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Big Sky

Big Sky’s Locally Owned & Published Newspaper

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February 10, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue #3

PHOTO: EDDIE TOMPKINS BY TAYLOR ANDERSON

MEADOW VILLAGE ARTWALK FEBRUARY 18

BIG SKY HOCKEY

"LEGEND OF AAHHH'S"

SCREENING AT LONE PEAK CINEMA

HYALITE CANYON NORDIC TRAILS

OLYMPIAN HEATHER MCPHIE IS MOONLIGHT’S NEW AMBASSADOR

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Big Sky Weekly explorebigsky

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2011 BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR FEBRUARY 10, 2012 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 PUBLISHER Eric Ladd COO & SENIOR EDITOR Megan Paulson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars EDITOR Abbie Digel ASSISTANT EDITOR Taylor Anderson

BOZEMAN DISTRIBUTION

DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR Danielle Chamberlain VIDEO DIRECTOR Brian Niles VIDEOGRAPHER Chris Davis

The Big Sky Weekly - a regional publication

ACCOUNT RELATIONS COORDINATOR Kacey Brown

Did you know we distribute to 70 spots in Bozeman and more than 150 around Southwest Montana?

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Katie Morrison WEB PROGRAMMER/DESIGNER Sean Weas CONTRIBUTORS

Grayson Bell, Allen Bootmaker, Jamie Daugaard, Maren Dunn, William Farhat, KP Hoffman, Abigail Hogan, Carter Johnsen, Jamie Kujawa, Jimmy Lewis, Mike Mannelin, John Marshall, Kate Middleton, Jessie Neal, Brandon Niles, Ersin Ozer, Angela Patnode, Christian Pondella, Elizabeth Quackenbush, Greer Schott, Jennifer Rebbetoy, PJ Wirchansky

EDITORIAL POLICY

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. 24 ISSUE: Feb. 17, 2012 CORRECTIONS The Big Sky Weekly runs corrections to errors we’ve printed. Please report them to emily@theoutlawpartners.com

Our staff lives in both Big Sky and Bozeman, and we work and play around the region, so our interests are broad. We cover stories from Big Sky, Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Dillon, Livingston, and many other towns in the area.

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Big Sky Weekly

COMMUNITY

Third Meadow Village Artwalk is Feb. 18 Rainford are some of the locals who will be showing their work.

The Artwalk is especially exciting for the Gallatin River Gallery, which will be showcasing its current exhibition, “Gold Digger,” by gallery artist Catherine Courtenaye.

Courtenaye of Bozeman is an established artist who “works with the restrictions of the tight Victorian era and abstracts those ideas into beautiful color fields,” said Julie Gustafson, owner of GRG. “I did really well these past couple of years. The walks have always been successful. People come from all over. [This event] is a draw for people from beyond Big Sky, too,” Gustafson said.

GRG is also hosting locals Ariane Coleman, a jewelry maker, and ceramics artist Jill Zeidler.

The committee will provide a walking map showing host businesses and their resident artist(s).

Creighton Block Gallery is hosting two notable artists, Gary Lynn Roberts and Shirle Wempner, both painters. See their work and meet the artists at the Outlaw Partners office.

Contact Cathy Gorman at (406) 580- 2318 or Louise Astbury at (406) 696-0971 for more information.

"His Majesty" by Shirle Wempner

BY ABBIE DIGEL

BIG SKY WEEKLY EDITOR

BIG SKY—The Meadow Village Center in Big Sky will be bustling with artistic personalities come Feb. 18. The third Big Sky Artwalk, sponsored by Meadow Village Center businesses, will celebrate Montana artists from noon to 7 p.m.

Similar in style to the Christmas Stroll, Meadow Village businesses will be showcasing artists throughout the afternoon, while serving drinks and snacks. A snow bar will be set up and there will be live music at Big Sky’s newest bistro, Olive B’s.

Louise Asbury, an employee of ERA Landmark Real Estate, was on the team of ladies who organized the Artwalk this year. She contacted more than 100 artists, and received about 30 replies. That’s up from 23 from the last summer’s Artwalk, she said.

This event will be the biggest yet, and is a preview to the hopefully larger two-day event the same group is planning for July 7-8 this summer.

“It’s a great way to connect all the business in the

Meadow Village,” said JoDean Bing, co-owner of Blue Ribbon Builders with her husband, Doug, and also part of the organizing committee for the Walk.

“The Artwalk in Bozeman is so fun, we wanted to replicate that idea,” Bing said.

The event was born and raised in Big Sky, and is coordinated and sponsored by locals. Before the group began organizing the events, there had never been an artwalk here.

This is a great opportunity for Big Sky artists to be in the spotlight, Bing says. Ryan Turner, Kene Sperry and Jackie

"Raiders of the North Ridge" 40 x 60

Artist Profile: Gary Lynn Roberts The Artwalk will mark renowned Western painter Gary Lynn Roberts’ first visit to Big Sky. Known for his portraits of Indians and mountain men that depict a classically western mood, Roberts was born in Texas and lives in Hamilton, Mont.

After being invited to show his work at the CM Russel Museum in Great Falls every spring for years, Roberts finally picked up and moved to Montana.

“My wife and I were driving through the Bitterroots and decided to move here,” he said.

He used to rodeo, break and train horses, and says it was natural to go into the genre for his art.

Roberts’ work is showcased at Creighton Block Gallery in the Big Sky Town Center this winter. He plans to stop by the Artwalk on his way to the Legacy Gallery in Jackson, Wyo. He’ll show several paintings at the Walk, but said, “I don't know which ones until I load the trailer.”

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COMMUNITY Big Sky Fire Department happenings

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BY WILLIAM FARHAT BIG SKY FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Big Sky Fire Department is a combination fire department, meaning that we staff both volunteer and paid members.

To provide prompt emergency response, paid members of the department are on duty 24 hours a day.

Each firefighter works a 48-hour shift on duty (two days straight), and then is off duty 96 hours (four days). Each shift consists of a captain and two firefighter-paramedics / emergency medical technicians.

Volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians are an important part of our staffing equation. In addition to the obvious contribution they make by helping our community, they also minimize overall costs in order to stretch our budget as far as possible.

The typical (non-critical) emergency medical call can be handled by the paid shift firefighters. But during the winter, when we sometimes have two or three medical calls simultaneously, the volunteers responding from their homes and workplaces are crucial to make our response times quick and appropriate.

More serious incidents, like critical medical calls, motor vehicle accidents with injuries, rescues and fires, require the combined efforts of the shift firefighters and volunteers. BSFD also requests mutual aid from neighboring fire departments during such emergencies, but with response times of 25 to 55 minutes from the next closest agency, BSFD depends on volunteer members to fill its needs.

BSFD is always looking for community members to become volunteers. If you’re interested or have questions, visit bigskyfire.org or our Facebook page for further information.

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Chief Farhat became fire chief of Big Sky in September 2011. He can be reached at 995-2100 or wfarhat@bigskyfire.org.

Residents invited to International Evening Feb. 21 BIG SKY WEEKLY STAFF WRITER

Every season, people travel from around the world to work in Big Sky. On Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. the All Saints in Big Sky Outreach Committee is sponsoring and organizing a community event called An International Evening.

The event will be at the Big Sky Chapel and features presentations from international student workers in Big Sky. The committee has gathered presenters from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Thailand for the evening program. With so many students from Peru and Chile in town this year, the night will have a special focus on those countries, said Audrae Coury, coordinator of the event.

The committee worked with Anna Hadley Johnson, the local international recruitment consultant for the Council on International Educational Exchange. Johnson recruited and helped place 90 international workers here this winter.

Last year, students from Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand and Thailand presented on topics of living, working and learning.

HELMS JAMISON KULESZA

Helms, Jamison & Kulesza JEFF HELMS Broker

TA LLIE JA MISON Associate

RYAN KULE SZA Broker

4 0 6 . 9 9 5 . 2 2 4 4 • B IG SK YSI R . C OM 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. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office in Independently Owned and Operated.

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LETTERS

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Dodging balls to help the Community Park Enter the school gym on a Tuesday night and you would normally see students shooting hoops and tired teachers finishing a long day at work.

But the evenings of Jan. 24, 25 and 26 were different. Big Sky community members occupied the court in tall socks, headbands and short shorts, there to battle in the fifth annual dodgeball tournament.

Friends and family cheered from the stands.

When the games started, the competitions were intense. Balls were thrown with precision and the referees judged with scrupulous attention. The fierce competition thrilled the audience, but the threeday event also served a greater purpose.

It was a fundraiser for the Big Sky Community Corp., a nonprofit dedicated to promoting, acquiring, preserving and maintaining land, parks, trails and easements for the Big Sky area.

Proceeds from this year’s dodgeball tournament will go toward building a concrete skate park in the community park. Volunteers gathered

in the school lobby each night of the tournament, showing pictures of the future skate park and sharing stories of how skate parks improve communities and improve local economies.

These three evenings showed that recreation and local involvement helps create more such opportunities. Because playful recreation is our foundation, the BSCC works to further it in our viable and lively community.

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In the end, the Big Sky Resort team reigned victorious and took home a large trophy and, perhaps, an even larger sense of pride for doing something beneficial for the community.

The BSCC would like to thank Ophir School, all who participated, and the dedicated volunteers that made it possible. Also, thanks to the Ophir School eighth grade class who supplied treats and excellent music. We truly appreciate the collaborative effort involved in making our homes a better place to live for now and the future.

- Jessie Neal, Big Sky Community Corp.

Gold Auction Fundraiser Thanks to all the merchants, sponsors and individuals who attended and supported our Gold Auction Fundraiser. Your participation in these events is what makes this such a great community. We also want to thank all the club members who put in so much work to make this a successful event. We can now focus on our project, the BSCC Park's Climbing Boulders. Please watch the newspaper for project updates and check out the Park this spring as we create 'new mountains' in the Park. - The Rotary Club of Big Sky

HELMS JAMISON KULESZA

Helms, Jamison & Kulesza JEFF HELMS Broker

TA LLIE JA MISON Associate

RYAN KULE SZA Broker

4 0 6 . 9 9 5 . 2 2 4 4 • B IG SK YSI R . C OM 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. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office in Independently Owned and Operated.

Big Sky Weekly

COMMUNITY

After 25 years, hockey returns to Big Sky STORY AND PHOTOS

BY TAYLOR ANDERSON

BIG SKY WEEKLY ASSISTANT EDITOR

BIG SKY—When Ryan Blechta drives home from work as assistant superintendent of the Yellowstone Club Golf Course, he leaves his Chevy in the driveway.

Big Sky was left essentially iceless. Until five years ago, when Ryan Hamilton started rolling out of bed several times a week at 3:30 a.m. and driving from Bozeman to Big Sky to flood a makeshift rink before daylight.

That’s how he saw it done at his neighborhood rink, the Bogert Park outdoor ice rink in Bozeman, so that must have been the best way to do it, he thought.

The 31-year-old father-to-be and his wife Sarah would probably like keeping their cars a bit warmer during the Big Sky winter, there’s just no room in the garage.

Hamilton’s work was the result of several requests for a rink during the long winters. Still, it was only a small parcel of land with snow piled around for boards. Enter Bill Simkins.

The lead developer of the Town Center helped design land that would be used in summer for outdoor concerts and in winter for creating a nearly full-sized ice rink. (The pair said if not for the rink, they would’ve designed the concert venue with a slope for better drainage, rather than flat for an ice surface).

That’s because the family’s home in the Town Center hosts another piece of big machinery: the Town Center Ice Rink’s custom ‘75 Zamboni.

The Zamboni’s name is probably more widespread than the machines themselves. Only about 9,500 machines have been made since Frank Zamboni founded the company in 1949. So, just how the couple came to park one in their garage exemplifies the 2-year-old Big Sky Skating and Hockey Association’s existence.

It represents the group’s quick startup and current push for 501 (c) 3 status, and it helps tell the tale of hockey in Big Sky.

Simkins and Hamilton garnered interest around town in the prospect and delivered a request to the Planning and Zoning advisory board to allow the ice rink in the residential zone.

In June 2010, the group incorporated as an association, and the Big Sky Skating and Hockey Association was born, with Hamilton acting as president.

BSSHA is born

Repeating history Twenty-five years ago, Big Sky had hockey.

Locals used land at Buck’s T-4 and warm water from the laundry to create a skating rink where they hosted teams throughout the region. It was called the Gallatin Canyon Hockey Association, and ran from the early 1980s through 1987.

“I found out they did that because it worked best for them, when really it’s best to flood after dark and let it freeze overnight,” he said.

But interest fizzled, and the crew stopped making the rink.

That was the beginning of a new era of hockey in Big Sky.

8 February 10, 2012

That space in Town Center, currently home to the bus stop and fire pit in front of Chopper’s, was several feet from being level, so Hamilton rented Bobcat tractors to bring snow from nearby parking lots to make the field level.

Ryan Blechta (Left) and Griffin Kilby (right)

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Last October, about 15 people gathered in the Town Center on a Saturday and unloaded boards out of storage and manually put them together.

The white boards were raggedy and fading, holey in some spots, and visibly old, but the crew, some of them unable to skate, put the boards together before first snowfall. A few days later, Brian Scott and Lone Pine Builders assembled a crew and volunteered time painting the boards.

COMMUNITY When cold hit town, Blechta and Griffin Kilby coordinated the next effort: connecting a fire-grade hose to the hydrant near the Town Center stage and flooding the area from nightfall till the lights turn off at 11 p.m. to create ice, one-sixteenth of an inch at a time.

After more than two weeks of flooding, Blechta opened his garage, fired up the propane-powered engine, rolled the Zamboni down Pheasant Tail Lane, turned and drove down Ousel Falls Road. He rolled through the parking lot and onto the ice rink about a block away from home to resurface the rink for the first time ever.

The drive capped off a long road for that Zamboni.

Once a backup for the now-defunct Gallatin Valley Ice Garden ice rink in Four Corners, the machine sat withering in a field, where it was to stay had it not been for the first annual Pavelich Cup Invitational.

Playing in that game was Jason Martel, owner of the Bozeman Ice Dogs Junior hockey team. Martel, who owned the Ice Garden, mentioned while talking with Blechta and head rink maintenance Griffin Kilby and Blechta that he had a Zamboni “just sitting in storage,” Blechta recalled.

