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Big Sky

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January 27, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue #2

skier: pat ganon // photo by daniel bullock

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Winter hits the rockies food & dining

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Business of the Year January 27, 2012 Volume 3, Issue 2 PUBLISHER Eric Ladd COO & SENIOR EDITOR Megan Paulson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars EDITOR Abbie Digel

Big Sky local Ryan Kulesza catches a face shot while skiing at Baldface Lodge in Nelson, B.C. this January Photo by Nick Diamond

Assistant Editor Taylor Anderson

Better late than never

Distribution Director Danielle Chamberlain

By abbie digel

VIDEO director Brian Niles

Temperatures have been mild this winter, and some of the coldest parts of the country have averaged above freezing temps, while many resort towns haven’t been getting much snow, if any.

videographer Chris Davis Account relations coordinator Kacey Brown Operations director Katie Morrison WEB Programmer/Designer Sean Weas CONTRIBUTors

Grayson Bell, Erin Bills, Daniel Bullock, Nick Diamond, William Farhat, Katie Hoffman, Abi Hogan, Brian Hurlbut, Jamie Kujawa, Jimmy Lewis, Mike Mannelin, Dee Metrick, Kate Middleton, Anna Middleton, Anne Marie Mistretta, Brandon Niles, David Nolt, Stacey Ray, Barbara Rowley, Scotty Savage, Helena Sacchi, Greer Schott, Ryan Turner, Denise Wade, Noelle Wainright

Outlaw Partners LLC is the sole owner of the Big Sky Weekly. No part of this publication may be reprinted without written permission from the publisher. The Big Sky Weekly reserves the right to edit all submitted material for content, corrections or length. Printed material reflects the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of Outlaw Partners or the editors of this publication. No advertisements, columns, letters to the editor or other information will be published that contain discrimination based on sex, age, race, religion, creed, nationality, sexual preference, or are in bad taste.

Letter to the Editor Parameters This is a platform for readers to express views and share ways they would like to effect change. The Weekly will run letters, positive or negative, of 250 words or less that are respectful, ethical, state accurate facts and figures, and are proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters. Please include: first and last name, address, phone number and title. Send letters to emily@theoutlawpartners.com.

ADVERTISING DEADLINE For Feb. 10 issuE: Feb. 3, 2012 CORRECTIONS The Big Sky Weekly runs corrections to errors we’ve printed. Please report them to emily@theoutlawpartners.com

2 January 27, 2012

At Big Sky’s Snobar last Saturday, snow hammered the outdoor venue, sparkling in the colorful lights. Dancers bumped to techno music, celebrating the pow they hoped to shred the next day. Sunday was bluebird—the best day of the year. We took laps off Iron Horse at Moonlight Basin, seeking out fresh tracks every run.

I ventured north with several of the Outlaw Partners crew last week in search of powder and arrived in British Columbia just in time. Just north of the border in the Selkirk Mountains, part of the Kootenay Range, we found heaps of snow at Baldface Lodge, a cat skiing operation run out of Nelson, B.C.

Other resorts in the region have been getting hit hard too. Lost Trail, Maverick and Discovery have all received at least 20 inches in the past week, and Jackson Hole a whopping 44 inches over the weekend.

Our second day was the deepest snow the guides had seen all season. With an 88-inch base, and 15 inches of new, I floated through pristine snow up to my neck, only stopping to catch my breath and clear the fluff from my goggles. Pure happiness.

Table of Contents

Editorial Policy

Meanwhile in Big Sky, Mother Nature had dropped two feet of snow on the mountain, with more snow still in the forecast.

big sky weekly editor

Community...7 Local News...8 Regional...12 Montana...14 Business...17 Real Estate...19 Public Health Column...20 Business Profile...22 Ophir School Newspaper...24 Classifieds...26 Entertainment...28 Food and Dining...31 Collage...33 Outdoors...34 Sports...36 Column...39 Events...41 Crossword...42 Food & Dining...43 Word from the Resorts...44 Back 40...47

Finally, welcome to winter!

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How you can get involved in the Big Sky Community, part 2 By abbie digel

big sky weekly editor

Because Big Sky is an unincorporated town, there is no local government. Instead, it’s run by a group of diligent county districts whose decisions directly impact the community. This is the second in a two part series that provides an overview of 11 different boards and shows citizens how to get involved. To run for a seat on any of the districts below, contact the Gallatin County elections office, or visit its website to see current board vacancies.

Gallatin County Water Quality Control District Created by the Gallatin County Commission in 1995 and approved by the Montana Board of Environmental Review in 1997, this district covers the middle third of Gallatin County and includes the municipalities of Bozeman, Belgrade and Manhattan along with Gallatin Gateway and the Four Corners area. In 2010, it expanded north, west and south to include Logan, Amsterdam, Churchill and Big Sky. The goals of the GCWQCD are to provide answers to water issue questions; serve as a resources for water information; foster stewardship and increase public awareness of water resource issues; maintain a long-term water quality and quantity monitoring network for collecting scientific data on local water resources; and partner with local groups, organizations, and governmen-

4 January 27, 2012

tal agencies to create a solid information network on water resource issues.

RC&D Area Inc., a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation, sponsors the committee.

The district is governed by a nine-member Water Quality District board of directors: one City Council member from each municipality; a Gallatin County Commissioner; a Gallatin Conservation District Supervisor; a Gallatin City-County Board of Health Director; and one "at-large" citizen from each municipality who is appointed by his or her respective city council.

The executive board currently has six seats, but there is no limit to the size of the board. There are four meetings per year. For more information contact Jen Mohler, the Big Sky weed coordinator at (406) 209-0905) or bigskyweeds@gmail.com. bigskyweeds.org

Get involved: Board meetings are held monthly on the first Thursday of the month at the GLWQD Office on 1709 W. College St., Suite 104 in Bozeman. Meetings are open to the public. For more information contact Alan English, District Manager, at (406) 582-3148.

Gallatin County Noxious Weed District The GCNWD implements noxious weed management programs for the protection of the open space, natural and agricultural resources of Gallatin County. Get involved: In Big Sky, the Gallatin Big Sky Noxious Weed Committee, formed in 2004 in response to the expansion of spotted knapweed and ox-eye daisy in the Gallatin Canyon and Big Sky areas, is partner to the GCNWD. The Northern Rocky Mountain

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Madison County Planning Board This board affects most of the development and subdivisons at the resorts in Big Sky. A summary of MCPB ’10-‘11 activities include streamside protection regulations; technical support for board of County Commissioners; subdivision regulations; building envelope changes; growth policy mapping and fiscal impact analysis completed; Parks and Recreation District formation; and Big Hole River subcommittees on floodplain/ mapping and landowner incentives. In February or March the MCPD will be in Big Sky to evaluate responses to its recent growth policy. It will host a meeting, with the agenda based on recent survey results, in order to ensure the new policies reflect both the Big Sky and Madison County communities. The MCPB’s regular monthly meeting is on Jan. 30 at noon in Virginia City. Meetings are held on the last Monday of every month, usually in Virginia City. All meetings are open to the public

community Get involved: The MCPB has 11 board members, with one from each conservation district, and one at large member. Appointments are two years, and the MCPB will advertise open positions.

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Its June 25 meeting will be in Big Sky. For more information contact the MCPB office at (406) 843-5250.

Big Sky Mountain Trails, Recreation and Parks Special District An interlocal agreement between the Madison and Gallatin counties will allow the two previous parks districts to be administered by one board and one budget, serving the greater Big Sky area. If passed, the cooperative districts will not have taxing authority. The intention is for them to be self-funded and work together with the Big Sky Community Corporation and other recreational entities to diversify funding opportunities. The hearing for the final resolution of the district and interlocal agreement will be held Jan. 31 in Virginia City at 2 p.m. Get involved: If the interlocal agreement is signed, the new joint district will have two board members from each county, and one more member that can be from either county. The positions will be advertised 30 days after each county signs the interlocal agreement. For more information contact the County Commissioners’ Offices. For mountain district contact Madison County at (406) 8434277. For meadow district contact Gallatin County at (406) 582-3000.

Gallatin County Big Sky Transportation District

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This district coordinates transportation in and around Big Sky, serving tourists and residents, and connecting Big Sky and Bozeman. This district also monitors the Skyline Bus System. Although there are no scheduled monthly meetings, the Transportation Advisory Council meets twice a year. Get involved:

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This district has a five-person board, with three Gallatin County and two Madison County residents. There could be another Madison County seat. Board seats are appointed by the state for three-year terms For more information contact Ennion Williams. (406) 579-7094 skylinebus.com

Gallatin Conservation District Conservation districts are units of local government designed to help citizens conserve soil, water, and other renewable natural resources. Conservation Districts in Montana implement the 310 Law, or the Natural Streambed and Land Preservation act, which works to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation and protects and preserves streams and rivers in their natural or existing state. CDs also participate in their county planning boards and local Total Maximum Daily Load consultation. They also serve as local points of contact for numerous federal programs and educate landowners about sound conservation practices, tree planting and putting on outdoor classroom educational activities for school children. Recently, the GCCD helped fund the noxious weed efforts in Big Sky, and continues to implement the a law that affects perennial streams. The Gallatin County Conservation district currently has five supervisors from each area of the county, and can have up to seven supervisor seats. There can be an unlimited number of associate supervisors, although only seven have the capacity to vote. Meetings are on the third Thursday of every month in the USDA center on Huffine Lane in Bozeman. There are seats up for election this November. To run for a supervisor position, start by attending monthly meetings and participate in the many volunteer opportunities. For more information contact (406) 522-4011 gallatincd.mt.nacdnet.org

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4 0 6 . 9 9 5 . 2 2 4 4 • B IG SK YSI R . C OM All statistics included in summary derived from Gallatin County MLS on December 12, 2011. This material is based upon information which we consider reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied upon as such. This offering is subject to errors, omissions and changes including price or withdrawal without notice. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Ofﬁce in Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

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The opera comes to Big Sky By Brian Hurlbut

arts council of big sky

On Thursday, Feb. 9, the Arts Council will host the Intermountain Opera Bozeman at the Talus Room at the Summit Hotel at Big Sky Resort. The Intermountain Opera Bozeman will present a short piece, “Sweet Betsy From Pike,” as well as a selection of well-known arias for famous operas sung by the area’s finest singers. The evening begins with social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:45 and the concert at 8:00 p.m. Included in the $40 ticket price is a full plated dinner from Peaks restaurant in the Summit. This performance is part of the 9th annual Peggy Dicken Schwer Memorial Fund Concert Series. These intimate dinner concerts are a great way to see and hear regional and international musicians in a small setting with great food served by some of Big Sky’s best chefs. bigskyarts. org (406) 995-2742 for tickets.

Obituary: Leroy Winter Nov. 1935 - Jan. 8, 2012

LeRoy Winter, 76, of Osage, MN died Sunday, Jan. 8 after a valiant two year fight with cancer. He was born Nov.20, 1935 at Lake Henry, Minn. to Raymond and Louis (Fuchs) Winter. He graduated from St. Paul's Grade School and Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, Minn. and later attended St. Cloud Business College. LeRoy served two years in the Army (1954-56). He married Patricia Joehren on June 18, 1959. They resided in Fergus Falls, MN four years, in Fargo, N.D. 35 years, and retired on Straight Lake, Minn. for 13 years.

Leroy’s friends, family, grandchildren, and wife, Pat, were the joys of his life. He will be greatly missed.

LeRoy worked as a foreman for Thompson/Laughlin Roofing Company for six years and as a Field Agent for the Knights of Columbus for 35 years. He was an active member of his church parishes, Our Lady of Victory, Fergus Falls, Minn. and Nativity Church, Fargo, N.D. He was a dedicated Knight of Columbus for 51 years. LeRoy enjoyed being a member of the Osage Lions and was committed to the mission of the Osage Environmental Association. LeRoy loved gardening, landscaping, and all things having to do with nature, whether feeding birds, gathering and cutting wood, building, planting trees, camping, sitting on the front porch or around the campfire. His happiest moments were outdoors. He was an avid Viking and Twins fan and loved watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports. LeRoy enjoyed traveling, especially taking back roads, always welcoming a new adventure.

6 January 27, 2012

He had a deep appreciation for music of all kinds including The Three Tenors and especially Neil Diamond.

He is survived by his spouse, Patricia Winter; his children, Brad (Stacey) Winter, Fargo, N.D., Kathy (Dave) House, Big Sky, Mont., Bruce Winter, Bozeman, Mont., Robert (Kristi) Winter, Scottsdale, Ariz., Steve (Pam) Winter, Fargo, N.D., Tracy Winter, Denver, Colo., Jeff (Julie) Svare, W. Bountiful, Utah; his grandchildren, Ryan and Arron Winter, Griffin, Quinn and Trevor House, Lauren, Brianna and Addison Winter, Michael and Sam Winter, Brandon and Jared Winter, Maren, Peder, Berit, Stein Svare; brothers, Rueben Winter and John Winter; sisters, Ethyl Fraase, Betty Host, Rosi Heinen, Armella Middendorf; many nieces, nephews, cousins and brother and sister-in-laws; and countless friends who shared many of his favorite times. LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Louise Winter; infant grandson; sister, Edna Weiner and brother, Anthony Winter. Memorials can be sent to Los Amigos del Padre Juan, St. Joseph Hospice, Park Rapids, Minn., Hospice of the Red River Valley, Fargo, N.D. and RMCC, Fargo. Funeral services took place on Friday, Jan. 13 at the Church of the Nativity. Funeral services provided by Boulgers Funeral Home, Fargo, N.D.

