ($75 per person), starting in Big Sky's Basecamp building in the Mountain Village. Guests ride up the Swift Current chairlift, where a guide takes them via safari vehicle to the tram base and a ride to the mountain summit. There, guests can take in the vista, get snacks, and take short guided hikes. For the descent, they can choose to hike from the top or take the tram, vehicle, and lift back to the base area. Cost is $75 per person for the two-hour-plus trip.

"The Lone Peak Expedition isn't the DIY, hop-on-a-gondola experience other mountains have," said Christine Baker, Big Sky Basecamp program manager. "Our terrain is more rugged and dramatic than other resort mountain landscapes, and Big Sky leads you through the whole experience, giving guests information and guidance along the way. It's more of an expedition, a Rocky Mountain safari than anything else."

Expeditions add another facet to Big Sky's summer operations, which range from ziplines to downhill mountain biking. Just 18 miles from Yellowstone National Park, the region receives a great deal of summer traffic.