Martel said they could have it if they could get it working.

Sight unseen, the board decided it would pay the money to get the machine running again, only after which did Blechta and Kilby drive to Bozeman for a look.

“It was rusty, really, really rusty,” Kilby said. “The brush didn’t work, the wash water mechanism didn’t work, the blade was shot, there was no towel.”

But it ran, and the rink became one of the few outdoor facilities to boast a full-sized ice resurfacing branding the prestigious name Zamboni.

A perfect breed Blechta’s life consists, quite literally, of raising things from the ground up. As assistant superintendent, he focuses on understanding what makes a surface, grass, behave the way it does, and controls it.

As a property manager, Kilby’s job consists of making sure things are operating exactly as expected. If something is amiss, he fixes it.

The two pair perfectly for the meticulous work of dealing with below-zero temperatures and ice-melting UV rays from the high-altitude sun.

“What I think about before I go to bed and when I wake up is how sunny is it going to be?” Kilby said.

The job is mostly voluntary (Kilby was contracted to oversee rink operations), but they spend many more hours a week working on the rink than playing on it.

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When talking about it, they speak with long-winded, quick-paced sentences, filled with excitement. They tout the talent that fills the rink every Friday and Sunday for member games, and say they feel rewarded every time someone is on the ice.

They’re quick to point out the two permanent light structures installed last summer, specifically for hockey.

“I like to work. I like to see people enjoying it,” Blechta said. “Maybe 10 years from now there’s an indoor rink.

Maybe I’m not even here anymore. To be able to start something fresh and to have people to work with, it’s been great. We’re still getting there, baby steps.”

What's in store?

It’s a question inherent to any work in progress: what comes next?

“Is this it? No, this isn’t it,” Hamilton said, a smile curling at the corners of his mouth. “The future is a refrigerated outdoor facility with restrooms and changing rooms and employees.”

The Town Center is hoping to donating land in the Neighborhood Park area on Ousel Falls Road.

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There, the BSSHA could attempt to create a full-sized concrete slab that would allow better control over the ice during winter, and act as a multi-use facility during the off-season.

In the immediate future, the group seems bent on hosting events.

This January, the second annual Pavelich Cup Invitational drew crowds and dozens of skaters from Bozeman.

Another game will be played under the lights featuring a Bozeman Ice Dogs intrasquad game on Feb. 11 starting at 6:15 p.m. A team is coming from Miles City on Feb. 25 to play local skaters, and there are talks about hosting tournaments for regional teams on the ice next year.

HELMS

Skaters are welcome to check the schedule and head out for free skate at various times throughout the week, and Kilby is teaching clinics for those looking to improve skills on the ice.

Whatever the case may be, so long as Big Sky has an ice rink, a passionate and extensive list of individuals will be working behind the scenes to make it happen. Chances are Kilby, Blechta, Simkins and Hamilton will be lurking somewhere in the background.

JAMISON KULESZA

Helms, Jamison & Kulesza JEFF HELMS Broker

TA LLIE JA MISON Associate

RYAN KULE SZA Broker

4 0 6 . 9 9 5 . 2 2 4 4 • B IG SK YSI R . C OM 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. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office in Independently Owned and Operated.

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LOCAL NEWS

Big Sky Weekly

Group officially announces repeat of PBR BIG SKY WEEKLY STAFF WRITER

BIG SKY—The group that last year organized the Professional Bull Riders tour in Big Sky announced Jan. 30 that it will repeat the event Aug. 1 this year.

The same pre-event including music and Calcutta auction will be held on July 31.

One of the organizers, Eric Ladd of Big Sky, said they have opened talks with new sponsors and government for funding and hope to make changes that would help capitalize on the success of the first event.

“This is a huge event, and it requires not only the support of tickets sales but also sponsors and grant money,” Ladd said. “A true community event, since we don’t have a permanent arena we have to build everything from scratch.”

The event has already received a $12,000 grant from the Montana Office of Tourism for out-of-town marketing of the PBR, and is talking with sponsors like Jack Daniels and GoPro, among other companies. Local businesses and organizations like Yellowstone Club, resort tax and Continental Construction helped make the event possible last year.

Montana rider Beau Hill won the event last year and other tour riders like Luke Synder and the famous entertainer, Flint Ramussen, participated in the show.

For Ryan Hamilton, Big Sky Town Center project manager, last summer’s event helped create a vibrant downtown scene in town, albeit for one night.

“The biggest thing was just the energy level that night,” Hamilton said. “Last year’s event was mentioned several times on national TV as the best outdoor event on the PBR circuit.”

Hamilton said the event gave some insight into what a permanent arena could do for the town.

Last year’s sellout event sat 2,000 people (including a Geyser Whitewater crew sitting atop roof PHOTO BY JOHN MARSHALL seating on buses outside the gates). hopeful that with stronger sponsorship support, Because the arena was filled with temporary bleachers and support from resort tax, we can acquire more surrounding the arena dirt, the only way to increase cableachers and in-turn sell more tickets to accompacity would be to get more bleachers. The group plans modate both locals and visitors.” on asking resort tax to help fund bleachers purchases this year.

Tickets for the two-day event go on sale in June.

For individuals or businesses interested in sponIf successful, the bleachers would become an asset of sorship, contact Eric Ladd at Outlaw Partners the community and be available for other community – (406) 995-2055. Check back to explorebigsky. events like football and hockey games as well as concom/pbr for constant updates leading up to the certs, Hamilton said. event.

“We could have sold another 1,000 to 2,000 tickets last year if we had the seats,” Ladd said. “We are

Convention and Visitor’s Bureau meets to discuss tax board application

BY TAYLOR ANDERSON

BIG SKY WEEKLY ASSISTANT EDITOR

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About 20 members of the Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor’s Bureau met Feb. 1 to discuss the priorities for the next year. The meeting was to prepare for the upcoming resort tax application.

Ideas ranging from bleachers for events to a smartphone app to road lights on Spur Road were tossed around and discussed before members cast votes to determine importance of each of the 21 proposed items.

One of the top items, as decided by the group, was to request money to fund the first phase in a three-step marketing plan for the town. The group also wants to fund the wayfinding signs around Big Sky, as well as an entryway monument off Highway 191. Perhaps equally as important, the group decided, was hiring an executive director for the Chamber. The Biggest Skiing in America community marketing campaign rounded out the top five categories the group may apply for.

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BIG SKY WEEKLY CONTRIBUTOR

BIG SKY—This past week, both Madison and Gallatin counties took steps to finalize the Big Sky Trails, Recreation and Parks Special District.

In order to create the district, the counties needed to pass a new district, then also enter into an interlocal agreement with one another.

On Jan. 31, the Madison County Commission passed a resolution affirming the original resolution that passed in October 2011. This additional step was added in order to notice each parcel owner within the district.

The Gallatin County Commission followed suit Feb. 7 by passing the interlocal agreement, allowing the two districts to be managed by one board that will serve the greater Big Sky area.

The board will be constituted of two members who live in Gallatin County and are residents or own property within the district, and two members who live in Madison County and are residents or own property within the district. A fifth member can be from either county, but must be approved by both commissions.

Board positions will be advertised for 30 days prior to appointment. Those interested in participating should contact their county commissioner’s office.

LOCAL NEWS

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HWY 191 PHOTO BY TAYLOR ANDERSON

MDT to re-assess speed limit on 191

BY EMILY STIFLER

BIG SKY WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR

BIG SKY—After a series of collisions on U.S. Highway 191 near Big Sky this fall, which included one human fatality and three moose, the citizens of Big Sky have decided to take action.

The Big Sky Chamber of Commerce asked the Montana State Traffic Engineers to do a speed zone study from mile marker 43 to mile marker 53. This area—which spans from Moose Creek to Ophir School and is part of the Big Sky Resort Area District—has not seen a speed zone study since 2007.

“Anywhere else where you drive through a small [Montana] town, you have to slow down to 25,” said Robin Brower-McBride, the Big Sky Chamber’s Director.

The speed limit in that 10-mile area is currently 60 mph, unless the light is flashing at Ophir School District, in which case it decreases to 45 mph.

“A lot of people drive by so fast, that if they fail to look right, or Lone Peak is cloud capped, they miss Big Sky entirely,” Brower-McBride said, adding that people regularly call the Chamber from Hebgen Lake asking if they missed Big Sky. “The question is: ‘Is this safe?’”

Brower-McBride asked.

The Montana Department of Transportation and the Gallatin County Commission are coordinating the first traffic assessment this summer.

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The study will be performed in during the busiest seasons, in both summer and winter—the chamber’s request was for March or April (before the resorts close) and August or September (before Labor Day).

MDT will do the first assessment this summer.

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The Chamber also asked MDT and the county commission to consider crash history statistics including human, wildlife and vehicular collisions, and other related issues like human foot traffic, vehicles turning off at the Spur Road, businesses, and horses crossing the road at Jake’s Horses.

Before any changes are made, all information gathered and recommendations will be presented to Gallatin County officials for review and comment, according to Danielle Bolan, a spokeswoman for the MDT – Traffic and Safety Bureau.

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EVERYDAY - 2:00-5:00 P.M. Directions: Follow Lone Mountain Trail past Big Sky to the Moonlight Basin Gatehouse Go straight through the round-about and up the hill.

Follow the Sotheby’s signs to Luxury Suite 6B is on the left.

This past April, the Big Sky Owner’s Association successfully petitioned the Gallatin County Commission to limit the speed on Little Coyote Road to 25 mph.

Big Sky man found dead in Dudley Creek BIG SKY—A Big Sky man was found dead Feb. 5 after Sheriff’s deputies and search and rescue responded to a missing person report.

Coroners pronounced 36-year-old Ashley Blake dead of exposure after an investigation.

Search dogs checked the area around Dudley Creek Road for nearly two hours before finding the missing man at the bottom of drainage.

HELMS JAMISON KULESZA

Helms, Jamison & Kulesza JEFF HELMS Broker

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4 0 6 . 9 9 5 . 2 2 4 4 • B IG SK YSI R . C OM 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. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office in Independently Owned and Operated.

Big Sky Weekly

REGIONAL Kennel cough going around Big Sky and Bozeman

BY EMILY STIFLER

BIG SKY WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR

Three of Big Sky’s avalanche dogs have had kennel cough this winter, as have a handful of other canines in town.

Also known as Infectious Canine Tracheobronchitis, kennel cough is an inflammation of the tonsils, and causes dogs to cough, gag and often retch up spit. Caused by both virus and bacteria, it’s highly contagious, but rarely fatal, says Dr. Sid Gustafson with the Veterinary Clinic of Big Sky. He’s seen three or four cases in the last few weeks, something he says is not uncommon this time of year.

lent disease in Big Sky and Bozeman in dogs.”

If a dog is alert and only has minor symptoms alongside the cough, many vets will administer an anti-inflammatory agent and let the disease run its course. If symptoms progress, however, kennel cough can cause pneumonia, fever, lethargy and even death. Severe cases are treated with antibiotics. Puppies, older dogs and pregnant bitches can suffer the worst complications.

Gustafson recommends vaccination, depending on a dog’s age, lifestyle and contact with other dogs.

Old Faithful visitor lodging improvement plan out for public review YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — A proposal to return some cabin units in the Old Faithful area back to visitor use has been released for public review and comment.

The proposed plan would result in increased summer lodging in the Old Faithful area, and would amend a decision from a 1985 plan that called for the removal of all cabins from the area.

The Environmental Assessment and an electronic form to submit comments on the internet can be found on the National Park Service Planning, Environment, and Public Comment web site at parkplanning.nps.gov/yell.

Under the plan, Typical unit proposed for visitor use. PHOTO COURTESY OF NPS 67 lodge cabin units would A hard copy of the EA is available upon return to their original historic use request by calling (307) 344-2221, or as visitor accommodations, after by writing to the Old Faithful Cabin having served as concessioner emRepurposing Plan EA, National Park ployee lodging for about a decade.

Service, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone This also represents a commitment National Park, Wyo. 82190. to properly preserve these historic cabins. A new dormitory would be Written comments may be submitted built in the Old Faithful Adminthrough the PEPC web site, in person, istrative Area to accommodate the or by mail. All public comments must displaced employees. be received or postmarked by Feb. 26.

“We see it on a fairly regular basis, off and on, especially during boarding season, which just occurred over the holidays… This is the most preva-

Integrity.

Vision.

Craft.

For available Continental Properties at Yellowstone Club call Bill Collins at 1-888-700-7748 or visit continentalconstruction.com

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REGIONAL

Big Sky Weekly

Work continues on winter use plan for YNP Open houses scheduled in February BIG SKY WEEKLY WIRE SERVICES

•

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — The National Parks Service and Yellowstone National Park will host a series of open houses in February for its long-term plan to winter use in the park.

In May 2011, the NPS released a draft environmental impact statement for public review on the potential effects of the plan for motorized snow travel in the park. While the final plan is being developed, the NPS chose to manage snowmobile and snowcoach access in the park this winter under the same transition plan used the previous two winters.

The NPS is preparing a Supplemental EIS to create a final winter management plan to take effect in winter 2012-2013.

•

The "no-action" alternative would eliminate all snowmobile and snowcoach travel in the park after the end of the current winter season.

•

A second alternative looks at continuing winter operations at the present temporary limits, plus analysis of limited access for noncommercially guided snowmobiles.

Also under consideration is a proposal to phase out snowmobiles and allow motorized entry by snowcoaches alone. This alternative includes analysis of closing the park’s east entrance over Sylvan Pass to motorized oversnow use.

Two other draft alternatives would take a new and different approach to winter use: •

The alternatives of a draft plan cover a range of possible approaches to winter uses in the park: •

A third alternative has park roads from West Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful plowed to allow commercially operated, wheeled vehicles into the park.

•

Regulating park entry according to the number of “sound events” created by snowcoaches or guided snowmobile groups, rather than by specific numbers of snowcoaches or snowmobiles.

Assessing the effects of two-week ‘shoulder seasons’, where entrance to the park during the first two and last two weeks of the season would be via wheeled vehicles or rubbertracked snowcoaches.

Park staff members will host a series of open houses during the scoping period to answer ques-

tions about winter use issues, the draft alternatives, and the process of preparing the supplemental EIS: •

Monday, Feb. 13 in Cody, Wyo., Holiday Inn, 1702 Sheridan Ave.

