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Big Sky

Exploring life and land from the heart of the Yellowstone Region

Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 Volume 3 // Issue #26

m o o n l i g h t b a s i n at h l e t e

Top 10

Heather

stories of

mcphie

2012

Best of Big Sky:

tears up world cup mogul circuit

Results are in!

Resort Tax Board:

Upcoming town hall meetings

Fire Department strapped for resources

Boughs, Rapiers donate for kids Big Sky's Locally owned and published newspaper

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Business of the Year Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 Volume 3, Issue no. 26 PUBLISHER Eric Ladd

editorial MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler EDITOR Joseph T. O'Connor staff writer/distribution director Tyler Allen Editorial assistant Maria Wyllie

creative CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins

View of Lone Peak on Christmas day. Photo by Tyler Busby

A look forward By eric ladd

As our country enters into another period of debates, arguments and acquisitions over guns, fiscal cliffs and taxes, my personal hope for the world is clarity. I hope in 2013 we can each experience moments of lucidity allowing for thoughtful debate and meaningful progress.

publisher

VIDEO director Brian Niles GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars videographer/photographer Chris Davis WEB Developer/Designer Sean Weas Design Intern Taylor-Ann Smith

SALES and operations COO & SENIOR EDITOR Megan Paulson Operations director Katie Morrison

CONTRIBUTors

Bruce Auchly, Jamie Balke, Matt Bakken, Buscrat , Jake Campos, Greg Dupont, Harv Forsgren, Bob Foster, Niles Jeran, Chad Jones, Max Lowe, Erik Morrison, Brandon Niles, Kaela Schommer, Matthew Sterbenz, Scott Talbott, Katie Thomas

The year 2012 is in the history books and while the Mayan’s prediction was not accurate, let’s hope as a society we evolve and enter a period of further enlightenment and peace.

At Outlaw Partners we are thankful for all the support in growing our business. In 2012 we had more than 1,000,000 readers and amazing support from advertisers and our talented staff. Outlaw’s New Year's resolution is to grow our readership numbers to 2,000,000 while remaining a good steward of our community. Thank you and Happy New Year.

In this paper we are covering an array of topics to help celebrate the New Year including the Top Stories of the 2012 (as nominated by readers), The Best of Big Sky (as voted by readers) and most importantly a tribute to the fallen angels in Newton, CT (pages 8 & 9).

Newton, CT is 2,259 miles from Big Sky, yet this distance cannot prevent us from paying tribute to the people whose lives were stolen. Our company takes our role in media seriously and we have vowed to not allow this tragedy to be forgotten. If you are inspired, we encourage you to take the enclosed tribute and hang it up in your home, office or business.

“I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay… small acts of kindness and love.” – Gandalf, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”

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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.

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Table of Contents Community...4 Local News...10 Regional..12 Montana...13 Sports...17 Health...21 Business...23 Classifieds...28 Environment...30 Best of Big Sky...33 Art...35

Food & Dining...36 Outdoors...38 Gear Review...39 Word from the Resorts...40 Events...40 Fun...44 Column...47 Top 10 of 2012...49 Entertainment...56 Events...57 Back 40...60

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Big Sky Weekly

Rapiers donate ski passes to LPHS students She had three simple words for her generosity.

“Pay it forward,” Kym said.

In the past, the resort rewarded high school students with discounted season passes for good grades and community service, but due to a change in this year’s pricing structure, they discontinued that service.

George and Kymberly Rapier

By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR big sky weekly editor

BIG SKY – In the tradition of giving this holiday season, one Big Sky couple has redefined philanthropy, donating to the Big Sky Community Corporation; Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, among others.

In all, the Rapiers gave close to $1 million to Big Sky and Greater Gallatin Valley organizations in 2012.

In their latest gesture, George and Kymberly Rapier offered every student at Lone Peak High School a season pass to Big Sky Resort. When Kym heard the resort was supplying k – 8th grade students in the Big Sky School District with 2012-2013 season passes, she wanted to help out.

Big Sky Resort does offer passes to high school students at a new discount, but this rate doesn't compare to the offer by the Rapiers, who negotiated with Big Sky Resort on a final sale price of more than $13,000, according to Barb Rooney, vice president of lodging for the resort.

“It’s amazing,” Rooney said, after the Rapier’s had a coordinator contact her about the transaction. “They’re very special [people].”

Big Sky School District Superintendent Jerry House said the kids were ecstatic.

“They were saying ‘Let’s go skiing today!”’ House said. “This community is so giving,” he added. “[The Rapiers] are incredible [for offering] private donations on behalf of the kids.”

The husband and wife duo, originally from San Antonio, Texas, feels that it’s a part of who they’ve become over the years.

We’ve taken

“We’ve been fortunate with our businesses and just want to give back,” said Kym, who is the executive director of the Rapier Family Foundation, an organization formed by the Rapiers in 2006 to benefit charities and nonprofits. “Now we’re in Big Sky and we want to [do the same here].”

George and Kymberly Rapier found Big Sky, Mont. while on a ski vacation. They fell in love with the area, bought a house here in 2010 and moved from San Antonio, Texas to Big Sky permanently a year and a half ago.

The Rapiers began their foundation in San Antonio, and donated more than $20 million to various causes there in 2011.

In moving to Big Sky, Kym plans to bring in a program she started in Texas called Kym’s Kids, which offers scholarship opportunities to students. Kids can earn points, which translate into money for tuition, through volunteer service.

“The dropout rate is bad in Texas,” Kym said, as to why she started the program. “They can use it for college or trade school or other [educational opportunities]. The economy is hard right now.”

The Rapiers enjoy giving, yet they encourage organizations to help themselves, too.

They demonstrated this quid pro quo approach when they donated $200,000 to Morningstar Learning Center this fall. They promised to provide the school with an additional $100,000 if Morningstar raised $100,000 of their own.

The Rapiers hope this philanthropic aid will spread across the community.

“That was the whole thing in San Antonio,” Kyn said. “It’s contagious.”

When you see someone else contributing for the community’s betterment, she said, it makes you want to help too. The Rapiers feel the more people can give back to the place they live, the community at large will benefit.

“You can do something good for someone else, even if you don’t have money,” Kym said. “[People] can still volunteer at the food bank or at Morningstar.”

Kym, who owns Pretty Paws Mobile Pet Grooming in Big Sky, has an af-

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finity for animals too, she says, and owns three dogs – Bailey, a lab, and two schnauzers named Jackson and Lucy.

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Letter It might be difficult for some to remember the Reckless Kelly concert, donated to the community last summer

by Sarah Phelps and Lee Giffiths to celebrate their marriage.

The couple told everyone the best gift they could receive was a contribution to the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. Folks continue to contribute to the WMPAC, in honor of the Griffiths' wedding.

Friends of Big Sky Education, the non-profit organization engineering the WMPAC capital campaign, has seen donations in Lee and Sarah’s names now tally more than $1000. We know that could have bought a lot of wedding gifts.

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Buying or selling a property?

We want to help you.

Sincerely, Anne Marie Mistretta

Summer vacation packages support Haiti and bring awareness to Big Sky By maria wyllie

big sky weekly editorial assistant

BIG SKY—Big Sky’s Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the family-focused travel blog, Trekaroo, to raffle off two Big Sky summer 2013 vacation packages in support of Passports with Purpose, the travel community’s largest annual fundraiser.

Passports with Purpose was founded in 2008 as a way to build community among travelers and give back to the places they visit. This year, the founders have partnered with water.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing access to safe water and sanitation to people in the developing world.

From Nov. 28 – Dec. 11, 2012, thousands of donors bid in $10 increments on one or more of the 110 prizes hosted by more than 200 travel bloggers from around the globe.

Surpassing its goal of $100,000, Passports with Purpose has raised $110,000 to help water.org build five wells in Haiti.

Big Sky prizes include a weeklong authentic dude ranch vacation at Lone Mountain Ranch and a three-day Big Sky and Yellowstone adventure.

Liling Pang, co-founder and CEO of Trekaroo, initiated the Chamber’s participation in the fundraiser after she attended the COC’s FAM, or media familiarization tour, this past summer. The FAM helped consumers understand Big Sky’s close proximity to Yellowstone and introduced them to summer activities in the Big Sky area.

When Pang contacted Kitty Clemens, executive director of the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce, asking if she would support Passports with Purpose, Clemens sent an inquiry to various lodging partners. The Chamber received enough responses they decided to sponsor two prizes.

“Liling delivers a lot of return to the Big Sky area during the warm season,” Clemens said.

Having stayed at Lone Mountain Ranch in the past, Pang was able to blog about Montana and her experience on the ranch, thus promoting Big Sky to the travel community and other online visitors.

“What it does is big in that someone would be writing about us who has been here,” said PJ Wirchansky, Director of Marketing and Sales at LMR. “We are excited people can come and enjoy Lone Mountain Ranch and be a part of a community that offers so many wonderful experiences.”

Tell us your dream We’ll show you where

it lives.

LMR typically supports the school and nonprofits around Big Sky, but Passports with Purpose has given the ranch the opportunity to come together with other well-known Big Sky properties and be a part of something bigger.

“When different organizations can come together to help support Passports with Purpose, but also bring awareness of Montana to a better level, it just seems like a good thing to do,” said Wirchansky.

Second prize, which includes a number of Big Sky activities as well as a trip to Yellowstone, has been put together by a partnership between Buck’s T-4, Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin, and Yellowstone Luxury Tours.

“Liling wrote two Big Sky blogs, but her colleagues reposted, so it’s like a domino affect with all bloggers talking about how great it is to visit in the Big Sky area,” Clemens said.

Pang’s blog has 480,000 Twitter followers and reaches 1.5 million visitors monthly. With two packages, Big Sky received double the coverage.

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Terrific Kids of the month Students honored for cooperation in December BIG SKY – Big Sky School District honored four students for their cooperation this December as part of its Student of the Month/Terrific Kids of the Month program.

Teachers choose two ‘terrific kids’ from kindergarten through fifth grades, and two ‘students of the

K-2: Marley Schack For the Month of December we would like to congratulate Marley Schack as the Terrific Student of the Month.

Marley is a positive role model in the classroom and is always willing to help her classmates and teachers. She is always cooperating with other students and helping her classmates to make good choices.

We can always count on Marley to lead by example with exceptional behavior! Congratulations Marley.

month’ in middle and high school, recognizing them based on a different theme every month.

middle and high school students chosen get pizza from Blue Moon Bakery.

An announcement is made over the intercom, and the students are called into the office to be congratulated. In addition, the K-5 honorees are rewarded with a burger from the Corral and the

Read the teachers’ praises for those honored below.

3-5: Ben Quackenbush Cooperation in its truest sense is a group working towards a common goal. Therefore the goal of a 4th grade classroom is to work cooperatively to achieve academic, emotional and human success. Ben Quackenbush has demonstrated leadership qualities to help contribute to this class-wide objective. He has been a cooperative member who leads by example, not words. He helps us see the benefits of the whole group, not himself. Ben encourages others to participate and is open and receptive to new ideas. Thank you Ben and thank you to the 4th grade for dedicating your time at school to reach common goals that will help us become the leaders of tomorrow.

Middle School: Chloee Beardsley

High School: Soby Haarman

Chloee is an outstanding example of cooperation. She takes cooperation to a new level, not only with teachers but with peers and younger students. Chloee is the first to help, to volunteer, to work it out, to take it on, basically to demonstrate that working with others, whether adults or students, creates an atmosphere of supportiveness and helpfulness.

Soby Haarman is a wonderful example of cooperation as she is dedicated to aiding all of those she comes into contact with. Whether it is with students, teachers, or her community, Soby continually lends a helping hand to those around her. Congratulations to a great student!

Thank you Chloee for setting an example for those around you.

Ophir School still seeking parent liaison By maria wyllie

big sky weekly editorial assistant

BIG SKY – Women in Action, a local non-profit dedicated to bringing affordable heath, education and family services to the Big Sky community, has partnered with Bozeman-based nonprofit Thrive to bring a parent liaison to the Ophir School in Big Sky. Serving as advocates for the community, WIA is part of a school community partnership and has been involved in providing services for the children of Big Sky for the past three years. After evaluating the school’s guidance program, WIA saw that there was a gap in services that could best be met through Thrive’s Parent Liaison Program.

“We want students to be successful, and this would be a great resource and tool,” said Lisa Beczkiewicz, Executive Director of WIA.

6 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

Ophir School has been looking to fill the newly created position since June and still hasn’t found anyone.

hire someone who can commit to the position for 2 to 3 years.

The Parent Liaison Program is one of Thrive’s five signature programs that help communities prosper by empowering children and parents and encouraging schools and organizations to work together more effectively.

“We've learned through experience that it takes a certain type of person to be successful as a Parent Liaison, and that it's worth finding that person even if it takes some time,” said Wellington in an email.

“We are very purposeful about who we hire for this role in any community. It often takes many months to fill this position in Bozeman.”

Designed to serve as a bridge between home and school, parent liaisons are working professionals who operate as part of the school’s guidance team and help parents access community resources and develop effective strategies for their child’s success.

Once the right candidate is found, the individual will be a member of Thrive and will gain supervision and training through the nonprofit.

“The success of this position is rooted in building relationships and trust with parents, teachers, and the community,” said Steve Wellington, Parent Liaison Program Manager.

The Cross Charitable Foundation has provided funding to cover program costs for one year, and the Rapier Foundation has provided funding to cover program costs for three years.

Interested applicants can apply online at allthrive.org.

Although the parent liaison will work in Big Sky, Thrive handles the hiring. Wellington intends to

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community LPHS students get first-hand look at MSU tech facility

by Matt Bakken

LPHS Technology Education Teacher

BOZEMAN – Lone Peak High School students enrolled in technology classes took a field trip to Montana State University on Dec. 13, to tour the Technology Education facility.

The students first learned steps to convert a 3-D drawing in AutoCAD to an STL file for a 3-D printer. Engineers and architects worldwide use these printers and teachers can employ them in classrooms to give students experience creating functional 3-D models.

The department had a new Dimension 3-D printer in action, and LPHS students watched as it created a solid sphere inside a hollowed-out cube. A laser-engraving machine was used to etch the Lone Peak Big Horn logo onto a clear coffee mug.

Christmas ornaments out of a metal sheet for each student to take home.

The kids created web pages using Adobe Dreamweaver on the department’s new laptops and an MSU student taught them how to modify their index template, add logos, create links, and change colors using the hexadecimal system to recreate the MSU website.

MSU professor Lidia Haughey then explained the design process behind a computer numerical control machine (CNC), as it milled a sail and mast out of Styrofoam.

In the department’s manufacturing shop, students learned how a PlasmaCAM cuts metal by turning superheated air into plasma, and blowing it through the metal to cut it. The CAM cut LPHS

Home

Students learn how to set up the PlasmaCAM to cut sheets of metal.

The field trip was an eye-opener for the LPHS students as they have only heard about these technologies.

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Before leaving the facility, Dr. Scott Davis said next spring, LPHS students in Technical Drawing II can send their models to him and he will print them on the university’s 3-D printer. This opportunity will allow students to evaluate and test their models for form and function.

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“It was cool to see the 3-D printer take something off the computer and make something you could hold in your hand, said Gage Lindell, a Lone Peak freshman.

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Fire Department short-handed, concerned for community Chief proposes mill levy increase

By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR big sky weekly editor

BIG SKY – At 7:35 p.m. on August 8, 2012 the Big Sky Fire Department received a call for an overturned vehicle on Highway 191, north of the Lone Mountain Trail junction, that was spilling gas near the Gallatin River.

All three on-duty firefighters responded to the hazardous materials spill, as did Fire Chief William Farhat, who was off-duty, leaving no one at the station to field emergency calls.

Simultaneously, Farhat, who personally responds to 37 percent of all calls in the Big Sky area, received an alert on his pager about victims suffering from a carbon monoxide leak. He left the Gallatin Canyon accident to respond to the triage scene in Big Sky, solo.

