Donors Match $250K to Rebuild Maverick Mountain

A matching gift campaign aims to restore the fire-damaged Montana ski area after the Sand Creek Fire destroyed its only chairlift.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy

Burn-scarred mountain slope with charred conifers and a single steel cable running up an empty ski run toward a bare ridge. — Friends of Maverick Mountain launched a $250,000 matching gift campaign to rebuild the Montana ski area after the Sand Creek Fire destroyed its only chairlift. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Friends of Maverick Mountain announced a $250,000 matching gift to rebuild the ski area after the Sand Creek Fire reached it. The campaign has raised $385,000 from over 500 people and companies so far.

Why it matters

The fire destroyed Maverick Mountain's only chairlift and ski patrol infrastructure, and the rebuild is aimed in part at restoring youth skiing opportunities in Southwest Montana. The campaign's progress will determine how quickly the ski area can resume operations.

The campaign has raised $385,000 from over 500 people and companies toward a $1.5 million goal. Every dollar donated will be matched up to $250,000 through the Maverick Magic Match, but the rebuild remains far from fully funded.

The players

Friends of Maverick Mountain

A fundraising campaign launched by the Dillon Jaycees to rebuild the fire-damaged ski area in Montana.

Dillon Jaycees

The Dillon chapter of the Jaycees, a civic organization that has run the Little Skiers program at Maverick since 1955.

The details

The Sand Creek Fire destroyed Maverick Mountain's only chairlift, which has been declared a total loss, along with the ski patrol building and communications infrastructure at the top of the mountain. Friends of Maverick Mountain, launched by the Dillon Jaycees in August, is leading the fundraising effort.

August 2026: Dillon Jaycees launched Friends of Maverick Mountain after the Sand Creek Fire.
November 5, 2026: Friends of Maverick Mountain announced the $250,000 matching gift.

Philanthropy Context

The rebuild is being funded through a community matching campaign rather than a single large donor, reflecting how local ski areas in Montana have relied on volunteer and civic organizations such as the Jaycees. The Little Skiers program, which serves about 250 children each year, has operated at Maverick since 1955.

Residents and skiers in Southwest Montana can contribute to the Maverick Magic Match, with every dollar matched up to $250,000 until the full match is reached. The campaign's progress will determine when the Little Skiers program, serving about 250 children each year, can resume at the ski area.

The takeaway

Community matching campaigns can channel local giving into specific infrastructure needs, and donors can see how their contributions are doubled through the Maverick Magic Match. The campaign still has a long way to go toward its $1.5 million goal.