•

Tuesday, Feb. 14 in Jackson, Wyo, The Virginian Lodge, 750 W. Broadway

•

Wednesday, Feb.15 in West Yellowstone, Mont., Holiday Inn, 315 Yellowstone Ave.

•

Thursday Feb. 16 in Bozeman, Mont., Holiday Inn, 5 Baxter Lane

All four open houses will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Additional details on the Supplemental EIS, the draft range of alternatives, and an electronic form to submit comments are available on the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at parkplanning.nps.gov/yell, or by writing to Winter Use Supplemental EIS, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190.

Written comments may be submitted through the PEPC website, in person at either the open houses or at park headquarters, or by mail. nps.gov/yell

FWP seeks public comment on wildlife proposals BOZEMAN—Public comments are being accepted on three wildlife issues in Southwest Montana.

•

The proposed 2012-2013 peregrine falconry take – comments due Feb. 20.

•

The use of hunters to remove bison should they move outside of identified tolerance areas or times in the Gardiner Basin – comments due Feb. 13

•

A refinement to the unlimited deer and elk permit allocation process to

allow hunter safety class graduates and nonresident combination license purchasers unable to obtain licenses by March 15 to receive an unlimited permit after that new deadline – comments due Feb. 13.

To comment electronically, visit fwp. mt.gov. Click on the Hunting homepage for more information. Written comments can be mailed to: FWP— Wildlife Bureau, Attn: Public Comment, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.

Conference: Dialogues with the living about death and dying GALLATIN GATEWAY—Community members are invited to “Mountains of Courage – Dialogues with the Living about Death and Dying.” The one-day conference provides a relaxed setting for individuals and caregivers to learn about available resources, tools and information on the end of life journey.

Gallatin Valley Circle of Compassion, the conference host, is a group of local community volunteers who are professionally and/or personally touched by the human experience of death and dying. GVCC’s goal for the conference is to empower participants, giving them courage, a sense of calm and confidence, and the ultimate realization that they don’t have to be alone in this journey.

Keynote speaker, Kathryn Borgenicht, M.D., is a Geriatrician and palliative care specialist at Bozeman Deaconess Internal Medicine Associates, medical director of Bozeman Deaconess Palliative Care Program, and medical director of Hospice of Southwest Montana. She is one of only a handful of certified palliative physicians in Montana and one of a few thousand in the nation.

The conference will be Saturday Feb. 25, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Gallatin Gateway Inn. Details and registration forms available at gallatinvalleycircleofcompassion.org.

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February 10, 2012 13

MONTANA

Big Sky Weekly

Sponsors needed for Summer Food Service Program HELENA — The Montana Office of Public Instruction is accepting applications for the 2012 Summer Food Service Program from public or private nonprofit school food authorities.

The program provides meals to children who might otherwise go hungry, often in conjunction with educational or recreational activities.

For a significant number of Montana families, summer is an especially difficult time of year, said Denise Juneau, Superintendent of Public Instruction.

One in 10 people in Montana live in households where there is not always enough food. With more than 85,000 children living in such households, hunger is a real issue for Montana families.

In these situations, Summer Food Service Programs can fill a critical nutrition gap.

In Montana, only 16 of 100 kids who receive free or reduced price school meals also eat free SFSP meals during the summer.

Sponsors must verify that the site where they plan to serave meals is located in an area where at least half the resident children are from households with incomes at or below the eligibility level for free or reduced price school meals.

The deadline for new sponsors to apply for the SFSP is May 18, 2012.

More information available at (406) 444-2521 or opi.mt.gov/Programs/SchoolPrograms/School_ Nutrition/index.html.

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Young ladies statewide can apply to be a contestant in the next Miss Montana program. Every Miss Montana contestant will receive an $850 scholarship. The top five will receive between $1,250 and $5,000 in scholarship money. The new Miss Montana will travel to Las Vegas for the chance to become Miss America and receive more scholarships.

The young women who participate in the program will become our future leaders, the program says. The Miss America Organization a leading achievement program and is the world's Veronika Ohlinger from Cooke City was largest provider of scholarship assistance Miss Montana in 2011. for young women. Last year, the organization made available more than 45 million dollars in scholarship assistance.

Contestants are judged on interview skills, talent, formal wear, on-stage question and fitness in swimwear. The Miss Montana program also sponsors the Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen Program the same week for girls ages 13 to 17.

Deadline for application is March 10. missmontana.com

MONTANA Report: Western voters agree public lands are essential to economic health BIG SKY WEEKLY WIRE SERVICES

COLORADO SPRINGS—A new poll found that Western voters across the political spectrum—from Tea Party supporters to the Occupy Wall Street movement—value parks and public lands, and support upholding and strengthening protections for clean air, clean water, natural areas and wildlife.

The 2012 Colorado College State of the Rockies Conservation in the West poll surveyed voters in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New

Western voters voiced support for continued funding of conservation, indicating that even with tight state budgets, they want to maintain investments in parks, water, and wildlife protection. When specific local issues were tested with voters in some states—such as increasing the state’s renewable energy standard in Montana—voters wanted to strengthen protections.

ONLY SECONDS TO

8,000 Acres OF POWDER, GLADES AND CHUTES.

The survey also found strong approval ratings for most governors in

Two-thirds of those polled say America’s energy policy should prioritize expanding use of clean renewable energy and reducing the need for more coal, oil and gas.

Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The bipartisan survey found swing voters across the West unanimously agree that national parks, forests, monuments and wildlife areas are “an essential part” of the economies of these states.

Four in five Western voters view having a strong economy and protecting land and water as compatible, the survey reported. These voters will likely be key to deciding the outcome of a number of U.S. Senate and governors’ races, and possibly the presidential race.

Two-thirds of those polled say America’s energy policy should prioritize expanding use of clean renewable energy and reducing the need for more coal, oil and gas. In Montana and Wyoming—states often associated with fossil fuels— voters view renewable energy as a local job creator.

Seven in 10 Western voters supported implementation of the Clean Air Act, and updating clean air standards. They see regulations designed to protect land, air, water and wildlife as having positive impact on public safety (70 percent), the natural beauty of their state (79 percent) and their quality of life (72 percent).

the region, and an electorate divided in hotly contested U.S. Senate races in Montana and New Mexico.

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer had a 65 percent approval rating.

When asked about the upcoming U.S. Senate race between Republican challenger Rep. Denny Rehberg and Democratic incumbent Sen. Jon Tester, 46 percent favored Rehberg, and 43 percent favored Tester.

While there are geographic and partisan distinctions on issues such as energy development on public lands, the data showed the broad conservation values uniting Westerners are more prevalent than the divisive ones.

“Westerners are telling us that we've got to find a way to protect clean air, clean water, and parks in their states,” said Lori Weigel, with the Republican polling firm Public Opinion Strategies which helped coordinate the poll.

The 2012 Conservation in the West poll surveyed 2,400 registered voters in six Western states in early January 2012. It claims a margin of error of + 2.0 percent nationwide and +4.9 statewide. This is the ninth annual survey, which is meant to increase public understanding of vital issues affecting the Rockies through annual report cards, free events, discussions and other activities.

A collection of lots within Yellowstone Club, on the saddle bordering Big Sky Resort. loneviewridge.com

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Big Sky Weekly

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SECTION 2:

HEALTH & BUSINESS // OPHIR SCHOOL NEWS

Big Sky Weekly

February 10, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue #3

HEALTH & WELLNESS

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

BY MAREN DUNN, D.O.

BIG SKY WEEKLY HEALTH CONTRIBUTOR

This quote from 12th century jurist Henry de Bracton exemplifies an effective health concept. And luckily, preventing disease and promoting your health is as easy as a visit to your family doctor.

your doctor if you think you or your family may be at risk.

If you’re a healthy male, studies show you’re 24 percent less likely to have seen your doctor in the last two years than your female counterparts. As a result, you’re likely not aware that it’s recommended to have your blood presA wellness visit, no sure checked every A wellness visit, no matter if you’re two two years. Most men matter if you’re or 72, may take 30 need their cholestwo or 72, may to 45 minutes, and terol checked starting take 30 to 45 will cover all aspects at age 35; others with of your condition. minutes, and will certain risk factors This includes a full should be checked cover all aspects physical exam, family from age 20. As a of your condition. and personal medical healthy female, new histories as well as recommendations lifestyle history, or development have been developed over the past history if you’re a child. Then, the few years regarding mammograms, physician can provide education pap smears and cardiovascular regarding aspects of prevention screening. These and other wellness specific to you. necessities can be discussed at your well-male or female visit.

For instance: Did you know the leading cause of death to American As for the kids, did you know that men and women, by 5 percent over 50 percent of children with develall types of cancer combined, is opmental delay will not be identiheart disease? And if you’re male, fied before kindergarten, despite have high blood pressure, elevated the fact most will show mild delays cholesterol, smoke or sit on the by age two? As physicians, we work couch more than you should, you’re to identify disabilities as early as at greater risk of a heart attack. possible by using screening tools specific to age and stage of develSome risk factors are modifiable, opment. But, we can’t be effective such as smoking or living a sedenwithout help from parents. tary lifestyle, while others, like genetics, gender or ethnicity, are Well-child visits are recommended not. However, it’s your physician’s at specific intervals and can include job to educate you on your greatest physical measurements, behavioral risks and offer recommendations for assessments, sensory screenings lifestyle changes, surveillance and (such as vision or hearing), patient treatment. history, guidance for nutrition, safety, and events like toilet trainHow about the importance of preing and procedures such as imventing severe illness like pneumunizations. These recommended mococcal pneumonia, meningitis visit intervals include: 1 week of and shock, or pertussis (whooping age, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 and 30 cough)? Every year 17,500 children months of age, 3 and 4 years of age, were hospitalized with life-threatand yearly after that. Parental input ening pneumococcal diseases. That is extremely important during these number declined by 75 percent visits, especially when it comes to with the integration of the childidentifying developmental delay. hood vaccine 10 years ago. Last year, in 2011, a new stronger vacSince leading healthy and satisfying cine was developed. Your physician lives is what we all strive for, procan let you know if your child is up moting health through prevention to date. is the most worthwhile investment you can make for yourself, your Equally as frightening are the 101 family and your future. cases of pertussis diagnosed last year in Montana. Twenty-four of Dr. Maren Dunn is owner of Gallathose cases were in Gallatin County tin Family Medicine. The practice two months ago! Whooping cough is offering 50 percent off wellness is deadly to young children and the exams through Feb. 17. elderly, but is preventable when gallatinfamilymedicine.com proper vaccines are given to children, adolescents and adults. See

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HAVE CHOLESTEROL CHECKED STARTING AT AGE 35; AGE 20 WIH CERTAIN RISK FACTORS

HAVE PAP SMEAR EVERY 1 TO 3 YEARS IF YOU ARE 21 TO 65 YEARS OLD AND HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ACTIVE HHS.GOV

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WOMEN AGE 40 AND OLDER SHOULD HAVE MAMMOGRAMS EVERY 1 TO 2 YEARS. CANCER.GOV

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Maren Dunn D.O. Board Certified in Family Medicine 18 Meadow Village Drive, Big Sky, MT (across from the post office) Phone: 406-995-3111 gallatinfamilymedicine.com explorebigsky.com

February 10, 2012 17

HEALTH & WELLNESS Speaking your Truth

BY ANGELA PATNODE

BIG SKY WEEKLY CONTRIBUTOR

What is truth? What is your truth?

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

Truth is saying what you know to be true for you, not based on beliefs, or what someone else said. It’s not based on fear of being judged or a need for control. It’s truth about how you feel, about your ideas, about who you are and what matters to you.

Saying your truth may be difficult.

You’ve been taught to not say your truth by society, parents, teachers, and an internal belief that you will not be liked if you do so. However, when you come from your place of truth, you are in your power, you are empowered, and you will find peace in that truth.

Here are some examples of speaking your truth versus not: “I need to be held right now” versus “When are you going to show me you love me…”

“I feel hurt that you don’t return my calls” versus “You must be so busy these days, I never hear from you.”

Learning to say your truth is possible and is your authentic gift to the world.

Try these tips in your daily life: 1. Be aware of when your words or actions don’t match with what you know is true.

Your body will tell you when they are not congruent through physical signs

like a knot in your stomach, tightness in your chest or feeling fidgety.

2. Remove “should” from your vocabulary.

Should implies that you or someone else has done something wrong. It can be a form of guilt. Instead, use the words, “I will,” “I choose,” or “I must.”

3. Be clear and direct.

No beating around the bush. No maybe’s or I guess’s. Say what comes from within without the buffer words.

4. Avoid avoiding.

Notice when you’re avoiding someone because you know you need to say your truth. Step into that fear, and you’ll find it’s not as hard as you projected it would be.

Angela Patnode, through her business Evolutionary Teachings, offers classes, workshops, retreats, and one-on-one programs to help you evolve in your daily life through connecting mind, body, heart and spirit. Contact her for questions and interest in guiding you in authentic living, and discover your joy, balance, clarity, peace and contentment within.

“Speaking your Truth” A workshop presented

by Angela Patnode

Saturday, March 3 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Down to Earth Yoga Studio in the Emerson Cultural Center (does not involve yoga).

For more information call 522-3884, email evolutionaryteachings@ gmail.com or visit evolutionaryteachings.com.

Gallatin Heart Rescue Project to launch in Bozeman BIG SKY WEEKLY STAFF WRITER

BOZEMAN – After prompt bystander action saved a couple local citizens, American Medical Response and Bozeman Deaconess Hospital have joined several emergency response groups in the region to create the Gallatin Heart Rescue Project starting Feb. 14 at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital.

Community leaders will learn about Adult Hands-Only CPR training. Local survivors, bystanders and the emergency crews who responded to 911 calls will talk about their experiences.

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The critical first step to increasing survival is recognizing cardiac arrest and reacting appropriately. Most Americans are aware that they are expected to activate the EMS system in an emergency and are more than willing to dial 911. However, taking the next step to actively intervene is challenging. Nationwide, only about 25-30 percent of cardiac arrest victims receive any CPR prior to the arrival of a 911 responder.