Multiple-event instances happen constantly, according to Farhat, who took over as fire chief in November 2011. Bozeman Deaconess is the closest medical center, some 50 miles from Big Sky, and Farhat was the lone incident responder for that call.

“I just started treating patients,” he said. “Luckily, no one had to go to the hospital.”

Home to multiple ski resorts, Big Sky receives significant amounts of snow in winter and is prone to forest fires in summer, leading to potential emergency situations. Farhat feels his department should have ample resources at its disposal to keep the area safe.

“We’re busy twelve months out of the year,” he said.

The fire department has 10 personnel on staff and with limited funding there are two or three firefighters on duty at any given time. It’s an unsafe number, Farhat says, and one that falls short of complying with federal requirements laid-out by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

In addition to paid staff, the department has nine volunteers, currently, with eight more in training. This is certainly helpful, Farhat said, but only when they are able to respond. The average volunteer response rate is 6 percent of the annual call volume.

“Volunteers are important,” he said.

“But they are not able to give [the department] what we need.” This is especially true when two calls come in at once, and this limited volunteer resource is busy and can’t respond.

These instances, in which multiple emergency events require his crew to be in two or more places at once, are depleting, Farhat says, and unsustainable. He is proposing an 11.14 mill tax increase to protect area residents.

The mill levy refers to the taxable value of a home, he said, and should not be confused with the market value of the property.

For example, if a residential home has a market value of $600,000, its taxable value is $15,780. An 11.14 mill levy increase would raise the homeowner’s annual tax by about $175, which equals approximately $15 per month.

When firefighters transport a patient from Big Sky to the hospital in Bozeman, it can take them out of the rotation for hours, leaving minimal staff to respond to additional medical emergencies.

Non-resident homeowners would account for more than 70 percent of these taxes, he added.

Chief Farhat had to leave a 3:30 p.m. interview with the Big Sky Weekly on Dec. 14 after 20 minutes, when he received a call to assist with a ski-injury transport to Bozeman Deaconess.

The money collected from this tax increase, totaling $485,000, would allow Farhat to hire five more firefighter/ EMTs or paramedics to comply with OSHA standards, which require four personnel on-shift at any given time.

If an incident such as a forest fire, multi-vehicle accident or structure fire occurs in the Big Sky area, mutual-aid resources are finite. The Yellowstone Club Fire Department is the closest backup at 20-minutes away and has a paramedic and ambulance available for assistance.

If the YCFD is on a call, Farhat said, help has to come from Gallatin Gateway, 45 minutes from Big Sky. Even then, Highway 191 is the only road connecting Big Sky to Bozeman.

On Dec. 12, a tractor-trailer jackknifed on 191 and began spilling fifty gallons of diesel fuel onto the road near the river. The truck came to rest perpendicular to the highway, blocking traffic and preventing additional resources from reaching the accident for nearly two-and-a-half hours.

“This was actually one of the simpler accidents we’ve had [in Gallatin Canyon],” said Farhat, who recalled notifying dispatch to get the word to

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Nothing is ever simple in the canyon, he added. With limited to non-existent cell phone service, a more complex situation, one with injuries, would drive up that two-and-a-half-hour timeframe.

“Imagine if we had a medical call at the same time in Big Sky,” Farhat said. “If the helicopter isn’t available there’s no way to get them to the hospital [in Bozeman] without going all the way through West Yellowstone. It’s always a big issue for us.”

This increase in staff would allow the department to handle multi-incident scenarios in an area that has limited help from outside emergency resources.

10 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

media entities soon after he learned the road was blocked. He made sure the driver wasn’t injured, then Farhat and his crew dealt with the diesel leak.

“I was gone until 9 [p.m.],” he said in a follow-up interview. “It’s a long time to drive to get to the hospital, turn around and be ready for the next [incident].”

Farhat spoke to the Resort Tax Board about his concerns for Big Sky residents earlier this year, and took these issues to other community members about a month ago. His tax proposal received strong community support in a survey he sent out in October, garnering an 86 percent approval rating.

“I want to be open and honest [with people],” he said. “And I want to get the information out there.”

He hopes the rest of the community will follow suit.

“We haven’t had a tragedy [related to an inability to respond] in Big Sky yet,” Farhat said. “We’re trying to avoid that. But if I was to wait until a tragedy occurred [to bring awareness], shame on me.”

For volunteer information with the Big Sky Fire Department, visit bigskyfire.org or call (406) 995-2100.

Chief Farhat will also be presenting information about the department and his proposed tax levy at the Big Sky town hall meetings on Jan. 14 and Feb. 11.

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Bough family donates $400,000 to Friends of Big Sky School District By tyler allen

big sky weekly staff writer

BIG SKY – On Friday, Dec. 21 Jill and Loren Bough handed a $400,000 check to Big Sky School District Superintendent Jerry House. The money was a donation to the Friends of Big Sky Education, earmarked for theater and music opportunities in the district through the new Warren Miller Performing Arts Center.

and assemblies like the Veterans Day celebration this November.

Since the high school opened in September, 2009, the Big Sky School District has grown from 155 to a projected 280 students for the 2013-2014 school year.

“Local businesses and the resorts can be confident that their quality employees can remain in this community to raise their children,” Bough said.

“I’m so happy this community supports arts and education,” House said. “Having a school and community facility in one . . . we couldn’t ask for anything better than that.”

The facility will allow Big Sky to draw the National Honor Society, professional musical and theatrical acts, national speakers, and Broadway type productions.

“I’m excited about it,” he said. “We hope to have it completed by the end of January.

It’s awesome for [Big Sky], something we can all hang our hat on.”

Friends of Big Sky Education has been around for eight years. It’s led the effort to create Lone Peak High School, bring the football stands from MSU for the LPHS Big Horns, helped facilitate the new school gymnasium and been active in contributing to education in the district. They have also led the fundraising effort for the WMPAC, set to open this winter.

The Bough family has donated about $900,000 to FBSE since its inception and more than $350,000 to local charities. Jill and Loren both grew up in small towns in Montana and choose to live in Big Sky for the lifestyle it affords.

The board was started by Jill, Loren, Mark Goode, Ann-Marie Mistretta and Barbara Rowley because they identified a need for secondary education.

“When we moved to Big Sky there was no high school,” Loren said.

“Kids were being bussed to Bozeman to what we considered an already oversized school.”

“There was a time in our career that we realized we could live anywhere in the world,” Loren said. “We had already lived in many interesting places, on the east coast and overseas, but we chose to return to Montana, and specifically Big Sky. The bottom line for us was ‘where is the best place to raise our children?’”

Loren Bough, Jerry House and Jill Bough in front of Ophir School Dec. 21.

Photo courtesy of the Boughs

It was not an ideal education for the kids in Big Sky to be travelling so far and without a local support network. Many of Big Sky’s families ended up leaving the community as their children neared high school age, he said.

The addition of LPHS has added a culture that was missing in Big Sky. The community now has sports teams to follow, more concerts and theater to attend,

The WMPAC will serve the student population of Big Sky but will also benefit the community at large. During after-school hours and weekends the space will be available to the Arts Council of Big Sky and other organizations to hold performances based on an application and booking process.

Friends of Big Sky Education continues its fundraising effort for the WMPAC, selling engraved seats with donors names for $500-$1,000. Big Sky has one of the fastest growing school districts in the state, but the challenges of that fast growth – including classroom space and hiring new teachers for the growing student population – are being met with a strong financial commitment from the community.

RTB to hold town hall meetings

By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR big sky weekly editor

BIG SKY – The Resort Tax Board is holding two town hall meetings early in 2013, before tax appropriations are divvied out starting in April.

In a letter to the community, received by the Big Sky Weekly on Dec. 18, members of the fiveperson RTB explained the purpose and importance of these public meetings, scheduled for Jan. 14 and Feb. 11.

“With Big Sky’s decentralized quasi-form of government made up of various taxing districts and not-for-profit organizations, which perform many duties of traditional incorporated governments, some centralized exchange of thoughts and planning is a good idea,” the letter read.

“We want to make prudent decisions in spending the limited but respectable amount of taxes collected by local businesses.”

In the Jan. 14 meeting, the board says they're looking for feedback on two main issues.

First, they hope to discuss with community members a “sinking fund.” This refers to the board setting aside money for “anticipated capital expenditures,” according to the letter.

“Each resort tax board wrestles with being limited by appropriating no more than the taxes collected,” said Les Loble, RTB’s chairman. “It’s hard to turn people down and still put money away for a rainy day.”

Additionally on Jan. 14, the board will address asking the Montana legislature for bonding authority for Big Sky’s “resort tax district,” such as areas have in “resort tax communities” like West Yellowstone. “Issuing bonds would mean that future tax receipts would be pledged to pay the bonds,” according to the letter.

Another issue the board looks to discuss is whether certain projects necessitating a bond should require a board super-majority vote or one made by registered voters in the district.

On Feb. 11, the board will present a post-review version of an organizational survey, including information from local organizations regarding their goals and future needs. These surveys will request funding requirements for the next three years.

The board will then hear from organizations in five-minute presentations, about their purpose and involvement in the community.

They plan to close the Feb. 11 meeting with an open forum and a question and answer session with the RTB. The board hopes to see a significant public turnout at the meetings, in addition to organizations hoping to receive funding from resort tax. All community members are encouraged to attend.

Meetings on Jan. 14 and Feb. 11 will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Montana Room at Buck’s T-4 Restaurant Complex.

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Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 11

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regional

Big Sky Weekly

Composer Eric Funk honored by MSU msu news service

Olah, who plays a Stradivarius violin, practiced the composition for two years before premiering it in Budapest.

BOZEMAN - Eric Funk doesn't have an iPod, but he's pretty sure his mind works like one.

“The sound that comes out of that thing is so phenomenal, Funk said. “It actually sounds like an oboe, a flute and a trumpet."

“Composers are like iPods,” said the award-winning performer and composer. “Only they’re filled with their own music.” Funk recently won the 2013 James and Mary Ross Provost's Award for Excellence, one of Montana State University’s top teaching awards.

Funk works in Montana because, he says, "it’s where I make sense. In Europe they tell me, 'your music is so big.’ I couldn’t compose the music I do if I didn’t live here."

The namesake and creative director of the awardwinning, Montana PBS series "11th & Grant with Eric Funk," he’s also a jazz musician, recording artist and conductor. He has six CDs featuring his original work, which has been recorded by symphonies and orchestras around the world.

Funk has composed more than 121 major works: nine symphonies, four operas, 16 concertos, five string quartets and an extensive list of choral and chamber works.

He’s also been teaching some of MSU's most popular classes since 2002.

His music appreciation classes, part of the university's core curriculum, are among MSU's most regarded.

About a quarter of MSU's students will take a class from Funk.

"Former students rave about his teaching,” said Greg Young, interim director of the MSU School of Music.

"They feel he’s knowledgeable, captivating, warm and talented.”

Motivation is never a problem for composer Eric Funk, who also is one of MSU's award-winning instructors.

Photo courtesy of Eric Funk.

Born in Deer Lodge to a musical family, Funk was considered a child prodigy in a family of musical masters. He is perhaps best known in his home state for the series "11th & Grant," now in its eighth season. The series airs during the winter featuring Montana musicians and is filmed in just one week in the summer.

Funk believes one of his biggest creative leaps as a composer came as a result of teaching. "For me [that leap] was education, interacting with young people and mentoring them.”

The String Orchestra of the Rockies in Missoula and the Bozeman High School Orchestra performed his composition "Montana Winter" in December.

Perhaps his most noted composition to date will be introduced to the general public in March when Montana PBS releases its documentary "The Violin Alone," about Funk and Hungarian violin virtuoso Vilmos Olah. The film follows Funk’s visit to Budapest last year to see Olah debut a complex piece Funk composed, in which the violinist plays all parts of the concerto on one violin.

“Things are coming to fruition,” said Funk, 63, and says he’s only in the middle of his career. “With composers, it usually takes a while.”

Delivering Big Sky’s best restaurants to your home, office, hotel or condo!

This piece was adapted from one originally written

by Carol Schmidt.

Town Hall MEETings Talking about Big Sky’s Future

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The Resort Tax Board would like to engage the community in a series of two town hall meetings to have some two way conversations about achieving the best results for our community. Big Sky is blessed with exceptional volunteerism and dedication. With the Resort Tax to help fund programs and services, together we can continue to build a world class community if we continue to manage the funds thoughtfully as Big Sky grows.

Your help and ideas are needed.

Join us January 14th and February 11th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Montana Room at Buck’s T-4 For more detailed information go to bigskyresorttax.com

montana

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Big Sky Weekly

Bullock, Walsh Announce Directors of Transportation, Natural Resources and Conservation, DEQ HELENA – On Dec. 13, Governor-elect Steve Bullock and Lieutenant Governor-elect John Walsh announced their appointments to run the Transportation Department, as well as the department of Natural Resources and Conservation. A day later, Bullock chose the new head the Department of Environmental Quality.

Mike Tooley, former colonel and chief of the Montana Highway Patrol, was appointed director of the state’s Department of Transportation. A native of Havre, Mont., Tooley served in the highway patrol for 28 years, has undergone training for senior executives in state and local government at Harvard University and graduated from the FBI National Academy.

John Tubbs was picked to lead Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, where he worked from 1985 to 2009. Tubbs was most recently the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science for the U.S. Department of the Interior. He received both his Masters of Art and Bachelors of Science from the University of Montana in Missoula.

"Looking after our land, water, and critical infrastructure is an important responsibility, and I know John and Mike are up to the job," said Bullock.

The governor-elect chose on Dec. 14 Tracy Stone-Manning, of Missoula, to head the Department of Environmental Quality in his administration.

Stone-Manning has served as a senior advisor and acting state staff director to U.S. Senator Jon Tester on conservation, natural resources, and alternative energy issues. She has a master’s degree from the University of Montana and bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland.

"Tracy has a proven record of bringing people together to responsibly manage our natural resources," said Bullock. "She will work together with whoever it takes to make sure DEQ is doing right by everyone who values and prospers from Montana's land and water."

Montana Revenue Department launches eNewsletter Montana Tax News You Can Use

HELENA – The Montana Department of Revenue published its first issue of Montana Tax News You Can Use Thursday, Dec. 13.

The electronic newsletter for tax preparers assists people in filing and meeting their tax responsibilities. It’s designed to keep tax preparers informed on what's happening at the department, new ways of preparing and filing taxes, and issues and trends that arise during tax season.

"We appreciate the essential role of tax preparers in the tax system,” said Department of Revenue Director Dan Bucks. “We understand that the system continues to get more and more complicated, [and] we will do our best to communicate to you in a way that is as clear and simple as possible."

The first issue features news about contingency planning for the expiration of federal tax provisions, business tax forms, and free electronic filing options.

The next issue is scheduled for Jan. 3, 2013. The department will publish the newsletter weekly during tax season.

To view or sign up for the eNewsletter, visit revenue.mt.gov.

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Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 13

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montana

Big Sky Weekly

IGBC opens discussion: regulated grizzly bear hunting

By Harv Forsgren, Outgoing IGBC Chair and Scott Talbott, Incoming IGBC Chair It has been nearly 30 years since the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee was created to coordinate the wide range of state, federal and provincial resource agencies sharing responsibility for recovering the grizzly bear. Once delisted, grizzly population management is handed off to state and provincial wildlife agencies, allowing federal resources to be shifted to the recovery of other grizzly populations and endangered species.

The IGBC provides direction for the subcommittees responsible for recovery work at the ecosystem level. The IGBC’s goal is to analyze the varying ecosystem factors and to formulate a wide range of mechanisms in order to create the unique combination of biological and social conditions needed to achieve recovery into the future.

From a population standpoint, two of the ecosystems have reached the goals set to signify biological recovery. However, we have learned that recovery is based on human acceptance as well as biological factors. People living and working in recovery areas must be included because, without human acceptance, all the biological fixes in the world will not bring back and sustain a species as envisioned by the Endangered Species Act. The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation began in the mid-1800s and is responsible

for our greatest wildlife recoveries. The model utilizes conservation based on the best available science and the consideration of the human role.

