Big Sky Resort Announces Poop Snow Initiative, Conservation Groups Somehow on Board
Treated Sewage to Be Applied Exclusively Around Luxury Ski-In/Ski-Out Villas
By Dirt Snow
BIG SKY — The Montana Department of Environmental Quality approved Big Sky Resort’s proposal Thursday to make snow from treated human waste, with the resort confirming it will be sprayed primarily around luxury ski-in/ski-out villas.
“We looked carefully at slope orientation, elevation, and overall vibe,” said resort president Trent Nevins. “Turns out, the best spot for our recycled snow is wherever there’s a heated driveway and an infinity hot tub.”
The resort plans to pump 44 million gallons of treated sewage annually onto runs surrounding multimillion-dollar properties. Officials called it a “closed-loop snowmaking system” that “returns water to the mountain in its most authentic form.” Guests are expected to notice only a subtly nutty, earthy scent during early-season conditions, which the resort calls “a natural feature of responsible recreation.”
Conservation groups endorsed the plan. “By keeping wastewater out of the river and applying it directly to the people who produced it, Big Sky has achieved true watershed harmony,” said Kara Gardner of the Gallatin River Task Force.
DEQ officials confirmed the effluent meets Class A-1 standards. “It’s perfectly safe,” said spokesperson Tom Morris. “Safe enough for people who wash their dogs in copper tubs and drink glacier water from cans.”
Employees have embraced the initiative. “We call it Operation Brownout,” said lift operator Jake ‘Skippy’ Malone. “It’s about conservation—or whatever you call this.”
Poop-snow operations are expected to begin in December.
