Big Sky, Montana — Back in December 1973, Big Sky Resort opened with four lifts: Andesite, Explorer, the Gondola, and Lone Peak. Three of these four lifts have been closed and removed, but the Heron-Poma chairlift has remained operating to this day. However, it’s just days away from being closed for good.
The Explorer 2 chairlift era will officially conclude at the end of this month. It will close on March 30, 2025, and the chairs will be removed on March 31st and April 1st. The fixed-grip double chairlift, which has a vertical rise of 622 feet, has serviced beginner and intermediate terrain, making it an essential step for novice skiers and riders.
For those who love this chairlift, there’s an opportunity to own a chair. Big Sky has announced that it will sell 125 chairs. Proceeds from these sales will benefit three local non-profits: the Big Sky Community Housing Trust, Gallatin River Task Force, and Wellness in Action.
Each chair will cost $1200, and those who want to buy one will have to purchase them between March 20th at 10 a.m. and March 29th at 5 p.m. Mountain Time. For pickup, you’ll have to grab it at the Montana ski resort either on March 31st from 4-7 PM or April 1st from 4-7 PM.
“The Explorer 2 chairlift has been a fixture at Big Sky Resort for over five decades, carrying many generations of guests,” said Troy Nedved, the president and COO of Big Sky Resort. “We’re excited to give these chairs a new life while giving back to three critical organizations in our community.“
It will be replaced by a new, monumental lift for Big Sky.
The Explorer Gondola will connect the Mountain Village area to the base terminal of the Lone Peak Tram. Ultimately, this 10-person gondola will give guests the most convenient access to the Lone Peak Tram and the Powder Seeker chairlifts. The two-stage gondola will also feature a mid-station. Next to the mid-station will eventually be home to a beginner area with magic carpets. The new Explorer will become the second active gondola at the ski resort, with the other, the One & Only, opening earlier this winter. The new Explorer Gondola is scheduled to open in December 2025.
Image/Video Credits: Big Sky Resort