Paradoxically, much of the success has been driven by the support of those who hunt and fish, including the recovery of endangered species. Through sportsmen dollars generated from license sales for the quarry they pursue, they have worked to insure that needed habitats exist for thousands of wildlife species and that populations are managed properly.

Much of the great wildland legacy we have today can be attributed to the efforts of Theodore Roosevelt. He contributed to the model based on his knowledge as a sportsman and his understanding of the value of wild places. Sportsmen since Roosevelt have carried the burden of conserving wildlife and the habitats they need to thrive.

Despite the incredible accomplishments associated with grizzly bear recovery, there has been great uproar over the consideration of a statement supporting the use of regulated hunting as a possible management approach for grizzly populations that are recovered and delisted. IGBC agencies have collectively and unanimously endorsed regulated hunting as one approach to promote coexistence, to manage populations and to reduce conflicts between bears and humans.

public process and are consistent with standards in the ecosystem-specific conservation strategies that guide the management of delisted populations.

The recovery of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems is an excellent example of how people living and working in grizzly country recognize the value of grizzly bears and represents one of the nation’s most significant conservation achievements.

As recovery efforts continue to succeed, bear populations will increase, and conflicts will increase as more bears move into human occupied areas. Unchecked grizzly populations in areas of high human density will compromise the value and tolerance people have for grizzlies.

We know grizzly bears will require continuous management to ensure conflict with humans is minimized and to keep bear distribution and numbers aligned with social tolerances and biologically suitable habitats.

Waiting until delisting occurs to discuss options for managing bear numbers and distribution is irresponsible. In order for recovery to be successful, the IGBC believes it is important that an open and honest dialogue occurs regarding all facets of recovery and management.

Our support is limited to regulations that reflect the best available science, are established in a

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www.cookecityadventures.com 14 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

PEAKS CENTRE BUILDING 175 Aspen Leaf Drive, Big Sky, Montana

OPPORTUNITY TO BUY OR LEASE Let us show you the advantages of owning and how you can own for less than leasing.

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• Pe di at ri c s • C h ron i c C on dit i ons • Wom en’s He a lt h • Pren at a l C are • Oste op at h i c Man ipu l at i on Prescheduled and same-day appointments available Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays Taking most local insurance carriers including Medicare and Medicaid

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Section 2:

Big Sky Weekly

Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 Volume 3 // Issue No. 26

business, health and environment

sports Local Olympian wins opening World Cup competitions

By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR big sky weekly editor

BOZEMAN– It was hard for Heather McPhie to stay focused when she clicked into her bindings in Finland on Dec. 15. Half an hour earlier, she crashed so hard on this mogul course in training she broke a ski.

Luckily, she had her backup Moment boards at the top of the hill, and her coach, Lasse Fahlen, to keep her calm in the starting gates. “[We] had a good plan of just staying focused on myself and the few simple things that we were working on,” McPhie said in an email interview, thankful for her safety and the result of her efforts.

This ice running through her veins shot the Bozeman, Mont. native down the course and earned her first place in the opening World Cup mogul competition of the season. McPhie’s winning run included her signature D-spin, an off-axis 720-degree aerial.

McPhie, 28, is off to an epic start – she’s won the first two World Cup moguls competitions of the season and is currently ranked number one in the world.

Heather Mcphie in the 2012 US Freestyle Championships. Photo courtesy of U.S. Ski Team

With victories in Finland and Austria, McPhie is poised to control the circuit, and she’s determined to remain focused on her goal, to be overall World Cup champion.

“I had a feeling she was ready to do well this year,” said Kristie McPhie, Heather’s mother.

“It’s really coming together.”

This road to the podium was long for McPhie however, and included a major setback after she broke her back in 2006 – the fracture took months for doctors to diagnose.

“It was a scary injury because it [went] on for so long,” she said. “It was painful and confusing.”

McPhie, who now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, stuck it out with the help of mental coach Craig Manning, and called it “one of the best learning experiences I have had.”

Her mother remains impressed by Heather’s resilience.

2012 U.S. Freestyle Nationals at Stratton Moguls training. Photo by Kirk Paulsen, courtesy of u.s. ski team

“It’s been quite a journey,” Kristie said. “We learn a lot from her all the time.”

Now a major threat in the mogul circuit, McPhie’s last two ski seasons have been a whirlwind.

The 28-year-old topped the FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup podium in Deer Valley in 2010, with a first-place finish that turned heads and earned her a spot on the U.S. Olympic ski team for the Vancouver Winter Games.

These latest victories in Finland and Austria, the first two FIS World Cup mogul competitions of the season, have McPhie picking up where she left off last year with four podium finishes. Her success has come with hard work and focus.

McPhie, an ambassador at Moonlight Basin Resort, spent the last off-season cramming for this season’s tests. After a century road-bike ride with friends last spring, she resumed her normal training routine in the gym six days a week. But a professional mogul skier’s training demands more than lunges and sit-ups.

She trained on the snow at Mount Hood, Chile and Switzerland from the end of summer to early fall, had water ramp-training sessions in Lake Placid, N.Y. and attended a high-performance camp with sponsor Red Bull at a Toronto trampoline facility.

McPhie, the first-ever mogul skier to pick up a Red Bull sponsorship, practices her D-spin and other in-air maneuvers with Red Bull’s air awareness coach, focusing on balance and the ability to know where she is after takeoff. She also points to Moment skis and Oakley, other sponsors which help boost her performance, as well as Outlaw Partners, the publisher of this paper.

Continued on p. 18

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Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 17

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sports

Big Sky Weekly

Continued from p. 17 In October, the former gymnast had a different sort of training, with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, Nev., one she won’t soon forget.

“It was mind-blowing,” she said, after training and attending two Cirque shows that left her in awe. “It was all about finding your creativity and I was able to explore a side of me that I had never tapped into before.”

On Christmas Eve, McPhie returned to Montana, taking time for family and friends, and the rest of what she misses about Big Sky Country – “the wide opens spaces and how quiet it is in the mountains. The longer I’ve been gone, the more thankful I am for my roots,” she said.

She also anticipates giving back to her home mountain, Moonlight Basin. Her schedule on Dec. 27 included a ski with one lucky bidder who won the chance to make turns with the Olympic athlete. Afterward, McPhie met with Moonlight’s freeride team, to talk about her experiences skiing around the world, and locally.

“We are honored that Heather has joined on for a second year as a pro ambassador of Moonlight Basin,” said Karen Lum, director of sales and marketing at the resort. “She is an inspiring role model for our freeride team and all the youth in our specialty programs.”

In the throes of battle: Mcphie on the course Photo by Kirk Paulsen, courtesy of u.s. ski team

McPhie and Moonlight Basin have collaborated on fundraisers for Eagle Mount – Bozeman, a nonprofit agency dedicated to improving lives of disabled persons and youths with cancer through recreation. McPhie and the resort also raise funds for Heart of the Valley Humane Society, a Bozeman-based animal shelter.

The next FIS Freestyle World Cup moguls comp. is Jan. 17 – 19 in Lake Placid, N.Y. For Heather McPhie, the competition year is just getting started, but so far the field is chasing an ace, one who’s eying the overall championship just beyond the next bump.

from

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This property is listed for sale by RPRT Real Estate, Inc. (D145538) dba Winter and Company Real Estate (A169316), PO Box 161794, Big Sky, MT 59716, (406) 995-2093. 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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sports

Big Sky Weekly

Fixing the Jets Fans have been clamoring for Tim Tebow to get his opportunity in a Jets uniform, and pundits have questioned the Jets’ decision to acquire the controversial quarterback if he wasn’t going to be a consistent part of the offense. The recent news of McElroy’s elevation to the starting role has led to further rumors Tebow will seek a trade, or his release, in the coming off-season.

By Brandon Niles

Big sky weekly sports columnist

After a disappointing game against the Titans Monday, Dec. 17, Jets players hung their heads as they left the field.

A team many picked to be playoff contenders had fallen short and done so with late season play establishing them as one of the worst teams in the league.

After the Titans loss, Jets coach Rex Ryan announced quarterback Mark Sanchez would no longer be the starter.

However, instead of handing the reigns to highly publicized backup Tim Tebow, Ryan named second year quarterback Greg McElroy out of Alabama as the starter. McElroy saw some action earlier in the season, as Sanchez was benched late in the Dec. 2 game against Arizona. McElroy played admirably in that contest, guiding the Jets to a late touchdown and a 7-6 win.

Missing in all of this is whether or not starting McElroy is the right football decision. The knock on McElroy coming out of Alabama in 2010 was he had great leadership but lacked arm strength. He slipped to the seventh round despite throwing for 37 touchdowns and nearly 5,500 yards his last two years at Alabama and playing in the 2010 National Championship Game.

The Jets are in a state of unrest right now. They have a struggling offensive line, questions at the skill positions and an inconsistent pass rush. Not to mention the quarterback struggles. It’s become clear that Mark Sanchez is not the long term answer for the Jets. With the rest of the team struggling and the playoffs no longer in reach, the switch to McElroy was the best decision.

Rex Ryan is a good coach. The Jets should hang on to him. However, the team needs to be patient and find a new answer at quarterback while attempting to upgrade the skill players. Trade Sanchez to a needy team that might want to give him a chance and would eat the last year of his contract (Oakland or Arizona?) and trade Tebow to Jacksonville or whichever team hires his former Denver head coach Josh McDaniels (maybe the Browns?) next year.

The Jets can draft a new guy to battle it out with McElroy for the starting role, bring in a running back, upgrade at right tackle and guard, and acquire another wide receiver. Fixing their pass rush might have to wait another year.

The cure for the Jets is patience and a new direction with an influx of fresh, Mark Sanchez lost is position as starting quarterback young talent. The problem is, in New for the Jets after a disappointing loss to the Titans.

York, patience runs thin.

Tebow has certainly enjoyed success in the NFL; but if the team is not convinced of his ability as a long term passer, there’s no reason to start him in the final two games. The Jets are better off seeing what they have in McElroy, a more traditional style of quarterback than Tebow, and addressing the problem at the end of the season.

Brandon Niles has done online freelance writing about the NFL since 2007. His articles range from NFL news to teamspecific 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.

THOMAS LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

Winter means

powder days,

Lone Peak High School

snowflakes on the tongue,

Boys and Girls Basketball Schedule 2012-13 Two games played per date: Game No. 1 – LPHS Girls’ Game No. 2 – LPHS Boys’

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20 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

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Dec. 7 & 8 Away

Girls’ @ St. Regis Tournament

TBD

W (30, 15)

Dec. 7 & 8 Away

Boys’ @ St. Regis Tournament

TBD

L (31, 51)

Dec. 14

Home

vs Harrison/Willow Creek

5:30 p.m./7 p.m. W (60, 51)

Dec. 15

Home

vs Ennis

4 p.m./5:30 p.m. L (49, 73)

Dec. 18

Away

@ Shields Valley

4:30 p.m./6 p.m. L (38, 66)

Jan. 4

Home

vs Gardiner

5:30 p.m./7 p.m.

Jan. 5

Away

@ Twin Bridges

5:30 p.m./7 p.m.

Jan. 10

Home

vs Sheridan

5:30 p.m./7 p.m.

Jan. 11

Away

@ West Yellowstone

5:30 p.m./7 p.m.

Jan. 12

Home

vs Lima

3 p.m./4:30 p.m.

Jan. 17

Away

@ Ennis

6 p.m./7:30 p.m.

Jan. 19

Away

@Harrison/Willow Creek

5:30 p.m./7 p.m.

Jan. 25

Away

@ Gardiner

5:30 p.m./7 p.m.

Jan. 26

Home

vs Shields Valley

2 p.m./3:30 p.m.

Feb. 1

Away

@ White Sulphur Springs

5:30 p.m./7 p.m.

Feb. 2

Home

vs Manhattan Christian

4 p.m./5:30 p.m.

Feb. 7

Home

vs West Yellowstone

5:30 p.m./7 p.m.

Feb. 9

Away

@ Lima (BOYS’ PLAY FIRST)

5:30 p.m./7 p.m.

Basketball District Tournament MAC Center, Butte, MT, February 13-16, 2013 Basketball Divisional Tournament, Hamilton, MT, February 20-23, 2013 Basketball State Tournament Girls’ –Belgrade, MT, February 28-March 2, 2013 Basketball State Tournament Boys’ – MSU-Bozeman, MT, March 7-9, 2013 Basketball Awards Banquet – week of March 11-15 – day & time TBD

health & wellness State project promotes lifestyle changes to prevent type 2 diabetes

National program offers tools and resources to help Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

lifestyle change requires choosing a goal and working toward it.

HELENA – Diabetes affects nearly 26 million Americans, and an estimated 79 million adults are at risk for developing the disease. In Montana, diabetes affects more than 62,000 adults and an estimated 270,000 more have pre-diabetes.

"Once a plan is in place, the NDEP provides a number of tools to help people reach their goals," Brokaw said. "Whether it's to eat healthier, be more active, lose weight, or cope better with stress and emotions."

But two groups are showing how lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of this dangerous disease.

The Montana Diabetes Project and National Diabetes Education Program are changing the way diabetes is treated by working together to help people better understand how to make the necessary changes in their daily lives to prevent or control type 2 diabetes.

"Even if you know what to do to improve your health, figuring out how to do it and fitting it into your daily routine can be a big challenge," said Anna Whiting Sorrell, Director of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

According to Sarah Brokaw of the Montana Diabetes Project, a healthy

The essence of an extraordinary LIFE is about living your PASSION.

For those at risk for type 2 diabetes, the Montana Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Prevention Program is a 10-month program available at 15 sites across the state and at several telehealth sites in southeast Montana.

This evidence-based program shows a 58-percent reduction in the risk of diabetes through simple lifestyle changes.

For more personalized assistance, Montana diabetes educators can also help tailor specific plans, Brokaw said.

Find local diabetes educators through your local hospitals or online at diabetes.mt.gov.

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business

Big Sky Weekly

Bang replaces O’Leary as Big Sky’s director of sales and marketing

By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR

siastic and optimistic. He has a radiant personality.”

Middleton, who was director of sales and marketing in ‘92, announced the decision just after 9 a.m.

Tuesday, said Chad Jones, Big Sky’s public relations manager.

big sky weekly editor

BIG SKY – Big Sky Resort had a void to fill last month, when its sales and marketing department learned their leader, Meg O’Leary, was moving on to become director of Montana’s Department of Commerce.

Consider the void filled.

Brandon Bang was named Big Sky’s new director of sales and marketing on Tuesday morning, Dec. 18, 20 years to the day since the resort first hired Bang as a front desk clerk.

“I missed my college graduation ceremony [in 1992] to come out and interview,” said Bang, who eventually received his degree that year from the University of North Dakota. “That’s one of the cool things about this town and Big Sky Resort. If you come here and work hard, you can succeed.”

Bang held a number of positions at Big Sky before his latest appointment. He worked as an accountant, managed the reservations department, was sales manager for 11 years and held the director of sales job for four and half.

Big Sky’s General Manager Taylor Middleton, who coincidentally first hired Bang on Dec. 18, 1992, personally delivered the message to the sales and marketing department.

Big Sky's Resort's new director of sales and marketing, Brandon Bang, stands next to Marine One, Barack Obama's helicopter, during the president's 2009 visit to Big Sky. Photo courtesy of Boyne Resorts

“Meg is going to be sorely missed,” Jones said. “She is a leader in the department and in Big Sky, in general. But Brandon has a lot of expertise. We’re all excited to move on and be a part of the next evolutionary step in Big Sky.”

Middleton praised Bang’s experience and personality, saying it was a good decision to appoint him to one of the most important jobs at the resort, and calling him a “rainmaker” for Big Sky.

O’Leary, appointed as Bullock’s director of the Commerce Department on Nov. 30, held Bang’s position for the past 12 years and has been with the resort for 23.