“If CPR is not provided to a sudden cardiac arrest victim in the first few minutes, the victim will likely die or suffer permanent brain damage,” says Dr. James Majxner, Deaconess’s emergency services medical director.

Instead of waiting and taking no action after activating the EMS system, the Gallatin Heart Rescue program wants bystanders to intervene with lifesaving CPR. The project aims to train 5,000 people how to do Adult Hands-Only CPR, raise public awareness and improve local survival rates.

Adult Hands-Only CPR can be taught in approximately 30 minutes and doesn’t require mouth-to-mouth or mask-to-mouth breathing.

Dr. Majxner says Bozeman is the first facility/community in the country working with an American Medical Response grant to implement the Duke University Medtronics-developed ‘Heart Rescue’ program.

Each month, the program will offer several short, free training seminars for the community, businesses, university, schools, clubs, civic and religious groups.

Bozeman cardiac arrest survival rates are within the national average of 8-11 percent. In Seattle, where bystander CPR training is widespread, the survival rate is 52 percent.

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BUSINESS Study finds optimistic year ahead for small business owners Business and economic survey indicates strong outlook for 2012 BIG SKY WEEKLY STAFF WRITER

BOZEMAN—Montana-based online business group Schedulicity released results of a business and economic outlook study for 2012.

Here's what the report said:

SMBs are overwhelmingly optimistic about 2012 business performance Ninety-one percent of survey takers expect their business to perform better than in 2011, while 2 percent predict negative business results.

More than 47 percent expect much better results and 44 percent rated their expectations as somewhat better than last year. For comparative purposes, participants were asked to assess their 2011 business results.

Fifty-one percent rated last year’s

More than

40 percent

of responding business owners said they will hire an average of 2.5

new employees this year.

66 percent of

business owners said they expect a better economic environment in 2012

business performance as better, or much better than expected; 34 percent reported earnings were as expected; and 12 percent reported worse-than-expected performance in 2011.

Small business owners believe the economy has turned a corner When asked to rate their outlook on the economy in 2012, 66 percent of business owners said they expect a better economic environment. Only eight percent believe the economy will be worse, while 26 percent expect it will remain unchanged.

Businesses focused on top- and bottom-line, not cutting costs Participants were asked to rank a list of potential business goals on a scale of one to five, with one being least important to their overall corporate goal attainment. Overwhelmingly, respondents ranked growing revenues and increasing profits as the highest priorities, while cutting expenses was a distant fifth in importance. Given participants’ bullish economic outlook, service-based businesses clearly favor customer and revenue growth strategies versus cutting headcount or other expenses to meet their 2012 financial goals.

More than half of SMBs predict revenue growth Thirty-nine percent of participants estimated revenue will grow 10 to 25 percent in revenue, while 26 percent expect a 25 to 50 percent increase.

Big Sky Weekly

ERA Landmark Real Estate to host Business Over Breakfast BIG SKY—ERA Landmark Real Estate will host this month’s Big Sky Chamber of Commerce business networking event, Business Over Breakfast, on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 8 a.m. at the Water and Sewer Building.

The morning will include a presentation from Robyn Erlenbush, providing insight on the condition of the Big Sky real estate economy for 2011, with a review of graphs and market research.

Find out how 2011 sales of condos, homes and land compare to 2010.

Come have breakfast and coffee, mingle, network with other business members, and learn about the state of real estate in Big Sky and the Gallatin Valley.

RSVP is preferred but not required.

For more information, email louise@ eralandmark.com or call (406) 9953444. Interested in hosting a Business Over Breakfast? Call the Chamber at 995-3000.

MSU accounting students offer free tax help MSU NEWS SERVICE

BOZEMAN – Senior and graduate accounting students from Montana State University's College of Business are offering free help preparing tax returns for individuals who made less than $58,000 last year through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

The sessions will be in Reid Hall 302 from 5:30-7 p.m. on the following dates: Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; March 1, 6, 20, 27, 29; and April 3. No appointment is necessary. At the sessions, students

will be available to prepare federal and state income tax returns and answer tax questions. Free electronic filing will be available for most 1040 forms.

Individuals should bring their 2011 W-2 forms, other tax documents, social security cards and copies of their 2010 tax returns (if available). International students and employees should also bring passports and visas. Tax assistance for international students and employees begins Feb. 21.

Hiring The job market continues to be a hot topic in 2012, and survey results point to an expected uptick in hiring. More than 40 percent of responding business owners said they will hire an average of 2.5 new employees this year.

The customer (and prospective customer) is king When presented with a list of possible business tactics for achieving 2012 corporate goals, an expanded customer base came in first with 45 percent of business owners.

Filling open appointments in their schedules and improving customer satisfaction were rated the second and third most important tactics, respectively.

Online marketing features are critical Small business owners know costeffective marketing tools will help them help achieve business goals in 2012. Social media, SEO and email marketing were ranked equally important, over tools like direct mail, coupons/daily deals and traditional print advertising.

A stunning 95 percent of small businesses ranked Schedulicity’s mobile capabilities as critically important to success, while email marketing and the service’s Facebook widget came in closely behind with 94 percent ranking.

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February 10, 2012 21

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Big Sky Weekly

ARCHITECTURE

Europe, part 4: Treviso & Asolo

Treviso Church

BY JAMIE DAUGAARD

BIG SKY WEEKLY CONTRIBUTOR

On a recent trip to Europe, I visited the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and Italy. In this article, here, I’d like to discuss the architecture of the town of Treviso, Italy, and surrounding areas which exemplifies the Roman Architecture and flows into the Classical Architecture. My next article will be on Venice, Italy.

TREVISO – After I left Germany, the next stop was the Veneto region surrounding Treviso, Italy.

Treviso, also known as the city of art and water, is a large town in northeastern Italy, close to Venice. The Romans built this walled “fortified” city in 89 BC. Today, its beautiful urban fabric still has many historic architectural monuments.

Reminiscent of Amsterdam, Treviso has narrow rambling streets and alleys, meandering waterways and circular radiating walkways. These arteries are punctuated by large open Piazzas, green spaces that are a delightful contrast to the narrow alleys.

I stayed close to the city center and Piazza dei Signori. Meaning Lord’s Square, this expanse of daylight and open space was built adjacent to the 12th century Palazzo (palace) bell tower. The Palazzo’s streets were built on a perfect human scale, and its walls, 100-foot tall tower, three main gates and moat are all still intact. Its cobbled streets were filled with people, shops, coffee houses and cafes.

Large Bourgeois houses lined the walkways outside the Palazzo. Walking past these, I noted their signature repeating windows and arched openings, interesting chimneys, cobbled pathways,

Asolo Bell Tower arcaded walkways, articulated wood or stone balconies, and the many clay tile roofs covered with lichen and weathered colorization.

In the Veneto region, brick, cut stucco and rubbled stone behind the stucco were prominent building materials. Timber was a secondary material, mainly visible on the interior for roof support.

I found the churches here equally fascinating to those I saw in northern Europe, but different.

They have fewer openings and articulated details, but elegant colors, textures, spires and domes.

Many of the domes, such as Duomo San Pietro, were made of copper and added another color to the city’s vibrant tones.

CENTRE SKY ARCHITECTURE LTD

Jamie Daugaard, principal of Centre Sky Architecture, received his B-Arch and M-Arch from Montana State University. Sustainability is deeply rooted in his work, which is mostly located in mountain regions with offices in Denver, Colo., and Big Sky, Mont. If you would like to comment on this article or would like to learn more about another topic, you can contact him at jamie@centresky.com or (406) 995-7572. For more images of this European trip, visit facebook.com/centresky. centresky.com

From Treviso I ventured northwest to the small town of Asolo. Another walled town in the Dolomite Mountains, Asolo is nicknamed “the city of a hundred horizons,” referring to its mountain setting.

Hundreds of years of historical construction, remodels, rebuilds and landscaping were dominant throughout the town. The architectural style tended more toward simplicity, and the sense of historic charm was everywhere. The walkways were often very narrow, with tall Bourgeois houses looming on each side—something I would see amplified in Venice.

The efficient use of limited space in Treviso and Asolo was very evident, making the interior spaces in both towns interesting and cozy. That was also the reason exterior terraces, patios and the use of the Piazzas became so dominant.

Of all the places I visited in this European trip, I was most drawn to Asolo.

Name that building Have a good guess what zany structure this is, or sure you know? Visit facebook.com/ centresky and place your answer. In the next article I will post a new picture and give the answer from this one.

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February 10, 2012 23

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Big Sky Weekly

The Wrap Shack changes ownership

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BIG SKY–—Karen Macklin, a veteran in the restaurant industry, is excited about her new gig.

Three months ago Macklin and partner Don Mattusch acquired the Wrap Shack, the tropical themed restaurant in the West Fork shopping area, that serves homemade wraps, tacos, salsas, margaritas.

Having worked in the restaurant business in Big Sky for 18 years, Macklin always wanted to run her own place.

The Wrap Shack was her favorite place to eat, so once she heard it was up for sale three months ago, she made the leap.

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Macklin and Mattusch are in the swing of things now. They've tweaked the menu and are making more of the food from scratch, including the salsas and soups. They use fresh mahi mahi for the fish tacos, and have a different special every day.

The bright colors and tribal decorations of the laidback joint haven't changed, except for having received a new paint job and a deep clean.

"We wanted to keep the vibrant, fun atmosphere," Macklin said.

The feedback has been tremendous, Macklin says, adding that the clientele has embraced the changes.

"We are always taking requests, " she said, and hopes people will stop by and let them know of any sweets or soups they’re craving.

Another new addition is a drink of the month. So far, they’ve had mango and cucumber jalapeno mojtos. They also serve beer, and their classic margaritas, which are always made from scratch.

The Wrap Shack is open seven days a week from 11 – 8 p.m. This summer, it will be a vendor at the Thursday night concert series in the Big Sky Town Center. Check their Facebook page for daily specials.

24 February 10, 2012

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Big Sky Weekly

OPHIR SCHOOL NEWSPAPER The Ophir School Newspaper is a joint production of Outlaw Partners and the aspiring MiddleSchool Journalists of Ophir School, who are self-assigning the content and reporting and photographing 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

Upping the ante Students weigh in on proposed changes to graduation requirements

BY ELIZABETH QUACKENBUSH Members of the Big Sky community came together for three forums in January to hear ideas from the school district and get input on the name change of the Ophir School District, and the possible change of credits for graduating seniors of Lone Peak High School.

“I have had many people come to me and present the idea of changing the school district name,” Superintendent Jerry House said. “Right now there are two different Big Skies.

One is the Missoula High School called Big Sky High and the other is our community.”

“With this name change, how do we keep ourselves unique from Missoula?” parent Diane Bartzick asked.

“It is easy. When you say Big Sky, people think Big Sky Resort,” House said.

No one at the first meeting disagreed with changing the school district’s name.

The next topic was the possibility of changing graduation requirements from a minimum of 22 to 27.

It also would require that graduates take four credits each of English, Science, Mathematics and Social Studies.

These changes would make our graduation much more rigorous than the state requires. School board member Barbara Rowley pointed out they would also better prepare our students for college and life.

Currently, the 22 credits required for graduation are: 4 units – English 3 units – Science 3 units – Mathematics 3 units – Social studies (Montana Studies, US History incorporate into IB II and US Government) 1 unit – World Language

1 unit – Fine Arts 1 unit – HE (one semester in ninth grade, one in 10th) 1 unit – Technology/Career Education 5 units – of elected courses in any subject area.

At the forums, House also explained a new Capstone project element of graduation he is proposing. This would be a preset program that ends with a senior project to reflect the path a student has been following.

“The Capstone project is something that can help you reach your goal,” House said. “You start as a ninth grader and work on it until you are a senior.”

The high school students have varying opinions about the changes.

“I know that we have a very low number of credits, and I think that raising them a little higher in electives is a good idea,” sophomore Anna Middleton said. “But I don’t like that they are changing the big-

ger credit areas. I need to know how to plan my future. I need to know how I am going to plan my credits out.”

Freshman Micah Robin doesn’t think the school should require more credits.

“We have already planned out our schedules to get all the credits we need,” Robin said. “I think LPHS should do what most schools do.

For example, Bozeman High School requires 23 credits as their minimum requirement and 25 credits beyond as an honors diploma. Any credit minimum higher than 23 and 25 would be ridiculous.”

Although the credit requirement would change for Robin, the proposed plan keeps credit requirements as they are for current sophomores, juniors and seniors.

A decision about the proposed changes is scheduled for the next school board meeting at 5:30 on Feb. 22 in the library.

Fun in fundraising

BY KATE MIDDLETON The eighth grade class is well on its way to its fundraising goal of $13,000 for its spring trip to Washington, D.C. “We’ve already paid for our airline tickets,” said Mrs. Bruener, eighth grade advisor. “So now we are raising money to pay off the rest by the first week of April.”

The eighth graders have been having fun and making money for their trip at the same time. They’ve waited tables at Tips for Trips, held a Ski for DC ski-athon and made and sold boot stationary for sale.

“Tips for trips works,” said eighth grader Soby Merlino, “so does raising money in the summer.”

Meghan Farhat, another eighth grader, agrees. “It helps to always make goals for yourself when it comes to helping.”

26 February 10, 2012

Many people wonder if families have to contribute money as well. But the eighth graders say that this will only happen if they don’t reach their goal.

The eighth graders are looking forward to many things in D.C., including going to the Holocaust museum, Merlino said.

Mrs. Bruener says this is especially interesting to the students because they’ve been studying genocide in language arts and in social studies. The students also look forward to the National Gallery because they prepare for their visit for two months with community volunteer Sharon Holtzman.

PHOTO BY KP HOFFMAN

“We do art, learn art history and appreciation and become experts on an artist and a painting that we’ll

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see there,” Mrs. Bruener said. “Also students get to meet other students from all over the country.”

To other kids who will soon be raising money for their own eighth

grade trip, Mrs. Bruener has this advice: “Its great for kids because students work for their money.

The best thing is for efforts to start early.”

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Big Sky Weekly

Local kid opportunities Apply now for a fun summer

BY CARTER JOHNSEN It's only February, but it is not too late to start making summer plans.

In fact, now is actually the time to make plans with three organizations handing out scholarships— each giving special preference to local kids. Kid for the Wild, Women In Action and Yellowstone Club Community Foundation have more than $6,000 to give to local kids looking for new and fun experiences this summer. With deadlines rapidly approaching it is a good idea to apply now.

