Not since gin and vermouth has there been a better collision than that of Big Sky and Moonlight Basin, two resorts that share 11,166-foot Lone Mountain in southwestern Montana. For several years, the owners of each were bickering over operational issues until boom -- they decided to offer a joint pass to all the goods. That means 5,512 acres of raw, uncrowded Montanan runs with a vertical drop of 4,350 feet. Imagine New York City and Los Angeles combining forces, and you get the picture. On the Big Sky side, make a beeline to ride the Lone Peak Tram and lay waste to such areas as Dirtbag Wall and the Dictator Chutes; on the Moonlight Basin side, spill down 1,200-foot runs in the Headwaters area and the Alps-like North Summit snowfields. On the other side of the day, the nearby college town of Bozeman teems with nightlife options.

Must ski: Find a partner, a shovel and an avalanche transceiver to tackle Big Couloir, a 45-degree, 1,400-foot flute of fear beneath the Lone Peak Tram.

Must après-ski: The center of the Big Sky scene is Whiskey Jack's -- live music in the afternoons, lots of late-night action and Montana-brewed beers.

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Photo #1: Courtesy of Big Sky  
Photo #2: Courtesy of Moonlight Basin