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Big Sky Fire update By william farhart big sky fire chief

Big Sky—As is the case of many western states, Montana doesn’t have a requirement for fire departments in areas outside of cities. There is a requirement for a county fire warden to ensure that there is a wildland fire response, but there is nothing for unincorporated communities unless a rural fire district is formed. Originally formed in the early 1970s as the Gallatin Canyon Consolidated Rural Fire District, the Big Sky Fire District is a prime example of this. While most of the properties on the mountain, in the meadow and along Highway 191 are part of the fire district, there remain many adjacent areas that aren’t. Big Sky isn’t a city, so the main funding mechanism for the fire department derives from property taxes within district boundaries. While Big Sky Fire will respond to emergencies outside areas if it’s available, property owners are billed for fire services in order for the department to recoup the costs involved. Also, property insurance is more expensive for areas not within a fire district, as insurance companies factor fire protection as part of their risk assessment. Properties adjacent to the Big Sky Fire District can request to be annexed into the district if they meet district fire protection and access standards. This is a formal process that requires the approval of the Gallatin County Commissioners. Farhat became Big Sky Fire Chief in September 2011. He can be reached at 995-2100 or wfarhat@bigskyfire. org. For additional information about annexation or any other fire safety issue, contact the Big Sky Fire Department or visit bigskyfire.org or the department’s Facebook page.

community LPHS board seeks progress, increased course load Considers changing 99-year-old district name from Ophir By Taylor Anderson

big sky weekly assistant editor

Big Sky—Jerry House is a systems guy. The 41-year veteran of education is in the middle of his first year acting as Superintendent of Ophir School District in Big Sky. His history of teaching and supervising school districts in Washington and Whitefish gave him insight into larger districts, which has followed him to Big Sky.

The consensus from the first two meetings: We may need to first improve the quality of education rather than increase course load. “I’ve seen so many hours of homework to the point of weekends don’t exist,” Erik Lovold said, to which other parents agreed. House agreed as well, and said he would work with the faculty on finding a “uniformity and consistency” when it comes to teaching students, rather than increasing homework.

“We don’t have a map right now, kids are signing up for classes at will,” House said. “We want the student to have so many skills when they walk out of here that they’re competent.”

Diane Bartzick, a parent of a sophomore and an eighth grade student, said the proposal is a great start to improving the education of Lone Peak’s students, but that the school needs to make changes logically.

House has worked on a three-person committee—alongside school board member Barbara Rowley and teacher and athletic director Tony Beardsley—considering increasing the curriculum. The change would move graduation requirements from the current 22-credit graduation requirement to a 27–32 credit requirement to obtain a diploma from Lone Peak High School.

“Once they improve on what we have there—and make class offerings more available for kids that can’t get into existing courses…you can review increasing the core curriculum,” she said.

Earning 27-29 credits would qualify a student for a diploma and 30-32 for a diploma with honors.

With the current block scheduling system in place, students can take eight credits each year, allowing those that take full course loads to graduate in 2.5 years.

Part of the committee proposal includes a Capstone Project, a five-step program that begins by outlining the high school process to eighth grade students. The program aims to integrate students with the high school and the community. The committee is also considering changing the 99-year-old Ophir School District to one they believe gives a better sense of place: Big Sky School District. Eleven parents weighed in at a public forum in the Big Sky Chapel Jan.

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23 during the committee’s proposal. It was the second of three consecutive weekly forums to discuss the proposal.

After more than six months in the position, House (and the school board) has proposed changing the district name and redeveloping the high school curriculum.

The changes would increase the required math, science and social studies credits from three to four credits (full school years), a second year of foreign language, and a three-credit service project that students complete over their four years at school.

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Bartzick said she’d rather increase in “baby steps,” and that an increase of three credits for incoming freshmen would be appropriate.

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Many expressed belief that students may not be ready to enter college without more time at high school. Another concern was the practicality of increasing the courses offered, with the current limited space and scheduling conflicts at the school. But House and the committee said the only personnel needed for adding the credits would be moving the current math teacher from part time to full time, and hiring a part time faculty member to oversee internship and school-business partnerships. However, at the end of the meeting, House announced the school had split a kindergarten class in two to save space, and they would be considering splitting Beardsley’s office to make more office space.

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Freeskiing World Qualifier event at Moonlight postponed big sky weekly staff writer

The Moonlight Basin Subaru Freeskiing World Tour Qualifier originally set for Jan. 26-29 has been postponed until March 22-25 in order to guarantee the best possible conditions for the event. Much of Moonlight Basin's terrain is skiing well, but portions of the competition venue are experiencing less than ideal conditions. "It's been a strange, meager year in much of the west, and has forced us to wait for the much needed storms," event director Bryan Barlow said. "Unfortunately, the venue is not holding as much snow as we need to make this terrain competition ready. The quality of the event wouldn't be what we had envisioned without the proper coverage.”

Liz Welles, a local skier who is set to compete in the event, said she’s relieved it was postponed. “It’s going to be better all around. It’ll be better snow and better light, and a lot more of the features will be filled in. It’ll make it a more exciting event to watch, much like the Headwaters [Runoff] competition has been in the past.” Having the chutes filled in will give competitors from out of town more opportunity to lay down aggressive lines more safely, she added. Since this new date is following the Championships at Snowbird in 2012, athletes will be skiing for a qualifying spot in the 2013 Freeskiing World Tour. For more information visit freeskiingworldtour.com.

LPHS receives new motorcoach

This snazzy new motorcoach was delivered to Ophir and Lone Peak High School on Jan. 18. The motorcoach was purchased for the district by the Quarterback Club, a fundraising arm of Friends of Big Sky Education.

8 January 27, 2012

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Signs to mark, organize Big Sky By Taylor Anderson

big sky weekly assistant editor

A group of Montana residents and business owners has gathered for the past few months to essentially define the borders of Big Sky, Montana. Well, define it for firsttime visitors, at least. A wayfinding, signage and entryway monument group discussed how and what aspects of the town it would mark at a Thursday, Jan. 19 meeting in the Big Sky Chapel. The group, accompanied Thursday by Montana Department of Transportation representative Lee Alt, decided to roughly follow resort tax and zoning district boundaries to begin marking the town. The discussion revolved around establishing signage that would help new visitors understand the sometimescomplex setup of Big Sky.

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signs would start indicating that all services were available in the canyon or up Route 64; and black signs would refine where businesses are. Perimeter markers, the group said, should be generic and easy for drivers to process while traveling the treacherous canyon road at 60-mph. Rather than mark the road with a sign telling southbound travelers the town is to the west up Route 64, the group hopes to let drivers know they have already been in Big Sky for a few miles in the canyon. Plus, a member said,

“It’s the perception of the community from a visitor. They don't care if something’s called Meadow Village Center, Town Center, Mountain Village. They just want to know how to get around.”

“It’s the perception of the community from a visitor,” committee organizer -Ryan Hamilton, committee organizer Ryan Hamilton said. “They don't care if something’s called Meadow Village Center, Town there are aspects of the town lying Center, Mountain Village. They south of Spur Road. just want to know how to get around.” Signs should read rather that visitors can find food, lodging, mediBig Sky services would be marked cal assistance and entertainment on signs starting at the Jack Smith in the Meadow, Alt suggested. Bridge to the north in the Gallatin Canyon and the Corral and The town must also follow rules Rainbow Ranch in the canyon to set by the DOT that state adverthe south. tisements cannot be marked on custom signs. Rather than adverIn the south, where drivers are extising for the resorts at the mounposed to more development inditain, for example, they would read cating a town before approaching “Ski.” Another member suggested Route 64, signs will tell drivers the sign should just read “Fun.” they’ve entered the town. North boundary signs will follow the Hamilton, who said he’s been current, DOT-sponsored sign that working on this project for more indicates there are six miles before than a year, was happy to see the the town begins. community rally behind the idea, and that it’s time the town gets The group decided it would folorganized with signs. low a broad and refined model for signs depending on where they “We knew going into this thing are in town. It is also considering a that it’s not easy,” he said. “If it design model similar to a ski hill: were easy, we’d have had this 25 green signs would be broad signs years ago.” directing visitors to town; blue

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Zirkle named artistic director of Warren Miller Performing Arts Center By Anne Marie Mistretta Big Sky Weekly contributor

Big Sky—JZ is back! After six months of travel in Germany, Uganda, and India, John Zirkle has returned home to Big Sky. He has accepted the position of Artistic Director of the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, funded by Loren and Jill Bough. Construction of the center, which is located on the Ophir School District campus, will resume this June. The theater will be ready by December 2012 in time for winter use by the community and the school. As the Artistic Director, Zirkle will develop artistic programs and outreach to the school, the Big Sky community and beyond. He will oversee and maintain the artistic output of the WMPAC in multiple production formats: dramatic productions, readings, music productions, speeches, workshops and summer camps. Zirkle will manage the Warren Miller Center and represent it in many forums. For two years, Zirkle worked as a music professional at Ophir School, sparking excitement and interest in choral and dramatic productions. He also directed the Big Sky Chapel Choir, Big Sky Community Chorus, and Big Sky Broadway summer camp. Continued on p. 11 John Zirkle

Healing • Advocacy • Victim Support Education • New Beginnings Are you being hurt by the one you love? You are not alone…HAVEN can help

24-hour confidential crisis line:(406) 586-4111 Support for victims of domestic violence in Gallatin County 24-hour crisis line (406) 586-4111 15-bed emergency shelter Support groups for women and children Individual counseling Legal advocacy Community education Youth prevention education

For more information about HAVEN, visit www.havenmt.org, join us on facebook or call the office, (406) 586-7689 10 January 27, 2012

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Zirkle consults with engineers in the mechanical loft of the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. Photo by Doug Gale

“Now that we will have an official ‘home’ for performers, we’ll really get to see what this community is made of” Zirkle holds a degree in Music from Colorado College, and has recently completed the Masterclass in Composition at the International Summer Academy of Music in Ochsenhausen, Germany. Zirkle has worked with choirs and vocal ensembles all over the world, including Eastern Europe and Asia. Awards and honors include the Cowperthwaite Award for Excellence in Music, third place in the Joseph Dorfman International Composer’s Competition, and the prestigious Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. Zirkle has written many works for choir, orchestra, and chamber ensembles, and continues to compose and arrange new music as often as he can. He has worked for major music and theatrical companies such as Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishing and Disney on Broadway (The Little Mermaid).

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“I am thrilled to take on this new opportunity in Big Sky,” Zirkle said. “It has been amazing working with members of this community… and I’m excited to see where it goes from here. There is a lot of enthusiasm already for the performing arts, and this new center is going to kick things into high gear. “ Although architectural plans for the center were drawn in 2007 by Prugh and Lenon of Bozeman with acoustics consultation by engineers in Salt Lake City, only the entryway and exhibition galleries were constructed due to lack of funding. Friends of Big Sky Education resumed fundraising in July 2011. Zirkle’s experience will be critical in final decisions about lighting, sound and seating. FOBSE is accepting major donations for the facility as well as seat sponsorships “Now that we will have an official ‘home’ for performers, we’ll really get to see what this community is made of,” Zirkle said. friendsofbigskyeducation.org

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4 0 6 . 9 9 5 . 2 2 4 4 • B IG SK YSI R . C OM Rendering of the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center

All statistics included in summary derived from Gallatin County MLS on December 12, 2011. This material is based upon information which we consider reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied upon as such. This offering is subject to errors, omissions and changes including price or withdrawal without notice. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Ofﬁce in Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

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Disabled Sports USA 2012 national SkiTour coming to Montana Over 80 events nationwide provide opportunities for wounded warriors and others with disabilities BOZEMAN—Disabled Sports USA, one of the nation’s largest multi-sport, multi-disability organizations, is bringing its 2012 national SkiTour to Eagle Mount in Bozeman and Great Falls in February. The SkiTour program ensures opportunities for wounded warriors, youth and adults with disabilities to receive advanced instruction and state-of-the-art adaptive equipment throughout the nation’s leading ski destinations. Events include beginner to elite ski races, race training, learn-to-ski or snowboard, nordic ski programs and adaptive instructor training. From January to April the tour will include more than 100 events hosted by 43 DSUSA chapters and affiliates in 21 states. SkiTour is supported by U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, through funding provided U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Their support helps increase opportuni-

ties for wounded warriors in their home communities and in advanced regional and national Paralympic sport programs. Programs for the wounded warriors are part of DSUSA’s Warfighter Sports program, which offers free sports rehabilitation programs to severely wounded warriors. “The confidence, dedication and commitment it takes to succeed on the mountain can be applied to other areas of life,” said Kirk Bauer, executive director of Disabled Sports USA and a disabled Vietnam veteran. “They come away from their experience with the attitude embodied in DSUSA’s motto: ‘If I can do this, I can do anything!’” dsusa.org

Jack Creek Preserve Foundation offers hunt to wounded vets Big Sky—The Jack Creek Preserve Foundation is again giving away a hunt for either elk or black bear to a U.S. veteran who was wounded and disabled while serving in either Iraq or Afghanistan. This is the seventh year of the program, and applications are due Feb. 1.