Two, $750 Kid for the Wild scholarships are awarded annually. The scholarships are used for outdoor experiences, and are given out in remembrance of local legend Walkin' Jim Stoltz, who traveled around the continent on foot, playing brilliant music and lobbying to save the environment.

Since Jim lived and worked in Montana for most of his life, preference is given to Montana children from ages 12-17, although anyone can apply. This award is not based on need.

"His passion was connecting young children with wild places," said Jim’s longtime wife, Leslie Stoltz.

Applications are due on Feb. 15.

The Yellowstone Club Community Foundation scholarship was created in 2011 in remembrance

of David Mueller, A.K.A "Big Bald Dave." The David Mueller Outdoor Experience Scholarship is meant to help kids attend outdoor camps or programs. The scholarship is given to one child between the ages of 12-18 and funds to $5,000 of a summer experience of his or her choice. Applications are due on Feb. 17.

Applications will only be accepted through the Internet. This scholarship is not based on need.

Finally, Women In Action is a nonprofit organization PHOTO BY KP HOFFMAN that was founded to help working class families obtain better opportunities in healthcare and education. WIA has contributed many scholarships to camps in past years; last year it awarded more than 30 grants to Big Sky kids. These scholarships have no published cutoff date. They’re designed for those who need financial assistance with a top income cut-off of $65,000.

For more information about these scholarship opportunities, or to apply, visit the following websites: •

walkinjim.com/Kid_for_the_Wild_Scholarship.php

•

yellowstoneclubfoundation.org/how-toapply-for-grants/apply-online/

•

wiabigsky.org/programs.html

Ceramic Art: Anyone can do it!

BY ABIGAIL HOGAN Do you like to get down and dirty?

Do you like to express yourself through art? If so, you can join one of Jill Zeidler’s pottery classes.

At her new pottery painting classes, Zeidler provides the mug, bowl or plate and you get to paint it.

I was lucky enough to go to one of Zeidler’s weekly pottery painting classes recently and make my own mug. She’s also offering after school programs at the school on Fridays timed around different holidays.

The pottery painting is new this year, and really fun!

Zeidler started college with a major in painting, but switched to pottery when she fell in love with it during her first class. After that she finished college with a degree in ceramics. Zeidler has been in Big Sky for 13 years and has been teaching pottery classes in Big Sky since 2001. She built her own art studio in Big Sky six years ago.

JILL ZEIDLER ASSISTS ABI HOGAN

Gourd bowls, a style of very large bowls made from slabs of clay, are Zeidler’s favorite to make.

Zeidler focuses on teaching kids.

She teaches the Kids Club at the mountain on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Her after school programs for painting holiday themed pottery start in mid-February, on Fridays, when ski Fridays are over. This class is for grades first through sixth. Zeidler offers group events like Girl Scouts, and has a camp coming up this summer. She can even come straight to your house and do a birthday or other type party for painting mugs, plates, platters and bowls, or you can go to her studio classes, to create your own clay masterpiece or learn to throw on the wheel.

For more information or to sign up, contact Jill Zeidler at (406)-5991390 or jill@jillzeidler.com. jillzeidler.com

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February 10, 2012 27

Big Sky Weekly

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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

Mark Gibson Don Grant Mimi Grant Ott Jones David Lemon

Asha MacDonald Mike Patterson Paula Pearl Jacqueline Rieder Hud Daniel San Souci

Deb Schmit Laurie Stevens Dave Swanson Shirle Wempner

MEADOW VILLAGE ARTWALK, FEBRUARY 18, 12-7 P.M. Featuring Ar tist Shirle Wempner at the Outlaw Par tners ARTI ST PR O FI LE Shirle Wempner born and raised in Billings, Montana, has lived on a horse ranch most of her life and now lives on a ranch outside of Big Timber, Montana. Working predominately in oils and utilizing broad-brush strokes and palette knife techniques, she creates a feeling of realistic abstraction, concentrating on the ar tistic passion of the subject matter. Studying with Jack Hines and Jessica Zemsky who have greatly encouraged the spirit of her work, Shirle has challenged her imagination with her ar t, and continues to rediscover the creative process with each new piece. Shirle’s desired subjects are figurative and wildlife representations, with a mix of the spiritual relationships between the two.

Shirle Wempner “Summer Breeze”

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Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the U.S.

Yellowstone River oil leak investigation ongoing State wants Exxon to pay for further environmental damages MONTANA DEPT. OF JUSTICE

HELENA – While the Montana Department of Environmental Quality recently agreed to a $1.6 million settlement with Exxon Mobil for water pollution caused by a pipeline break last summer that contaminated dozens of miles of the Yellowstone River, the oil company may owe even more for additional environmental damages, according to an official with the state's Natural Resource Damage Program.

Robert Collins, supervising assistant attorney general for the NRD program, said the state is currently working with the federal government to investigate the oil spill's impact on fish, birds, turtles and other wildlife and their habitat, as well as lost public uses of the river.

MONTANA STATE LIQUOR STORE

determine whether to move forward with a claim against Exxon, Collins said.

So far, invoices for approximately $230,000 in NRD investigation costs have been submitted by the state to Exxon for reimbursement.

An interagency agreement between the National Pollution Funds Center and the U.S. Department of the Interior has also made almost $500,000 available for this investigation.

Collins said the state will also rely on sportsmen and other groups to help identify the full extent of the damages.

The $1.6 million penalty settlement with the Montana DEQ, announced Jan. 19, was for impact to the river water and its banks. Exxon agreed to pay $300,000 of that in cash and spend $1.3 million on future environmental projects. The Texas oil company also revealed that approximately 1,509 barrels of oil—more than 63,000 gallons—spewed into the Yellowstone River as a result of the leak.

The Natural Resource Damage Program was created in 1990 to prepare the state's lawsuit against the Atlantic Richfield Co., or ARCO, for injuries to the natural resources in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin caused by decades of mining and mineral processing operations between Butte and Milltown. The state settled the lawsuit through a series of agreements from 1999 through 2008. More than $200 million was earmarked from these settlements to restore or replace the injured natural resources.

The NRD program, a division of the Montana Dept. of Justice, is leading the investigation with the federal government and assistance from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. NRD environmental engineers and biologists are investigating, along with a handful of outside consultants. The results will help

Collins said he expects a conclusion to the initial Yellowstone River investigation in about four months.

Any monetary amount gained through a settlement with Exxon would be used to restore natural resources in and around the site of the oil spill near Laurel and Billings.

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32 February 10, 2012

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SECTION 3:

February 10, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue #3

LIFE // LAND //CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT

Epic Ski History:

"Legend of Aahhh's" comes to Big Sky

BY EMILY STIFLER

BIG SKY WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR

Greg Stump’s long awaited new ski film, “Legend of Aahhh’s”, is coming to Big Sky’s Lone Peak Cinema March 21.

After a 13-year hiatus from the ski film industry, Stump is back with a bang. A historical look at the ski film industry from the 1930s to the present, Legend is like “Dog Town and Z Boys” or “Riding Giants,” but for skiing.

The footage includes interviews with Dick Barrymore and Warren Miller and an emphasis on Stump’s own “Blizzard of Aahhhs” and “License to Thrill.”

And it’s classic Stump: quirky style, thoughtful storyline, killer soundtrack.

Stump has been working with D&E Entertainment, a big time distributor in Hol-

lywood with clients like the Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Shakira, Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen.

Stump did a test tour last year, then went back into the studio and made some changes based on the audiences’ responses.

He turned in the final master to Dolby Labs in early February, and “it looks pretty tight,” he said. “It’s by far the best thing I’ve ever done.

The final premiered in Telluride Feb. 10.

Legend is intelligent, whimsical and sexy, Stump says. “There’s skiing in it, but it’s definitely not ski porn.” The more brushed up you are on his work, the more you’ll appreciate it.

The Outlaw Partners are coordinating the event, and will provide updates leading up to it on explorebigsky.com.

Filmmaker Greg Stump catches a ride to Big Sky.

Q&A: Greg Aulden Singer, songwriter, musician

BY ABBIE DIGEL

Who are your influences?

When I was in college, I was playing at a place called the Station in Wilkes-Barre, Penn. They had a cancellation and asked if I would like to open for Don Maclean and sing “American Pie” with him.

BIG SKY WEEKLY EDITOR

A big personality is coming to Big Sky in late February to play 11 shows in two weeks. Greg Aulden, a resident of Hoboken, N.J., has been performing in Manhattan for more than 25 years, and is a regular at the Back Fence, a popular Bleeker Street haunt in Greenwich Village.

What is your connection to Big Sky? Loren Bough [a long-time Big Sky local] used to come see me at the Back Fence in Greenwich Village. When Loren married his wife, she and a groomsman flew me out to Big Sky to surprise him at their wedding rehearsal, at the ranch house where he proposed. I’ve played at the Yellowstone Club once or twice, Spanish Peaks a couple of times, private parties and Big Sky Resort.

Tell me how you became a musician.

I’m self-taught on the guitar. I had my first gig four months after I started. A gathering at the rectory at my church—I knew five songs and got paid 30 bucks. I was 16. I also sang in a band when I was younger. I learned guitar because I didn't want to pay someone to play for me. I would watch the other guys, and I had this knack for remembering what they did.

[Then] I attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and then started to pick up gigs.

What’s the vibe of your shows?

Most performers build what we call the fourth wall, which is the space between them and the audience.

I also used to play at a bar that's no longer on Bleeker Street, but I got to sing “I’m a Believer” with Davy Jones.

I tend to break down the fourth wall. I love to engage people. I want people to join in with me … I would rather have five people in a room listening than a whole room just ignoring me. I will not be a speaker on the wall.

People comment that I sound like more than one person on stage, so I came up with the slogan ‘little guy [he’s 5’5], big sound, huge fun!’

Have you had much time in the studio?

I’m working on my second album now. People have started requesting my original songs at gigs!

I’m working on a song called “Here Beneath the Big Montana Sky.” It’s a story about how the Boughs first asked me to see what life is like in Montana.

How do you compare Big Sky to New York?

It’s two worlds. NYC is 24/7. In Big Sky people fall asleep when the sun goes down, wake up when the sun comes up. Everybody has a dog, too. The first time I saw the mountains and the sky [it was] just stunning.

Another time, I was singing “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, and this woman comes out of the audience and starts singing it with me. I tell her she has a lovely voice, and she gives me this half smile and leaves the stage. Later people started asking, ‘Do you have any idea who that was? That was Carol King, you idiot!’ I went up to her later and said I felt like I had put my foot in my mouth. She said not to worry. My compliment was the most honest she had gotten in a long time.

What songs do you like to cover?

I go in and out of love affairs with songs. It’s almost like I’m playing them for the first time again after awhile. There’s a song by Elton John and Bernie Taupin called “Mona Lisa’s Mad Hatters.”

I also like singing Billy Joel, James Taylor, Neil Young. I love to sing rock and roll, I’m a balladeer, I love story-oriented songs—probably because I’m a songwriter, too.

See Aulden perform at the Carabiner Lounge and Whiskey Jack’s between Feb. 20 and March 4. Check bigskyresort.com for full schedule.

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February 10, 2012 33

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Big Sky Weekly

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SPORTS

Big Horns basketball hopes for big finish in front of big crowd

BY GRAYSON BELL

BIG SKY WEEKLY CONTRIBUTOR

The 2011- 2012 season has been a tough one for the Lone Peak boys.

Despite a 1-13 record for the Big Horns, the players still feel very optimistic about their season and upcoming schedule.

BY BRANDON NILES

Super Bowl Recap I can’t remember another game where the team favored wasn’t picked to win. The New England Patriots were favored in gambling circles by up to three points, and yet most experts and media personalities chose the Giants to emerge victorious in the 2012 Super Bowl.

In what turned out to be a great game, the Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17, ending the NFL season.

As the Giants finished off a harrowing fourth quarter drive, punching in a late touchdown to take the lead, everyone in my living room had a knowing look. It was as if we were all agreeing that we knew it would end like this.

Despite the bravado shown by the Giants, including reports of a preemptive victory scroll on the team’s web site prior to the game, the Giants simply had the look of a champion. Fighting their way through talented foes en route to a compelling rematch of the 2007 Super Bowl, the Giants seemed poised to cement their role as Patriot stoppers in the annuals of football lore. With a dominant defense and a talented trio of wide receivers, there was little doubt in the minds of fans as to which team would emerge the victor on Sunday.

The Patriots on the other hand waltzed through the playoffs, defeating a Broncos team that was in over its head and a Baltimore team that self-destructed on its way to the Super Bowl. Besides, the storylines of payback for the 2007 loss were a little too well orchestrated to come to fruition. Based on their superior record and the abilities of their future hall of fame quarterback, the Patriots remained the official favorites in this game, despite the fact everyone knew they would lose.

There used to be a time when I presupposed a Patriots victory in virtually every game I watched. With cunning coaching and the precision of quarterback Tom Brady, I could

Big Sky Weekly

never imagine the team failing to rise up to the occasion.

Could this be a turning of the tide?

A shifting of the balance of power in the NFL? For the past decade, the Patriots have been synonymous with title contender, and rightfully so. Now, with Brady 35-years-old and a Patriots team that looks vastly different, one has to wonder how much longer they can remain on top.

Even Brady has to be wondering if this was his final shot at an increasingly more elusive fourth Super Bowl ring.

“We haven’t played up to our full potential yet, and that’s what we need to do in these last games leading up to Districts,” said Trevor House, a freshman guard for the Big Horns.

The team will finish off its regular season with two consecutive home games on Feb. 10 and 11, the first against rival West Yellowstone, who is also the only team that the Big Horns have beaten.

On Saturday night the team will face off against the Lima Bears. In the

last game against Lima the Big Horns fought until the end and were only four points short of a victory.

“We’ll be closing out our season with two games that if we come out play hard, and smart, we will win,” said Haven Morris, a junior post for the Big Horns. “We’ll be able to roll in to Districts with a lot of confidence.”

First, the team has to get through these next two games.

For a strong finish to the season the Lone Peak boys and girls would love to flaunt their progression in front of the community.

Remember: Friday, Feb.10 and 11, the boys and girls will be in the finale of their regular season basketball action.

