Celebrating Big Sky's First Sustainable Business Achievement Recipient: Lone Mountain Ranch
When we set out to create the Sustainable Business Achievement program last summer, we knew Big Sky's business community was ready to step up for our shared home.
We're thrilled to announce Lone Mountain Ranch as the first recipient of Big Sky's Sustainable Business Achievement award.
Pictured: Sarah, Operations Manager for Community Engagement + Sustainability at Lone Mountain Ranch with the Sustainable Business Achievement award
This recognition marks more than just an achievement for one business—it represents a milestone in our community's commitment to sustainability and a blueprint for others to follow.
A Collaborative Vision Takes Root
The Sustainable Business Achievement program grew from a genuine partnership between Big Sky SNO, the Big Sky Chamber, and Visit Big Sky, with valuable input from nearly 50 local businesses. Born from two major community strategies—Visit Big Sky's Destination Stewardship Plan and SNO's Climate Action Plan—this initiative reflects what makes Big Sky special: our ability to come together around shared values.
An action team of 11 businesses helped shape the program from the ground up, ensuring it would be both meaningful and achievable for businesses of all sizes. Their insights were invaluable in creating a framework that recognizes real progress while encouraging continuous improvement.
Leading by Example at Lone Mountain Ranch
Lone Mountain Ranch isn't just meeting sustainability benchmarks—they're actively expanding their commitment. Shortly after beginning the SBA process, the ranch created a dedicated sustainability lead position, demonstrating that environmental stewardship is becoming woven into the fabric of how they operate.
The ranch is excelling in several key areas:
Their maintenance team stays vigilant about leak detection, HVAC filter replacement, and repairs, significantly reducing water use in a landscape where every drop counts.
LED lighting throughout the property cuts energy consumption while maintaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere guests expect.
By offering guests the option to skip daily linen changes, they're reducing both water and energy use while empowering visitors to participate in sustainability efforts.
And at the ranch restaurant, sourcing locally isn't just good business—it's a commitment to supporting our regional food system and reducing transportation emissions.
These aren't flashy actions, and that's precisely the point. Sustainability often lives in the details: the leak caught early, the light switched to LED, the ingredient sourced from a nearby farm. Together, these choices add up to meaningful impact.
Building Momentum for What's Next
SNO is working alongside Lone Mountain Ranch to identify productive next steps on their sustainability journey. Two initiatives are already in the works.
First, the ranch is exploring work with YES Compost to launch a composting program during Spring 2026 shoulder season, when kitchen staff can integrate new practices more smoothly.
Second, they're interested in developing a wildfire management plan—a more complex undertaking that addresses one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our mountain community and their property as part of the Wildland Urban Interface.
This combination of immediate action and long-term planning shows how sustainability progress happens: through a mix of achievable wins and more challenging goals that require commitment and planning.
Your Turn to Lead
Lone Mountain Ranch's achievement shows what's possible when a business decides to make sustainability a priority. Whether you run a restaurant, retail shop, property management company, or any other Big Sky business, there's a place for you in this movement.
The Sustainable Business Achievement program is open and ready for your participation. We're here to support you every step of the way, from initial assessment through implementation and recognition. Together, we can build a business community that not only serves our guests and customers exceptionally well but also protects the natural environment that makes Big Sky such an extraordinary place to live, work, and visit.
Congratulations again to Lone Mountain Ranch for blazing this trail. We can't wait to celebrate more Big Sky businesses as they join this important work.
Ready to get started? Learn more about the Sustainable Business Achievement program and how your business can participate at bigskysno.org/biz.