Alt this year, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Annual Convention (Feb. 2-4 in Las Vegas) will once again feature the preserve’s hunting opportunities during its live auction. Proceeds are split between the two organizations. jackcreekpreservefoundation.org

Have a Heart Art Auction By Dee Metrick

Reach Inc. Community Relations and Development Director

This fall, the father of an adult with developmental disabilities in Bozeman wanted to help support Reach Inc., but didn’t have cash to donate. Reach provides residential, vocational, recreational and transportation services to his son, and the man wanted help ensure the high quality care for his son would continue.

406-995-2174 To view a video tour of this property visit: continentalconstruction.com/montana 12 January 27, 2012 explorebigsky.com

So, he decided to donate a lovely bronze sculpture by Montana artist Harvey Rattey. This began the first annual Have a Heart Art Auction to benefit Reach Inc., to be held Feb. 4 in the Emerson Ballroom, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

There will be a live and silent art auction with works by local artists including Harvey Rattey, Jennifer Lowe, Whole Art LLC, Craig Hergert, Larry Hughes, Marci Surratt, Geri Ward, Marsha Karle and Thomas Lee. All artists have agreed to give 100 percent of art sales to support Reach and adults with disabilities in the community. While warm weather may not be available, warm hearts will abound. We’re anticipating a joyful celebration of community. Food and drinks will also be available. Tickets are available through Reach Inc. at (406) 587-1271 or at the door. For more information visit reachinc.org.

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regional

Big Sky Weekly

Public transportation brings the region together Service may improve between Big Sky, Bozeman, West Yellowstone By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

The key is to work together. That’s what was decided during a Jan. 13 Transportation Advisory Committee meeting, as interest groups from Big Sky, Bozeman and West Yellowstone came together to discuss public transportation in the region. The goal was figuring out how to improve transportation in the region through coordination between the agencies and private operations involved, said David Kack, Skyline’s transportation coordinator. “Big Sky is unique because it’s a bigger geographic area with fewer players, it’s unincorporated and we deal with two counties,” Kack said. “Today, we’re talking about how to work together for more transportation.” The meeting included representatives from Skyline, Karst Stage, Shuttle to Big Sky, the West Yellowstone Foundation, and the Big Sky Transportation District Board. First on the agenda was approving the coordination plan, which the TAC did unanimously. This plan lays out the committee’s priorities to continue the connection with Bozeman, expand to West Yellowstone, and possibly add a later night service. This plan is part of an application for federal funding and

will go next to the board of directors for approval. The group agreed improving transportation between Big Sky and West Yellowstone is important. Currently, Karst brings riders once a day from Big Sky Resort to West, but only on a seasonal basis. The nonprofit West Yellowstone Foundation provides a service within West, and travels twice a week to Bozeman. The WYF would like to expand this service, said Mary Linhoff, the group’s administrator. “We’d like to develop a schedule, some continuity, with predictable arrival and return times” to get riders to Big Sky and Bozeman, she said. Linhoff, who recently moved from Denver to West, wanted to know why the bus wasn’t dropping skiers off. “Let’s get some ski racks on the bus,” she said. She also suggested people from Bozeman and Big Sky could ride the bus down to ski at the Rendezvous nordic trails. “How [do we] work together as partners, not competitors?” Linhoff asked. “The great news is this is on the table and we’re moving forward.” In summer, Big Sky could benefit from national park traffic that goes through West, said Robin Brower-McBride from the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. She’s been talking to the chamber in West about creating weekly bus

routes in the summer, bringing people to Big Sky for the free concert series every Thursday in Big Sky, and from Big Sky to the rodeo in West. “It’s about enriching guest experience,” Brower-McBride said. Year round, public transportation is important to residents of West Yellowstone who use the service to Bozeman for medical appointments, Linhoff said. One option for increasing this service is having a bus drive from West to Big Sky, instead of all the way to Bozeman. There, riders could transfer onto a Skyline bus and ride into Bozeman. Shortening the trip could save money to help create that connection on a daily basis instead of just twice a week, Kack suggested. Jan Brown, a representative from Linx also spoke at the meeting. This service shuttles people around the northern Rockies. A co-op, it allows riders to book tickets with different carriers online and ride between places like Salt Lake City, Jackson, Wyo., Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, Denver and the Black Hills. “Jackson to Bozeman or vice versa is the most frequent request. Without this link in the canyon we don't have a good product,” Brown said. The groups are working together to write an annual funding request to the Montana Department of Transporta-

tion (MDT). Currently, federal money pays about 56 percent of Skyline’s costs, Kack said. The federal funding flows to MDT, which administers the funds. Matching local funding is required by MDT and covers most of the rest of the service. The main local supporters are resort tax, the ski resorts, the Big Sky Owners Association, the Yellowstone Club and Madison County. Marketing the transportation services is also a priority, said Ennion Williams, the Big Sky Transportation District board chairman. “The transportation board works with large employers like the Yellowstone Club and Big Sky Resort to create efficiencies in getting employees to and from work between Bozeman and Big Sky,” Williams said. Another goal is reducing traffic in Gallatin Canyon by getting more people to ride the Link bus, Williams said. He wants employees, skiers and visitors all to know about the service. The TAC typically meets three to four times a year. The Transportation District Board, a separate entity, includes representatives from Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin, as well as two local residents. The board is looking to add another Madison County resident. Contact Ennion Williams (406) 579 – 7094 for more information.

More snow means more avalanches

A little patience goes a long way in avalanche country By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

Lots of snow means avalanches.

avalanches,” said Mark Staples, a Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center forecaster. These have included remote triggers—avalanches triggered from far away, which are a sign of serious instability.

The mountains around West Yellowstone and Cooke City have seen a lot of snow recently. This heavy load fell on an extremely "It’s like Vegas in that you’re weak snowpack, causdealing with odds. Except here ing unstable you’re dealing with your life." conditions. Natural and human triggered avalanches have been reported in these areas, as well as in the southern Madison and Gallatin ranges, and the Spanish Peaks north of Big Sky. High winds compounded the danger by loading up wind slabs atop the already weak slopes. “We’ve had a lot of people triggering

Two people died in avalanches near Cooke City during a New Year’s Eve storm. More recently, two other snowmobilers were caught in slides in the same area. Near Bozeman, the Hyalite region and the Bridger Range both have lower danger. In Hyalite, more consistent snowfall has created a better bonded snowpack. The Bridgers, which received much less snow, have a weak base but no significant load. In these

areas, wind slabs are the main concern right now. A big snow could change this status, Staples said, “because more snow means more weight, and more weight means more stress, which means more avalanches.” Staples stressed three points: •

Expose one person at a time and make sure your partner is watching from a safe spot.

•

Carry and know how to use rescue gear.

•

Recent avalanche activity means the snow is unstable and similar terrain should be avoided.

“If it snows more, or if the wind blows, we’re going to get more avalanches,” Staples said. “If it doesn’t snow, it becomes more tricky. The odds of

triggering an avalanche decrease just a little bit every day it doesn’t snow. But there’s never a time when it goes from unsafe to safe.” It’s like Vegas, Staples said, in that you’re dealing with odds. Except here you’re dealing with your life. “My thing this year is, ‘a little patience can go a long way.'" While the backcountry can be dangerous, there’s still great snow and great riding to be had. Staples suggests avoiding slopes steeper than 30 degrees. “Then you can have plenty of fun without worrying about avalanches.” Contact the GNFAC with observations at mtavalanche@gmail.com.

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January 27, 2012 13

montana

Big Sky Weekly

December Crash Statistics Make A Strong Case for Buckling Up

In 2011

of the

172

vehicle occupant deaths

74% (127) were not wearing seat belts

In december 2011

Statistics from the Montana dept. of transportation

14 January 27, 2012

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of the people who died in crashes were not wearing seat belts

montana

Teachers can apply for free Everest science kits msu news service

BOZEMAN—Classrooms across Montana will have the opportunity to follow an expedition to Mount Everest this spring, interacting with the climbers and using equipment that lets them mimic the team's scientific research. Montana State and Montana National Science Foundation EPSCoR are providing 10 Montana teachers with a classroom kit full of scientific equipment that correlates to the spring 2012 expedition. The kit will include a GPS unit, geological samples and tools, weather measurement equipment, maps and books. The kits are part of the Everest Education Expedition, an effort to help classrooms and citizens around the state connect with the science of Everest and the Himalayan Mountains as several Montana climbers set out to commemorate the first American ascent of the world's tallest mountain. Bozeman resident and author Conrad Anker will lead the Everest Education Expedition. MSU professor Dave

Lageson will serve as the team's field geologist. The kits will allow classrooms to mirror the research of Lageson and his Nepali Sherpa team, who will be using GPS units to catalog rock formations in the Khumbu region and on Mount Everest. Classrooms will mimic the team’s other scientific research, such as conducting photo monitoring projects, tracking weather patterns and considering the impacts of high-altitude physiology. Fourth through eighth grade teachers are eligible to apply for a kit, and will be selected based on their commitment to incorporating the science concepts into their classrooms and their ideas for sharing the information beyond the classroom. Teachers who don’t receive a kit will still be able to participate via online resources such as lesson plans, a multimedia website and live updates from the mountain. Apply online at surveymonkey. com/s/everesteducationexpedition. Deadline is Feb. 6.

New direct flights from Montana to Oakland Allegiant Air recently announced it will offer direct flights from Kalispell, Bozeman, Missoula and Billings to Oakland, Calif., connecting Montanans with new opportunities across the San Francisco Bay Area and the West Coast. The service is set to begin in April. Currently, Allegiant offers direct service from Montana to Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Phoenix

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Elk brucellosis working group moves forward montana fish wildlife and parks

BOZEMAN—A newly appointed working group has been charged with developing elk management options in areas where transmission of brucellosis between elk and livestock is a concern. The group is leading an effort to examine effective elk management options and risk prevention efforts in hunting districts that border or are near Yellowstone National Park. Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial infection in domestic animals, wildlife and humans worldwide. In Montana, brucellosis has been detected in elk, bison and, several years ago, in cattle in areas surrounding Yellowstone National

Park. The disease causes miscarriages in some pregnant animals, including domestic cattle, and bison and elk. Working group members were appointed by FWP Director Joe Maurier in consultation with the FWP Commission. Members include Mark Albrecht, Bozeman; John Anderson, Alder; Ed Bukoskey, Rosebud; Joe Cohenour, East Helena; Rick Douglass, Butte; Rick Gibson, Livingston; Lorents Grosfield, Big Timber; Raymond Marxer, Twin Bridges; Charlie Noland, Huntley; William Raths, Lewistown; and C. Thomas Rice, Dillon. The group held its first meeting in Bozeman Jan. 26-27.

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montana

Awardees of $7.6 Million Striving Readers Grant Montana 1 of 6 states to receive grant for improving literacy office of public instruction

HELENA—Schools across Montana will receive $7.6 million in federal grant funding for the current school year to advance literacy skills, reading and writing for students from early childhood through grade 12. The money came from the Striving Readers Grant, a competitive grant awarded to only six states that will be renewed next year. In Montana, the project’s goal is to dramatically improve literacy achievement and to provide support systems for districts, special education preschools and Head Start programs. Twenty-eight districts and eight established preschool and Head Start Programs applied for the grant. The Montana Office of Public Instruction is awarding 10 grants to school districts, which includes 29 schools, and five grants to

Head Start and preschool programs throughout the state. The Office of Public Instruction is using this grant to improve school readiness and success from early childhood through grade 12 in the area of language and literacy development with an emphasis in closing the achievement gaps among all student groups including low-income students, students with disabilities, American Indian students and limited-English proficient students. Additionally, the OPI will work with grantees to decrease the percentage of students who drop out of high school and implement a decision-making process to collect, analyze and use high-quality data to assess the effectiveness of literacy programs.

Big Sky Weekly

NorthWestern Energy and Bonneville Power consider MSTI collaboration Big Sky Weekly Wire Services

BUTTE—NorthWestern Energy and the Bonneville Power Administration have agreed to explore collaboration on the Mountain States Transmission Intertie project. The proposed high voltage transmission line would allow the transfer of renewable and other energy sources from Montana, Idaho and other regional markets, according to Northwestern Energy. It could allow BPA to serve customers in Idaho, western Wyoming and Montana and provide other operational benefits. The agreement stipulates that by July 31, the two companies will have studied the project’s economic and engineering viability, capacity and cost. The outcome will determine whether BPA will consider future participation.