“We hired him because of his qualifications and his incredible history on the sales side of the business,” Middleton said, adding that Bang is “always enthu-

“Meg has been such a great leader and a permanent fixture here,” Bang said. “I have some really big ski boots to fill.”

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28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 23 explorebigsky.com Joi n us - Holiday Party & Open House, Dec. 30th, Dec. 5:30-7:30pm

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Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky Montana Have you been told that the Real Estate market is DEAD?

Not in OUR Office

Year to Date Big Sky Real Estate Transactions 90

89.5

Year to Date Big Sky Sales Volume $60,000,000 52 Million

80

$50,000,000

70

Units Sold

60

52.5

52.5

50

$40,000,000 26 Million

$30,000,000

40

21 Million

30

$20,000,000

20

$10,000,000

10 0 Big Sky Christie's

Firm 2

Firm 3

Real Estate Sales Year to Date *Based on 2012 information from Gallatin Association of Realtors MLS Data

$0 Big Sky Christie's

Firm 2

Year to Date Sales Volume

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Firm 3

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business

Big Sky Weekly

Caravan skis: building a business from scratch in Bozeman By tyler allen

big sky weekly staff writer

BOZEMAN – Zeph Hallowell was working as a carpenter in Bozeman, Mont. after college, and spent a lot of time thinking about skiing while pounding nails.

“One day I’m going to build some skis,” Hallowell thought to himself, as he was remodeling houses.

Building skis is a lot of woodworking, he says, and in summer 2011 he put his hammer down in favor of an 1800-pound ski press in hopes of creating a viable business in Caravan Skis.

When Hallowell isn’t out testing his boards in the southwest Montana mountains, he spends his days in his Short Street garage in north Bozeman pressing the three different models of Caravans. The Zepher, PigDog, and Daily Driver are each intended for different conditions and rider styles.

Zeph Hallowell ouside his Short Street workshop in Bozeman. Photos by Max Lowe

“The Zepher is more of a resort pow ski,” he said. “It’s super easy to turn.”

It’s 115 cm underfoot and has a flatter tail for smearing those turns when you need them.

The Daily Driver (105 cm underfoot) is more of an everyday, every-condition type of ski as the name suggests. It’s narrow enough to carve on fresh corduroy, yet wide enough to float when the fresh snow piles up, Hallowell says.

The first ski he ever made, the PigDog is his, “big, fat pow ski. It slashes really easily but is super stable.” Its flat camber and early-rise tip and tail are ideal for when the Montana storms really deliver.

Hallowell says he’s spent a lot of time trying different skis throughout the years and has taken concepts and ideas from an industry that’s always evolving.

“There are so many different variables that make a ski [perform] differently,” he said. “I’m not doing anything drastic, but you just change the shape, flex, etcetera and you have a different ski.”

“There’s a lot of trial and error and research into how different materials interact with each other,” Hallowell said. “[Building skis] can be the most frustrating thing ever. There are so many different things that can go wrong.”

This season Caravan began offering it’s “Artist’s Edition” which allows the buyer a choice of different top sheets designed by local artists Greg Swain, Walker Howard and August Cary.

Hallowell hopes to have more artists contribute their designs in the future.

Caravan is offering an introductory price of $499 per pair this season to get the skis out on the slopes and build the name. “I just want to create a brand people can get behind. I want to get as many shredders on them as possible.”

For more information visit caravanskis.com.

Making skis is not an environmentally friendly process, Hallowell said, but he’s doing what he can to mitigate the impact Caravans have on the earth. The skis are built with fast-growing bamboo fiber – though, as he notes, it's shipped from across the globe – and a non-toxic epoxy that is made partially with paper-pulp runoff.

Hallowell uses basalt fiber in the base construction, which is the most abundant rock on earth, he said. He also hopes to move towards recycled plastics in the sidewall construction in the future.

26 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

Hallowell building new Caravan boards.

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business profile

Big Sky Weekly

Zócalo coffee shop: Bozeman’s newest gathering place By tyler allen

big sky weekly staff writer

BOZEMAN – Luke Welborn opened Zócalo coffee house this September on Main Street in Bozeman, with the goal of making the greatest cup of coffee in town. After a thorough nationwide search of roasters, he found his beans right here in Montana.

“I spent a lot of time looking at the best roasters in the country,” Welborn said. “I wanted to stay local but still have best coffee in Bozeman.”

After comparing nationwide samples from renowned roasters, he settled on Montana Coffee Traders in Whitefish.

“It couldn’t have been a better fit,” he said. “Their beans are easily comparable to the best Seattle roasters and they’re local.” Also, they’re mostly grown in Guatemala, a country he has visited eight times, starting when he was a student at the University of Colorado – Boulder.

Welborn and a friend traveled to Guatemala on a whim in college and decided other students would enjoy the experience too. They began organizing trips involving adventure travel and tours, and never charged more than their cost, so it was always full of students.

After college he wanted to stay involved in Latin America and his love for its coffee.

Zócalo, Spanish for “meeting place,” is also the name of the main square in Mexico City. Welborn chose the name in hopes it would convey the community gathering space he envisions for the shop.

The twenty-six-year-old is a full-time Emergency Room technician, and plans on being a doctor someday. In his spare time however, he devotes his energy to caffeinating his fellow Bozemanites.

Luke Welborn pours a cup of joe at Zócalo coffee house. Photo by Tyler Allen

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business

Big Sky Weekly

Elevated Fitness offers innovative approach to fitness Personal trainer opens new space in Town Center Her reasoning behind using boxing and other creative exercises: “The way to help people is by rotation and movements that help everyday life.” Plus, she says, boxing is fun and a good stress reliever.

Darden, 32, started as a personal trainer in 2008, working at Big Sky Health and Fitness until opening a new studio in mid-September. “[I wanted] to create a private setting for personal training,” she said.

Elevated Fitness, an open 1,264-squarefoot space with high ceilings, tall mirrors and an array of exercise equipment, is in the Design Center Building in the Town Center, between Pure West and Sotheby's.

Susan Darden focuses on the task at hand.

photos and story By emily stifler

“This is a real waist whittler,” Darden says, demoing a side kick on the heavy bag with practiced expertise.

BIG SKY – Susan Darden loves boxing.

Light on her feet, she sets up with knees bent, fists by her face. She rotates on her left foot, lifting her right foot to waist level and nailing the bag with a lightning fast kick. In addition to toning the obliques, side kicks also work many of the same muscles used for skiing and snowboarding.

big sky weekly managing editor

The personal trainer teaches it to all her clients, showing them jabs, straight punches, upper cuts, left and right hooks, and kicks.

She likes to teach her clients moves they can do at home – things like bodyweight, kettle bell and medicine ball exercises – but also implements free weights, stationary bikes, weight machines, and bouts with the jungle gym.

Paying careful attention while taking a detailed health history, Darden tailors training sessions around that, as well as athletic goals. Doing each exercise

properly, with control, will prevent injury, she says. “Take the time, that’s key.”

In addition to a creative, non-judgmental style, Darden is well qualified to be a personal trainer in a ski town.

She earned a Kinesiology degree from University of Colorado and has been a ski and snowboard instructor for seven seasons, five at the Yellowstone Club and two in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

“There are such a variety of people from around the country that train in Big Sky,” she says. “People are motivated due to [it] being in such an active town.”

Her clients range from ages 10 to 70.

Some are looking to lose weight or improve their health, she says, while others train with Darden to make daily living easier by working on balance and range of motion because of previous injuries. One regular group is a collection of six guys who come in for a weekly ski conditioning session.

“Really, it’s just life training,” Darden says.

Darden holds the bag for a client.

FOR SALE one of a kind antique

Peninsular 414 wood burning stove

REDUCED PRICE: was $ 5,000

NOW ONLY $3900

28 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

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CONTACT: Tim 580-0624 or 580-5051

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Classifieds/business directory help wanted Big Sky School District Advertisement for Services of a General Contractor Construction Manager (GC/CM) Big Sky School District #72 is requesting qualifications from Licensed Montana contractors to provide pre-construction services as a General Contractor Construction Manager (GC/CM) as defined

by MCA 18-2-502 for the design collaboration and construction management of a new elementary school located on district property.

(due to Winter Break office will be closed until December 27) Please send email requests to jhouse@bssd72.org. Qualifications are due in the District Office by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013.

NOTICE OF BOARD VACANCIES IN BIG SKY: The Madison County Board of Commissioners has two vacancies on the Big Sky Mountains, Trails, Recreation, and Parks District Board, and a vacancy for an “At Large” member on the Madison County Planning Board. If you are interested in serving on either of these boards please contact the Commissioners’ Office at 406-843-4277, by email at

madco@madison.mt.gov , or visit our website at www.madison.mt.gov.

Office manager/Executive Assistant position available with local Real Estate company. Must have great organizational and communication skills, high proficiency in database management and excel.

Pay DOE, please send resume and cover letter to bigskyryan@gmail.com Phonebook delivery. Experience preferred, Bozeman area. Contact directadllc@aol.com with inquiries

Big Sky Weekly

for rent RENTALS ATV'S, Polaris RZR side by sides, RV's, Driftboats & SNOWMOBILES when the snow flies! bigboystoysrentals.com 406-587-4747

$450/mo. Call 406-763-4361

Miscellaneous

Looking to buy high end used furniture and kitchen cabinets.

Call 406-220-6124

VERIFICATION COPY OF YOUR ADVERTISEM

Attn:Bailey Paving This is a copy of your advertisement which will appear in the 2009-2010 edition of the Big S Directory published by Statewide Publishing - Montana under the heading(s) of:

Complete qualification requirements may be obtained from the District Office

Paving Contractors

• short or long term luxury rental in Big sky •

1. Is spelling and ad information correct? ...................................................................................

2. Is your phone number and address correct? ..........................................................................

Email advertising and/or 3. I understand that colors in my ad may vary due to differences in printer inks & pape Please mark the advertising4.requests tonecessary corrections directly on the ad as neatly as possible.

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RIVER RUN FLY FISHING · HORSES · SKIING

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FO R MO R E I NFO R MATI O N

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environment

Big Sky Weekly

Our winter visitors

By Bruce Auchly

montana fish, wildlife and parks

Birds that head south for the winter are easy to envy and understand. Who hasn’t occasionally dreamed of spending a winter in the Bahamas, Mexico or the pampas of Argentina? Think of western tanagers, orioles and barn swallows.

birds have more bars than males. And they’re big: up to 28-inches tall with a wingspan of five feet or more. That’s a bit larger than the more familiar great horned owl.

The snowy owl makes its home on the Arctic’s treeless expanse. Yet periodically, when its food (mice and lemmings mostly) becomes scarce, some

mals, it’s an easy bird to spot: feathered legs down to the toes, a broad band of brown across the belly and black patches on the underside of each wrist, or bend of the wings. This hawk settles into its Montana winter territory by November, sometimes earlier, and leaves by March.

Hawks and owls are easy to spot compared to our most overlooked winged winter visitor. Drive any gravel road in the winter Likewise, we can and you will frequently According to the Audubon Society empathize with those encounter and scatter a Encyclopedia of North American birds that spend their flock of small, drab birds. entire lives here, doing Birds, the snow bunting can withThose little brown, white their best to survive the stand temperatures of minus 50, bur- and black creatures are worst that winter can usually snow buntings, row in the snow to keep warm and throw at them. In this feeding on weed and grain even loves to bathe in the snow. category, place horned seeds. According to the larks, great horned Audubon Society Encycloowls and magpies. owls fly south to areas pedia of North American Birds, the snow bunting Tough birds, all. that resemble their tundra can withstand temperatures of minus 50, burrow in home, like prairies and the snow to keep warm and even loves to bathe in But what to make of Snow buntings can take the worst of Montana's winters: coastal dunes. There’s not the snow. Loves it! birds that migrate to below zero temperatures and snow. Photo by FWP much for coastal dunes in the Montana prairies to Montana but we have lots The holiday season brought with it winter visitors. enjoy our winter; birds that come here for winter, of prairie. So on those bitter winter days when folks The American philosopher Ben Franklin is famous and only winter? The quick answer is they come say Montana looks like frozen tundra, at least one for saying, “Guests, like fish, begin to smell after because we look like the Bahamas compared to their creature must think it looks pretty inviting, just like three days.” home. Our winter visitors range from snowy owls home. to rough-legged hawks to snow buntings. By their If you have holiday guests that have stayed too names alone, they’re the perfect winter guests.

Unlike the occasional snowy owl visitor, our most long, suggest they make like snow buntings and visible and common winter raptor maybe the roughbathe in the snow. Winter visitors all.

Let’s start with snowy owls. As their name implies, legged hawk. The rough-legged hawk nests north of these members of the owl family are mostly white us from Alaska across Canada. When it patrols our Bruce Auchly, the FWP Region 4 Information Officer, with some dark barring; immature and female prairies in winter searching for mice and small aniwrote this article as part of the Tales and Trails series.

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Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 31

VOLKSWAGEN OF BOZEMAN

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Section 3:

Big Sky Weekly

Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 Volume 3 // Issue No. 26

OF BIG S T

BE

KY

S

life, land and culture

12

V

O

U

20

Locals and visitors from afar logged on to explorebigsky.com or filled out surveys by hand, weighing in on their favorites in Big Sky. This survey was conducted in a “write-in” format. Those filling out surveys had the chance to nominate anyone or any business they chose. Thanks to all the voters for helping us dig up the best of the best, including top restaurant, après ski joint, and outdoor shop around. And congrats to the winners! We all appreciate your hard work.

TED

BY

YO

Best lunch 1st Wrap Shack

2nd Blue Moon Bakery 3rd Bugaboo

Best Restaurant 1st Lotus Pad

2nd Olive B's 3rd Buck's T-4

Best breakfast 1st Bugaboo

2nd Blue Moon Bakery 3rd The Corral

best pizza 1st Blue Moon Bakery

Marc Lang, boot-fitter extraordinaire at Grizzly Outfitters, straps up a sale. Grizzly topped the Best Outdoor Shop category, boasting a full-service ski repair shop, rental center and specialty boot-fitters. Photo by Joseph T. O’Connor

2nd Ousel and Spur 3rd Milkies

Best Outdoor Shop 1st Grizzly Outfitters

2nd GAS 3rd Lone Mountain Sports

Best aprés 1st Scissorbills

2nd Moonlight Lodge 3rd Choppers

best hot springs 1st Chico Hot Springs

2nd Norris Hot Springs 3rd Boiling River

Blue Moon Bakery led the Best Pizza and Best Coffee in Big Sky categories, with toppings out the wazoo and a mouth-watering crust. Try the Orion, a pie built for a hunter, or the Northern Lights, complete with Feta cheese, artichokes, roasted red peppers, garlic, spinach, basil and sundried tomatoes.

More on next page

explorebigsky.com

Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 33

OF BIG S T

Big Sky Weekly

BE

KY

S

explorebigsky.com

12

V

O

U

20

TED

BY

best cup of coffee 1st Blue Moon Bakery

2nd Hungry Moose 3rd Big Sky Coffee & Tea

YO

best ski mountain in montana 1st Big Sky Resort

2nd Moonlight Basin 3rd Maverick Mountain

best place to grab a drink 1. Choppers

2nd By Word of Mouth 3rd Lone Peak Brewery

best business mvp award 1st Outlaw Partners

Choppers Grub and Pub, located in Town Center, won Best Burger, and it’s no wonder. The Juevos Rancheros burger, with a fried egg, ranchero sauce, pepperjack and cheddar will curb your appetite. If not, get the Hog, a full pound of meat with three slices of bacon and your choice of cheeses. Photo by Daniel Bullock

best burger 1st Choppers

2nd The Corral 3rd Lone Peak Brewery

best live music venue 1st Town Center

2nd Choppers 3rd Whiskey Jack's

community member of the year 1st The Rapiers 2nd Ryan Hamilton 3rd David O’Connor

Victory! The PBR (Professional Bull Riders) rodeo won Event of the Year. With big bad bulls, live music, dancing, mutton bustin' and a multitude of additional festivities, this included the “best eight seconds of your life,” the seeming-eternity that a cowboy had to stay atop their bull. This year's event is July 31 and Aug. 1. Photo by Jake Campos

34 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

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2nd Lone Peak Cinema 3rd Grizzly Outfitters

event of the year 1st PBR

2nd Summer Concert Series 3rd Dirtbag

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art

Big Sky Weekly

Stacie Smith Designs By maria wyllie

big sky weekly editorial assistant

BOZEMAN – Inspired by her journey through life, Stacie Smith creates jewelry and paintings, each piece telling a different tale.