YSL Ski Racing

The Northern Division of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association held its third YSL event of the 2012 season Feb. 4 – 5 at Bridger Bowl. Over 150 participants came from Whitefish, Missoula, Butte, Helena, Bozeman, Neihart and Red Lodge to race in the challenging Big G course. Many local athletes from the Bridger Ski Foundation and the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation had excellent results with many repeat podium appearances. Complete results with overall rankings can be found at the Northern Division USSA website. northernussa.org

For the Giants however, this victory proved wrong those who doubted quarterback Eli Manning. Prior to the start of this season, Eli was criticized for proclaiming himself an elite quarterback in response to an interview question. Most believed he didn’t deserve elite status.

Whether they were right or not, Eli now has two Super Bowl MVP awards, each earned while facing another quarterback who nearly defines the phrase elite.

Alas, it is now time to bid adieu to the NFL season. I’m already pining for free agency, the draft and for next year. All football fans greet the Super Bowl with the same feelings of mixed emotions. On one hand, it’s the pinnacle of the year for a raving fan. On the other hand, it marks the end of a season that always seems far too short.

So, congratulations Giants, and better luck next time Patriots. Which NBA games are on tonight?

Brandon Niles has done online freelance writing about the NFL 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.

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February 10, 2012 35

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Big Sky Weekly

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SPORTS

Big Sky Weekly

Ski joring at 320 Ranch PHOTOS BY TAYLOR ANDERSON

Didn’t make it to the event the first weekend in February at 320 Ranch?

Think water skiing on choppy, icy snow.

Oh yeah, instead of being pulled behind a 300-horsepower Malibu ski boat, you’re clinging to an icy rope that’s hooked to the saddle of a steed. One horsepower. Add a cowboy (or cowgirl) on top and you’re ski joring.

These riders gathered Feb. 3, 4 and 5 to ride the slalom course and berm before crossing the finish line (on at least one ski).

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Well, I said, okay.

When it comes to winter, I am a master of all forms of warming up.

Either my old encrusted Champions had soured my outlook on all socks, or I’ve just been in a good mood for the past 10 days, but I believe the blokes from England have created a sock with the soft, cushy touch of 1,000 angels.

BIG SKY WEEKLY EXPERT REVIEWER

I use standard practices like layering properly; wearing a solid pair of Sorrel hand-me-downs; and sometimes employing quick pulls of strong, charcoally Bourbon whiskey.

Still, there are some body parts I can’t keep warm during cold Montana winters, namely, my feet.

They freeze during long lift rides and walks around town.

Thank the Powder Day Saints that my prayers were answered this winter.

Upon returning from the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, a co-worker waltzed into my office and tossed me a pair of Heat Holders socks.

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Although abandoning standard personal hygiene techniques isn’t advised while trying out these heaters, I haven’t worn a different pair of socks in nearly two weeks. I’m going to push these to the limits. $19.99 heatholders.com

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Big Sky Weekly

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OUTDOORS 10th annual King and Queen of the Ridge Avalanche Center fundraiser aims for $5,000

BY EMILY STIFLER

BIG SKY WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR

Backcountry recreationalists depend on the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. And the GNFAC needs them.

That’s why it’s hoping for a strong showing at the 10th annual King and Queen of the Ridge at Bridger Bowl, the center’s second-biggest fundraiser of the year.

The idea is for skiers and snowboarders to hike as many laps up the Bridger Ridge as possible—and get pledges for doing so.

Since its inception, the event has raised $89,000 dollars for the avalanche center. Alex Lussier and Jeannie Wall hold the record for number of hikes with 29 and 26, respectively. Jerry Carish set the record for fundraising by bringing in $7,000 in pledges.

“Our goal is to raise $5,000 this year,” said Doug Chabot, director of the GNFAC. The top pledge-winner this year will win a pair of 4frnt skis. Other prizes go to top hikers and include Schnees Hunter boots, Mystery Ranch backpacks and Oboz shoes.

“It supplements the one-hour community classes we do around Southwest Montana, the school programs, the classes for search and rescue or other groups that want one,” Chabot said.

To get the psyche up this year, the GNFAC is pitting the area ski patrols against each other. Patrollers can enter individually, but will be scored by number of hikes and win as a team. The winning team gets a gift certificate to Montana Ale Works.

The event takes place above the Bridger Lift, on Sluice Box. Although Bridger hasn’t been blessed with huge snowfall this year, “we can have the King and Queen no matter what the snow conditions are,” Chabot said. And right now the conditions on Sluice Box are pretty good; smooth, and not many moguls, he added.

There will also be music at the base this year, to create more of a party atmosphere. Possible changes the GNFAC would like to suggest for next year include online pledging, onlookers betting on teams, and women skiing in bikini tops.

The King and Queen is part of Bridger Bowl’s community race series, which has corporate sponsors that donate prizes.

The money raised from the King and Queen goes toward the GNFAC’s avalanche education program.

Preseason timeline for hunters Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wants to alert all hunters about updates to the 2012 preseason calendar.

The biggest change this year is the deadline for residents and nonresidents to apply for deer and elk permits – now March 15. This date was moved up to allow hunters more time to prepare for hunts (drawings for those permits will now occur in mid-April as opposed to July).

IMPORTANT PRESEASON DATES FOR HUNTERS February 16

FWP Commission addresses hunting districts with pending quotas

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Early April

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May 1

Deadline to apply for moose, goat, sheep, and bison licenses

June 1

Deadline to apply for antlerless deer B, elk B, and antelope licenses

July 16

Drawing for antlerless deer B and antlerless elk B licenses

Pending quotas will be finalized at the Feb. 16 FWP Commission meeting.

It’s important that hunters interested in applying for special permits in districts with pending quotas wait until after Feb. 16 to make choices and submit applications.

The deadline to apply for moose, sheep, goat and bison licenses remains May 1, while June 1 remains the deadline to apply for antlerless deer B and elk B licenses as well as antelope licenses.

FWP urges hunters to apply for licenses online. For more information, log onto fwp.mt.gov and click on “hunting.”

Big Sky Weekly

Snowmobiling in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest BUTTE – Feeling the itch to get out and snowmobile in the backcountry this winter? The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has been working with local snowmobile clubs that are grooming snowmobile trails in the Butte, Jefferson and Pintler Ranger Districts.

There are approximately 115 miles of groomed routes east of Deer Lodge and north of Butte, and 90 miles of groomed trails near Georgetown Lake. Most of the groomed snowmobile trails are located on forest development roads or trails that are closed to wheeled motorized vehicles Dec. 15 through April 1 by a Forest order. Snowmobile maps are available from any Ranger District office.

The Forest is warning recreationalists that snow conditions can change rapidly as these roads gain elevation. Some drivers with wheeled vehicles have been getting stuck, which causes problems with groomed trails and can also put users in danger if not prepared for winter conditions.

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Big Sky Weekly

NON-PROFITS: BIG SKY COMMUNITY LIBRARY, BIG SKY SKI EDUCATION FOUNDATION, WOMEN IN ACTION, BIG SKY COMMUNITY CORPORATION, MORNINGSTAR LEARNING CENTER - REGISTER YOUR NON-PROFIT TODAY AT LONE PEAK BREWERY 42 February 10, 2012

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OUTDOORS

Big Sky Weekly

Hyalite Canyon’s nordic trail network STORY AND PHOTO

BY JAMIE KUJAWA

can have the option of skiing virgin dendrites after a storm.

Bridger Ski Foundation trained and raced on the ski trails that meander through Hyalite Canyon, on and off, as far back as the 1970s, all the way into the ‘90s. So in 2006 it was only natural that BSF was one of the groups involved in getting the Hyalite road plowed during the winter.

The goal for the Hyalite ski network is to “keep the look, feel, smell of the whole area as a backcountry experience,” McNeil says.

small bridges over creek crossings and removing large rocks from trails. One of the major goals was to connect the different segments of trail into one big loop around the reservoir.

With this winter’s unseasonably warm weather, however, grooming hasn’t been just about big dumps. Because hikers and dog-walkers pack down the snow on the trails, the groomers still go out weekly or every other week to “set some corduroy and set down some track,” McNeil said.

All of the groomed terrain in Hyalite is two-way skier traffic, so some of the work this fall was to reshape trails in order to prevent collisions or fast descents. Stanley says there is still work to do to optimize the trails for skiing.

“[The plowing] opened up many opportunities for us to do great things in the canyon,” he says. For McNeil, that means working and recreating on the network of groomed and un-groomed nordic ski trails.

McNeil works with the Bridger Ski Foundation and the Southwest Montana Climbers Coalition to maintain grooming and road access in Hyalite.

According to Hal Stanley of BSF, the Forest Service team does 80 percent of the grooming, and BSF supplements that.

Because Hyalite is too far from Bozeman to be a training facility for race teams, these efforts by BSF and the Forest Service are meant for the community to enjoy.

McNeil and his crew of two other groomers, Adam Norlander and Will Shoutis, are up in Hyalite weekly, depending on snow and weather. They’re essentially storm-chasers: after a big dump, they’ll groom up to 20 kilometers of trails for classic skiing. The team keeps some of the trails un-groomed so hardcore backcountry enthusiasts

This year, BSF and the Forest Service made a big push to improve the groomed cross-country trails. This past fall, BSF used roughly 700 volunteer work hours and spent about $10,000 on materials for trail improvements.

Volunteers helped with trail maintenance like lopping branches, building

BIG SKY WEEKLY CONTRIBUTOR

Gallatin County maintains the road year-round, something Brian McNeil, roads and trails manager for the Gallatin National Forest Bozeman Ranger District, is tremendously grateful for.

“It’s just a beautiful, beautiful place,” Stanley says.

Stanley and McNeil agree that during the early part of this winter, Hyalite was one of the best places to be for great nordic conditions. And with McNeil and crew out working through early April, conditions should stay good all winter.

All of the skiable trails are marked with blue diamonds to keep folks on course, and detailed maps are provided at all parking areas. For a printed map, stop into the Gallatin National Forest Bozeman Ranger District or download one at bridgerskifoundation.org.

Jamie Kujawa is not much of a crosscountry skier, but she sure does like Hyalite Canyon.

The ice is in It may not always seem like winter, but our fine mountains can be deceiving. Yes, the skiing in Lone Mountain is still quite good—it’s at 11,000 feet, after all. And the ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon, south of Bozeman, is still holding strong.

“I answer questions almost daily if the ice is any good up there,” said Joe Josephson, organizer of the Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival. The warm days and cold nights have been great for ice formation, he added. “The climbing in Hyalite continues to be great, with new routes going up and most routes in great shape.” E.S.

Sarah Donahue climbs "Slot Corner" in Hyalite Canyon

PHOTO BY JOE JOSEPHSON

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February 10, 2012 43

EVENTS BIG SKY

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PLANNING AN EVENT? Let us know! Email abbie@theoutlawpartners.com and we’ll spread the word.

CHOPPERS OPEN MIC NIGHT Tuesdays through April 15

TRAILSIDE LUNCH BUFFET Lone Mountain Ranch Fridays through March 16

SHUFFLEBOARD NIGHT Lone Peak Brewery Wednesdays through April 15

LIVE MUSIC AT CHOPPERS Bottom of the Barrel Feb. 10, 9 p.m.

NORTHERN SPEED SERIES SKI RACING Hangman’s run Big Sky Resort Feb. 10 – 12 VINYASA FLOW YOGA Yellow Mountain Center for the Arts Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

YOGA WITH CALLIE Yellow Mountain Center for the Arts Wednesdays thru April 30 6:30 – 8 p.m.

ALL AGES LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY CLINIC Big Sky Town Center Ice Rink Wednesdays through Feb. 15 4:30 – 6 p.m.

PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS SEMINAR Ophir School distance learning lab Feb. 11 – 12, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

THURSDAY EVENING MUSIC Lone Mountain Ranch Saloon Thursdays through March 22 8 – 9:30 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC AT CHOPPERS Michael Harring Feb. 11, 5 – 7 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC AT CHOPPERS The Boozehounds Feb. 17 – 18, 9 p.m.

DUMMY JUMP Big Sky Resort Feb. 11

DINOSAUR EXPO Ophir School Feb. 16, 1:30, 2:30 p.m.

PAVELICH INVITATIONAL HOCKEY REMATCH Town Center Ice Rink Feb. 11, 7 p.m.

BIG SKY BIG GRASS BLUEBRASS FESTIVAL Big Sky Resort Feb. 17 – 19

CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER GROUP PRACTICE Studio in Ozzsage/Lone Peak Physical Therapy building Sundays through April 15, 5 – 6 p.m.

MEADOW VILLAGE ARTWALK Feb. 18, 12 – 7 p.m.

SUNDAY BRUNCH Lone Mountain Ranch Sundays through March 31 LIVE MUSIC AT CHOPPERS Jeremy Morton Feb. 12, 5 – 7 p.m.

YOGA WITH ANNA Mondays 6:30 – 8 p.m.,Tuesdays 8:30 – 10 a.m., Fridays 6 – 7 a.m.

Call 600-7565 to register PRIME RIB MONDAY 320 Ranch Steakhouse and Saloon Mondays through March 31

FAMILY NIGHT WITH MOONLIGHT Madison Village Base Area Feb. 19, 5 – 8 p.m.

Let’s Luau The Ophir/Lone Peak High School Pie Auction is March 10 Break out the coconut shells, Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts, the 32nd annual Ophir/Lone Peak High School Pie Auction will be at Buck’s T-4, Saturday, March 10 at 7 p.m. This is the school’s largest fundraiser of the year. Admission is free for this fun-filled event. Come hungry and leave happy. Live and silent auctions and lots of pie. Business sponsors or individuals who would like to donate, contact Jennifer O’Connor at (406) 570-0765.

BOZEMAN MUSEUM OF THE ROCKIES MUSEUM BALL Feb. 11, 6 – 11 p.m.

LIVINGSTON, GARDINER, & PARADISE VALLEY

COLD SMOKE AWARDS Emerson Cultural Center Feb. 11, 6 p.m. – 1 a.m.

B BAR RANCH PUBLIC SKI DAYS Feb. 11 and March 3 Call to reserve 848-7729

WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET Emerson Cultural Center Saturdays, 9 a.m.