NorthWestern started environmental review of the 500-kilovolt project in summer 2008. The proposed line would extend from a new proposed substation five miles south of Townsend, Mont., to Idaho Power Company’s existing Midpoint Substation near Jerome, Idaho. NorthWestern Energy anticipates the draft Environmental Impact Statement will be issued in mid-2012. NorthWestern is also planning to conduct an open season that will provide utilities, independent power producers and other interested parties an opportunity to subscribe capacity on the MSTI line. NorthWestern expects the line will be energized in 2016.

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Section 2:

Health & Business // ophir school news

Big Sky Weekly

January 27, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue #2

Alpine Meadows chalet at Moonlight Basin

Lehman acquires Moonlight Basin, introduces new management group

By Taylor Anderson

big sky weekly assistant editor

Officials at Moonlight Basin Resort announced Jan. 19 that after months of wading through a threeway Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Moonlight Basin is now in the hands of a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Holdings. The news has been more than a year in the making, and marks the completion of an ownership battle that on Jan. 18 officially transferred ownership from Moonlight Basin and former owner Lee Poole, to the Lehman Brothers affiliate. Lehman Brothers has effectively owned the ski and golf resort since Oct. 26, when the resort announced it had reached a settlement in court. There were more proceedings, however, and the groups needed to settle with a list of hundreds of creditors. Every secured creditor—and 90 percent of the unsecured, convenient

(less than $10,000 owed) creditors will receive payment in full from Lehman. The other 10 percent, which are due more than $10,000 in total, will receive a portion of that money, according to Moonlight’s chief operating officer Russ McElyea. “That could be changed depending if others give claim,” McElyea said. “Right now under the plan they’re getting paid 68 percent of money owed.” Lehman is now in control of all resort operations, and Poole has been removed from the process. In a letter to stakeholders, McElyea announced the resort will now be managed by the Atira Group, a Colorado-based company specializing in ski and golf resort management. Gerry Engle, founding principal of Atira, spoke with the Weekly on the phone from Atlanta about his company’s involvement with the takeover.

“There’s a committed group of owners there. Now you’ve got a new ownership team, with Atira and the team that’s already there” -Gerry Engle, founding principal of Atira Group

“The hardest thing in the world is we’re going through one of the toughest real estate times in recent memory,” Engle said.

under Chapter 11. Recent proceedings included the legal transfer of assets from Moonlight to Lehman, McElyea said.

He said that because Moonlight doesn’t have a stock of unfilled houses like some other resorts, it is a great place to start managing.

“Lehman pays Lee (Poole) a certain amount of money, then everyone releases control of assets," he said. The groups will work together starting Jan. 23, on long term strategic plans and budgets to get the company moving forward under the new ownership.

“There’s a committed group of owners there. Now you’ve got a new ownership team, with Atira and the team that’s already there,” he said. McElyea and the Moonlight administrative employees began work Friday Jan. 19 for the same company with a new name: Moonlight Basin Management, LLC.

“From here on out [Lehman] goes through winding up processes like we’re doing,” McElyea said. “Getting people paid, assets transferred, administrative things. When that’s complete then you go to the court and say we did everything we needed to get done under the [bankruptcy] plan.”

But there is work yet to be completed in court both by Moonlight and Lehman, as both are still operating

explorebigsky.com

January 27, 2012 17

Big Sky Weekly

business

Unemployment rate drops again dept. of labor and industry

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ployed, and agricultural workers. The Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry posted job losses of 800 jobs, likely due to the slow start of the winter season, which countered job gains in other industries.

Montana—Montana's unemployment rate dropped another 0.3% to 6.8% in December after four straight months of decreases. The unemployment rate has plunged by a full percentage point since Montana August. U.S. unemunemployment ployment has also been rate receding since August, decreasing 0.6% in the last four months. The U.S. rate fell by 0.2% to 8.5% in December.

6.8%

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) marked two straight months of stable prices. Declines in the energy index offset increases in national other prices. The "Montana's employunemployment index for all items ment growth has rate less food and energy gained momentum… (also called core infladue in part to the tion) increased by 0.1 strong agriculture economy and the percent, ending the year with an oil activity on the eastern part of annual increase of 2.2 percent. the state," said Labor Commissioner

8.5%

Keith Kelly. The drop in the unemployment rate is due to an increase of about 1,660 jobs over the last month. These total job counts include payroll, self-em-

All questions relating to the calculation of unemployment rates should be directed to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry's Research and Analysis Bureau at 1 (800) 541-3904.

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real estate

Big Sky Weekly

Momentum building in ranch real estate By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

BOZEMAN—The market is up for high-end ranch real estate in the West, according to Bozeman-based Fay Ranches. Greg Fay, the agency’s founder, said the consensus among his agents is that they’re showing a lot of ground this winter in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Oregon. “Usually people start looking at ranches in April and May, but we’ve got people looking at them now,” Fay said. Some of that hustle has been due to the unseasonably nice weather, he said, but mostly it’s that more people seem to be trickling back into the market. “There’s momentum that got built up in 2011.” 2011 was a record year for Fay Ranches, which has been doing business in the Rocky Mountain West for more than 20 years. The company didn’t bring in top sales in terms of dollar amounts, but it closed more transactions than it ever had in any previous calendar year. “We closed $29 million in December alone,” Fay said. “It kind of put an exclamation point on the year.” Bill Mercer, a real estate agent with Clearwater Montana Properties in Ennis, says he’s seen something similar.

the

“I’ve had quite a few inquiries from people wanting to look at ranches from November up to now, more than in the last couple years,” he said. Mercer doesn’t think buyers are spending more. Instead, they’re looking at ranches as a good place to invest. And, he says, the prices have lowered and are now more attractive. Timber Creek Ranch outside of Cody, Wyo. is one of Fay Ranches' featured listings. “I think this slump is turning around a little couple weeks. I would say the activity has defibit,” Mercer said. “There’s people coming out saynitely picked up.” ing, ‘I think I’m going to buy something.’”

The Big Timber-based broker Sonny Todd agrees, too. Todd’s agency works exclusively in Montana and Wyoming ranch properties.

As the market gains traction, Fay said he’s seeing an adjustment in values and a transition reflecting a realization that real estate values aren’t what they were.

“We’ve sure had more activity since the first of the year,” Todd said. “We had activity before the end of the year, but nobody was signing anything. [Now] it looks like we’re going to get a couple of good sized buy sells here in the next

“When you have an intersection of landowners pricing their product appropriately, and buyers starting to recognize it as a value… that’s the beginning of a turnaround in the marketplace,” Fay said.

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Big Sky Weekly

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public health column

Accepting new patients

Paging, Dr. Public The role of NGOs and nonprofits in public health By erin A. bills, MPh

Big Sky Weekly Contributor

The internet and in particular, social media, has brought civil society’s social, political and public health issues to center stage, in real time. This has allowed civil society to take an active role in educating themselves on social and public health issues, and also placed us in a starring role during implementation and formulation of public health programs. Many non-governmental organizations and nonprofit organizations that focus on public health are fueled by a collective desire to advocate public health issues. Nongovernmental organizations differ from a governmental organization by virtue of the fact that they operate independently of government and don’t operate like a conventional business. Although funds to support NGOs are raised by governments, NGOs maintain a non-governmental position. This means they don’t have governmental administration—a major advantage. Nonprofits, on the other hand, allocate extra funds to improving the organization rather than allocating money to shareholders and organization owners. By virtue of the fact that both NGOs and nonprofits have an administrative structure similar to private business—which focus on financial development with the goal of making money—they tend to run more efficiently than the government. By improving efficiency and avoiding red tape, many NGOs and nonprofits have achieved social and public health improvement in recent years. These organizations are active in many sectors of public health, but most focus on pressing social and public health needs like women’s health, education and access to care in developing, underserved and rural areas. In recent years, nonprofits have set the bar for public health advocacy. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the leading nonprofits working to improve public health worldwide. Its programs focus on improving health in the developing world through immunization programs, agriculture improvement, access to clean water and wastewater

treatment, as well as working on social and public health issues in the developed world. It’s been so successful in formulating and implementing programs that it’s changed how the U.S. government addresses many of these issues. Most organizations like these are primarily based in metropolitan hubs. However, many others making an impact are grassroots movements started in our own backyard. Organizations like Iqra Fund, Central Asia Institute, Women in Action and Big Sky Youth Empowerment have raised money from people who share their concerns and have made a significant difference in a smaller scale. Haven, located in Bozeman, has provided services for women and families in this region who’ve been victims of domestic abuse—an invaluable service. There is great opportunity here. Grassroots organizations could be created to address many issues that face Montanans today. Access to health care is limited for rural residents in the northeastern part of the state. Citizens in Libby battle a deadly asbestos-related disease. Wastewater treatment is a challenge on the reservations. These are just a few examples that could be addressed by philanthropic organizations. Take some time to learn about nongovernmental and nonprofit organizations addressing issues that are important to you. These organizations rely on community and social involvement to achieve their goals. A financial contribution can make a positive impact in our local, national and global society.

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If you’re particularly passionate about a specific issue, get involved! Volunteering is often more effective than a contribution and can be very rewarding. Imagine the problems that could be solved locally and globally if everyone pitched in to improve our world. Erin A. Bills, MPH, works with the Montana Office of Rural Health/ Area Health Education Center at MSU. She lives in Big Sky and is dedicated to improving the health of Montana’s rural populations by developing effective preventive health policy. Follow her blog at projectbagbalm.wordpress.com.

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The family started developing that ranch—along with the nearly 500 acres of land known as the Uplands, in 1997, and soon put in houses, restaurants, retail and park space. He, along with his brothers Tom and Mitch, and sister Janet, has a master plan that would fill the 165-acre meadow. The full plan sits today on a 4-foot by 3-foot poster that marks the future of the Town Center, equipped with full-service grocery store, hotel, more bars and entertainment, and neighborhoods. The poster acts as a dream at current, as the 2001 and 2008 recessions threw wrenches in the development process. Most of the land already developed runs from the movie theater, Grizzly Outfitters, Big Sky Western bank, Choppers and Hungry Moose, and homes running south along Ousel Falls road. The town is years away from seeing the plan completely developed, but Simkins is confident the economy is on the upswing, and the plan will soon return in full force.

22 January 27, 2012

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Big Sky Weekly

Ophir School Newspaper The Ophir School Newspaper is a joint production of the Big Sky Weekly, which is generously donating space, design time and production, and the aspiring Middle-School Journalists of Ophir School, who are self-assigning the content, reporting and photographing of the stories you see here. The Ophir School Newspaper will appear on two pages of the Big Sky Weekly throughout the school year. -Barbara Rowley, Ophir School Newspaper advisor

New technology teacher for Ophir By Helena Sacchi Would you like to take a computer part and put it back together—and have it still work? If so, you might want to enroll in Mr. Dehn’s Multi-Media class. Mr. Dehn is the new technology teacher at Ophir and Lone Peak High School. He is teaching multimedia, film and video production and website design. In the future, Mr. Dehn would like to teach more about the technology that’s used in transportation, construction, manufacturing and bio-related industries. Currently, the school is only teaching In the future, Mr. us about Dehn would like to commuteach more about nicationthe technology that’s related used in transportation, technologies. construction,

manufacturing and

Abi Hogan and Steve Bullock

Interview with Steve Bullock By Abi Hogan Are you worried about paying for college? I met with Attorney General Steve Bullock who is running for Governor of Montana. He told me that in the past, the state has paid for two thirds of college education and students only had to pay for one third, but now that has been reversed. He wants to help turn that back around so that kids don’t have to graduate with tens of thousands of dollars of debt. Here’s what else you need to know about Attorney General Steve Bullock: 1. He’s been working on a program to catch scam artists who hit and hurt small businesses and individuals. He’s stopped a lot of businesses that did unfair things to consumers (like big late fees on small debts consumers didn’t even know about). His advice: If something sounds too good to be true it probably is. 2. Bullock says he wants to preserve and protect land so people can go hunting and fishing and also responsibly develop our resources. 3. He believes building the internet is crucial for Montanans, and he wants to work with our federal partners to let them know how critical this is for businesses in Montana.

“Teachbio-related industries. ing kids the large variety of things you can do and discover using technology, that’s my job,” Mr. Dehn says. Mr. Dehn grew up in Montana. This is his first full time teaching at the public level. The Ophir district needed a qualified person to teach technology. He studied engineering before becoming a teacher and owned a construction business. If you’re interested in architecture or engineering you’ll be happy to know Mr. Dehn’s area of expertise is computer aided drafting, because he had been involved in construction before coming to Ophir. “I want to have an area where students can go and we’d call it a shop,” he says. “There’s no place where students can go get messy with computers. It would be like a regular shop, where we could do things like building a hydrogen cell using technology, or tear apart a computer and put it back together to see how it works.”

4. He went to law school in New York, but he wants to be governor of Montana because he was born and raised here and is now raising his three kids here.