“I think of my work as telling a story," Smith said. “Sometimes it’s my own, and sometimes it’s how people are affecting my life.”

Due to their visual nature, Smith’s paintings tell these stories, and this year, she’s sharing them by creating a monthly painting, each based on a different person in her life.

Smith used to see her work as separate pieces of art, but she now realizes they feed off each other, representing a personal dialogue in which she examines her own experiences.

“It’s a definite allegory,” she said.

Smith’s jewelry is characterized by silver, copper and brass mediums, and recently, she’s been adding color with patina, a tarnish created by various chemical reactions.

She sees her jewelry as funky and elegant while also having depth and breadth.

Considered wearable sculpture, Smith crafts each piece of jewelry by hand. “They

are one of a kind,” she said. “I never want to have a production line where people are working for me.”

Smith also does special orders. She prefers to work individually with clients, helping them design special and unique pieces.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in fine art with a concentration in sculpture and photography from the University of New Mexico in 1992, Smith worked as a photographer and metal smith in Taos. Five years later, she decided to get her master’s in art education.

Smith eventually found her way to Bozeman High School, where she has been teaching art for the past twelve years.

Although she no longer practices photography, Smith said that experience plays a definite role in her current work, helping with composition and lighting.

Stacie Smith’s work can be purchased online and at Theory, Oh Suzanna’s, and the Emerson Visual Arts Center in Bozeman. Visit staciesmithdesigns.com for more information.

"Just waiting" Photos courtesy of Stacie Smith

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Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 35

food & dining

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Big Sky Weekly

Thaid up in Bozeman story and photos by katie thomas

big sky weekly contributor

BOZEMAN – Upon stepping into the tiny, intimate space that previously housed such mysteries as Sloppy Dawgs and a Polynesian grill, the first thing to hit the senses is the fragrant aroma of simmering curry and stir-fry. Warm lighting, colorful décor, and worn brick walls complete the cozy atmosphere.

Located at 140 East Main Street in Bozeman, a few doors down from Blackbird Kitchen, Rice Thai Cuisine is Gallatin Valley’s newest addition to Asian dining. Rice opened on October 16 and serves steaming bowls of authentic Thai for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Be prepared to get to know your menu once you sit down. Owner Pam Mongkolpla, who also owns Lemongrass Thai on the corner of South Willson and Kagy, hails from Bangkok, Thailand, and offers a phenomenal variety of authentic Thai small plates, entrees, soups and salads.

Thai food is traditionally taken

family-style, and not usually with chopsticks, with each person ordering a different entrée and then sharing. Variety is encouraged.

Our group savored Gaeng Karee (yellow curry) with chicken; pork fried rice; an outstanding Panang curry; and Pad Khee Mao (“Drunken Noodles”) with beef. The Tom Yum Goong (a lemongrass broth-

based shrimp soup with Kaffir lime leaves) was exceptional, as was the Black Rice Pudding for dessert.

While Rice does not sell alcohol, they have a range of other beverages, including a must-try sweet and caffeinated Thai iced tea. It is also worth noting that almost half of the menu is gluten-free.

Here’s a word to the wise: unless your server happens to mention it, each dish’s level of spice is a surprise. You may want to inquire after this topic, as the concept of “too spicy” is incredibly subjective.

THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS FOR 15 YEARS OF SERVICE IN BIG SKY! We sincerely appreciate your business.

36 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

explorebigsky.com

We found the Gaeng Kiew Waan (green curry) to be very spicy, but then again, that’s why a side of jasmine or brown rice is such an essential part of many Thai dishes – it’s a better spice-murderer than water.

downtown dining experience. Rice Thai Cuisine’s location is ideal, so take your taste buds downtown for some authentic Thai feasting.

If that spice lingers for too long, stepping over to nearby Chocolate Mousse helps. The taste of chocolate complements Rice’s savory flavors and will balance out your

Rice offers $9 lunch specials Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Seven of the most popular entrees are available and each comes with a salad and crispy spring roll.

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Big Sky Weekly

Picture life here

3025 Half Moon Court - Living in Style

• • • • • • •

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Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 37

outdoors

TECH TALK – Ski Construction

By Matthew Sterbenz 4FRNT SKIS

If you’ve shopped for ski equipment in the past, you may recall eyeing up two seemingly identical boards side-by-side but priced miles apart. The salesman hopefully shed some light on this matter, but his heartfelt explanation probably flew over your head, leaving you dizzy and headed home for some online research.

There are multiple factors to how products are priced, but when you boil it down, the major factor driving the price is this week’s topic: ski and snowboard construction.

Cost

Flex

Weight

Strength

Character

Ability

Character

Cap

$

Soft

Light

Weak

Buttery

Intermediate Park & Cruisers

Semi Cap

$$

Medium

Medium

Average

Playful

Advanced

All MT

Sandwich

$$$

Stiff

Heavy

Strong

Aggressive

Expert

Big MT

Three types of construction make up all boards and skis, regardless the core material: cap, sandwich and semi-cap. The boards’ construction plays an integral role in how it will perform and how much it may cost.

Cap

Standard cap construction is found more on beginner to intermediate level boards. Ironically, you may also find variations of this technique on the high-end skis targeting an older advanced skier just looking to make easy turns. The cap design was initially aimed at high-end riders until consumers drove the price down because production costs were known to be considerably less. As a result, its longevity at high end was not as great as its rival sandwich construction.

No sidewalls means no sidewall milling. This was a huge contributor to popping the premium price-point bubble shortly after it debuted. The benefit is a lively feel made possible because the core, most commonly wood, is encapsulated tip to tail, edge to edge.

When a ski is loaded (flexed) and later released, it sends energy impulses

through the ski that are seeking to dissipate. Because the fiberglass-encapsulated core provides no easy exit for this energy impulse, it springs to life, edge to edge with ease.

structed boards is that they provide excellent stability at speeds as well reparability when, say you’re at Big Sky and your edge finds a rock and requires some mending.

Beginners and intermediates like this because it helps them drive some life into their turns as the ski snaps back to shape. Advanced to expert-level skiers despise this construction because the ski is creating instability through vibrations. Experts generally prefer the ski to be damp and calm at speeds.

Unlike its friend the cap, the sandwich is able to dissipate those undesired vibrations. Every ski has a springloaded reaction when flexed but with a sandwich constructed-board, you can count on those vibrations dissipating before they arrive to the center where you feel it most.

Sandwich

If you’re sold on the sandwich, be aware it also comes with a higher level of care. Because the materials are exposed over edge, any ski-to-ski contact from the metal edge of one ski will easily damage the soft-seamed materials in your other ski. This is not such a concern for snowboards, but if you’re stuffing your ride into a rocket box, don’t be surprised to see some chips along your edges once you get to the hill.

A sandwich-constructed ski or board is just that, built layer-by-layer, with resin infused concoctions of metal, rubber, plastic and wood. Just like your favorite hoagie, each layer is exposed showing exactly what lies within. The upside in sandwich-con-

Favored by the expert crowd for its anti-vibration demeanor, sandwich is the only construction found on televised ski and snowboard athletes for these exact, high performance reasons.

If you want what the pros are riding, this is it.

Semi-Cap

If there was ever a way to make amends between cap and sandwich construction, check out the semi-cap.

It was designed to lighten the skis’ swing-weight by eliminating cumbersome sidewall material in the tip and tail areas. A cap-style construction feathers into the ski’s sidewall, while sandwich construction sits underfoot.

This design combines the stable and damp attributes of sandwich construction with the light, snappy qualities of cap.

Semi cap-constructed boards also eliminate that edge of soft material, which becomes compromised as result of ski-to-ski contact. Ever notice that hump of snow just after the Challenger chair lifts you off the ground? It’s littered with what look like chocolate chips; but those aren’t dessert, they’re fragments of topsheets ripped apart from skiers banging their feet together.

Even though semi-cap construction protects your top sheets a bit, smacking your skis together is not recommended. Use your pole basket to remove the snow or better yet, practice a daffy by clicking your skis once they become perpendicular to one another, nice and clean, edge against edge.

Bozeman makes final in Powder’s Ski Town Throwdown By tyler allen

big sky weekly staff writer

FACEBOOK – Bozeman made a strong showing in Powder magazine’s Ski Town Throwdown this December, losing to Rossland/Nelson, British Columbia 11,426 to 10,572 in voting on their Facebook page. The resorts Red Mountain and Whitewater represented the Canadian finalist, edging out Big Sky, Moonlight Basin and Bridger Bowl.

The contest was a tournament format, similar to March Madness, as 32 towns were seeded in four brackets and competed head to head over a five day voting period. Bozeman was the number one seed in the “Daffy” region beating Marquette, Mich.; Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico; Truckee, Calif. and defeated Fernie, British Columbia in the semi-finals.

Bozeman was ranked number three overall in Powder’s p3 (powder per person) scoring. “At Powder, we believe the best days are the deep ones that don’t get tracked out by noon,” according to their November issue.

The magazine created an algorithm to rank towns based on factors including skier visits to a region, average snowfall, cost of a beer, the number of hot tubs versus number of police stations and smiles per hour. Lots of acreage and low skier visits produced higher scores, favoring towns like Bozeman and overall number one seed Revelstoke, British Columbia.

The town of Whitefish was the other representative from Montana, making it to the second round of the “Backscratcher” region before running into eventual victor Rossland/Nelson.

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Gear reviews

Big Sky Weekly

The Big Sky Weekly/explorebigsky.com staff is a group of outdoor-loving men and women who play hard almost every second we’re not in the office. Some of the gear seen here is brand new, and some of it’s stuff we’ve had for ages—we think it’s worth the ink to tell you about some of the gadgets, gizmos, gear and garb that make our lives even more fun.

Ibex Shak Lite Full-Zip The winter months are cold in Montana; spring and fall can be chilly too. You need warm layers to survive and thrive in this climate, and if you’re active you need those layers to breathe, too.

Enter the Ibex Shak Lite Full Zip garment for men and women. The athleticfitting, stylish mid-layer made of rambouillet wool has thumb holes for easy layering under your ski coat or big puffy, which also keep your wrists warm when the office gets drafty. At 21 microns, the wool is warm but very soft and stretchy, so the piece can be worn as part of your layering system or on its own during active pursuits when the mercury climbs.

The best part: the wool is from sheep raised in Lavina, Mont. at the familyowned Lehfeldt Ranch. The garment is sewn and constructed entirely in the US; Vermont-based Ibex is committed to pursuing a more localized supply chain with their Field to Factory clothing collection.

You can look good, stay warm and feel good about spending your hard-earned dough here in the US with the Shak Lite.

– Tyler Allen shop.ibex.com $150

Tyler Allen sizes up a sticky bun in his Shak Lite Full-Zip at the Hungry Moose in Big Sky. Photo by Joseph T. O'Connor

Peace of Mind 2 Years Complimentary Maintenance: • Oil & Filter Change • Tire Rotation • 19-point Inspection 24/7 Roadside Assistance: • Tire Change • Lockout Protection

• Towing

ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled service. Plan is 2 years or 25k miles, whichever comes first. The new Toyota vehicle cannot be part of a rental or commercial fleet or a livery or taxi vehicle. Other restrictions may apply. See local participating Toyota dealer for coverage and details.

Toyota of Bozeman INSERT DEALER INFO HERE 866-623-5535 40 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

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word from the resorts

Big Sky Weekly

Moonlight Basin

By Niles Jeran

MLB snow reporter

What great conditions compared to last year. Since opening day, Moonlight Basin has received several feet of snow, making for wild pow days and an epic early season. More than 80% of the mountain is open with the Headwaters and Lone Tree attracting all the big-mountain chargers. One word to describe the upper mountain is “deep.”

Snowshoeing at Lone Mountain Ranch Photo courtesy of LMR

Lone Mountain Ranch

By Bob Foster

lmr general manager

The Lone Mountain Ranch staff is excited for another great season of Nordic skiing, snow shoeing and fishing.

All 85 km of Nordic trails are open, including the golf course, Town Center/Ouzel Falls and the dog trails.

For those who want more exertion, all 30 km of our snowshoe trails are also open. Packed powder conditions exist on both upper and lower trails.

Remember to have a pack with water, an extra layer of clothing and some healthy energy snacks when crosscountry skiing.

you experience nymph fishing on the Gallatin, snowshoeing and fishing on the Madison or ice-fishing on Hebgen Lake.

Yellowstone National Park opened the West Entrance for the winter season to over-the-snow vehicles only, and Lone Mountain will take guests in twice a week to experience the Park in relative seclusion.

All five terrain parks are up and running with over 40 features, and the newly added Flyrock Gully has been prime for progressive jib fun. Skiers and riders have been charging all over the mountain in search of the next kicker, cliff and new trick.

Volcom’s Peanut Butter & Rail Jam snowboard contest is scheduled for January 19. This year is going to be even bigger and better than last year’s event. Sign-up is free, and you don’t need a lift ticket to compete. Think you got what it takes?

Visit volcom.com to register.

With these conditions, this season is going off. Don’t get caught sitting on the couch, and come make Moonlight your mountain.

After January 3, pricing drops with the decline of the holiday rush, but “the original” sleigh ride still departs at 7 p.m. and returns at 9:50 p.m.

And just remember, “we may be small, but we’re well groomed.”

While fishing, wear plenty of layers and be ready for some winter fun as

Erik Morrison finds the “deep.” Photo by Erik Morrison

Big Sky Resort By maria wyllie

big sky weekly editorial assistant

So far Big Sky Resort has received a lot of snow, light wind and awesome coverage. Ski patrol has done a great job keeping everyone safe and letting locals pound out the new terrain.

As of press time, the resort is ahead of schedule with 94% of the terrain open. A huge storm mid-December dropped around 70 inches in one week, and, with little wind, the snow has leveled out perfectly.

Sky Resort is ringing in the New Year with four days of music and, hopefully, a lot more snow.

Way-Alt-West Fest at the resort takes place Saturday, Dec. 29 – Tuesday, Jan. 1. The music festival features a wide range of alternative musicians and will also be hosting a songwriting workshop for aspiring artists.

Santa was making spirits bright, bringing 2-3 inches of new snow and blue skies on Christmas day. Despite all the people visiting for the holidays, it was a relatively quiet morning.

Getting off the Triple, I made some mellow turns down Gun Mount and had no trouble finding fresh snow.

There’s nothing like being able to ski and party over the holidays. Big Santa stopped by Big Sky Resort to make some turns before his busy night.

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Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 41

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Big Sky Weekly

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing team, family and clients for their dedication and loyalty through the building of our new business; ontana Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate Warmest Wishes for a Happy & Healthy 2013!

Owners | Martha Johnson, Broker 406.580.5891

Craig Smit, Broker 406.581.5751

martha@bigskyrealestate.com

craig@bigskyrealestate.com

Michael Schreiner, Associate 406.580.5624

Karen Davids, Associate 406.580.5700

michael@bigskyrealestate.com

Martha & Scott Johnson ontana Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate

karen@bigskyrealestate.com

Suzanne Schreiner, Associate 406.570.4935 suzanne@bigskyrealestate.com

Kevin Butler, Broker 406.570.3890

kevin@bigskyrealestate.com

John Bauchman, Associate 406.570.1920 john@bigskyrealestate.com

ELKRIDGE 32 The Club at Spanish Peaks, 5bd, 7 bath, on the golf course/ski in/ ski out. Gorgeous views. $3,485,000

The Pines Condominium 4 bd, 4 bath, centrally located, huge views of the Spanish Peaks, model unit.

