Big Sky Resort mourns Taylor Middleton, a 'single most influential' leader

Hundreds gather to celebrate the life of the resort's longtime president and COO who passed away at 68

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Big Sky community came together to honor the life and legacy of Taylor Middleton, the longtime president and COO of Big Sky Resort who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 68. Middleton, who spent over 40 years at the resort, was remembered for his joyful spirit, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to the Big Sky community. Speakers at the celebration of life highlighted Middleton's ability to foster new leaders, his passion for outdoor adventures, and his unwavering positivity even in the face of health challenges.

Why it matters

Middleton was widely regarded as the "single most influential person in the history of this resort and this community." His death is a major loss for Big Sky, which he helped transform from a small ski area into a world-class destination. Middleton's legacy of community-building, mentorship, and a relentlessly optimistic outlook will continue to shape the resort and the town of Big Sky for years to come.

The details

Middleton started at Big Sky Resort in the 1980s as a seasonal employee and worked his way up to become president and COO, a role he held for 16 years until his passing. Under his leadership, the resort achieved the goal of becoming the #1-ranked ski resort by Ski Magazine in 2025. Middleton was known for his "teach, not tell" management style that empowered employees and encouraged them to learn and grow. He celebrated mistakes and imperfection, making people feel safe to take risks. Middleton was also an avid outdoorsman, leading epic hiking, biking, and skiing adventures around the Big Sky area.

  • Middleton passed away unexpectedly at the age of 68 in February 2026.
  • The celebration of life was held on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • In October 2025, Big Sky Resort was named the #1-ranked ski resort by Ski Magazine, a goal Middleton and Boyne Resorts CEO Stephen Kircher had set in 2000.

The players

Taylor Middleton

The longtime president and COO of Big Sky Resort, who spent over 40 years at the resort and was widely regarded as the "single most influential person in the history of this resort and this community."

Troy Nedved

Middleton's successor as resort president and COO.

Stephen Kircher

The president and CEO of Boyne Resorts, who worked closely with Middleton to achieve the goal of making Big Sky Resort the #1-ranked ski resort.

Christine Baker

The ski school director at Big Sky Resort, who shared a "Taylor-ism" about not letting things be what they are but making them into what you want them to be.

Courtney Jones

The resort controller at Big Sky Resort, who gave a joint speech with Christine Baker.

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What they’re saying

“Joy and gratitude... Those were Taylor's words at the end. I believe it completely, because a man who spent his life making other people feel capable and seen and valued has every reason for joy and gratitude.”

— Troy Nedved, Resort president and COO (explorebigsky.com)

“Your life was the greatest epic of all. I'm still learning from you.”

— Troy Nedved, Resort president and COO (explorebigsky.com)

“He wasn't the leader in the beginning that he was in the end—none of us are. But Taylor never stopped learning.”

— Stephen Kircher, President and CEO of Boyne Resorts (explorebigsky.com)

“He had a gift of drawing things out of you, that you didn't even know were in there. He wasn't trying to teach you anything... That's the thing about Taylor's influence: it had a slow release. He never told you what to think, he just created the conditions for you to figure it out for yourself. And that was a far more lasting gift than any advice.”

— Troy Nedved, Resort president and COO (explorebigsky.com)

“Don't let it be what it is, make it into what you want it to be.”

— Christine Baker, Ski school director (explorebigsky.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.