Mr. Dehn says you might even be able to design technology that people in Big Sky use all the time, like design a new type of ski.

“I learned a lot about myself and how a person from Montana can compete in a place like that,” Bullock said about New York. “But I also learned that the most important place for me was always here. I enjoyed my time there, but I didn’t want to stay there forever. I knew that my heart was in Montana.”

“We might not actually design and produce a ski, as it is hard to come by materials in small portions. But kids will see the process.”

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Big Sky Weekly

Review: New runs at Big Sky are great alternatives for tree skiing by kate middleton Five new runs were cut this summer on Andesite Mountain, at Big Sky Resort. I’ve skied all of them, and my favorite is Congoline. If you like skiing the wide open trees of Congo, you’ll love Congoline. It is right below Congo, across Safari. Near Congoline, and similar to it, is a new run called Madagascar. You can remember where it is because it is at the bottom of Africa—just like the real island of Madagascar. When you’re on your way to Tippy’s Tumble, look to the skiers right and you’ll see a sign for Wolf’s Den. This new tree run dumps you out at Elk Park Meadows. Right below the entrance to Elk Park Ridge, is Wolverine, another tree run that gets you off a groomer and into the trees. Finally, right past the Wolverine entrance is the sign for Shady Chute, a tree run that takes you down to the War Dance road and back to the Thunderwolf lift. It’s awesome that Big Sky can grow and have new runs. If you are an intermediate or advanced skier you’ll love these new blue and black runs. New runs on Big Sky Resort's Andesite Mountain hilighted in yellow

New Program at Big Sky Resort LPHS Students Become SnowSports Instructors By Katie Hoffman There’s a new opportunity for high school students in Big Sky who want to learn the life skill of becoming a PSIA certified ski instructor, earn a free season’s pass and get a pay check. LPHS students now have a chance to become an apprentice ski instructor at Big Sky Resort.

This program aims to create a relationship between the school and the resort by offering opportunities to students in the community. There will be five positions available for next season, according to Troy Nedved, Big Sky’s snowsports director. The students will be hired at a minimum wage hourly base and are required to be available

to work 21 days. Four of those will be training days (during school time in December), and six of them will be instructing in the Ophir School Ski Friday program. This year, two LPHS students, Micah Robin and Anna Middleton, are instructors in the program. The best part of teaching younger kids to ski is, “watching them improve,” Middleton says. Nedved is looking for students who are passionate about mountain sports, have a positive can-do attitude, and really want to become ski instructors. Students must be at least 16-years-old, have advanced skiing or riding skills, and be an honor roll student with no disciplinary record in the previous year. LPHS will select interested and eligible students based on these requirements and submit the list to Nedved. These students must then apply online and write a 250-word essay of what ‘exceptional guest service’ means to them and how they would contribute to this culture. Big Sky SnowSports school will then interview the applicants before Oct. 1 and make their final selection on Oct. 15. After one year as an apprentice, students will be eligible to be regular part-time instructors the following year.

Anna Middleton and Micah Robin explorebigsky.com

January 27, 2012 25

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Classifieds for rent

Big Sky Weekly

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gallery

Big Sky Weekly

Repurposed: an installation by Brittany Watkins at the Exit Gallery By stacey ray

asmsu arts and exhibits director

Don’t dismiss the work of Brittany Watkins as just another recycled art piece. Yes she re-uses plastic bags, but she’s molded these materials, so recognizable, past the point of visual recognition so the viewer might concentrate on form, the subtlety and sterility of white on white and the intensity of the conversation.

“The work, which is produced factory style, plays on rampant consumerism and mass production, but it also touches on individuals. Thousands of hands have used, touched and thrown away these bags,” Watkins wrote in her artist’s statement. Brittany Watkins graduated from Montana State University in 2010 with a BFA in Sculpture. She received a 2011 Outstanding Student Achievement Award, and

was published in the October 2011 issue of International Sculpture magazine. Watkins is currently showing work at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, N.J., and has exhibited throughout the Northwest. The exhibition “Repurposed” by Brittany Watkins will be in the Exit Gallery at MSU’s Strand Union Building through Feb. 3.

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January 27, 2012 27

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entertainment

Big Sky Weekly

Montana Western Heritage Project Firearms, Gunleather and Attire of the Frontier West, 1960-1900 By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

BOZEMAN—Creating this full color photo and history book was a labor of love by authors Todd D. Kesner and William Abbot. Kesner, who directs the Montana State University Extension 4-H program, started the project as part of the 4-H shooting sports program, and meant it to be a resource for educators. But, as he got into learning about the American West between 1860 and 1900, it evolved. The book is now a coffee table-style guide for “anyone interested in frontier authenticity, from teachers to history buffs and re-enactors to cowboy shooters,” reads its introduction. “Myths, legends, Hollywood inaccuracies and revisionist history have so shaped our perspective of the American frontier that a true and accurate picture of the Old West is hard to find.” Since Kesner started the shooting program in Montana in 2008, interest has grown, and now more than 50 kids are involved across the state. “The kids have really gotten into it,” Kesner said. “You shoot these old West style guns. You have steel targets, and it’s timed. The fastest person with the fewest misses wins.”

The program has spread to Missouri and Texas, and several other states have expressed interest. The kids are already getting their gun safety, and Kesner figured, why not teach them some “good, accurate history,” along the way? So, he and Abbot, a photographer, did extensive research at the Pioneer Museum and in Virginia City, and their book now covers everything you need to be part of the Western Heritage Project. The Montana Western Heritage Project book is available through the Montana State University Extension, and at Ranks Mercantile in Virginia City, the oldest store in Montana. msuextension. org/store. All proceeds support the Montana 4-H Shooting Sports Program, where tomorrow's leaders are taught to ride, shoot straight and tell the truth.

Explore Big Sky, wherever you may be. We mail our publications around the world. Subscribe today—$75 for 26 issues of the Big Sky Weekly and 2 issues of Mountain Outlaw magazine delivered to your doorstep. Daily news and all publications available online at explorebigsky.com

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Creighton Block

Rob Akey Greg Alexander Jim Barrett Diana Brady Lynn Cain

Todd Connor Jerral Derr yberr y Flavia Eckholm Edd Enders Thomas English

Charles Fulcher Mark Gibson Don Grant Mimi Grant Ott Jones

David Lemon Asha MacDonald Mike Patterson Paula Pearl Jacqueline Rieder Hud

Shiela Rieman Daniel San Souci Deb Schmit Laurie Stevens Shirle Wempner

ARTIST PROFILE Daniel San Souci was born in San Francisco and grew up across the bay in Berkeley, California. In 1978 Doubleday Publishers offered him a contract to do the ar t for a book titled “The Legend of Scarface: A Blackfeet Indian Tale.” This first book did well and won awards, including the “New York Times Best Illustrated Book.” This star ted a thir ty year career in book illustration. His work is in many private collections, including Arnold Schwar tzenegger and Maria Shriver, all-time winningest Jockey Russell Baze, and renowned horse trainer Jerr y Hollendorfer.

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30 January 27, 2012

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Big Sky Weekly

Mou n t a in

food & dining

The Spotted Horse Café Coffee and café culture at its finest in Belgrade By jimmy Lewis

ingredients. (BTW: You have to have a Café Havana.)

Less than a block off of Main Street on N. Broadway in Belgrade is an inviting and intimate little café serving coffee so good it inspires poetry.

The Spotted Horse also specializes in lunch and serves an array of breakfast items and in-house baked goodies. If you swing by at midday, make sure to try the highly sought after tomato soup.

Big Sky Weekly Contributor

It’s The Spotted Horse Café, and its young owners, Greg Deslauriers and Kyle Quantrille, are continuing the tradition of running a coffee house that is a living, breathing work of art where customers can find soul warming hospitality, delicious food, and, most importantly—very good coffee.

“It’s not Burger King,” Deslauriers says, “You can’t have it your way.” They will serve what you desire; they just may do their best to persuade you to try something else, like a pure version of a particular coffee drink, a latte or cappuccino done right, for example, or The Spotted Horse Café’s signature drink, the “Café Havana,” which has secret

Deslauriers enjoys seeing and talking with his customers, many of whom he describes as “real characters.” But perhaps, he says, the café’s lively social atmosphere has a liberating effect on customers. “The character comes out in people when they come in the café.”

Big Sky Weekly

Backcountry Dining Looking for an outdoorsy, rustic dining adventure? Check out these backcountry dinner excursions in Big Sky.

Lone Mountain Ranch Sleigh Ride Dinner A Big Sky classic. Book reservations in advance, as these popular dinners fill up fast. Evening includes sleigh ride and Montana-style dinner in a cozy, fire lit cabin with live music. (406) 995-2783 sleighrides@ lmranch.com

Something unusual you’ll note and maybe, like a lot of the Horse’s customers, come to appreciate over time, is the fact that Deslauriers and Quantrille—by choice—have decided not to provide Wifi. “We don’t really want people coming in here and sitting on their computers forever. We’d rather see a social atmosphere that encourages face-toface interaction, a therapeutic escape from the technological world,” Deslauriers says. “I’ve been to little cafés in New York, Mexico and Costa Rica that possess an intimate, jazzy kind of feel. That’s what I’m looking for in The Spotted Horse.”

Deslauriers and Quantrille recently purchased the Spotted Horse and are continuing to preserve the qualities that set the café apart in the past, while bringing their own charisma and ideas into its evolution. The philosophy of the café has always been to serve the customer best—not by giving the customer what he wants, but, rather, by giving the customer what he needs, even if that means doing some teaching along the way.

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320 Ranch sleigh rides

Montana Yurt Dinner

Choose either the appetizer or dessert ride. Ride from 320’s main lodge to the Mountain Man campsite along the Gallatin River. (406) 995-4283 320ranch.com

Book through Montana Backcountry Adventures. Start at Big Sky Resort’s Summit Hotel, and take a snow cat ride to MBA’s rustic yurt on the ski hill. Dinners are family style meatand-potatoes, with live music, sledding and a bonfire. (406) 995-3880 skimba.com

Cache Creek Outfitters Sleigh Ride Dinner Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride to and from Charlie’s hand built, heated log pavilion up Moose Creek, in Gallatin Canyon. Enjoy homemade skillet fare like drunken potatoes and jalapeño cornbread and genuine hospitality under the starlit Montana sky. (406) 995-3888 charlie@cachecreekoutfitters.com - A.D.

So what’s next? “We might try doing dinners sometime, or even a patio out back with some dancing. We’re openminded and into trying things,” Quantrille says. “It’s not a corporate plan we’re running here.” The best cafés and restaurants are living works of art: They only exist while their proprietors' lives and inspiration hold out. Deslauriers and Quantrille are young, healthy guys; as for inspiration, make it symbiotic by paying them a visit sometime. “Long live The Spotted Horse,” Quantrille says. I agree.

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Big Sky Weekly

32 January 27, 2012

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Section 3:

life // land //culture

January 27, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue #2

Boys of winter Photos by anna middleton Dan Bartzick

Joe Ringling

Morgan West

Jonathan Mctaggart

Skier: Joe Ringling, Below: Nick Mctaggart

Tucker Shea

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January 27, 2012 33

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outdoors

Big Sky Weekly

A Day in the Life of a ski area avalanche forecaster By scotty savage

Big Sky Weekly avalanche expert

‘Woke up, fell out of bed, dragged a comb across my head…found my way downstairs and drank a cup…’ - The Beatles, "A Day in the Life" With the exception of the fact that most avalanche forecasters don't own a comb, let alone actually use one, those lyrics from the Beatles’ 1967 hit do a pretty decent job of describing the first few minutes of a ski area avalanche forecaster’s morning. Here’s what a typical day in the life looks like. 3:45 a.m. – Is that really the alarm? So soon? Why do I do this? Get up, time to make the donuts. 3:50 – Fire up the computer at home to check weather data and forecasts. 8-12” new with strong winds and more snow on the way makes it an easy decision to call everyone in for an early start for avalanche work. 4:00 – Start calling ski patrollers. “Uh, hello.” “Good morning sunshine, it’s an early morning, see you soon, bye.” No time for chit-chat with 20+ people to call.

Moonlight patrol hiking the Headwaters ridge on the way to do early morning avalanche control work

forecasts, figure out who’s sick/not showing up for work on time and create plan B. Talk to the lift mechanics only to find out it’s too windy to run some of the lifts – create plan C.

4:15 – The first wave of phone calls is done. Inhale breakfast and pack up about 3,000 calories of food, aka lunch.

6:30 – Time for the ski patrol morning meeting. Turn off the AC/DC cranking on the stereo and get everyone up to speed with conditions and the plan of attack.

4:30 – Make the remaining phone calls, hoping the ones that didn’t answer the phone heard it ring and realize that it’s absolutely puking snow and time to go to work. Find some polypro and ski socks that pass the “sort-of clean test” and head to work.

7:00 – Snowmobile up the hill to look at conditions up close before the patrol gets off the lifts (in theory). Bury the ‘bile in a big snowdrift, dig it out, and arrive at the top of the lifts at the same time as the rest of patrol.