From $429,000

240 TROPhy BuLL 3 bd + bunk room, 5 bath on 20 acres.

Borders National Forest with top of the world views. $1,950,000

Snowcrest 8512 Ski-in/ski-out, heart of the mountain village.

Best ski location in Big Sky, solid rental history. 3 bd, 3.5 bath. $1,399,000

Ducks Pond Estate The Club at Spanish Peaks, 4 bd, 4.5 bath, timber framed construction, 20 acres. $1,599,000

ELK RIDGE #69 The Club at Spanish Peaks, 4bd, 5.5 bath, 5,000 sq ft. Ski-in/ski-out, .96 acres, great views, fabulous decking and hot tub. $3,050,000

This information is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change, withdrawal and approval of purchase by owner. All information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed by Montana Living - Big Sky Real Estate, independent investigation is recommended. For properties being purchased at The Club at Spanish Peaks approval for membership is required prior to closing. If you are currently working with another real estate agent, this is not intended as a solicitation.

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BigSkyRealEstate .com | 406.995.6333 | Located in Big Sky Town Center

GREAThORN K RANCh #3 Fabulous 20 acres located only minutes to Big Sky Town Center.

Resident wildlife & gorgeous views. $649,000

3079 TwO MOONS Spacious home 4 Bd & 4 Baths. Great location w/easy walk to Town Center and Golf Course. Granite counters, slate and hardwood floors. Hot tub. Motivated Seller. $699,000

ESSENTIA CONDOMINIuMS 2 units, 2 great floorplans, central location in Big Sky Town Center. Strong long or short term rental history . $405,000 & $480,000

BLACK EAGLE CONDOMINIuM S Ski-in/Ski-out. In the Mountain Village. 3 to choose from. One finished and furnished.

3-5 bdrm. New construction. Great rental history.

From $895,000

1620 ChIEF JOSEPh Generational estate.

7,500 sq. ft. 4 Suites, elevator, office and workout room. 8.3 acres with amazing views of Big Sky. Broker owned.

Call for price.

POwDER RIDGE CABIN #126 Ski-in/ski-out, 5 bd, 4 bath, 3,064 sq. ft. hot tub and single car garage.

Big views from multiple decks. Great rental history. $895,000

This information is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change, withdrawal and approval of purchase by owner. All information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed by Montana Living - Big Sky Real Estate, independent investigation is recommended. For properties being purchased at The Club at Spanish Peaks approval for membership is required prior to closing. If you are currently working with another real estate agent, this is not intended as a solicitation.

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fun

Buscrat’s Fables

Big Sky Weekly

This holiday season, Buscrat chose to write his fable as a poem. Big Sky Weekly printed it post-Christmas to remind readers it isn’t the time of year that matters, but rather what’s happened in the past and the acts of kindness we perform in between.

Where’d Santa Claus Come From and When?

Folks call him Santa Father Christmas, St. Nick Ol’ Mr Jolly The big man, take yer pick

No coats, flimsy shoes Their kid born in a barn?

Santa knew he must help ‘twould come to no harm

Not Santa n missus They knew it was true When the feller saw them he parted The crowd an’ come through

I ‘member the day Santa became Jolly The magic seeped in An it tweren’t no folly

Santa took off his coat an’ wrapped it round the papa Their blanket fer the baby An’ Mrs. Claus’ cloak fer the mama

He looked them in the eyes And said clear as the morn “I want to thank you for the gifts on the night I was born.”

‘s been bout 2,000 years Since ol’ Nick n the missus Were travelin about Findin’ places to visit

They gave em every last coin Their blanket and food And the last of Santa’s Prize winning magic stew

Now how’d he remember that?

Just an infant back then Another miracle for shore From that magical man

They spotted an Inn The feller said it was full They could stay in the barn tho’ With all the animals

The Claus’s loved to give And them folks needed it more ‘sides, Santa had extra…fluff To keep him warm

Just then came a wealthy man Pushin’ through the crowd “I want to live forever” he said “Now you tell me how?”

They’d slept in worse places Than this unlikely home But soon enough realized That they wasn’t alone

A few decades later Santa happened back that way They heard tell of a feller Perfomin’ miracles each day

The wise feller answered “that’s easy enough Give yer money to the poor And yer time, and yer stuff.”

Snuggled up in the hay Was a family of three Mama and papa And their tiny baby

He spoke words o’ wisdom To a whole crowd o’ folks Most found him amazin’!

Some thought it a hoax

I believe his wisdom Was lost on that rich man “He won’t give it all” thought Santa, “He won’t, but I can!”

As the years went by His reindeer could fly They covered the earth In one magic night

Each year on the eve of The wise feller’s birth Santa gave away everything they possessed on the earth

As the magic continued He able to know If kids were behavin’ An’ deserved presents so

From that day forward They din’t age a lick They gave all they had To the poor’n the sick

A buncha small fellers Come to lend a hand too Cheerful little bunch With neat pointy shoes

But the real magic happened When Santa Claus found As much as he gave More came the next round

They spend all year long Working at the north pole ‘cept for summer in Montana (It’s good for the soul)

This is how Big Sky gets into hot water.

The first years he spent Givin’ just to the poor But he had so much to give He had to choose more They decided all year They’d spend searchin n siftin Lookin for folks Who deserved some upliftin

Nordic Hot Tub We service what we sell!

Spa sales to fit your budget Pool and spa care after the sale Custom maintenance plans

Spa covers and custom lifts Lots of accessories for your spa Special orders available

www.BigSkyHotTubs.com (406) 995-4892 • NordicHotTub@aol.com 47520 Gallatin Rd. • Big Sky, MT 59716

44 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

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The sick n the needy Came first of course But all this new magic Changed Santa’s course ‘steada travelin abroad All the year round They needed a place They could settle down A place to build toys And build up their stock They could bring joy to thousands And work round the clock But santa din’t want No attention on hisself He just wanted to give He liked how it felt

He started with a sleigh And two little reindeer they was good in the snow And could persevere Each Christmas Eve He loaded up his sleigh N delivered his goods To the kids down the way As years went by He’d need a bigger sleigh And 6 more o’ them deer As more magic came his way As the magic kept coming His route grew to reach more There was good deserving folks Besides just the poor Santa wanted to give To those in need But also to those Who done a good deed

Buscrat’s Fables are simple stories that teach a moral. Buscrat welcomes you to visit buscratsfables.com for more fables and to post your comments.

explorebigsky.com

fun story and photo By maria wyllie

big sky weekly editorial assistant

Find out what tunes we’re bumping! In “Powder Playlist,” Big Sky Weekly staff and guests suggest a soundtrack for a day on the mountain, and guests have a chance to share what they listen to when they shred.

Keep in mind, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings while skiing, and listening to music too loudly can be dangerous.

Guest picks

Staff picks

Over the past two weeks, I’ve spent a Fresh food, fresh pow, and fresh tunes are what Adam www.VectorOpenStock.com lot of time skiing alone, trying to learn my lines as a newcomer to Big Sky. Skaggs and his boy Noah Consequently, I’ve also spent plenty of are all about. Whether he’s time riding the same chair lifts over and riding in or out of bounds, over again. The songs listed below are Adam has yet to miss a day. perfect for riding lifts – they help me Noah skis on weekends relax on the ride up and dominate on and on Fridays through the the way down.

Ophir School’s “Ski Fridays” program. However, if it’s Song, artist: snowed more than seven inches, don’t go looking for him in class. Their fa1. "#5," Umphrey’s McGee vorite line to ride is “Love Shack,” and these are 2. "Sirens," Toubab Krewe their top ten favorite songs to rock out to: 3. "17th Street," Former Champions Song, artist: 4. "So Much for Love," Gramatik 1. "No Quarter," Led Zeppelin 5. "Rain Fall Down," The Rolling Stones 2. "Natural Mystic," Bob Marley 6. "Greta," Widespread Panic 3. "The Mask," Fugees 7. "I Need a Miracle," The Grateful Dead 4. "Carini," Phish 8. "Been Down This Road," Railroad Earth 5. "Bury Me a G," Tupac 9. "Rosalee," Chris Robinson Brotherhood 6. "Float On," Modest Mouse 10. "Ramble On," Led Zeppelin 7. "Don’t Call Me Gaper," Terry Steuben 8. "40oz. to Freedom," Sublime 9. "Stroker Ace," Ween 10. "Tooken Back," Wu Tang vs. Jimi Hendrix mixtape

Big Sky Weekly

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Big Sky Weekly

PruMT.com 406.995.4060 55 Lone Peak Drive | Big Sky Town Center

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BridGer Canyon masterpieCe $7,800,000 • #183385 • Call don

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40 +/- acres, 11,000 +/- sf Locati designed home contains artifacts from around the world shop, guest residences, pond

$2,500,000 • #175378• Call erin 579-3583

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162.4 +/- acres section 5 zoned commercial/residential close to hunting, skiing, hiking great mountain property

north fork rd, traCt 8 $950,000 • #180527 • Call stacy or eric

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20 +/- acres Triple Triangle Ranch cross country ski trails to lot desirable, private enclave contiguous 20 +/- acres also available

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2 bd, 3 ba, 3,200 +/- s loft, additional rooms rock fireplace, clerestory windows, large deck vaulted ceilings, wood floors, custom lighting .32 +/- acre lot, 2 car garage, Agent owned

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2 bd, 3 ba, 2403 +/- sf, furnished den, bonus room, two car garage end unit, adjacent to Big Sky Golf course private clubhouse w/ pool, workout facility

9 bd, 7.5 ba 7250 +/- sf 5.5 +/- acre lot Det. barn, 47’ RV storage w/ 11.5’ door fully fitted apartment above 3 car garage

Gallatin hiGhlands $575,000 • #180951 • Call stacy or eric

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20 +/- acres, meadows, old growth fir trees fabulous Gallatin Range views south facing, includes Locati house plans minutes from Big Sky Town Center

spanish peaks CluB #13a $450,000 • #183440 • Call stacy or eric

• • • •

84 lazy t-4 road

$895,000 • #186193 • Call stacy or eric

430 spruCe Cone drive $598,000 • #186619 • Call marc

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$3,250,000 • #186493 • Call stacy or eric

Beaver Creek west • • • •

$425,000 • #185650 • Call don

14.15 +/- acre lot gentle sloping land w/ great build site great views of many mountain ranges short walk to NFS land/trails

109 roseBud loop

$829,995 • #187556 • Call stacy or eric

• • • •

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2.3+/- acre estate lot adjacent to Bear Creek Spanish Peak Views, trees beautiful home site, well is in

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$189,000 • #183518 • Call mike or don 1.84 +/-acre lot No covenants, ideal for Bed & Breakfast mini-storage, or home Great views of Storm Castle Mountain

Don Pilotte, Broker, GRI, RRS, SFR, 406.580.0155 Eric Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.9553 Stacy Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.8553

4 bd, 3 ba, 2567 +/- sf, Ponderosa plan furnished Powder Ridge condo, excellent rental ski-in, ski-out access detached 1 car garage

indian meadows

$560,000 • #182257 • Call leah 763-4596

• • • •

4.02 +/- acre lot bordering riverfront National forest land direct access to blue ribbon fishing level building site w/ great views

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spectacular 172.1 +/- acres w/ roughed in road hand picked lot by owner, backs Beehive Basin best views in and of Moonlight Basin Ranch ski accessible lot

diamond hitCh, lot 31 $599,000 • #186861 • Call don

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1.01 acre +/- building lot one of the most beautiful sub lots great mountain views and privacy excellent ski-in/ski-out lot

spanish peaks CluB #17e $479,000 • #187401 • Call stacy or eric

• • • •

3 bd, 3 ba, 2,495 +/- sf, end unit custom kitchen, granite counters lovely furnishings, popular E floor plan 2 car heated garage, private clubhouse

antler ridGe, lot 149

Gallatin river front

• • • •

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Bear Creek, low BenCh #68 Gallatin rd, Castle roCk $199,900 • #183893 • Call don

3 bd, 5 ba, 4,430 +/- Moonlight Basin Home furnished home/w bunkroom sleeps 6 2 bd, 2 ba, 2,048 +/- sf guest home 20 +/- acre lot w/beautiful views

156 ulery’s lake road

$2,700,000 • #186494 • Call stacy or eric

$249,000 • #161824 • Call don

.35 +/- acre lot, Lone Mtn. views exceptional building site, southern exposure community water system between Mountain and Meadow Villages

$229,000 • # 184874 • Call Brooms 580-4290

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$119,000 • #185998 • Call marc

1.89 Cascade subdivision lot electricity, phone, water - to lot views of Spanish Peak Mtns. great priced lot for Cascade Sub.

.60 +/- acres, back to the Gallatin River 4 bd septic installed, 25 GPM well drilled between Bozeman and Big Sky off Hwy 191 a rare opportunity, build dream home here

22 primrose lane

$72,500 • #184268 • Call stacy or eric

• • • •

.34 acre building lot, near ophir School great views of Porcupine game range HoA tennis court, play area, trails on cul-de-sac, agent owned

Toni Delzer, Sales Associate, 406.570.3195 Marc Lauermann, Sales Associate, 406.581.8242

wanderer at rest

Go big or go to Lowe’s

Elevate Living Lone View Ridge at Yellowstone Club

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We l l d e s i g n e d , re a d y - t o - b u i l d l o t s I n t e rc o n n e c t e d a c c e s s t o Ye l l o w s t o n e C l u b , B i g S k y R e s o r t & Moonlight Basin 8 , 0 0 0 + s k i a b l e a c re s Wo r l d - c l a s s f a m i l y a c t i v i t i e s Ye a r r o u n d re c re a t i o n i n t h e heart of Montana

Slightly less treacherous Christmas tree hunting conditions

By jamie balke

big sky weekly contributor

I love that in Montana, acquiring a Christmas tree can be an adventure.

My first winter here I decided I was rugged and got a tree permit from the Forest Service. I stopped in the Bozeman office and was provided with some information and an inscrutable map. Secretly, I sometimes wonder if the Forest Service is trying to keep people out of the woods with their maps.

My next stop was the hardware store to purchase a bow saw and other tree harvesting accouterments. Apparently, I arrived late because all the appropriate -sized saws were sold out. I wound up with a giant red number that is a glorious example of overkill incarnate. Armed to take down a Christmas tree the size of an ancient sequoia, I gave my brother a call to see if he would be interested in joining my ill-fated foray.

He was. On the appointed morning, it was snowing buckets. Rather than evaluating the risk of driving on unknown, remote roads, we went for it. My brother and I piled into his much-loved but highly temperamental truck and headed into the fray.

We pulled onto the interstate and congratulated ourselves for taking on this hardcore tree-gathering mission. But the storm was unrelenting and before long, we were approaching the intended exit ramp.

Near the point of no return, I saw the exit was blanketed in a dangerous amount of snow untouched by plows.

For some reason, rather than calmly saying something useful, I started yelling “abort!” Luckily, my brother understands crazy speak (we are after all, related) and was narrowly able to swing us safely back onto the interstate. After some shaking and a tirade of colorful language,

not in keeping with the holiday spirit, we calmed down and turned back toward Bozeman in defeat.

By the time we got to town, the snowstorm was raging fiercely enough that even driving to Lowe’s to pick out a tree was sporty. We found a nice one and promptly covered it in lights. Because he doesn’t think I’m funny, my brother refused to let me decorate the tree with the unused permit.

This season, given what I learned about my extremely limited treeharvesting ability that first year, I decided on a happy medium between venturing out into the wild and venturing out to the hardware store.

Oversized saw in hand, my brother, a friend and I drove to Rocky Creek Farm in search of the perfect tree.

Shortly after our arrival, we were whisked away on a tractor-pulled hayride through the beautiful farm.

