Rebuilding the Mountain That Raised Generations: $2M Campaign Launched for Maverick Mountain After Devastating Wildfire
28/August/2026
When the Sand Creek Fire swept through southwest Montana’s Grasshopper Valley, it scorched a third of Maverick Mountain Ski Area and rendered its sole lift damaged beyond repair. While brave structural protection crews managed to save the resort's iconic base lodge—famous for its retro shag-carpeted walls—the disaster left nearly 250 local children without their primary winter recreation outlet. In response, the Dillon Jaycees have launched Friends of Maverick Mountain, a 501(c)(3) fundraising initiative targeting $2 million to restore and future-proof the beloved independent mountain.
A 70-Year Community Legacy
For seven decades, Maverick Mountain has served as the winter heart of Beaverhead County. The Dillon Jaycees have operated their signature "Little Skiers" program at the mountain since 1955, providing 125 kids each year with affordable access, ski lessons, and equipment. When combined with regional homeschool and rural school programs, the hill introduces roughly 250 local youth to snow sports every winter.
The Rebuild & Modernization Plan
Rather than simply restoring the mountain to its previous state, the initiative aims to address long-standing infrastructure needs while lowering long-term replacement costs.
Rebuild Initiative | Project Specifications & Technical Logistics | Financial & Operational Impact |
Primary Quad Lift | Install two used Poma fixed-grip quad lifts salvaged from Aspen and Jackson Hole (stored safely on-site and undamaged by fire). | ~$2.0M – $2.5M benchmark install vs. $4.5M for a new chairlift. |
Lift Engineering | Requires 11,000 ft of new haul rope, a complete electrical/com-line overhaul, AC drive refurb, and 18+ towers. | ~$200,000 for haul rope; ~$500,000 for drive and electrical upgrades. |
Lower Snowmaking | Install basic snowmaking infrastructure on the lower mountain (where none currently exists). | Ensures a reliable early-December opening and extends the seasonal calendar. |
Secondary Short Lift | Construct a shorter lift on the mountain’s left flank providing a 5-minute lap. | Ideal for beginners, kids' programs, and the youth race team on peak weekends. |
Base Lodge Upgrades | Construct a separate rental shop/ticket office building; expand lodge cubbies and cafeteria. | Restores indoor seating capacity and clears downstairs gear bottlenecks. |
Navigating the Road Ahead
While fire insurance policies will help offset replacement costs, coverage falls significantly short of the total capital required for full installation and US Forest Service approval.
Independent Governance: Financial distributions are overseen by an advisory board—including local community leaders Jim Harvey, Leslie Cottom, Sandi Sloan, and Cory Birkenbuel—ensuring full transparency.
Long-Term Youth Endowment: Any funds raised beyond immediate rebuild requirements will directly fund youth ski scholarships and equipment programs.
How to Contribute: Tax-deductible donations can be submitted at any Stockman Bank branch, by mail to P.O. Box 460459 in Polaris, MT 59746, or online via credit card at friendsofmaverickmountain.org.
The race is now on to secure components and clear regulatory reviews so Southwest Montana’s next generation of skiers can hit the slopes without missing a beat.
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