BIG SKY — The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued final approval for Big Sky Resort to use highly treated wastewater for snowmaking — a first for a public ski area in the state.

The permit allows Big Sky to use the reclaimed effluent at the Spanish Peaks Mountain Club section of the resort for base-layer snowmaking on select runs. Proponents say the move will enhance early- and late-season ski conditions while helping protect the Gallatin River watershed.

“We've always been committed to being a zero-discharge community and reusing our water,” Troy Nedved, resort president and COO, said. “The science tells us this is the best, most environmentally friendly way we can do that and accomplish something that we need to also increase and rely on: Snowmaking.”

The approval m

See Full Page