4:40-5:45 – It’s a hellacious drive to work dodging deer attempting to commit suicide on the road and breaking trail through fresh snow before the plows clear the road. Most of the drive is spent refining the plan for the morning, searching for what could possibly go wrong.

7:30-10 – Avalanche hazard reduction work goes smoothly with lots of medium sized avalanches and lots of fun. The ski patrol and mountain operations kick butt and the mountain opens quickly given the conditions. (Heck, I even manage to sneak in a couple turns at the end of my avalanche route. Yep, this is why I do this for a living.)

5:45-6:30 – Arrive at the office and hit the ground running. Talk to the cat drivers on the mountain via radio for an update on snow and weather conditions and look at more weather data on the computer. Tweak the avalanche route schedule, post weather and avalanche

10-10:30 – It’s still snowing and blowing. Talk to several patrollers to figure out which avalanche prone areas within the ski area need attention. Say hi in passing to a few grinning locals at the top of the lift. Get accosted by a gentle-

man getting off the lift who’s claiming “the patrol at Snow Meadows Hole would have had this whole place open two hours ago.” 10-4. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. – The storm continues. Put ski tracks in places where no one is skiing (where all the rocks are hiding) and find a few good turns. Spend some time in the patrol shack discussing avalanche conditions with other patrollers and make sure no avalanche paths are falling through the cracks. Stuff food down my throat while worrying/fretting about the rapidly increasing snow load in a few particular paths. Repeat this cycle several times. 3:00 – Perform an end-of-the-day sweep on one of the ski runs that closes early and head down to the office. Notice that the locker room really does smell like a locker room: a potpourri of smelly socks, stinky ski boots, old poly pro and some old fruit. 3:45-4:30 – Broadcast the afternoon weather forecast for the patrol and mountain operations staff: more snow and wind on the way. Breath a small sigh of relief when all the lifts close for the day; daytime storms are stressful for ski-area forecasters. Hurriedly try to come up with tomorrow’s avalanche

Photo by Emily Stifler

route schedule and finish some paperwork before sweeps are completed and the ski patrol arrives en masse. 4:30-6 – Data entry, data entry, and more data entry. Ugh, computer time when you’re dead tired is a tough way to end the day. Half-listening to some interesting conversations in the background (crash and burn ski escapades, love triangles, river trip planning...) makes the data entry task less painful. 6:15-7:15 – Drive home, daydreaming much of the way. Time to prioritize as there’s less than nine hours until it’s time to make the donuts again. A huge burrito and a cold Tecate hit the spot, but the shower’s going to have to wait until tomorrow. 8:30 – Head, meet pillow. Pillow, meet head. Seven hours of bliss before it starts all over again… Scotty Savage had the privilege of spending many years as a Southwest Montana ski area avalanche forecaster until knee issues forced a sabbatical. He’s currently involved in recreational and professional avalanche education but he still doesn’t own a comb.

Pheasant release program application due May 15 Applications for raising and releasing ring-necked pheasants through the state Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program are due May 15. Projects must comprise at least 100 contiguous acres and contain the habitat components—including cover and food—that the birds need to survive.

34 January 27, 2012

Landowners who attempt to establish pheasant populations in suitable habitat can be reimbursed for raising and releasing pheasants. Landowners can apply if the land in the project area remains open to reasonable public hunting. Projects on private and public lands submitted in partnership with youth organizations, 4-H clubs, sports groups or other

explorebigsky.com

associations that guarantee completion of project requirements are also eligible. Hunting preserves, lands that host a commercial hunting enterprise, and lands where hunting rights are leased or paid for are not eligible. For more information, visit fwp.mt.gov.

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Big Sky Weekly

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sports

Big Sky Weekly

BSSEF results The Youth Ski League raced at Big Sky Jan. 21-22, while the development team rocked Red Lodge during the A-J3 Invitational Ski Race hosted by Silver Run Ski Team and Rocky Mountain College. At press time the devolopment team results were not available. The following are YSL results:

Saturday women's division J4

3rd Alexa Coyle 1.38.35 6th Kuka Holder 1.44.22 9th Valerie Hetherington 1.47.93 14th Heidi Wills 1.53.07 16th Mackenzie Winters 1.55.49 17th Maci St. Cyr 1.55.87 18th Madison Winters 1.56.84 28th Annika Linkenbach 2.12.02 33rd Hannah Peary 2.25.53

1st Reece Bell 1.45.43 2nd Kodi Boersma 1.50.71 3rd Riley Becker 1.53.56 5th Raley Warga 200.21

6th Annika Eriksson 2.01.47 9th Megan Robbins 2.04.46 10th Mazie Schreiner 1.02.86 12th Madison Rager 2.10.43 17th Nehalem Manka 2.18.92 23th Ava King 2.30.83 27th Autumn Peary

4th Franci St. Cyr 2.15.97 5th Sydney Hobby 2.17.71 7th Laken Trebsech 2.20.74 8th Kassidy Boersma 2.22.10 11th June Mann 2.31.59 12th Carly Wilson 2.50.50 13th Tyler Nordahl 2.56.28 15th Tristen Clack 3.08.85 16th Abigail Kreutz 3.10.86

Skylar Manka 2.39.28 Chloe Unger 3.39.48

Saturday men's division J3

1st Christopher Linkenbach 1.48.90 3rd Charlie Johnson 1.53.69 6th Wyatt Peary 2.10.60

2nd Wesley Robbins 1.44.79 6th Joe Olson 1.51.10 9th Kyle Wills 1.53.46 17th Sam Johnson 2.06.39 20th Beck Trebesch 2.08.08 24th Harrison Schreiner 2.13.68 28th Cole Patterson 2.26.86 DNF Ben McCabe

10th Jackson Coles 2.07.58 12th Will Hodgson 2.08.76 13th Charlie Lerch 2.09.49 15th Cody Clack 2.21.04 19th Bode Spring 2.33.29 22nd Hudson Willett 2.51.89

7th Luke Kirchmayr 2.12.70 8th Reid Warga 2.17.47 10th Caleb Unger 2.21.62 11th Alex Rager 2.24.29 12th Nolan Robbins 2.25.39 19th Michael Romney 2.37.14 20th Pierce King 2.37.65 21st Owen Hodgson 3.25.91

1st Skylar Manka 2.32.72 2nd Chloe Unger 3.34.60

Sunday men's division J3

1st Christopher Linkenbach 1.47.70 2nd Charlie Johnson 1.48.92 5th Wyatt Peary 1.58.93

4th Joe Olson 1.42.73 11th Kyle Wills 1.47.44 13th Wesley Robbins 1.51.13 20th Beck Trebesch 1.57.05 21st Harrison Schreiner 1.57.62 23rd Sam Johnson 2.00.69 26th Cole Patterson 2.21.14 DNS Ben McCabe

Sunday women's division J4

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2nd Franci St. Cyr 2.05.80 3rd Carly Wilson 2.35.87 5th Tyler Nordahl 2.44.90 7th Tristen Clack 2.59.87 DQ Laken Trebesch DQ Kassidy Boersma

9th Will Hodgson 1.59.87 14th Charlie Lerch 2.08.59 15th Cody Clack 2.12.05 18th Bode Spring 2.23.26 DNS Will Hudson DNS Jackson Coles

1st Alexa Coyle 1.34.81 6th Kuka Holder 1.40.70 8th Valerie Hetherington 1.45.20 11th Heidi Wills 1.46.83 13th Madison Winters 1.50.34 17th Maci St. Cyr 1.52.32 25th Annika Linkenbach 2.04.87 29th Hannah Peary 2.20.99

36 January 27, 2012

1st Reece Bell 1.41.53 2nd Riley Becker 1.51.54 4th Raley Warga 1.53.79 5th Megan Robbins 1.55.03 7th Mazie Schreiner 1.59.35 9th Nehalem Manka 2.09.05 13th Ava King 2.23.26 DNF Autumn Peay DQ Madison Rager DQ Kodi Boersma DQ Annika Eriksson

6th Reid Warga 2.10.07 7th Caleb Unger 2.10.47 9th Nolan Robbins 21.17.31 11th Kyan Smith 2.20.32 12th Luke Kirchmayr 2.22.17 16th Michael Romney 2.38.72 17th Owen Hodgson 3.09.59 DNF Alex Rager DNF Pierce King

2nd Max Romney 2.34.06 3rd Graham Hodgson 3.34.88

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sports

Big Sky Weekly

The List

by Grayson Bell

Big Sky Weekly Contributor

At the beginning of the season, the Big Horn basketball team was told that it had a simple task: Make a list of people to dedicate the season to. The list would include people that inspire us to work harder— close family members, old head coaches and lost loved ones.

By brandon niles

big sky weekly sports writer

Welcome to the NBA, Ricky Rubio NBA—While the rest of the NBA is clamoring to find out what’s going on with Lebron James or debating whether or not Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook can co-exist, the long-forgotten Minnesota Timberwolves have something quietly brewing. Led by star forward Kevin Love, the Wolves have made basketball relevant again in the City of Lakes. Love is fourth in the league in points per game and second in the league in rebounds and seems to have taken a step forward in his all around game during the start of this season. Joining Love in the Minnesota spotlight is Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio. While technically a rookie in his first year, Rubio has been a star in international play for the past several years. As a result, excitement has surrounded the arrival of Rubio in a Timberwolves uniform. Originally drafted fifth overall in 2009, contract issues with his Spanish team have delayed his arrival to the states. So far, Rubio has not disappointed. Though the season is young, he’s already vying for Rookie of the Year honors with Kyrie Irving, the first overall pick in the 2012 draft. Rubio has an uncanny ability to see the entire court and his precision passing has been a thing of beauty as the Timberwolves have gone from basement dweller to exciting young franchise in about a year. He’s also been better than expected in other areas of his game, shooting with surprising consistency and gathering rebounds at an effective rate for a point guard. The most exciting thing for basketball fans is that Rubio is just getting started. His playing time this season has been fairly limited, and he’s only 21 years old. In an average 30 minutes per game, he’s averaging almost 11 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and more than two steals. That’s an amazing stat line for a player that many predicted would become a colossal bust after a down year overseas in 2010.

In his final season in Spain, Rubio’s court vision seemed to wane slightly, but most concerning was his lack of consistency shooting the ball. Whether inside or behind the paint, Rubio’s jump shot seemed to lack any kind of reliability, causing critics to describe him as one-dimensional and not ready for the NBA.

Throughout the season this list has played an important role in the team’s work ethic. It has brought the team closer together, and has given the team something to play for rather than just a victory. This list pushes us to play hard, because it means so much to the athletes as a group and individually. “The people on our list all mean so much to us. They are people that are dearly loved, they are family members that we care about and that care about us. The people we play for inspire us,” said Tucker Shea, a junior and point guard for the Big Horns. “That list pushes us that much harder to practice and play with everything we have.”

“The people on our list all mean so much to us. They are people that are dearly loved, they are family members that we care about and that care about us. The people we play for inspire us." -Tucker Shea

So far, the Big Horns have had a tough season, but a recent win over West Yellowstone and many close losses show a bright future for the team, and from here until February the Big Horns will have that list on their minds. Make sure to come out and support the Big Horns' varsity team and see the improvement throughout the season.

However, these concerns now seem exaggerated. Rubio’s court vision has been everything the team hoped for when it drafted him, and he’s shocked everyone by shooting nearly 43 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, the arrival of Rubio and the continued improvement of Love haven’t yet translated into significant wins. The Timberwolves are still a fringe playoff team and will have to fight hard down the stretch in order to qualify. Still, the team has been far more competitive than a year ago, and with two young stars on the roster, they’re an exciting team to watch. If the team accrues a couple more talented young players in the coming years, Minnesota could become a perennially strong contender in the Western Conference. Brandon Niles has done online freelance writing about professional sports since 2007. His articles range from NFL news to team-specific commentary. A Communication Studies graduate student at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Niles is also an avid Miami Dolphins fan, which has led to his becoming an avid Scotch whisky fan over the past decade.

When the ride down isn’t as smooth as the ride up WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned—even on vacation. That’s why Bozeman Deaconess Pharmacy at Big Sky is here for you. We offer a full range of pharmaceutical items including bandages and OTC medicines and creams for aches and pains. And,

should you have forgotten your medications, we’re happy to assist you in getting what you need to fully enjoy life under the Big Sky.

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Whether you’re here for the week or a lifetime, we want to help you enjoy a smooth ride— on and off the mountain.