As we wandered about, me with my trusty saw, my brother with his ax, and my friend with her camera trying to identify the least expensive species of tree, I took in the surrounding mountains and was struck by an intense feeling of happiness – I live here. This happens pretty much any time I look around Montana.

We were successful in our search and after being ushered back to the barn on seats of hay, we purchased our stately Scotch pine and some wonderful apple cider.

Although both experiences were memorable, I think I should probably stick to the tree farm.

Jamie Balke moved to Bozeman in the fall of 2009. She can generally be found behind the cover of a book, meandering down a trail or desperately trying not to kill houseplants.

LONEVIEWRIDGE.COM

Creighton Block

Partial List of Artists Represented

Rob Akey Greg Alexander Jim Barrett Susan Blackwood Diana Brady Dot Brandt Lynn Cain Todd Connor

Tom Dean John DeMott Jerral Derr yberr y Flavia Eckholm Edd Enders Thomas English Howard Friedland

R. Tom Gilleon Don Grant Mimi Grant Frank Hagel Ott Jones Harr y Koyama Dick Lauritzen

David Lemon Asha MacDonald Mike Patterson Paula Pearl Jacqueline Rieder Hud Gar y Lynn Rober ts Daniel San Souci

Deb Schmit Kevin Red Star Laurie Stevens Ezra Tucker Jack Waller Shirle Wempner Greg Woodard

B IG S K Y ’ S M O S T E X T E N S IV E F I N E ART C O L L E C T I O N MAIN GALLERY, CHARSAM ROOM AND THE NEW PRIVATE COLLECTION SALON

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BI G SK Y TOWN CENTER 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM // TUESDAY THRU SUNDAY MONDAYS BY APPOINTMENT

Momentum is building

big sky weekly editorial staff

BIG SKY – By many accounts, it appears Big Sky has weathered the storm. That’s what this hardy and adventurous community does, after all – but that’s not to say it’s out of the woods yet.

“I think people’s businesses are starting to come back,” said David O’Connor, chairman of the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce board, after the organization’s annual meeting on June 28.

Skier numbers at both resorts topped the charts last winter, with Big Sky hitting an all time high. Summer visitation was up, as well, and a number of local businesses and organizations collaborated to draw in tourists heading from Bozeman to Yellowstone.

Entertainment and the arts made leaps in 2012, their success showcased by the PBR, Arts

Council concerts and the construction of the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center.

The newly renamed Big Sky School District enrollment grew almost 15 percent from 2011, reflecting a burgeoning young population and also the need for smart growth and affordable housing. This, combined with lack of civic funding other than the 3 percent resort tax and other grant monies, will likely continue to present challenges ahead as the town grows.

In one notable example, the Fire Department is facing challenges with limited funding and a growing demand for services. Fire Chief William Farhat is considering proposing a property tax increase of roughly 11.14 mills to help cover the cost of hiring additional firefighters to meet service needs.

As the community grows, strategic collaboration will help it find passage out of the recession and further solidify its place as an influential player at the state, national and international levels.

“There’s momentum building in Big Sky,” said Moonlight Basin President Greg Pack this summer. The accounts below affirm that.

For Montana, visitor numbers look strong. By year’s end, 10.9 million tourists will have visited the state, a 3.2 percent increase from 2011, according to a preliminary estimate by the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research (ITRR).

Travel volume and spending are expected to increase in 2013, stated Norma Nickerson, director of the ITRR, in a recent press release.

Record skier visits, snowfall steady Big Sky Resort closed the 2011-2012 winter season with more than 340,000 skier days, its all-time high.

“Even while other resorts across the country struggled to keep slopes open this winter, Big Sky started off with a great base and continued to get powder throughout the season," said Taylor Middleton, the resort’s general manager.

Moonlight Basin also did well, with Presidents Weekend skier visits up 5 percent over the previous year. “It was the busiest Presidents Weekend in our history,” said Pack, crediting the Biggest Skiing in America campaign for helping set the record.

Although nearby Whitefish Mountain and Jackson Hole had strong seasons, the rest of the country didn’t fare as well. With below average snowfall, skier visitation in the Rocky Mountain region fell 7.2 percent to 19.4 million visits, and national visitation was down 16 percent to 51 million, also a 20-year low.

"Skiers go where there’s snow,” Middleton said. “More skier visits means more business – for the resort and for the entire community.”

Photo by matty mccain

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Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 49

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Big Sky Weekly

Summer Lone Peak Tram Tour. Photo by chad jones

Signs of economic recovery roll from spring into summer Local businesses, especially ski rental shops, reported strong business in winter 2012.

“It seemed like everybody was busy,” said Andrew Schreiner, coowner of Grizzly Outfitters, after Presidents Weekend. “I haven’t seen lines like that up at Big Sky in years.”

Real estate started picking up in the Big Sky area this year, according to Bill Collins, vice president of sales at the Yellowstone Club, as did construction.

There are 25 homes currently under construction at the YC. Starting in June, Big Sky Resort launched its Lone Peak Expedition Summer Tram Tours, carting summer visitors to the top of Lone Mountain

for the first time. Demand was so high the resort bumped the number of trips from two to six almost immediately.

shops/outfitters did well. “It’s pretty clear it's a growing market,” said Gallatin River Guides owner Pat Straub.

In total, the resort created 47 new jobs through its Basecamp programming, according to public relations manager Chad Jones.

“I think the summer tourist season is going better than people thought,” said Chamber President David O’Connor mid-summer, “and we thought it would go well anyway."

Early snow runoff was a boon to fly fishermen this year, and all six fly

PBR, summer events draw visitors The Professional Bull Riding tour stopped through Big Sky for the second year in a row, July 31 – Aug. 1, drawing a crowd of 3,000 local, regional and national visitors to a sold-out event. After the bull riding, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real stepped on stage and rocked the after party.

A $12,200 grant awarded from the Montana Department of Tourism helped market the PBR; for the Big Sky area, the event provided an estimated $925,000 in local impact during the days surrounding the PBR, and raised more than $40,000 for local nonprofits.

The Chamber of Commerce at its annual dinner in June named the inaugural 2011 PBR ‘Event of the Year’, with the accolades, “direct benefit to entire community and a lot of fun!”

Other nominees included the Arts Council of Big Sky’s Classical Music Festival and Summer Concert Series, and the Big Sky XC off-road motorcycle race, each of which drew crowds again this summer.

photo byjake campos

50 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

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Drought in the West leads to wildfire A mild winter, dry spring and sweltering summer caused a considerable wildland fire season in Montana, where more than 1.1 million acres burned.

pick your pearls.

The lightning-caused Millie Fire burned more than 10,500 acres of Gallatin National Forest between Big Sky and Bozeman, causing a towering smoke plume visible from Big Sky and dense, brown smoke to settle in the Gallatin Valley.

Thousands of wildland firefighters from local, regional and national crews worked on blazes statewide, yet resources were thin due to a severe fire season throughout the entire Western U.S. Other fires included the human-caused Pine Creek Fire, which burned more than 8,500 acres in the Paradise Valley, and the lightning-caused Pony Fire, which burned more than 5,000 acres. Both destroyed residences.

Big Sky Chamber and Visitors Center relocates While many chambers of commerce in the U.S. saw a decline in membership during the recession, Big Sky’s has grown. And with $572,500 from the Resort Tax Board this year, the chamber made big strides.

The biggest news was a move from its old, hard-to-find office in the West Fork, to a larger space in a prominent location at the corner of Lone Mountain Trail and U.S. 191.

Since the move, the chamber has seen a 23 percent increase in visitors and, for the first time, the chamber will be open seven days a week for both the winter and summer seasons.

The chamber also hired a new executive director, Kitty Clemens, who started in August, and made progress toward installing way-finding signage and initial plans for an entryway monument.

Big Sky’s chamber has an extremely high retention rate with at least 75 percent of its members having belonged since the chamber opened in the early 1980s. According to reports for fiscal year 2011/2012, there were 366 members and a member retention rate of 93 percent. The chamber is now at 380 members and still growing.

BSCC climbing boulder, skatepark completed The Big Sky Community Corp. added two major recreational amenities at the Community Park this summer: a climbing boulder and a skatepark.

The Rotary Club of Big Sky funded the entire $35,000 climbing boulder, which opened in late August and has routes for climbers of all abilities.

Stronghold Fabrication, of Bozeman, built the 12-foot tall, steel and concrete structure.

Next, Oregon-based Dreamland Skateparks built a $150,000 world-class skatepark, which saw its first day of skating on Sept. 14 and its grand opening Sept. 29. Funding for the skatepark came from the Montana Office of Tourism’s Infrastructure Investment Program, Big Sky Resort Tax, and the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation. The Gallatin Valley Skatepark Association helped with volunteer labor.

The BSCC’s July 21 Gala, held for the first time in the Community Park, raised more than $100,000, more than doubling past fundraisers. The money will go toward park and trail improvements and staffing.

BSCC is now working on an equestrian trailhead at Yellowmule, building singletrack trails in the Big Sky Town Center area, a Mountain to Meadow trail, and the second phase of the Community Park.

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Big Sky Weekly

HELMS

JEFF HELMS

JAMISON

“

There's never been a better opportunity to buy prime ski-in, ski-out properties at these prices

“

KULESZA

You’re Invited

Cowboy Heaven Luxury Suite 2B View Video Online

Open House December 28, 29 & 30 from 1-4p.m.

2B Hidden Trail Ln, Moonlight Basin Luxury Suite 2B

$1,850,000

Moonlight Mountain Home 66 $1,150,000

Moonlight Mountain Home 1 $1,050,000

Cowboy Heaven Cabin 25 $589,000

189 Diamond Hitch $1,199,000

Saddle Ridge K1 $645,000

Saddle Ridge Q1 $495,000

Jeff Helms, Broker V I EW MORE PHOTOS A ND V IDEOS

at bigskysir.com

Big Sky Town Center Office M: 406.539.0121 E: jeff@sothebysrealty.com

All information is derived from MLS sources and deemed reliable, however, is not guaranteed. Data is subject to error, omissions, prior sales, price change or withdrawal without notice and approval of purchase by Seller. We urge independent verification of each and every item submitted, to the satisfaction of any prospective purchaser.

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Big Sky School District continues growth despite challenges The Big Sky School District has been Montana’s fastest growing for a decade. There are currently 243 students enrolled – up from 212 last year – and the school board projects that number to grow 30 percent, to 270, within two years.

Educational programming has grown accordingly, but the school’s classroom space is maxed out, says Superintendent Jerry House.

The district’s ‘expedition’ programs, which integrate classroom studies with hands-on learning, have expanded around the Greater Yellowstone, and the new CAP Mentoring program will impact learning positively, says Superintendent Jerry House.

Construction of the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, which began in 2008 but was discontinued when funding came up short, started again this August, and the 282-seat facility is expected to be operational

by February.

The Lone Peak High School varsity sports, most in their second

Big Sky Weekly

Elections

year, showed notable improvement. Senior Tucker Shea earned All-State honors for football for the second straight year and was a finalist for the Wendy's Heisman Award as the top student-athlete in Montana.

The booster club raised just over $47,000 this year for school athletics; $10,000 of that was donated by the Rapier Foundation, and between $4,000 and $5,000_came from the inaugural Big Sky Carnival, Sept. 22.

All this, while the district was reeling from Feb. 3 news that the neighboring Ennis School District misappropriated more than $7 million in property tax dollars – $5.25 million of which came from Big Sky taxpayers in Madison County. Most of that money went toward construction of a new K-8 school in Ennis and is likely unrecoverable.

The 2012 election cycle brought with it copious amounts of outside money and a general consensus that if it ain’t broke too bad, don't fix it.

Democrat Steve Bullock was elected to replace Brian Schweitzer as governor in a state that votes overwhelmingly Republican.

“The economy is not as bad in Montana [as in many parts] of the country,” said David Parker, a political science professor at Montana State University. A general rule of thumb, he said, is “If the economy is fine, keep the incumbent in office.”

The gubernatorial race was overshadowed by a $500,000 donation from the Montana Republican Party to Republican Rick Hill’s campaign. Bullock sued Hill for accepting the money, effectively stalling Hill’s run for governor.

And much stayed the same.

Bullock, for his part, appointed Big Sky Resort’s Meg O’Leary to direct Montana’s Department of Commerce.

The election was a wild ride for Montanans, however, with lawsuits over campaign financing and more money coming into the state than any election year in history.

With Democrat Jon Tester winning the Senate seat and Republican Steve Daines prevailing in the House, Montana reflected the larger American picture: keep Congress where it is.

In the race for superintendent of public instruction, Democrat Denise Juneau defeated Republican Sandy Welch by about 2,000 votes. Welch called for a recount but was unable to come up with the funds to finance it.

After months of facilities planning meetings, the Big Sky district is planning to float a bond in spring 2013, asking residents to vote on building a new elementary facility.

ring in 2013 with the

Big Caboose &

the souL p e n e t r at o r s at Mo o nl igh t Basin

Jack Creek Grille at Moonlight Lodge features a special dinner menu, followed by music, dancing, party favors, a photo booth and a champagne toast.

Dinner seatings start at 6pm $135 per person* Reservations required: (406) 995-7777 · Cash bar available

Late night party only? $35 per person Live music from the Big Caboose, dancing, midnight champagne toast & late night appetizers.

* Gratuity not included. All pricing is tax exclusive. moonlightbasin.com · (406) 993-6000 · @moonlightbasin · #moonlightbasin

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Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 53

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Big Sky Weekly

LONE MOUNTAIN RANCH

ADVENTURES & FINE DINING

DINING ROOM & SALOON

406-995-2782 Breakfast & Lunch Open Daily Breakfast: 7am-9am, Lunch: 11:30am-1:30pm Saloon Open Daily Saloon: 4pm-10pm Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-9:00pm, Reservations appreciated Live music in the Saloon several nights a week. Check out facebook.com/LoneMountainRanch for the latest information!

SLEIGH RIDE DINNER

406-995-2783 • Big Sky’s Original Sleigh Ride Dinner for over 33 years • Montana Raised Prime Rib Dinner and Live Entertainment • 2,000 lb. draft horse teams • Day Sleigh Rides available

LODGING

406-995-4644 • Sleigh & Stay packages • Authentic Montana log cabins • 4 to 7 night all-inclusive packages

NORDIC CENTER

406-995-4734 • 85km of groomed cross country ski trails (25km are dog-friendly!) & 30km of snowshoe trails • Rentals, Private & Group Lessons • Locals Women’s Weekday Clinics • Backcountry ski and snowshoe tours • New! Kids Program over the Holidays • Open daily 8am-6pm

FLY FISHING

406-995-4734 • New! Snowshoe & Fly Fishing Adventures • New! Ice Fishing Trips • Day trips on the Gallatin & Madison Rivers

WINTER SE ASON

December 7, 2012 - March 30, 2013

OPEN HOUSE P H : ( 4 0 6) 995 -4 64 4 | L on eMo untai nR anch. com Res er vat ions@ L MR an c h . c om 54 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

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Wednesday, December 12, 5-7 p.m.

PUBLIC WELCOME

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Rapier Family Foundation supports local nonprofits, helps start food bank Since moving to Big Sky from San Antonio, Texas, earlier in 2012, Dr. George and Kym Rapier have donated nearly $1 million to nonprofits in southwest Montana through their Rapier Family Foundation and gave season passes to all Lone Peak High School students as a Christmas present.

“We’re here full time. We just want to help people here,” said Kym Rapier.

This fall, the Rapiers helped the new Big Sky Community Food Bank get its feet off the ground with startup money and then a $100,000 check in November.

Spanish Peaks

Education Foundation, Big Sky Community Corp., Bridger Ski Foundation, Bridger Care, Dream Montana, Eagle Mount, Friends of the Big Sky Library, Friends of Hyalite, Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, Lone Peak High School Booster Club, Travelers for Open Land, Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, and several area summer camps.

From 2006 to 2010, the Rapier Family Foundation donated more than $1 million annually to causes including stay-inschool and youth initiatives, animals in need, seniors and children's health programs.

