EBS STAFF
A chair sale of Big Sky Resort’s retired Explorer chairlift raised $162,600 for Big Sky Community Housing Trust, Gallatin River Task Force and Wellness in Action. Funds will be doled out evenly at $54,200 per nonprofit.
According to an April 17 press release from the resort, chairs sold out within 30 minutes of the sale opening. The 51-year-old chairlift was one of the four original chairlifts operating on opening day in 1973. Decommissioned in March 2025, Explorer’s retirement makes way for the Explorer Gondola later this year.
“We’re incredibly proud to see such a strong response from our community,” Troy Nedved, president and COO of Big Sky Resort, stated in the release. “These chairs have carried generations of skiers, and now they’ll live on in new ways—while making a lasting impact through the nonprofits that help sustain our community.”
The three nonprofits support community services, such as affordable housing, accessible healthcare and protection and restoration of the Gallatin River.
“Wellness in Action is honored to be included in this outstanding event to mark Big Sky history. Thank you so much for supporting WIA and our work and mission to improve mental health for this amazing community,” stated Allison Bradac, executive director of Wellness in Action, in the release.
Chief executive and science officer of the Gallatin River Task Force, Kristin Gardner, stated that the funds will go towards protecting and restoring the Gallatin River.
“We’re honored to be part of this historic moment and deeply grateful to Big Sky Resort for including us,” Gardner stated.
