Big Sky Resort Raises $162,600 Through Explorer 2 Chair Sale To Benefit Local Nonprofits

Big Sky Resort is proud to announce the sale of 125 historic Explorer 2 chairs has raised a total of $162,600 for three local nonprofit organizations: Big Sky Community Housing Trust, Gallatin River Task Force, and Wellness in Action. Each organization will receive $54,200 in support of their ongoing community work.

The online sale, which launched on March 20, 2025, sold out in less than 30 minutes as supporters jumped at the opportunity to own a piece of Big Sky history. The Explorer 2 chairlift, retired on March 30 after 51 years of service, was one of the four original lifts that opened with the resort in 1973.

“We’re incredibly proud to see such a strong response from our community,” said Troy Nedved, president and COO of Big Sky Resort. “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.”

Each nonprofit beneficiary provides vital resources to the Big Sky community.

Mental health:

“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,” said Allison Bradac, executive director of Wellness in Action.

Ecosystem health:

Kristin Gardner, chief executive and science officer of Gallatin River Task Force said, "We’re honored to be part of this historic moment and deeply grateful to Big Sky Resort for including us. We look forward to applying these funds towards our work protecting and restoring the Gallatin River."

Housing:

“We’re so grateful to Big Sky Resort for including the Housing Trust in the Explorer Chair event, and so proud to be a part of such a unique piece of Big Sky history. The funds raised will help secure stable year-round housing for working Big Sky families,” said David O’Connor, executive director of Big Sky Community Housing Trust.

The new Explorer Gondola will debut in winter 2025, completing the resort’s base-to-summit lift network as part of the final chapter of the Big Sky 2025 vision. The gondola will unlock pedestrian access to the 11,166-foot summit of Lone Mountain during winter for the first time in the resort’s history.