SPECIAL VALENTINE’S SHOWING OF “ROMEO AND JULIET” The Shane Center Feb. 14 Reservations requested 222-772

WILD WEST WINTERFEST Gallatin County Fairgrounds Feb. 18 – 19, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

OPEN MIC NIGHT Haufbrau Feb. 20, 10 p.m.

CLAIRE LYNCH BAND The Ellen Theater Feb. 23 6:30 p.m. beer & wine in the lobby 7:30 p.m. concert

BREAKFAST BUFFET Mammoth Dining Room, Yellowstone Feb. 12, 6:30 – 10:30 a.m.

LIVINGSTON ROUNDUP ASSOCIATION “Boots & Buckles Ball” The Office Lounge Feb. 18, 8 p.m.

BACKCOUNTRY MAGAZINE SLIDE SHOW Presented by Simon Peterson Pine Creek Café Feb. 15, 7 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC AT CHOPPERS Erik Wink and Rising Lion Feb. 19

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION CLASS MSU Campus Feb. 15, 6:15 – 9:15 p.m.

INTERNATIONAL EVENING Big Sky Chapel Feb. 21, 7 p.m.

ASMSU EXIT GALLERY “Bray Days” Feb. 20 – March 9

4TH ANNUAL READING THE RANGE Evening of widely varied readings Danforth Gallery, Livingston Feb. 21, 7 p.m.

SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING WEBINAR MSU Connection Feb. 22, 12 – 1 p.m.

LITTLE JANE AND THE PISTOL WHIPS – COUNTRY SWING Chico Hot Springs Saloon Feb. 18

ONMOUNTAIN SUNDAY SERVICE Big Sky Resort Chapel area cross by the Triple Chair Sundays 1:30 p.m.

Fundraiser: Running Free From Cancer

WEST YELLOWSTONE Questions? Call the West Yellowstone Chamber at (406) 646-7701

Cancer touches us all. Your husband was told he has cancer. Your childhood friend died of cancer—your sister, your brother, your mother, your father, your wife, your child. You have cancer. You not only undergo the anxiety of coping with a cancer diagnosis, you are challenged with new financial crises as well.

TASTE OF THE TRAILS Rendezvous Ski Trails Feb. 11

Running Free From Cancer, inspired by the loss of a childhood friend, is a fundraiser to benefit cancer patients. Local artists and businesses have come together to donate artwork and other items to help raise money for the cause.

THE DIRTY SHAME: OUTLAW COUNTRY The Wild West Pizzeria and Saloon Feb 17, 9 p.m.

The fundraiser will include a silent auction and a raffle ticket drawing. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Patient Care Fund, which provides immediate assistance to cancer patients experiencing financial difficulties.

Silent auction items include watercolors, oil and acrylic paintings, photography, ceramics, handcrafted items and gift certificates. Raffle tickets will be for sale for a chance to win Shirley Robinett’s featured horse, “Running Free.”

Running Free From Cancer will be Saturday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Old Main Gallery and Framing in Bozeman, at 129 East Main. A reception will be from 4 to 6 p.m., with live music by Bozeman folk singer/songwriter Kurt Prond.

44 February 10, 2012

Big Sky Weekly

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“FILMS FOR THE FROZEN” West Yellowstone Public Library Feb. 18, 6 p.m.

YELLOWSTONE RANGER LED SNOWSHOE WALK West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center Feb. 18, 1:30 p.m.

VIRGINIA CITY WINTER FEST Feb. 17- 19 SECOND SATURDAY FARMERS’ MARKET West end of town across from the Opera house Feb. 11, 11 – 5 p.m.

WINTER CHAUTAUQUA The Elling House Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.

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Big Sky Weekly

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February 10, 2012 45

FURTHER FETCHINS

Last Lap: Ballroom

BY MIKE MANNELIN

instantly knew that we needed to get in on some of that action.

I woke up early from four hours of sleep knowing it was my last day in Big Sky for the season. The boots went on without a thought, and I was out the door.

Two other folks beat us to the punch, signing out just as they opened the Ballroom. The patrol explained that if we waited an extra 15 minutes, another group would go through the Couloir, allowing the boys in the Ballroom

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46 February 10, 2012

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My mission for the day was to ski the Big Couloir, then start the drive to Alaska.

Approaching the top ramp of the Triple Chair, I automatically looked over my right shoulder to check the tramline. It was a Saturday, and I was surprised there were only a handful of people waiting on the stairs.

During the fourminute ride up to the summit of Lone Peak, I stared out the window of the tram, wondering Chad Zeigler heading down the Big Couloir just how good PHOTO BY MIKE MANNELIN the snow would be in the couloir. I set enough time to come out the bottom. down my skis and walked up to the We decided it would be worth the wait summit shack to see what was going and let another group go ahead of us, on. timing our run so that we could hike up in there too.

The first group of two had already signed out and was heading out the I snapped a couple photos of Chad door. My buddy Chad was sitting on as he dropped into the top of the Big one of the familiar magazine covered again, this time riding past the Dogleg picnic tables in the shack, hoping to to the Secret Entrance. We skied over find a partner. I was alone, so my timto the boot pack in the bottom of the ing was perfect. We both walked over Little Couloir and strapped our gear to the sign out sheet to set our tee time onto our packs for the hike. It took us (a scheduled Big Couloir lap). Fifteen about 20 minutes on the snow covered minutes later, we walked out the door boot pack before we were looking and hiked up to the Moonlight shack down on the tramline from the base to put our gear on and head to the of the rock cliff. As we were shuffling entrance. our gear, a steady stream of snow blew down off the cliffs above us, infiltratAtop the Big, I looked over the tips ing our collars and gloves like we were of my skis where the steeper entrance standing under a waterfall. gave way to the rest of the run. We decided on the easier, lower entrance, We safely got back into our gear and Chad hopped in, carefully making and each took a turn harvesting the his way through the first constriction sheltered powder that had collected in to the good snow below. We skied out the steep couloir. As I skied out of the the Secret Entrance in creamy powder bottom, I cruised by the tramline for and back to the tram. one last goodbye to friends who were waiting for the same thing.

This time the line had grown to about a four car wait. As we slowly made our Coasting down the groomer towards way to the stairs, we watched as two the base area, I couldn’t wipe the patrollers hiked up into the Ballroom smile from my face. With my rearview (a steep shot of rarely skied powder mirror display of Lone Peak getting in the bottom of the Little Couloir). smaller, I felt lucky to have skied the The snow was flying, and the patrolBallroom for my last lap with Chad as lers were sinking up to their knees as my partner. they skied one at a time. Chad and I

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February 10, 2012 47

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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.

Beginning in the backcountry

BY JIMMY LEWIS

BIG SKY WEEKLY CONTRIBUTOR

I’ll never forget those initial fears, namely, a singular fear: “I’m going to die out there.”

All I could think of were the avalanche victims I’d read about in the papers. Every image I had of the backcountry in winter included the certain doom of an avalanche descending upon me. But, like so many other fears, getting over my avalanche paranoia involved moving out of ignorance and into understanding.

The first and most important step in entering the backcountry in winter is taking a class with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. The center offers free classes throughout the winter for both skiers and snowmobilers. Make it a habit to check the GNFAC Avalanche Advisory every morning whether you’re heading into the backcountry or not. You’ll learn a lot and stay safe by keeping abreast of the changing conditions. The GNFAC daily advisory can be accessed via podcast, e-mail, phone or at mtavalanche.com.

Learning about the snowpack and developing intimate knowledge of the snow under my skis and snowmobile has been a joyful process. Digging snow pits, performing stability tests and assessing micro-terrain features are as interesting as they are necessary for safety. With time and practice, you’ll find they become an integral part of a familiar backcountry routine.

Early in my budding interest in backcountry skiing, I started learning the lexicon: skins, A/T boots and bind-

ings, beacons, shovels, probes, avalung and ABS. While an enigma at first, most of this terminology makes sense to me now.

I bought a snowmobile to explore miles of trails and access remote terrain. A whole new set of skills and knowledge associated with riding a snowmobile awaited me: mechanics, riding skills, outfitting the machine with ski racks and gear and trailering. It was all part of a sublime new winter adventure.

Safety in mind, Lewis is ready to enter the backcountry Learning the terrain PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIMMY LEWIS is also a fun part of develop empowering knowledge that makes for a beginning your winter more enjoyable and safe experience. journey into the backcountry. And because snowmobiles and skis traverse relatively smoothly over the Learning about the laws is equally important, as snow-covered trails, the backcountry in some ways this allows you to be informed about what you can is more accessible in winter than in summer, despite do and where you can do it. The Gallatin National avalanche danger.

Forest produces a new Over-Snow-Vehicle-Use map each year, along with a host of other material The maps, trails and basins many miles in all present delineating where you can snowmobile, ski, snowundiscovered intrigue to the backcountry newcomer. shoe and cross country ski. Knowledge of these Perusing national forest maps and working with GPS laws will make you and everyone else on the trail technology and software like Google Earth are useful more comfortable. activities in the search for powder stashes and help to

Along with the machines, skis, miscellaneous gear, maps, skills and the know-how comes another essential ingredient to having a safe and pleasurable experience in the backcountry: a trustworthy and competent partner. I began my journey into backcountry skiing with a colleague and friend who was equally as interested—and committed— as I was in getting started. We took a class together, reviewed and discussed the avalanche advisory daily, and researched and planned our adventures together—always making sure to never let our zeal outstrip our expertise.

Consequently, I’m still alive and having more fun in the backcountry each season. I’m discovering new places to go and new ways of getting there.

The experiences are getting better, and I remain hopeful that a combination of my backcountry expertise and a stable snowpack will one day result in a surreal experience on my skis. In the meantime, however, the adventure of just trying is good enough.

Jimmy Lewis is a freelance writer, English teacher, and self-described omniventurer, meaning he enjoys participating in a wide variety of all things outdoors, taking special pleasure in mixing his passions into a sporting soul cocktail. He lives outside of Bozeman with his family and a passel of bird dogs, cats, horses and other sundry critters.

48 February 10, 2012

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Big Sky Weekly

SECTION 4:

February 10, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue #3

SKI AREA NEWS

Who needs three propane tanks?

FEBRUARY 4, 2012 MOONLIGHT BASIN PHOTOS BY TAYLOR ANDERSON

Volcom stops at Moonlight for fifth year

50-50 to Misty flip

The Volcom Stone Peanut Butter and Rail Jam Tour made its fifth consecutive stop at Moonlight Basin on clothing brand’s North American winter tour the first weekend in February.

Riders flocked to the Big Sky area from Minnesota, North Dakota and Chicago. One rider was on his last day of vacation from Ohio and nearly missed a flight home after placing second place in the 15 and under division.

Four divisions of riders hit three features set up near the Madison Lodge and hit a double rainbow box, three propane tank features and a down-flatdown rail.

See more photos and a video on the Big Sky Weekly’s website: explorebigsky. com/volcomrailjam

Mini shredder hitting a double-rainbow box at just 5 years old

Winner, winner, chicken dinner, PBRJ Champ: Colton Allen

Back 360 lipslide

At ease, Captain.

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February 10, 2012 49

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SNOWBOARDING NEWS

Big Sky Weekly

A SUPERNATURAL DAY

The crew views the course during the Red Bull Supernatural event Feb. 3 at Baldface.

BY JENNIFER REBBETOY

BIG SKY WEEKLY CONTRIBUTOR

Feb. 4 was a big day for shred nerds everywhere.

Baldface Lodge, outside of Nelson, British Columbia, kicked off Red Bull’s Supernatural event.

A completely new kind of snowboard competition, Supernatural melded backcountry riding with terrain park features and was hosted by the widely revered professional snowboarder, Travis Rice.

Rice’s vision was to build wooden structures and filled them with snow, creating a giant playground of jumps on the 50-degree slope called Scary Cherry. It took the help of several local

PHOTO BY COLE BARASH /ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF RED BULL MEDIA HOUSE

mountain men working all spring, summer and fall to construct the more than 100 structures that would bring out the best in big mountain riders and park riders alike.

The world now awaits NBC’s March 31 airing of this competition, in which the 18 best snowboarders in the world showed off playful attitudes in an environment steeped in big risk.

Because the weather had to be just right, the one-day comp reserved an entire week (Feb. 2-9), similar to a surf competition. Anticipation rose as the week neared, and riders speculated on the forecast. The window of opportunity grew narrower.

By Feb. 3, it was obvious it was now or never.

That morning the announcement was made: The competition was to start the next day at 8:30 a.m.

First matter at hand was deciding the order the riders would descend upon the course, and an axe throwing competition and nail hammering competition began that afternoon. Scores (combined time and precision from the lumberjack contest) put the riders in order from best to worst. And in this order, they chose when they’d drop into the course.

The next day, after all the athletes and media were ferried to their various positions on the course, a snow cat driver came back for the bar-

Local Perspective Supernatural is huge, and I'm not just talking about the features. I look at this event and it gives me hope for the future of competitive snowboarding. Half pipe, slope style, and big air competitions have gone the way of figure skating (shudder). In order to be in contention, riders have to perform certain tricks in a certain way. It's all tech and no soul.

With Supernatural, Travis and crew picked the best elements of snowboarding and brought them together under one roof. Here we have a venue that promotes innovation and imagination, and encompasses every aspect of snowboarding.

Travis Rice placed first in the competition. PHOTO BY COLE BARASH

50 February 10, 2012

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With Travis and crew at the wheel, and big time sponsors paving the way, it's my hope that Supernatural will help breath new life into competitive snowboarding and beyond. - Erik Morrison

Big Sky Weekly

Gigi Ruf (2), Travis Rice (1) and Nicolas Mueller (3) celebrate on the podium. PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN PONDELLA

REDBULL SUPERNATURAL RESULTS

John Jackson pulled in the best trick award.. PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN PONDELLA

tenders, hostess, housekeepers and massage therapists. They made it down to the bottom of the course just in time to see the first supernaturalist, NIKE rider Scotty Lago, finish his first run.

The day was flawless, except for when The North Face rider DCP tweaked his knee on the first run and had to sit out for the rest of the comp. The bluebird sky created good vibes among the competitors and diehard locals who’d managed to skin or snowmobile in.

