Massive Wildfire in Montana Destroys Beloved Local Ski Area

Wildfire season in Montana can be absolutely devastating. Several fires are burning across Big Sky Country this summer, and now, a longtime local ski area is in danger.

According to the Montana Hot Springs page on Facebook, the Sand Creek Fire has burned over the top of Maverick Mountain, and the majority of the mountain including the ski lift has been lost in the fire, but the lodge is still standing. The fire is burning northwest of Dillon in Beaverhead County.

As of this writing, the Sand Creek Fire is 19,682 acres and is 1% contained.

Maverick Mountain opened in 1946, and the local ski hill has been a popular destination for locals for decades. The loss of the ski area would be absolutely heartbreaking. The amount of damage is currently unknown, but updates are expected to be provided in the near future.

The fire is also burning dangerously close to Elkhorn Hot Springs. Here's a photo of the fire perimeter that was updated on the Watch Duty app on August 11, 2026.

Sand Creek Fire Perimeter - August 11

Hot temperatures and a lack of precipitation have resulted in a historic 2026 wildfire season. Fire fighters have been working around the clock to stop the destruction.

Cooler temperatures and the possibility or rain are in the forecast later this week,  hopefully that will help provide some relief. Montana needs all the help it can get.

The extent of the damage at the Maverick Mountain ski area is currently be evaluated, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Pray for Montana and our firefighters.