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Big Sky Feb. 8-21, 2013 Volume 4 // Issue #3

Meadow Village ArtWalk is Feb. 17

pastel by mary ann cherry

Exploring life and land from the heart of the Yellowstone Region

Weekend getaway: Jackson

Big Sky real estate market on the mend

Lone Mountain Ranch: A Valentine sleigh ride

Winter fishing TEam up for the avalanche center king and queen of bridger ridge

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Plan your future: Resort Tax Town Hall Meeting is Feb. 11 Big Sky's locally owned and published newspaper

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On the cover: "Blur of Yellow" pastel by Mary Ann Cherry. Cherry will be showing her artwork at the Meadow Village Artwalk Feb. 17.

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Business of the Year Feb. 8-21, 2013 Volume 4, Issue no. 3 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 VIDEO director Brian Niles GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars videographer/photographer Chris Davis

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

CONTRIBUTors

Bob Allen, Jamie Balke, Jake Campos, Mary Ann Cherry, Mike Coil, Renae Counter, Maren Dunn, Tom Ferris, Sean Forbes, Bob Foster, Ross Gilbert, Robert Hawkins, Chris Kamman, René Kraus, Max Lowe, Matty McCain, Jon Marshall, Jess McGlothlin, Brandon Niles, Ersin Ozer, Kipp Proctor, Jackie Robin, Amy R. Sisk, Brian Schott, Deborah Courson Smith, Kene Sperry, Matt Sterbenz, Pat Straub, Austin Trayser, Estela Villaseñor

Editorial Policy

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

Kim Aho (rider) and Meghan Gue (skier) tear up ski joring at 320 Ranch on Feb. 2. The team finished second. Photo by Chris Davis

Presidents' Weekend There's always a certain buzz in the air as Presidents' Weekend approaches. The Big Sky community thrives with activities and events filling the calendar, and smiling faces reveling in recent snowfall.

We are blessed to be surrounded by so many great communities that have similar interests and most importantly, that are close to home. In this edition of the Weekly, we are excited to debut our weekend getaway series.

While our name says "Big Sky," we're proud to reflect a much larger community of adventure seekers, travelers, families, small and large businesses alike.

The power of cross-marketing to like-minded people in mountain communities like Jackson, Driggs or Cooke City is invaluable, and for us, a natural progression. Their clients are our clients. Our captive audience is their captive audience. Their visitors are our visitors.

Over the past two months, the Outlaw Partners have networked a huge expansion with our publications – broadening our reach around the Yellowstone region with aggressive distribution to those areas. Such efforts have landed copies of Mountain Outlaw and the Weekly bedside at Amangani in Jackson, the Knotty Pine in Driggs and the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in Salt Lake City, to name a few.

We look forward to continuing to share stories that are a true voice for the region.

Regards, Megan Paulson Chief Operating Officer

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Letter to the Editor Parameters The Weekly accepts letters to the editor to give readers a platform to express their views and share ways they would like to effect change. These should not be Thank You notes. Letters should be 250 words or less, respectful, ethical, state accurate facts and figures, and proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters. Include: first and last name, address, phone number and title.

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ADVERTISING DEADLINE For next issue, Feb. 22 Feb. 15, 2013 CORRECTIONS The Big Sky Weekly runs corrections to errors we’ve printed.

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Table of Contents Community...4 Local News...6 Regional..12 Montana...14 Real Estate...17 Sports...20 Health...27 Business...28

Classifieds...29 Environment...31 Weekend Getaway...33 Gallery...37 Events..38 Food + Dining...41

Fun...42 Column...44 Back 40...47 Outdoors...49 Tech Talk...54 Word from the Resorts...56 Yellowstone...58

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Winter ArtWalk is Feb. 17 in the Meadow Village

Big Sky Weekly

Letter: The impact of Montana’s rural fire departments The summer of 2012 was a long, hot and dry fire season resulting in more than a million acres and hundreds of buildings consumed by fire. Record books will show that this summer’s wildfires burned the most Montana acreage since 1919.

What the record books won’t show is the number of acres protected by rural fire departments’ quick response; the number of homes saved by firefighters; and the number of lives impacted by their dedication.

"Bear School" by Daniel Parker

BIG SKY – The Big Sky ArtWalk will host more than 30 Montana artists on Feb. 17 in the Meadow Village from 2-8 p.m.

A biannual event now in its third year, the ArtWalk draws a range of artists, among them a bronze sculptor, a children’s book illustrator, western oil painters, a cubist painter and a custom furniture maker.

As in the past, patrons can walk between host venues, sipping hot drinks and spirits and meeting the artists. What’s new: an a capella performance, a wine tasting, and a raffle for a piece of artwork from Secret Spirit Art.

“It’s really a way to help known artists have sales and for new artists to break into the market,” said organizer JoDean Bing. “I love to show the [artists’] talent. Any reason to get together and have a little fun.” -E.S.

Stop by Blue Ribbon Builders for a Mint Tingle (hot chocolate with Jameson’s and Crème de Menthe), and to peruse art from Paula Blend, Kathryn Brown and Mitch Billis.

The Northern Rockies Coordinating Group, made up of all the wildfire agencies within Montana, North Dakota and Idaho, recognizes the incredible effort put forth by local fire departments. Without their hard work and long hours, many fires would have grown beyond initial attack and inflicted more damage to the Montana countryside.

Since there were so many large fires in 2012, not everyone is aware of the thousands of small fires suppressed by local firefighters. Although the big, uncontrolled wildfires make the news, the demanding work of local fire departments doesn’t go unnoticed. This fire season was a powerful demonstration of neighbor helping neighbor as departments came together for a common cause.