January 27, 2012 37

Construction/Real Estate

health/fitness/beauty

Andesite Construction Big Sky Sotheby’s Int’l Realty Biggerstaff Construction Biggerstaff Real Estate Blue Ribbon Builders ERA Landmark Gallatin Associates, Inc. Greene Construction Haas Builders, LLC Highline Partners Lone Pine Builders Redleaf Consulting Engineers Reid Smith Architects Wade & Associates Builders

Abundant Health Chiropractic, PC Big Sky Health & Fitness Bozeman Deaconess Pharmacy Gallatin Family Medicine Lone Peak Physical Therapy & Sports Massage OZssage Ltd.

restaurants/retail Big Sky Furniture Country Market The First Place Pub Gallatin River Gallery Horse of a Different Color Lone Peak Brewery Olive B’s Bistro Sierra Paciﬁc Windows Willow Boutique

Services

American Land Title Co Big Sky Owners Association (BSOA) Big Sky Post Ofﬁce Big Sky Ski Team Big Sky Weekly Black Tie Ski Rental Blue Water Task Force First Security Bank First West Insurance Knaub & Company, CPAs Lindell & Associates PC Lonepeak Lookout Net Wave Web Design The Outlaw Partners The Agency-Insurance Division The Arts Council of Big Sky Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Wittich Law Firm, P.C.

BIG SKY ’S FULL SERVICE GROCERY STORE Hand- cut meats • Fresh baked goods • Gourmet items • Beer & wine

LOCAL FRESH Delivery available - have your home stocked upon your arrival! 406-995-4636 Open 7 days a week Extended hours December 15-April 15, 6:30am-10pm Located in the Meadow Village Center next to Lone Peak Brewery 38 January 27, 2012

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further fetchins

Powder in the Swan Mountains

PHOTO BY RYAN TURNER

By Mike Mannelin

Big Sky Weekly Columnist

The cell phone alarm went off at 5:50 a.m., just as we’d asked it to. Ten minutes later, I heard Ryan Turner knock on the RV window. “Are you guys awake?” he asked. Empty, cold mugs in hand, we went into Turner’s house to drain his coffee maker, and then hit the road. We were heading to a yurt on Morrell Mountain in the Swan Range near Seeley Lake, to ski for three days. Turner already had his snowmobile on a trailer and his truck ready to go. With one stop in Bozeman, we picked up two more friends and another snowmobile. Once we exited the freeway near Garrison, we wound through beautiful hills and past ranches on Highways 141 and 200. We passed a rancher on a John Deere with a hay bale on the back, slowly making his way through a couple hundred of Montana’s 2.6 million head of beef cattle. In some states, we might have driven through condominium cities to get to the skiing. Out here, it seemed a lot simpler. As we got closer to the mountains, our conversations shifted from the Green Bay Packers and ice fishing to backcountry gear. At the trailhead, we met with the rest of the group. There were 10 of us, five snowmobiles, three towropes, two gear sleds, and one thing on

our minds: powder skiing. Grabbing a towrope, I hung on tight and used my arms as shock absorbers as the snowmobile whipped up the trail. We climbed past spectacular views of the Mission and Swan mountains, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. We found the Lupine Yurt on the side of the trail, about 11 miles later, at 6,600 feet, with its own breathtaking view of the ranges. After we built a fire and put our supplies inside, we skinned up the road nearly a mile to the Alpine Yurt. Two skiers poked their heads out the door, and we asked about the snowpack. They had triggered a slide in the Poopchute area and had been skiing the Burnt Trees area for the last three days. We continued up the skin track through the woods, and the yurt disappeared behind us. The first sight of skiable terrain revealed a recent avalanche in a spot called Breakfast Bowl. We skinned up a safe route to the top in the trees and dug a pit. Our stability test (ECT32Q1) revealed a weak layer with a slab on top that was not easily triggered, but broke clean. Seeing this, and recalling our conversation with the other skiers, we decided to also stick to Burnt Trees. We followed switchbacks up a road to the Morrell Lookout Tower at 7,800 feet, our main starting point. We dropped in one at a time, hooting and hollering in the shin deep powder. The terrain we chose kept us heading back toward the yurt. The road

There were 10 of us, five snowmobiles, three towropes, two gear sleds, and one thing on our minds: powder skiing. made it was easy to regroup with everyone, even with the low visibility. The second day, we knew where we wanted to ski, so we set out early for the lookout. We set a good skin track through the trees the previous day, and used it to lap the powdery glades until our legs burned. Just before sundown we made a unanimous decision to climb for one last lap. We woke the final morning to sunrise shining through the Plexiglas bubble atop the yurt. This time we set out with snowmobiles, taking turns dragging each other up to the lookout for some more powder runs in the trees. A few of us snuck in one more run, then began the ski descent back to the vehicles, getting out in front of the snowmobiles. Back at the vehicles, high fives and tall boys made their way around in celebration of our safe trip. Looking around at the nine smiling faces made me appreciate even more enjoying winter with friends, old and new, in the beautiful mountains of Montana.

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January 27, 2012 39

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HAPPY HOUR

MONDAY-FRIDAY 4:00-6:00 P.M.

$1 off any beer, wine or mixed drink LOCATED IN THE BIG SKY TOWN CENTER big sky, montana 406-995-3830

EVENTS big sky

Shuffleboard night Lone Peak Brewery Wednesdays Ladies’ ski clinics Moonlight Basin Wednesdays, 9:15 – 11:45 a.m. Vinyasa flow yoga Yellow Mountain Center for the Arts Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Apres stretch with Jackie Big Sky Resort Wellness studio Wednesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Yoga with Callie Yellow Mountain Center for the Arts Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Ballroom dancing Old gym at Ophir School Wednesdays thru Feb. 8, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Women’s Classic ski clinic Lone Mountain Ranch Wednesdays thru Feb. 8 Wednesday Pre Fixe tastings Lone Mountain Ranch dining room 6 – 8 p.m. All ages learn to play hockey clinic Town Center ice rink Wednesdays thru Feb. 15, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Women’s skate ski clinic Lone Mountain Ranch Thursdays thru Feb. 9 Get started in guitar Ophir School after school room Thursdays thru Feb. 2, 7 p.m. Live Bluegrass with Bluebird Sky Lone Mountain Ranch Saloon Thursdays thru March 22, 8 – 9:30 p.m. Moonlight Basin Avalanche One course (406) 993-6016 for registration Jan. 26- 28 Yoga with Anna Yellow Mountain Center for the Arts Fridays, 8:30 - 10 a.m. Trail side lunch buffet Lone Mountain Ranch Fridays thru March 16 Apres ski music Moonlight Basin Headwaters Grille Saturdays, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Rotary Club of Big Sky 8th Annual Gold Raffle, Auction, Dinner Buck’s T-4 ballroom (406) 580 – 5475 Jan. 28, 6 p.m.

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Big Sky Weekly

Planning an event? Let us know! Email abbie@theoutlawpartners.com and we’ll spread the word.

Sunday brunch Lone Mountain Ranch Thru March 31

Beginning beekeeping workshop offered at MSU MSU News Service

Prime Rib Monday 320 Steakhouse and Saloon Mondays

BOZEMAN—Montana State University will present a beginning beekeeping workshop on Saturday, Feb. 25. New beekeepers, including kids, can learn how to get started, first year management strategies, and integrated pest management of honeybee pests and diseases. Participants will also learn about honeybee biology and beekeeping equipment.

Ophir School District public community forum Town Center theater Jan. 30, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The workshop takes place on the MSU campus in Bozeman. Registration is due by Feb. 18 and is limited to 50 people. For more information, visit ag.montana.edu/plantgrowth/ or contact David Baumbauer at (406) 994-2231 or beekeeping@montana.edu.

Open mic night Choppers Tuesdays

Gallatin Roller Girlz fresh meat practice Gallatin County Fairgrounds events park Jan. 30, 7 p.m.

Drawing and acrylic painting class Ophir Art room Tuesdays thru Feb. 14, 6 – 8 p.m.

Roughstock whiskey tasing Gallatin Gateway Inn Feb. 3, 5 p.m.

Taekwondo class For 4 – 12 year olds Yellow Mountain Center for the Arts Tuesdays thru Feb. 7 taekwondowest.com 8th graders Tips for Trips Half Moon Saloon Jan. 31, 5 – 8 p.m. Western Region Masters Regionals ski race Big Sky Resort Feb. 2 – 5 Volcum Peanut Butter & Rail Jam Amateur snowboard contest Moonlight Basin Feb. 4 Book signing with Kim Kircher Summit Hotel upper lobby Feb. 4, 3:30 – 5 p.m. Ski Joring Races 320 Guest Ranch Feb. 4 – 5, 11 a.m. Super Bowl at Headwaters Grille Moonlight Basin Feb. 5, 4:25 p.m. Crazy Austrians at Chets Bar Big Sky Resort Every day except for Wednesdays and Sundays, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Peggy Dicken Memorial Concert Series Bozeman Opera “Sweet Betsy from Pike” Arts Council of Big Sky Talus Room at the Summit Hotel Big Sky Resort Feb. 9 Northern Speed Series ski racing Hangman’s at Big Sky Resort Feb. 10 -12

Bozeman

Noah Lindgren- artist reception Sola Café Feb. 3, 4 p.m Bozeman Winter Farmers’ Market The Emerson Feb. 4 “Have a Heart” auction Fundraiser for Reach Emerson Ballroom Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m. Bozeman Sypmphony- Sinfonia Concertante Willson Auditoriam Feb. 5, 2:30 p.m. Super Bowl Sunday throwdown Filling Station Feb. 5, 4 p.m. February Art Walk The Emerson Feb. 10 The Cold Smoke Awards The Emerson Feb. 11 Museum of the Rockies’ 22nd annual Museum Ball “Winter Wonderland” Feb. 11, 6 p.m. - 11 p.m

west yellowstone Questions? Call the West Yellowstone Chamber at (406) 646-7701 Rendezvous Trails Free Ski Day Winter Trails Day Jan. 28 “Try It” Biathlon Altius Handcrafted Firearms Jan. 28 First Annual Fresno Ice Derby (Havre, Mont.) Jan. 28- 29, 6 a.m.

Eli Madden and the Stringjumpers Choppers Jan. 28, 5 -7 p.m, 9 p.m.

Co-Op 4% Grant Day Community Food Co-Op Jan. 27

Contemplative prayer group practice Studio in the Ozzsage/Physical Therapy building Meadow Village Sundays , 5 – 6 p.m.

Songwriter throwdown 406 Brewrery Jan. 28, 6 p.m.

Winter Snowshow Program U.S. Forest Service Hebgen Lake Ranger Station Feb. 1, 1 p.m.

Seasons by Russell Chatham exhibit Museum of the Rockies Jan. 21-Feb.25

North American Ice Fishing Circuit- Ice Fishing Tournament Weekend Feb. 2 -5

Evening Program with a Yellowstone Ranger West Yellowstone Visitors Information Center Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Smores and More West Yellowstone Ice Rink Feb. 4, 6 – 9 p.m. Kids and Snow Event Feb. 4 – 5, Kidsnsnow.org Winter Snowshoe Program U.S. Forest Service Hebgen Lake Ranger Station Feb. 7, 1 p.m. Moonlight Ski Trailhead building Feb. 7, 6 p.m.

paradise valley The Dirty Shame Chico Hot Springs Jan. 27 – 28 Emigrant Flea Market Community Hall Jan. 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dave Walker Band Pine Creek Café Jan. 28, 7 p.m. Joe Schwem- folk rock Norris Hot Springs Jan. 28 John Lowell- Americana Norris Hot Springs Jan. 29 Breakfast Buffet Gardiner-Mammoth Dining room Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 6:30 – 10:30 a.m. Wine tasting with Tapas Gardiner-Mammoth Dining room Feb. 3 www.twang Chico Hot Springs Feb. 3 – 4 Edis- folk Norris Hot Springs Feb. 3 Livingston Gun Show Fairgrounds Feb. 3 – 5 Blue Slipper/Crazy Mountain Productions Present “Romeo & Juliet” The Shane Center Feb. 3 - 18 Eli Madden and Luke Flansberg Norris Hot Springs Feb. 4

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January 27, 2012 41

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Big Sky Weekly

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Featuring... Sleigh Ride Dinners Day Sleigh Rides Heated Sleighs Winter Trail Rides Fly Fishing COWBOY COOKOUTS Fun for the entire family!

