Community Partners
Big Sky Resort in close connection with the Mountain Sports School, contributes $500,000 + of in kind donations annually to Eagle Mount, Big Sky Bravery, Big Sky Youth Empowerment Program, and Big Sky Ski Education Foundation. In 2021 Big Sky Resort contributed $275,000 of in kind donations to various non-profit organizations. The Student & Educator pass program (Ophir, LPHS, & Discovery Academy) provides $150,000 of ski passes every year for local students and teachers. In addition, the Mountain Sports School works hand in hand with the Ophir Elementary and Middle School to provide all students with the opportunity to experience skiing or snowboarding.
Eagle Mount
“Since 1982, Eagle Mount has been transforming the lives of people with disabilities and children with cancer. With the help and support of a generous community, Eagle Mount opens up a world of adventures - skiing, horseback riding, swimming, camping, rock climbing, kayaking, cycling, fishing, and more - that foster freedom, joy, strength, focus, and confidence. Set under the beauty of Montana's legendary big sky, Eagle Mount focuses on people's abilities, while gently supporting their disabilities.
Recognized in 2010 by NBC's TODAY show as one of five small charities in America that make a big difference, Eagle Mount is the realization of a lifelong dream, created and built by General and Mrs. Robert C. Mathis, USAF (ret). The Mathises understood the value of recreation in enabling those with disabilities to "mount up with wings as eagles." Following its founders' wishes, Eagle Mount never turns anyone away if they cannot pay, and does not accept government funding.”
Big Sky Resort is proud to offer locations at Mountain Village and Madison Base for Eagle Mount’s winter activities and provides lift tickets for volunteers and staff of Eagle Mount.
Big Sky Bravery
“Big Sky Bravery is founded on the belief that we owe a debt of gratitude to the members of our military’s active duty special operations forces. As elite military members, these individuals risk their lives to protect us. They do so under the radar and out of the spotlight. It is because of their selflessness and bravery that we are able to enjoy living in a safe and free America.
To help show our gratitude, our primarily civilian-based organization is dedicated to providing these elite individuals with post-deployment decompression programs in Montana’s restorative surroundings. Our programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of these elite military members by building trust, brotherhood and friendships at this critical time in their lives as a means to improve their psychological and emotional wellbeing.”
Through our partnership with Big Sky Bravery we welcome our active duty special operations forces to decompress on this amazing mountain that we call home. We offer lift tickets to participants and volunteers during their stay here.
Big Sky Youth Empowerment (BYEP)
“Big Sky Youth Empowerment provides opportunities for at-risk teenagers from Gallatin County, Montana, to experience success.
Participation in BYEP is voluntary. It is an opportunity awarded to extraordinary youth throughout Bozeman and Belgrade who want to make a change in their lives. We provide a program where youth are grouped with peers, mentors, and program managers and taken on weekend adventures and weekday workshops. Adventures build confidence as participants are challenged in various settings around Gallatin County. We also meet one week day for workshops focusing on curriculum that includes topics such as building healthy relationships, independent decision making, and interpersonal skills. Our goal is to equip the youth with the skills to make educated decisions towards an empowered and independent future.”
Here at Big Sky Resort we welcome BYEP to the Madison Base for 10 Sundays of skiing and snowboarding. We provide lift tickets, training for mentors and lessons for new BYEP participants to help them build a solid foundation on which to progress their skills and stay safe on the hill.
Women of Winter
“Women of Winter is a grassroots organization founded in Big Sky, Montana, in December 2018 by Chris Walch, a female ski instructor who sat in awe of the incredible accomplishments of her fellow female colleagues whose lockers bookended hers. She and several other badass women knew their stories needed to be shared and that the women and girls in their community were hungry to hear them, and from there Women of Winter was born.
Women of Winter’s mission is to inspire and empower women and girls to get outside, to be courageous and to boldly embrace and pursue their dreams by carving their own paths in the mountains and in life.”
Big Sky Ski Education Foundation
“Big Sky Ski Education Foundation offers competitive Alpine, Freeride, and Nordic skiing programs. Our mission is to provide an opportunity for kids to become great skiers and pursue personal goals while promoting good sportsmanship, healthy competitiveness, sound technical skills, and an appreciation for the spirit of skiing in the mountains.”