After Wildfire Torches Ski Lift In Montana, Local Group Starts Fundraising
After a fire torched the lone chairlift at Montana’s small Maverick Mountain, a local non-profit that runs a program for young skiers, the Dillon Jaycees, is raising money to help get the ski area back on track by launching the Friends of Maverick Mountain initiative.
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Ignited on August 1, the Sand Creek fire crossed into Maverick Mountain’s boundaries just over a week later, burning a portion of its runs and causing the chairlift’s haul rope to fail, scattering the chairs over the mountain, according to co-owner Erik Borge, who spoke with the Montana Free Press.
A press release from Maverick Mountain’s supporters said on Tuesday that a ski patrol building at the top of the mountain and the mountain’s communications infrastructure were also destroyed. The fire, which is still burning, is 14% contained according to the latest update from officials. The release said that firefighters have saved the base lodge and the grooming machines at Maverick Mountain.
The ski area has a head start on making repairs. In 2024, Maverick purchased two used Poma fixed-grip quad chairlifts from Aspen Skiing Company and Jackson Hole. Both were untouched by the fire.
A fact sheet for the fundraising effort said Maverick still needs a new haul rope, a full electrical upgrade and communications line, a new AC drive, refurbishment of the remaining components, and to cover the costs of installing a lift with at least 18 towers, including the top and bottom terminals.
The industry standard for the installation and the planned length of the chairlift runs between $2 and $2.5 million, depending on helicopter time, according to the fact sheet. The release said that fire insurance will offset these costs but is expected to fall short of covering the total. The Dillon Jaycees’ fundraising goal is $2 million.
Maverick Mountain
Beyond the lift, the initiative aims to fund mountain cleanup and restoration, equipment, materials and labor so Maverick “can reopen as soon as possible and stay strong for years to come,” the release said.
In operation since 1946, Maverick Mountain is among Montana’s oldest ski areas. Bought by Erik and Kristi Borge in 2015 from longtime owner Randy Shilling, the ski area, which spans 24 runs, has continued to offer cheap tickets and passes. The Dillon Jaycees have run the Little Skiers program since 1955, offering K-8 students lunch, lessons, and transportation to Maverick Mountain on Saturdays for four weeks.
The release offered three ways to donate, noting that additional funds after the rebuild will go toward scholarships and equipment for youth programs.
- Online at friendsofmaverickmountain.org
- At any Stockman Bank branch in Montana—ask for the Friends of Maverick Mountain account
- By mail to Friends of Maverick Mountain, PO Box 460459, Polaris, MT 59746
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