After more than a year in bankruptcy court, assets at The Club at Spanish Peaks, valued at $122 million will be up for sale in 2013.

On Dec. 6, the court approved Eastdil Secured, an international real estate investment company, to market the sale. According to court documents, secured lenders have to accept a bid of at least $20 million.

A process outlined in these documents filed on Dec. 3 included an estimated timeline and set June 1, 2013, as a closing sale date.

“There are a lot of people that need help,” Kym said, “especially during Christmas and Thanksgiving.” The new Big Sky facility, a satellite office of the Gallatin Valley Food Bank, will serve that population.

More than 100 Spanish Peaks club employees were laid off after entities owning the club filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October 2011.

They also gave Morningstar Learning Center $200,000, which will help the childcare center pay down the principal on its mortgage. Another $100,000 donation is earmarked to pay off the rest of the principal, contingent on the center raising a matching $100,000.

Other beneficiaries include Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation, the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Big Sky Youth Empowerment Project, Big Sky Ski

Big Sky Weekly

Assets for sale at the 5,700-acre private mountain community include, among others, the lodge, golf course and ski resort.

Big Sky residents Dr. George and Kymberly Rapier (pictured right) donated $100,000 to the Big Sky Community Food Bank, which has been distributing food twice a week since opening in early November. Photo by Kaela Schommer

Over 3 decades building in Big Sky

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“We don’t know who is going to bid on this,” said an individual close to the situation, who requested anonymity. “But at least there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

145 Center Lane Unit L, Meadow Village Center P.O. Box 160068, Big Sky, MT 59716 Phone: 406-995-4579 • Fax: 406-995-4043 www.blueribbonbuilders.com

Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 55

entertainment

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Big Sky Weekly

Dirty Shame set to rock in the New Year at Choppers By tyler allen

big sky weekly staff writer

BIG SKY – The Dirty Shame will ring in 2013 at Choppers this New Year’s Eve with their hard-rocking, foot-stomping brand of outlaw country. Their first Big Sky show since last spring, the band will also end a two month hiatus from the stage.

Prior to this hiatus, the band made their annual pilgrimage to Anchorage to play the Alaska Women’s Aid In Crisis (AWAIC) benefit Oct. 27. After the AWAIC show, The Dirty Shame toured Seattle, Wash., then headed back toward their Bozeman home. The tour bus didn’t quite make it.

Photo courtesy of the Dirty Shame

“Our bus engine blew up on the way back from Seattle,” said Dirty Shame lead singer Brandon Hale.

“We had to leave it in a small town somewhere west of Butte – in the middle of nowhere.”

The band will use footage from the Choppers show for a promotional video in their upcoming Kickstarter campaign to buy a new tour bus. Kickstarter is an online fundraising platform that offers supporters a chance to win prizes with their donations.

The band will also be working on a new album this spring and featuring some of those new songs at the New Year’s Eve show. Listen for “Mission Bell”, “South Sidewalk City”, “Old Friend” and “All These Lies”. They’re excited for their return to the stage, and to Big Sky. “The fans are always awesome in Big Sky,” Hale said. “There’s a good crowd response, a high energy response. That’s our favorite part of playing there.”

They haven’t played Big Sky since the spring because their summers are usually booked with

weddings and private parties, said Choppers coowner Quinn Johnsen. He’s happy to have them back.

“It’s just the kind of music I like,” Johnsen said.

“That outlaw country rock kind of thing. They put on a fantastic show, they bring great lights and have a real professional band production.”

The ten-dollar show starts at 9:30 and includes a Champagne toast as Hale counts down the final seconds of 2012.

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

LOCAL FRESH Delivery available - have your rental unit stocked upon your arrival! 406-995-4636 Open 7 days a week, 6:30am to 8pm Extended hours 6:30am to 10pm December 15-April 15 and July 1- Labor Day

Located in the Meadow Village Center next to Lone Peak Brewery

56 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

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EVENTS friday, dec. 28

big sky

Eagle Mount Demo Days Big Sky Resort, 10 a.m.

Rik Steinke Whiskey Jack’s, 3:30 p.m.

Bozeman Winter Wonderland Children’s Museum, 11 a.m. (and Sat.) Energy Workshops Montana Weatherization Training, noon New Years Theme Party Wild Joe’s, 7 p.m.

Bozeman Ice Dogs vs. Gillette Haynes Pavilion, 7:30 p.m. (and Sat.) livingston & paradise valley Mike D/Mike G Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Honky Tonk Heroes (and Sat.) Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m.

saturday, dec. 29

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

Bozeman A Night in Paris Emerson Cultural Center, 6:30 p.m.

Callie Benjamin Starky’s, 6:30 p.m.

Krista Barnett Trio Rainbow Ranch, 7:30 p.m.

New Years Eve Contra Dance Eagles Upstairs, 8:30 pm.

10 Foot Tall & 80 Proof Eagles, 8 p.m.

Archer’s Mob Filling Station, 9 p.m.

Flourescent Brown Zebra, 9:30 p.m.

Metal Steel Molly Brown, 10 p.m.

tuesday, jan. 1 big sky Kevin Fabozzi Carabiner, 6 p.m. (and Tues.)

Teen Jib Session Big Sky Resort, 5 p.m. (and Sat.)

Bozeman

MSU Lady Cats vs. MSU Billings Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 2 p.m.

MSU Cats vs. Northwest Indian Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 7 p.m.

friday, jan. 4 big sky Montana Appreciation Day Moonlight Basin, 9 a.m.

Jawbone Railroad Whiskey Jack’s, 9:30 p.m.

Bozeman

LIBRARY CLOSED Open Bluegrass Jam Pub 317, 7 p.m.

Jeremy Morton Bacchus Pub, 8 p.m.

wednesday, Jan. 2

livingston & paradise valley

BSCC Dodgeball Tournament, Big Sky 7-9pm at Ophir School

Kurt Prond Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Bozeman

Quarry Road Band Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m. (and Sat.)

UKE Group Wild Joe’s, 7:30 p.m.

saturday, jan. 5 big sky

Bozeman MSU Cats vs. E. Washington Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 7 p.m. livingston & paradise valley Jan and Nan Conley Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

sunday, jan. 6

Livingston & paradise valley

Shuffleboard Wednesday Lone Peak Brewery, 8 p.m.

Rich Hall Comedy Show Big Sky Resort, 8 p.m.

Livingston & paradise valley

Irish Music Sing Pub 317, 7:30 p.m.

Mike Haring Whiskey Jack’s, 3:30 p.m.

Livingston & paradise valley

The Bad Larrys Chet’s Bar, 8 p.m.

monday, dec. 31 New Year’s Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m.

Big Sky Resort bigskyresort.com/Activities/Events-Calendar

thursday, jan. 10 big sky Bluebird Sky Carabiner, 4 p.m.

Bozeman Tango Montana Beall Park, 7 p.m.

NORRIS HOT SPRINGS Music starts at 7 p.m. every Fri., Sat., Sun. For listings check Norrishotsprings.com

big sky Frequent Sky Card Holders Ski for Half Price (thru Jan. 13) Kenny Diamond Carabiner, 4 p.m.

thursday, jan. 3 big sky

big sky

monday, jan. 7

Writer’s Night Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Maggie Maguane Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Bozeman

Blackwater Band Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m. (and Mon.)

Sizzling Salsa Baxter Ballroom, 7:30 p.m. livingston & paradise valley

Lone Mountain Trio Carabiner, 8:30 p.m.

Irish Music Sing Pub 317, 7 p.m.

WayAltWest Fest Big Sky Resort, 5 p.m. (thru Tues.)

wednesday, jan. 9

The Bad Larrys Chet’s Bar, 8 p.m.

Mike Haring Chet’s Bar, 8 p.m.

big sky

Tumbledown House Carabiner, 8 p.m.

Locker Room, Old Soles Filling Station, 9 p.m.

Bottom of the Barrel Eagles, 9 p.m.

Uke Group Wild Joe’s, 7:30 p.m.

big sky

Shuffleboard Wednesday Lone Peak Brewery, 8 p.m.

Bozeman

sunday, dec. 30

tuesday, jan. 8

MT Roadhouse Band Eagles, 9 p.m.

big sky

Bozeman

Open Mike Haufbrau, 10 p.m.

big sky

New Years Ballroom Dance Emerson Cultural Center, 8 p.m.

The Fossils Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Bozeman

Bozeman Icedogs vs. Billings Haynes Pavilion, 7:30 p.m.

Happy New YEar!

big sky

Bozeman

Big Sky Weekly

Bozeman MSU Cats vs. Portland State Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 7 p.m.

Livingston & paradise valley Strangeways Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

The Dirty Shame Choppers, 9:30 p.m.

Moonlight Basin New Years Event eventsee ad on pg 53 for details

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Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 57

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Big Sky Weekly

Mar tha Johnson, Broker 406.580.5891 Mar tha@BigSkyRealEstate .com

Acreage - Call for Pricing LAND

Land is the last segment of the market to recover from the economic downturn.

Time is your friend in getting the best price on your property if you’re a seller - but if you’re a buyer, NOW is the time to close as I don’t think this will last much longer - the basic laws of supply and demand are changing and the A grade properties are getting swooped up. Contact me directly to discuss options and strategy on buying or selling.

$4,995,000 HOMES

The distressed inventory is being cleared out and prices are starting to both stabilize and grow in the home segment of the community. Homes that are amenitized by ski in/ski out, golf course, hiking trails and water as well as in the Club communities of Yellowstone Club and Spanish Peaks are quickly stabilizing as even the most sophisticated and luxurious homes have reacted to the economy and are priced to align with the current market. Call me directly for an update on Spanish Peaks bankruptcy status and to review home opportunities.

Martha Johnson, Founder, Broker & Owner of Montana Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate, is a life long entrepreneur and die hard, passionate fan of Big Sky, Montana. Since 1995 she has been a highly successful real estate professional known throughout Big Sky and Southwest, Montana who, even throughout the real estate downturn, has consistantly been a top producer. Martha’s deep roots and longevity in the community, along with her real estate success and proven launch experience in all facets of real estate, strategically create a winning combination for both buyers and sellers – there’s no substition for Martha’s extensive experience and knowledge of Big Sky. Scott and I would like to thank you for your dedication and loyalty through the building of our new business: Montana Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate. We have a better and stronger SEO, Social Media and Marketing strategy than ever and our team has remained the leader in the industry through the transition - we’re very proud!

CONDOMINIUMS

Condo’s are the fastest moving segment of the community. Distressed, Bank owned and short sales have driven the prices down to a level of which have attracted buyers back to the market. The value and ease of owning a condo where the association takes care of everything combined with a great sales price are bringing 2nd property owner’s back to our community and weeding out the spec inventory.

THE BIG SKY COMMUNITY

$1,599,000

The Big Sky community is an emerging world class destination supported by world class ski mountains, world class rivers and great non stop air service into Bozeman/Yellowstone International Airport. I first moved to Big Sky in 1988 and worked on a dude ranch - I fell in love with Big Sky because there’s still a cowboy influence. The Gallatin River corridor known by locals as the “canyon” still has cowboys and sheep herders that frequent the local canyon bars/watering holes while their herds of cattle and flocks of sheep summer in the neighboring mountains. That combined with, in my opinion, the greatest skiing in the West ~ Big Sky/Moonlight make Big Sky the perfect place to hang your hat. My experience and longevity in the Big Sky community are your key to a successful experience in purchasing or selling real estate.

This information is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change, withdrawal and approval of purchase by owner. All information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed by Montana Living - Big Sky Real Estate, independent investigation is recommended. For properties being purchased at The Club at Spanish Peaks approval for membership is required prior to closing. If you are currently working with another real estate agent, this is not intended as a solicitation.

58 Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013

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EVENTS

Big Sky Weekly

Turkey for a Ticket 2012 brings in record donations By maria wyllie

big sky weekly editorial assistant

MOONLIGHT – On Friday, Dec. 14, Moonlight Basin’s sixth annual Turkey for a Ticket fundraiser benefiting the Gallatin Valley Food Bank brought in record donations with 37,895 pounds of food, including 1,120 turkeys.

Whether the good early-season conditions or the media coverage brought more than 1,000 skiers and snowboarders to Moonlight, this year’s event was undoubtedly a huge success. The resort collected more than double the amount of last year’s donations.

At least 4,000 pounds of food are designated for the new Big Sky Community Food Bank, a satellite of the Gallatin Valley Food Bank, and 900 pounds or more will go to the food bank in Ennis.

The annual fundraiser, during which Moonlight trades a free lift ticket for every frozen turkey or twenty pounds of canned food donated, is a huge benefit for the community, but it is also an exciting day for the resort’s employees.

“It’s one of the happiest days of the year,” said Greg Pack, Moonlight Basin’s general manager.

“You can just see our employees get excited when they see how happy people are that they get to ski for free when they donate.”

Turkey for a Ticket is just one of the many events Moonlight puts on to show its community support. Other upcoming events include the Special Olympics of Montana’s fourth annual Big Sky

Area Winter Games and the ninth annual Howlin’ at the Moon Snowshoe Shuffle, a fundraiser benefiting the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter.

“We want to make sure we give back to the community since the community supports us,” Pack said. “It is our responsibility to help others however we can.”

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Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 10, 2013 59

explorebigsky.com

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.

Big Sky: A First Impression story and photos

By Niles Jeran

big sky weekly contributor

Three lessons for any newcomer: 1) If no one has skied it, there’s a reason – there’s probably a scree field under the snow.

2) It doesn’t matter where you’re from, just don’t give away Big Sky’s secret and start attracting the crowds.

3) Don’t talk about how much you love Bridger at the Black Bear.

While driving my beat-up white Tacoma into town on 191, I bounced my head to “Winter Beats” by I Break Horses and dreamed of crushing huge pow lines. I was going to take Big Sky by storm. I had ideas of what it would be like— a California kid ripping it up in a mountain town like anywhere else.

I envisioned Big Sky like Jackson, or maybe Aspen,

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which blend mountain living with nightclubs, elegant galleries and million-dollar real estate. I thought Big Sky would be ordinary and felt I already had the place figured out. I was wrong. Most ski towns have a superficial friendliness that melts away like snow in May. Yeah, welcome to our home. Ok, now leave.

Big Sky was different. There wasn’t a grand welcoming and no one jumped at the chance to greet a newcomer. I drove up to Blue Moon Bakery, ordered the lunch special and sat down at a small table in the corner.

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explorebigsky.com

Loneliness soon crept in. My vision of being the life of the party was gone. But I began meeting people; genuine introductions that shortly turned into friendships. Big Sky folks are deservedly protective of their home and weary of over-confident, seasonal workers who think they own the place. What makes this area tick is the personality of its streets, mountains and people. I now understand what ski towns should be – real, just like Big Sky. A few days after that fateful drive in, I learned that Big Sky is unincorporated, that the people of Big Sky have been able to flourish outside of a formulated government. This paralleled what I had already learned – that this area has its own identity and can function independently.

No other ski town verbalizes that tourism is necessary for the economy while also saying, “Wait a minute, we don’t want too many people— just enough to keep the lifts spinning.”

Big Sky wishes to do what it does best, which is keep to the rural vibe and live harmoniously with the surrounding environment.

The most lasting impression, though, came from staring a Moonlight Basin’s Headwaters from the Madison Village base area. That terrain will send chills down the spine of any confident skier and send them packing to whatever half-mountain they came from. No mountain can claim the steeps, the snow or the freedom of Big Sky or Moonlight. This area has changed my perception of skiing forever.

Last week, after waking up at 4:30 a.m. and readying myself for work, I walked outside and stared blankly at the thousands of stars that flooded the sky. I had only seen dark snowy clouds for the past few days and took a moment as my truck ached to get warmed up.

It was then I realized Big Sky is something special. It’s a place worth preserving and it’s unlike anywhere else. Maybe people are right by saying “once you come here you might never leave,” and maybe, just maybe, I’ll one day be able to call this wild place home.