POLARIS, Mont. — The Sand Creek Fire has crossed into the boundaries of Maverick Mountain, a small Montana ski area, officials confirmed Tuesday, damaging the resort’s only chairlift while crews worked to protect buildings.
Fire reaches ski area; lift reported damaged
Wildfire activity that has gripped this part of Montana has now affected the Polaris-area ski operation. The fire has burned in excess of 27,000 acres and is reported at roughly 1% containment, according to local reports. Mavericks Mountain management said the blaze entered the ski area footprint and reached one chairlift, though the extent of the damage remains unclear.
Crew members and community volunteers moved resort equipment into the parking area to keep it away from stacked lumber and other fuel sources, and some replacement lift parts already purchased for an upgrade were relocated to nearby fields to protect them from the flames.
| Item | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Acres burned (Sand Creek Fire) | 27,000+ |
| Containment | 1% |
| Primary facility affected | Single chairlift |
Lodge survives amid firefighting efforts
Reports indicate Maverick Mountain’s lodge remains standing after firefighting crews applied retardant around the structure. The resort’s owners, Erik and Kristi Borge — who purchased the property in 2015 and also own nearby Elkhorn Hot Springs Ranch — said the ranch buildings had been threatened but so far have avoided structural damage.
Officials did not provide an estimate for repair costs or a timeline to restore the damaged lift. Maverick Mountain had been planning to replace that chairlift; parts from two older lifts, including components from Aspen’s Gent’s Ridge chairlift, were being staged for installation.
Local impacts and uncertainty for the ski season
For the surrounding community and the resort’s seasonal workforce, the immediate concern is both safety and the prospect of disrupted winter operations. Maverick Mountain is a small operation that relies on a functioning lift system to open for the ski season; whether the resort will be able to operate for the 2026–27 season remains uncertain.
- Equipment and replacement parts were moved away from buildings to open parking areas and fields.
- Fire crews applied retardant to protect the lodge and other structures.
- Owners report that nearby Elkhorn Hot Springs Ranch was threatened but buildings were spared so far.
Broader context: dry conditions and a difficult season
Statewide, the fire season follows a winter of low snowfall and a spring and summer marked by dryness and higher-than-normal temperatures. Those conditions have contributed to an active wildfire season across the American West, threatening recreation areas and resorts in multiple states.
Nearby communities face evacuations, road closures and strained firefighting resources as crews prioritize life and property. Officials continue to urge residents and visitors to follow local evacuation orders and guidance from fire management teams.
What we know and what remains unknown
Confirmed facts so far include the fire’s movement into Maverick Mountain’s boundary and the reported damage to the resort’s single chairlift; the lodge remains standing and some structures at the nearby hot springs ranch have been saved through firefighting efforts. Missing details include the full extent of lift damage, an assessment of any other infrastructure losses, an estimate of repair costs, and a firm decision about the resort’s ability to open next winter.
Authorities and resort management have not provided a timeline for comprehensive damage assessments. Residents and guests are advised to monitor public safety announcements and the resort’s official channels for updates.
WE NEWS will continue to follow developments and provide updates as firefighting crews report containment progress and Maverick Mountain clarifies its recovery plans.
