The opening of Big Sky’s new Explorer Gondola on December 20, 2025 marks more than the debut of a transformative piece of infrastructure; it marks the next chapter in Boyne’s legacy of innovation, stewardship, and community. To celebrate, the Boyne Forever Foundation is offering First Ascent: The Big Sky Gondola Experience, an intimate, story-driven journey through the heart of Lone Peak.

This exclusive event includes 25 seats across five private gondola cabins, each hosted by a member of the Boyne Resorts and Big Sky Resort family who helped bring this vision to life. Guests are invited not just to ride, but to step directly into the living history of the mountain with the people who know it best.

Following the public ribbon cutting, guests board their hosted cabins for the inaugural ascent. At Mid-Station, the gondola doors open to reveal a surprise keepsake created exclusively for this moment. The journey continues to the tram and up to the KirCliff Glass Observatory for early, private access before the public opening, with a photographer capturing the experience. Each guest will also receive a full-day lift ticket to enjoy the mountain following the event (if not a season pass holder).

Proceeds support the Boyne Forever Foundation, advancing environmental stewardship, community strength, and people-focused initiatives across all Boyne resorts. By participating, guests not only secure a once-in-a-lifetime mountain experience, they also help ensure our environments are protected, our communities are supported, and our people can thrive.

The gondola will run for decades, carrying millions of riders. But there will only ever be one first ascent. This is your moment to be part of it.

First Ascent: The Big Sky Gondola Experience

By Boyne Forever Foundation

First Ascent: The Big Sky Gondola Experience

A Private Inaugural Ride Benefiting the Boyne Forever Foundation on 12/20/25