Big Sky Resort Raises $162,600 for Local Nonprofits Through Chair Sale

Big Sky Resort's Chair Sale Raises Funds for Local Nonprofits

Big Sky Resort in Montana has successfully raised $162,600 through the sale of 125 chairs from its retiring Explorer 2 lift. The funds will be distributed equally among three local nonprofit organisations: Big Sky Community Housing Trust, Gallatin River Task Force, and Wellness in Action, with each receiving $54,200.

The online sale, which took place on March 20, 2025, was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the community. All chairs were sold within 30 minutes, demonstrating strong local support for both the resort and the benefiting organisations. The Explorer 2 chairlift, which had been in operation for 51 years since the resort's opening in 1973, was retired on March 30.

Troy Nedved, president and COO of Big Sky Resort, expressed pride in the community's response, noting that the chairs represent a significant part of the resort's history. The sale not only allows skiers to own a piece of this history but also contributes to important local causes.

The current Big Sky trail map. Credit: Big Sky Resort

The funds raised will support various community initiatives. David O'Connor, executive director of Big Sky Community Housing Trust, stated that their share would help secure year-round housing for local working families.

Looking ahead, Big Sky Resort is preparing to launch the new Explorer Gondola in winter 2025. This addition will complete the resort's base-to-summit lift network, a key component of the Big Sky 2025 vision. Notably, the gondola will provide the first-ever winter pedestrian access to the 11,166-foot summit of Lone Mountain, marking a significant milestone in the resort's development and offering new experiences for visitors.