By Carli Johnson STAFF WRITER
The Sand Creek Fire reached Maverick Mountain Monday night, Aug. 10, burning an estimated two-thirds of the ski area’s runs and damaging the upper portion of a lift, according to JC Knaub, who spoke with Explore Big Sky on behalf of his daughter and son-in-law, who own the local ski resort.
Knaub said the fire has been “emotionally devastating,” with significant work ahead for the ski area to return to operation.
“They’re going to need a lot of help to get back in business,” Knaub said.
The Sand Creek Fire has burned more than 19,600 acres and is 1% contained, as of 1:48 p.m., according to InciWeb. North of Sand Creek, the Bobcat Lakes Fire has grown to more than 8,000 acres and remains 0% contained. Both fires are threatening surrounding communities, with evacuation notices issued for subdivisions and other areas near the fires.
Firefighters, including hotshot crews and ground personnel, worked ahead of the fire to protect structures at Maverick Mountain and Elkhorn Hot Springs. According to Watch Duty, structure protection from Elkhorn Hot Springs toward Maverick Mountain was a primary focus as the fire advanced. Crews established pump and sprinkler systems around structures, while smokejumpers constructed a handline to connect with the Sand Creek Trail.
As of Tuesday Aug. 11, Elkhorn Hot Springs had so far been spared from fire damage.
Kristi and Erik Borge have owned Maverick Mountain for just over a decade after purchasing the mountain from Randy Shilling in 2015. Located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Maverick offers 425 acres of terrain to skiers of all levels. The mountain itself has operated as a community ski area since 1946, one of the oldest in the state. Kristi, daughter of Knaub, grew up in Big Sky, where she gained her love for skiing.
Knaub described Maverick Mountain as a uniquely Montana institution, connecting the area’s ranching and ski communities.
“Maverick Mountain is the soul of Montana,” Knaub said. “It’s a cross section between ranchers and ski life.”
Big Sky community members have already responded to the tragedy, with Yellowstone Tour Guides, owned by Jim Holstein, posting on their Facebook page.
“I would like to challenge everyone who bought a season pass at any ski area in Montana to donate $5 (or more) to Maverick’s recovery,” the page said, offering their well wishes.