Two helicopters with cameramen followed each rider down the mountainside. There were two flat screen TVs in the spectators tent. As soon as the riders hit the kicker in the middle of the face, spectators climbed over one another to get outside and

see the competitors fly over the other side, down to the finish line.

Each rider had two qualifying runs, then the top nine took a final third run. At some point between the second and third run, there was a mad scramble to get the staff back to the lodge before the contestants and their entourage returned.

At the award ceremonies, trophies were presented to first, second and third place riders, Travis Rice, Gigi Ruf and Nicolas Mueller. Cue champagne spray and take two.

Jennifer Rebbetoy is a freelance writer, snowboarder and bartender at Baldface Lodge, outside of Nelson, B.C. baldface.net

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Travis Rice Gigi Rüf Nicolas Müller John Jackson Lucas Debari Kazuhiro Kokubo Jake Blauvelt David Carrier-Porcheron Eero Niemela Devun Walsh Mark Sollors Terje Haakonsen Eric Jackson Mark Carter Mark McMorris Sage Kotsenburg Scotty Lago Mark Landvik

NEVER GO ALONE

GOING OUT OF BOUNDS?

Sharpen your skills, bring the proper safety gear and always bring a partner.

T H I N K R I S K , T H E N R E WA R D BSSAR.ORG // MTAVALANCHE.COM

91.00 84.00 82.60 80.60 77.00 75.50 73.10 69.20 68.90 68.80 68.30 68.20 65.80 64.70 63.00 62.00 59.40 55.50

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Big Sky Weekly

Contact Jessie Neal for more information 993.2112 jessie@bsccmt.org 52 February 10, 2012

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RESORT NEWS

Big Sky Weekly

North American ski resorts capitalize on expanding ski markets Case study: Aspen

Olympian Heather McPhie is Moonlight’s new ambassador

BY EMILY STIFLER

BIG SKY WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR

BY TAYLOR ANDERSON

BIG SKY WEEKLY ASSISTANT EDITOR

Heather McPhie is proud she’s from Montana.

Writer Allen Best released in a Jan. 20 edition of Mountain Town News his outlook on the North American ski resort scene.

The Bozeman native learned to ski at Bridger Bowl at age 3, and has been competing in freestyle moguls since she was 12. And in 2010, she competed in the winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The first week of February has been busy for the 27-year-old U.S. Ski Team member. She placed second and third at Feb. 2 and 4 World Cup mogul competitions in Deer Valley, Utah, and she announced a new partnership with Moonlight Basin, as the resort’s athlete ambassador.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to connect with Moonlight Basin, and to shred around an awesome mountain, [and] to represent Heather McPhie’s winter travel schedule Jan. 15 – Mt. Gabriel, Quebec Jan. 19 – Lake Placid, N.Y. Jan. 28 – Calgary, Alberta Feb. 2, 4 – Deer Valley, Utah Feb. 12 – Bieda Lake, China Feb. 18 – 19 – Naeba, Japan March 9 – 10 – Are, Sweden March 18 – Megeve, France March 23, 25 – National Championships, Stratton, Ver.

Moonlight's new ambassador Heather Mcphie placed second and third in the World Cup moguls competition Feb. 2 and 4.

something I really believe in, which is the skiing here, the people here, and the whole industry here,” McPhie said in a video interview with Moonlight.

The goal of the partnership is cross-promotion, and ultimately to make it a long-term relationship, a representative for Moonlight said.

While she trains with the U.S. Ski Team, McPhie is living in Park City, Utah. As one of the top 10 women in the world in freestyle mogul skiing, she has her eye on the 2014 Olympic podium in Sochi, Russia.

McPhie will be at Moonlight Basin for a special event on Feb. 24.

His conclusion: Booming Brazilian and Australian markets are expanding the North American ski industry. His study focused on Aspen, Colo., which saw recently the addition of American Airlines flights into its airport.

Best quoted Aspen lodging agency president Bill Tomcich as saying Brazilians this year have been booking high-priced, ski-in, ski-out resort properties, especially at Snowmass.

“It almost seems that price is no object this year,” Tomcich told Best. “That to me is a strong sign of how healthy their economy is.”

“To a large degree we are already living the dream in terms of international connectivity, and a lot of it is because of our runway extension completed last fall,” Tomcich said.

The news is relevant in Montana, in the context of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport’s recent expansion. The airport, which accesses Bozeman, Big Sky and Yellowstone, last fall nearly doubled in size and is now the largest in the state. In the last sixth months it’s announced several new direct flights, including New York, Portland, Ore., and Oakland, Calif.

Check back for details in the next Big Sky Weekly or on explorebigsky.com.

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WORD FROM THE RESORTS Moonlight Basin Big Sky Classic Montana hospitality—that’s what the Volcom crew received while hosting the Peanut Butter and Rail Jam snowboard contest the weekend of Feb. 4 at Moonlight Basin. The PBRJ is a staple in the contest agenda for local snowboarders, and this year it drew competitors from Idaho, Minnesota, Washington, even as far as Ohio. Approximately 100 people competed for cash prizes and cool points while pushing their riding skills. The youngest rider was five years old.

It really was as awesome as it sounds. When you watch a five year old approach a 30-foot double-rainbow box, you can’t help but be ready to catch him if he falls or cheer him on if gets farther than last time.

Let’s talk about teamwork. Something I see again and again at Moonlight, it was especially prevalent during the PBRJ. It takes cooperation from both competitors and resort staff to make snowboard contests happen. This contest revealed instances of competitors working together, even if it meant one getting a higher score than the other. The crowd was lucky enough to see a gap-train over the double rainbow: One after another, riders launched off the lip of the first camel-hump and landed on the down section of the last hump. Plus, with several key event-staff injured the day before the competition, the rest of the Moonlight family pitched in to pull the whole thing together. At this point, high-fives are critical.

The Zero Gravity park crew is on their game. If you haven’t already, come step it up to one of the 45 features in Moonlight’s five parks. If a five-year-old can hit a 30-foot double-rainbow box, you might as well give it a try. The park crew will give you give you some pointers, and even some high-fives for progressing—because Montana hospitality is what Moonlight Basin is all about. moonlightbasin.com - Ersin Ozer

Discovery Ski Area Phillipsburg In early February Discovery hosted a mogul event, which it actually swapped out with Bridger Bowl this year because of snowpack.

“It was a great hit,” said Ciche Pitcher, Discovery’s vice president and operations manager.

“We had great sunny weather and a ton of people up here.” Competitors from as far away as Park City and Sun Valley.

The weekend of Feb. 11, Discovery is hosting a very different style event, the Billy Poole Memorial. Held in honor of the professional skier who passed away in 2008 while filming for Warren Miller, the event is meant to get kids out on the hill would wouldn’t otherwise have access to it.

Billy’s mother Phyllis is originally from nearby Anaconda, so bringing the event to Discovery this year seemed like a good fit. Approximately 40 school kids from Anaconda will ski with professional skiers that day, Pitcher said.

On Feb. 12, college students get cheap lift tickets, and over President’s Day weekend, there’s “nothing big happening,” Pitcher said. Just a whole lot of skiing.

The season pass sale is about ready to go off.

If you need one (they’re good for the rest of this year and all of next year), this is the time to get it, but you have to be a night owl. The sale lasts from midnight on Feb. 29 to 1 a.m. on March 1. That’s one hour. skidiscovery.com - Emily Stifler

Rendezvous Ski Trails West Yellowstone

Big Sky Resort Big Sky

Snow: Consistent snowfall intermixed with bluebird days and comfortable temperatures have Big Sky skiing great. Check the snow report at Big Sky’s website, and follow Big Sky Resort on Facebook and Twitter for condition updates throughout the ski day.

Events: Don’t miss the Dummy Jump, where on Feb. 11, 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. The Chamberlin Rail Jam comes to town March 2 and 3 with special guest Atmosphere.

Visit bigskyresort.com/events for more information.

What’s New: Become a CFO – Chief Freeriding Officer – when you log 100 days skiing Big Sky on your Big Sky Replay app this season. Download Big Sky Replay on your iPhone or Android to track your ski stats and earn other badges for racking up vertical feet and multiple ski runs. bigskyresort.com - Greer Schott

Lone Mountain Ranch Big Sky

One of the reasons Lone Mountain Ranch has such great skiing is the quality of grooming. Our experienced crew of groomers, Patrick, Tyler and Jeremy, have over 12,000 hours of combined experience. Most nights, they head to work around midnight and work until about 10 a.m., depending on weather, trail conditions and temperature.

The second SPAM cup of the year is that day, a fun skate race in which winners receive trophies of decorated cans of SPAM. Did you know Hormel has crowned Kenneth Daigneau, an actor from New York, the official namer of the canned meat product that many suspect is short for ‘spiced ham’? It was 1936, and Mr. Daigneau won $100 in the naming contest. Bravo!

Did you know that a night with a little wind and no snow can actually improve the trails? Wind blown onto the trails can increase the snow depth, and experienced groomers use this “new” snow to create that coveted corduroy.

Also that day is the Taste of the Trails.

Skiers and snowshoers are invited to this 5k tour with four strategically placed food stations to explore the trails with friends and family at a recreational pace. Delicious.

If you’d like to experience the trails, stop by the Outdoor Shop for a trail pass or to inquire about our lessons and women’s clinics.

Every Friday through March, we host our trailside buffet from 12-1:30 p.m. Located in front of the dining room and saloon, the buffet is open to the public.

Taste of the Trails

March will be super busy though, with the Rendezvous Race and the Youth Ski Fest over the first weekend, the USBA Biathlon Nationals March 13-18, and the Equinox Snow Challenge March 24-25. - Emily Stifler

54 February 10, 2012

Big Sky Weekly

Have you been skiing lately? The trails are in amazing shape!

February 11 is a big day for West Yellowstone’s world-class nordic trail system.

The rest of February will be pretty quiet at Rendezvous, just the usual kick and glide on the best snow in the country, says Dan Cantrell, Rendezvous’ trails director.

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During the week of Valentine’s Day we have a five-course dinner in the dining doom. Or, you can treat your valentine to a romantic sleigh ride dinner at the North Fork Cabin. For reservations, call the dining room at 995-2782 or the sleigh ride office at 995-2783. lonemountainranch. com - PJ Wirchansky

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Big Sky Weekly

PHOTO BY JAMIE KUJAWA

Bridger Bowl Bozeman “Certainly, today is nice,” Bridger Bowl’s Head of Marketing and Sales, Doug Wales, said in early February on a gorgeous, sunny day. Four new inches of freshies had fallen the previous evening.

The new snow contained 14 percent moisture—excellent for adding to Bridger’s three-foot base. The moisture-rich snow adds coverage to the mountain better than Bridger’s trademark cold smoke would.

Both locals and visitors are pleased by what’s open: the entire mountain, Wales said, reassuring skiers that there are lots of good runs. The first session of the children’s programs are going just fine, he added.

Wales remains optimistic about the latter half of the season. “We’re hoping that more snow is on the way in the last few months here.”

O P E N

F O R

T H E

W I N T E R

The 10th annual King and Queen of the Ridge ski-a-thon is Saturday Feb. 11.

Hikers raise money per hiking lap on the Ridge in five hours. All of the proceeds raised go to the Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. Prizes are awarded at the fun-filled post-party in the Jim Bridger Lodge.

Poetry in Motion, the Fine Art of Graceful Skiing clinic, is also Feb. 11. Bridger’s own Corky Fowler leads the all-day workshop, which is focused on the physics of skiing. bridgerbowl.com - Jamie Kujawa

Maverick Mountain Polaris “I wish I had better news to report, but we're officially in the February doldrums,” said our Maverick correspondent, David Nolt. Maverick picked up about four inches in late January but has been dry since. The Outlaw Partners don’t care, and are happy as long as their clicked in, skiing or riding downhill—look out, Maverick, we’re coming! Visit skimaverick.com to enter to win an overnight ski/stay package. -E.S.

Lost Trail Powder Mountain Darby Lost Trail is an elusive little place on the continental divide. The folks there don’t pick up their phones, and they have great skiing. Want to get off the beaten track? This is your chance. With nine inches in early February, they have all other Southwest Montana ski areas beat for freshies. Their 79-inch base at the top of the mountain sounds pretty good, too. Open Thursdays through Sundays. losttrail.com -Allen Bootmaker

CASUAL

FineDining

IN A WARM MONTANA ATMOSPHERE

Superb Cuisine Using Local and Regional Ingredients for a Unique Flair in Rocky Mountain Dining Hand Cut Steaks, Wild Game, Trout, Seafood, Hearty Skiier Lunches, Game Burgers, Chili, Soup

Location:

Big Sky’s Mountain Village ~ Arrowhead Chalet Mall ~ 3rd Floor

Call 406-995-4244 for Reservations & Information

Lunch 11:30-3:00 Apres Ski 3:00-5:00 Dinner 5:30-10:00 Seven Days A Week

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Big Sky Weekly

4 ProPerties. Your BiD Price.

AUCTION MARCH 2

Big Ski. Big Golf.

BiG Sky.

Welcome to the Best of Big Sky, Montana.

Four Premier Mountain Residences Selling at Auction March 2nd.

A seamless blend of proximity, views and outdoor activities. Live an active Mountain lifestyle among two of the most exclusive retreats — The Yellowstone Club and Spanish Peaks.

YELLOWSTONE CLUB | The Enclave at Miller Point Residence Originally $4.995M. Open for Preview by Appointment.

SPANISH PEAKS | 3 Luxury Cabins Originally $2.48-3.2M. Open for Preview Daily 1-4 and by Appointment.

Brokers Fully Protected.

866.640.7725 BigSkyAuction.com These properties are listed for sale by Rivers to Peaks Real Estate (P.O. Box 160730, Big Sky, Montana 59716, T: 406-995-2022). Concierge Auctions, LLC is the provider of auction marketing services, is not a brokerage, and is not directly involved in selling real property. The services referred to herein are not available to residents of any state where prohibited by applicable state law. Concierge Auctions, LLC, its agents and affiliates, broker partners, Auctioneer, and the Sellers do not warrant or guaranty the accuracy or completeness of any information and shall have no liability for errors or omissions or inaccuracies under any circumstances in this or any other property listings or advertising, promotional or publicity statements and materials. This is not meant as a solicitation for listings. Brokers are protected and encouraged to participate. See Auction Terms & Conditions for full details.

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