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Big Sky Weekly

Attend a FREE informational seminar with two of the nationʼs leading experts on pain elimination and athletic performance Saturday, February 11, 2012 1:00-3:30 p.m. Holiday Inn, 5 E. Baxter Ln., Bozeman Reserve your seat today at arpwave.com/seminar or call (406) 577-1515 Denis Thompson - leading authority on the use of bio-electrical techniques for injury recovery and prevention for professional athletes and non-athletes, alike. Jay Schroeder - has over 30 years designing, implementing, and evaluating training plans for some of the worldʼs elite athletes Complete Line of Western & English Tack, Gifts, Housewares & Apparel

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word from the resorts Big Sky Resort Big Sky

Bridger Bowl Bozeman

Snow: Powder! Big Sky Resort saw a big snowstorm roll through this past week, dumping over a foot in 24 hours and delivering a steady stream of powder days. And the forecast is calling for even more. Check the snow report at bigskyresort.com and follow Big Sky Resort on Facebook and Twitter for conditions updates throughout the ski day. Events: The third annual Dead of Winter music fest is Jan. 27 and 28, featuring The Hooligans with Bill Payne at Whiskey Jack’s. Start building your entry for the Dummy Jump on Feb. 11, when participants launch dummies off a huge kicker and watch them explode upon impact. After that, get ready for the Big Sky Big Grass Bluegrass Festival Feb. 17 – 19, featuring special guest Sam Bush and a lineup including The Travelin’ McCourys, the Emmit Nershi Band, Greensky Bluegrass, Head for the Hills, Hot Buttered Rum, Holler n’ Pine, Bluebird Sky, Kevin Fabozzi and Friends, and Benyaro. Visit bigskyresort.com/events for more information. What’s New: Join the Spa Club at the new Solace Spa and Salon. You’ll get discounts like 20 percent off spa treatments and VIP perks like valet service and access to the Shoshone Fitness center on the days of your treatments. On the hill, make sure to get some turns in Big Sky’s five new glades on Andesite Mountain. Take your lunch break at Andiamo Italian Grille, now open for lunch on weekends. bigskyresort.com - Greer Schott

Wind whipped my cheeks as I stood atop the Pierre’s Knob lift. Snow was accumulating, and visibility was poor. I looked south, and thought I could see another lift in the distance, moving. Could Schlashman’s really be open? I asked my friend, a Bridger lift op, who said it had been spinning for a few days. Finally, in mid-January, all of the lifts at Bridger Bowl were open and lift tickets were at full price. I skied down the catwalk, shielding myself from the wind, and then found some soft snow in the trees.

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Big Sky Weekly

Saturday Jan. 21 kicked off the alpine race series on the course off of the Bridger lift. This three-part citizen race series continues on Jan. 28 and Feb. 4. Live music and prizes follow the event in the Jim Bridger Lodge. Jan. 22 was the first of the Telemark Race Series, with a Dual GS on the Bobcat course. The next event is a GS on Jan. 29 and, for added excitement, will have a skate start and finish. The series wraps up with the Apron Challenge on Feb. 5, which has a timed hike and ski down the Apron on a Super G course. Avalanche transceivers are required. Again, prizes and music to follow. Don’t be dismayed by the weather in town. Get up to Bridger and enjoy some turns. Seventy-one trails are open, snow is accumulating and there is lots going on. bridgerbowl.com - Jamie Kujawa

The skiing at Bridger Bowl has been excellent, and the base is up to almost three feet. A nine-inch storm from the week of Jan. 16 helped out, plus several inches that trickled in after. For a forecast that guaranteed snow and brought rain to the valley floor, Bridger did all right. Photo by Jamie Kujawa

Moonlight Basin Big Sky First thing in the morning at the Moonlight ladies’ clinics, we start by breaking into groups that fit each lady’s ambitions for the day. Last week I drew a lucky lot, and my group unanimously agreed to make Lone Tree lift priority number one. And just like that, off we slid. As we passed over the Stillwater traverse, I started to have doubts. The wind had been strong from the north all night, leaving Stillwater Bowl scoured and thin. It had seen better days. But skiing the first run off Lone Tree, I knew we made the right decision. Beautiful, chalky wind buff met us on the top, with creamy dreamy snow the rest of the way down. On lap three we came across Patroller Pete, who caught with his keen eye a group of mountain goats sky-lined on the ridge above. We watched them deftly march up the mountain like a waltz in the park. “This is my office,” I thought to myself. “These awesome ladies, the views, the goats, the mountain majesty. I get paid to live this life.” Moonlight Basin ladies' clinic

44 January 27, 2012

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The group skied better with each run, and all the while we were laughing. We were building a bond, meeting new people and spending time with old friends. The year had a slow start for lack of snow, which can get you down if you don’t take time to appreciate what you have. I have Moonlight Basin, I have this awesome ladies clinic to look forward to each week, and we have snow. Maybe not as much as last year, but the dark side of Lone Peak is skiing great. With more snow in the forecast, things will only get better. We would love to get to know you, so come on up—whether it’s for a ladies clinic, a lesson or just a day to enjoy the mountains. moonlightbasin.com - Noelle Wainright

word from the resorts

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Big Sky Weekly

Discovery Ski Area Phillipsburg The recent storm cycle was good to Discovery, leaving approximately 20 inches of new snow. Almost the entire mountain is now open, including the backside, said Ciche Pitcher, Disco’s vice president and resort operations manager. Even the rowdy terrain off the Limelight Chair has been fantastic, Pitcher said. “Everything is filled in really nice, and now we have a good base.” On the front side, the extra snow has allowed for more aggressive grooming and an improved ski surface. “It’s all really exciting. We had a lot of skiers last weekend, and everyone was having a good time,” Pitcher said. Upcoming deals include the Montana Tech special on Jan. 29, and a day for all Montana college students on Feb. 12. Students ski for $24 on those days, burger and beer included. On Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 5), Disco tickets will be $19. Dang, that’s cheap! The first weekend of February, Discovery will host a Northern Division Freestyle mogul contest. Pitcher said the event will draw ski teams from Bozeman, Missoula and Sun Valley. The course will be in a new spot right above the base area, so people can watch the event from the deck, making it a lively scene. skidiscovery.com - Emily Stifler

Maverick Mountain Polaris It's winter again at Maverick Mountain. Mid-January storms brought nearly 20 new inches of snow, and the mountain is in great shape with 43 inches at the base and 53 at the summit. The trees are starting to ski well. And more snow is in the forecast! Don’t forget, Mav is only open Thursday through Sunday. -David Nolt

Lost Trail Powder Mountain Darby The last day of light faded as we crested over the Continental Divide. At least eight of my friends and I were headed to Lost Trail Powder Mountain for powder Thursday. When we showed up in Darby at Monica’s, a local patroller at LT, she served up some wicked chicken chili, and then lined up sleeping mats in the living room. Darby was just over 30 miles from the mountain. It was 35 degrees out and raining. On her way out to do ski cuts, Monica woke us. It was still raining. I remember the text our buddy Chad sent us the night before from his sleeping spot in the parking lot of LT, “It’s freakin’ dumping up here, should have at least 30 inches by morning.” As we drove up the mountain, the thermometer on the rearview dropped to 34, 33, 32, and finally stopped at 28 tasty degrees. We took our first run down a groomer that’s been piled with over three feet of fresh, creamy powder. Next run, halfway down toward Chair Two, we took a left turn into the deep snow. It was real deep, at least to our thighs. We spun laps through trees. No bottom. Little airs, deep, face shots. Around 2:30, the rope dropped for Hollywood. Steeper trees, bigger airs, deeper snow. Back at Monica’s, we collected two extra residents for the night, making it elbow to elbow on the living room floor. Everyone was there for the same reason. Friday was even better. With another overnight dumpage and Monica’s promise to get Hollywood opened early, we were stoked.

Long-time Lone Mountain Ranch guest, Doug Delong, reading the Big Sky Weekly Photo courtesy of Lone Mountain Ranch

Lone Mountain Ranch Big Sky The skiing just keeps getting better and better. With the new snow, our grooming staff has buffed out the trails and they’re all in great shape with a firm skating platform and perfect tracks for classic skiers. We've been having lots of fun with kids from Ophir School coming for ski clinics on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. This week we look forward to seeing the fifth grade class for some ski games like obstacle courses, no pole tag and one-ski football. Fourth graders, we'll see you next week! We are also in our third week of the women's clinics, which are Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. Ladies, you are welcome to drop in on either day for a fun morning of classic or skate skiing with our wonderful instructors, Katie and Martha. Mark your calendars, our second women's clinic session will start Feb. 22 and 23 and run for five weeks on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Don’t forget Lone Mountain Ranch’s trailside buffet, every Friday from 12 – 1:30. Come see the buffet’s new location and fire pit. Public welcome. For more information, give us a call in the Outdoor Shop at 995-4734. lonemountainranch.com - Denise Wade

Rendezvous Ski Trails West Yellowstone Rendezvous hosted a turnout of about 200 kids aged 6 – 19 at the Junior National Qualifiers Jan. 21 – 22. With sprints on Saturday and distance classic races on Sunday, the weather and ski conditions were both great, and there were a lot of photo finishes, said Dan Cantrell, director of the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation. Free ski day is coming up on Saturday, Jan. 28. In conjunction with National Trails Day, Rendezvous will offer free skiing all day. WYSEF will give free lessons starting at 10 a.m. and the Forest Service will be leading a kids ski clinic. Freeheel and Wheel is offering free ski and snowshoe rentals on a first come first service basis. There is limited equipment available, so come early! On that same day, between 11 – 2 p.m. Altius handcrafted firearms is offering a Try It Biathlon day. All equipment is provided. West Yellowstone was hit hard with the mid-January storm that swept most of Montana. The trails are looking good, Cantrell says. rendezvousskitrails.com - Abbie Digel

All in all, the total snow accumulation was four feet, well worth the drive. And with adult lift tickets a mere $36, LT’s face shots were the most economical we could find. -Mike Mannelin

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January 27, 2012 45

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Big Sky Weekly

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Eric & Stacy Ossorio With 19 years of local expertise, Eric and Stacy Ossorio are committed real estate professionals. They have an exceptional insight into the Big Sky market and are informed and savvy about every development in the area. While working with them they will share with you their expertise to help you make the best real estate choice for your family and lifestyle.

Eric Ossorio, Broker - 406.539.9553 Stacy Ossorio, Broker - 406.539.8553 eric.ossorio@prumt.com stacy.ossorio@prumt.com ossoriorealestategroup.com

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Noun: wild or rough terrain adjacent to a developed area Origin: shortened form of “back 40 acres”

Big Sky Weekly

For the Big Sky Weekly, the Back 40 is a resource: a place where we can delve into subjects and ask experts to share their knowledge. Topics include regional history, profiles of local artists and musicians, snow and avalanche education, how-to pieces for traditional or outdoor skills, and science. tive swimmer, I appreciated water’s meditative and therapeutic offerings, but never imagined the magnificent possibilities of aqua therapy. Eagle Mount is a center for therapeutic recreation for people with disabilities and children with cancer. Each of the 50 participants I work with weekly have some disability. Yet, all of these ‘disabilities’ are left at the door because of the culture of warmth and generosity. Everyone is free to be him or herself and encouraged to fly. Someone who typically doesn’t stand up or walk around anywhere else may do so at Eagle Mount. The Eagle Mount pool is a modern, five-lane, 25yard mixture of salt and chlorine water, equipped with a wide, double-railed staircase, a ramp, and a handicap lift for entry. The water is 89 degrees, an ideal temperature to ensure participants’ muscles stay warm and relaxed. The hot tub is even warmer, and offers great entertainment with its bubbling jets. We offer swim skill classes for children, individual therapy sessions, water aerobics and therapeutic exercise classes. Pat Whitlock, Aquatic Program Director, is proud of the program and takes impeccable care of the facility. Between the fall and winter sessions Whitlock herself scrubbed the pool and the deck. Each of the three pool staff has daily responsibilities for keeping the place spotless. Whitlock’s goal is to provide Eagle Mount participants with a safe sanctuary where they are free to be themselves and reap the healing benefits of water.

Photos courtesy of eagle mount

Aquatic therapy at Eagle Mount Bozeman By Jamie Kujawa

pant, who is a young, fun-loving guy with a huge heart. “Did you help your mom around the house?”

Bozeman —I enter the pool and walk up the ramp to assist our next participant, who came into Eagle Mount Bozeman’s Tim and Mary Barnard Aquatic Center in a wheelchair. He leaves this on the deck and is assisted down the ramp with the aid of an exceptional Eagle Mount volunteer.

“Noooo,” he howls. His grin stretches from ear to ear, and his laughter echoes throughout the aquatic center. (When his mom returns to pick her up, he hollers across the pool to her. “Hi Mom! I love you!”)

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We walk around in the pool for several minutes to warm up. This session is an hour long, and we work on exercises to increase the participant’s range of motion, strengthen his arms and legs and increase mobility. “How was your weekend? What kind of trouble did you get yourself into?” We joke with the partici-

Eagle Mount Bozeman is not just a special place. It’s magical. It changes the lives of everyone involved. When I come to work, I’m happy. I work with a tremendous people, all of whom have huge, open hearts. And I get to be in the water. I smile a lot when I’m at Eagle Mount—not because I have to, but because I can’t help it.

After this hour is over, I have three kids swim lesson classes to teach. When I began in the Eagle Mount Aquatics program, I had no idea what I was getting into. I had worked in pools all my life, so it was natural to continue on this path. Growing up as a competi-

Jamie Kujawa is the Assistant Aquatics Director at Eagle Mount Bozeman and swims competitively with the Bozeman Masters swim club. She always smells like chlorine. To learn more about the programs at Eagle Mount or to make a donation, visit eaglemount.org, or call (406) 586-1781.

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Big Sky Weekly

LIKE NONE OTHER. THE PATAGONIA SUR NATURE RESERVE

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The way Patagonia was meant to be experienced. Contact Reservations@PatagoniaSur.com to book your trip today. Travel opportunities December 15, 2011-April 28, 2012. | www.PatagoniaSur.com 48 January 27, 2012

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