-The Northern Rockies Coordinating Group

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Feb. 8-21, 2013 5

Story Time prepares children for kindergarten story and photo By maria wyllie big sky weekly editorial assistant

BIG SKY – Local kids ages five and under have the chance to play with others while also reading and practicing their library manners at the Big Sky Community Library’s story time sessions.

On Jan. 21, the group celebrated Winnie-thePooh author A. A. Milne’s birthday. Children held onto toddler-sized, stuffed Tiggers, Poohs and Eeyores while assistant librarian Danielle Kabisch read aloud, bringing to life the 100 AcreWood.

Held Mondays at 10:30 a.m., Story Time focuses on a different theme every week, with each one relating the story to a current or historical event. The story is then followed by an educational activity designed to enhance the children’s understanding of the book.

Children approached Kabisch with excitement at the story’s end, asking for more.

One toddler enjoyed the story so much that Kabisch let him take home her personal copy.

Kids then sat down to enjoy cupcakes and ice cream on Winnie-the-Pooh themed plates and napkins before beginning the morning’s craft.

Making the literature “[Story Time] connection between makes kids more books and crafts is familiar with an important compothe library and nent of Story Time, how to check House said. For Local kids enjoying Story Time at the Big Sky Community LIbrary out books,” said Milne’s birthday, the Librarian Kathy group made necklaces out of honey-nut cheerios; House. “It’s great for the school to have kids earlier this winter, they created winter scenes ready to make the next step into kindergarten.”

out of tin foil and various textiles to complement seasonal stories such as The Mitten and The Snowy Day. Story Time also provides social interaction in a public setting, giving kids the chance to play with others while also getting early exposure to reading.

Mindy Nowakowski, mother of three-and-a-halfyear-old twins Hunter and Tucker, comes every Monday. Since her kids aren’t in preschool, she says Story Time gives them structure and teaches them how to behave in the library.

In addition to Story Time, the library offers many other resources for parents and children. There are puzzles and games, as well as an online library with animated stories and games parents can access at home.

February is “Love Your Library Month.” The Big Sky Community Library invites you to take advantage of all it has to offer.

‘Love your Library Month’ February is “Love your Library Month,” so Big Sky Community Library staff members are asking people to show their support by becoming members, bringing snacks at story time, or volunteering to shelve books.

Upcoming Story Times: Feb. 11: Special Valentine’s Day theme Feb. 18: Cat theme with face painting.

Cowboy heritage

Town Hall MEETings Talking about Big Sky’s Future HELENA – Father and daughter Bill and Shana Langley accepted an award on behalf of the late Richard “Dick” Carlisle Langley, for his induction into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame at the organization’s annual dinner on Feb. 2 in Helena.

Richard was honored for his contribution to the cowboy way of life between 1898 until his death in 1999. Rodeo photographer R.R. Doubleday immortalized the cowboy in a famous photo of Richard riding the bronc Sundance at the Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Shana, Richard’s granddaughter, is a Big Sky resident and also a horsewoman. “I was humbled and extremely proud,” she said. "My grandfather truly is the [epitome] of the Montana cowboy. I am sure [he] was looking down smiling.”

Richard Langley passed away on Dec. 10, 1999, at the age of 101.

The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame is set to be built in Big Timber. Nearly 500 people attended the banquet in Helena. – E.S.

The Resort Tax Board would like to engage the community in a second town hall meeting 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 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

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Moonlight to host Special Olympics Montana Big Sky Area Winter Games moonlight basin resort

BIG SKY – Moonlight Basin will host the fourth annual Special Olympics Montana Big Sky Area Winter Games on Monday, Feb. 25. More than 45 athletes from Gallatin, Madison, Sweetgrass and Park counties will compete in alpine skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing events in the Madison Village Base Area.

“The event is shaping up to be our biggest and best ever,” said Sean Fitzgerald, event coordinator for Special Olympics Montana. “We are extremely proud of the competing athletes.” He encouraged more spectators to attend.

Participating Special Olympics athletes will take part in an opening ceremony, to be emceed by local radio-celebrity, DJ Missy O’Malley. Advanced and intermediate races will be held on Wagon Train, with novice races being held on Cup-a-Jo. Snowshoe courses will be set up in the base area.

A competitor in the 2012 Special Olympics Montana Big Sky Area Winter Games at Moonlight Basin Photo by Brian Niles

“The Big Sky Area Winter Games is one of our favorite days at Moonlight Basin, because it gives us the opportu-

nity to show support to athletes while being inspired by their enthusiasm,” said Greg Pack, general manager for Moonlight Basin.

Moonlight sponsors the athlete’s lift tickets, transportation to and from the resort, and use of terrain for the venue. Additional support for race equipment comes from the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization rooted in spreading the participation of downhill racing and freestyle skiing.

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Special Olympics serves competitors at all ability levels by assigning them to competition divisions based on age and their performance. Both high and low functioning athletes may advance to the World Games. For more information, visit somt.org.

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Feb. 8-21, 2013 7

Arts Council of Big Sky has big plans for 2013 By tyler allen

big sky weekly staff writer

BIG SKY – The Arts Council of Big Sky is planning a major encore to its Music in the Mountains summer concert series for 2013.

On Saturday, Sept. 7 a final show at the Town Center Park stage will celebrate the free summer night concert series ACBS hosts weekly on Thursdays.

While the lineup hasn’t been determined yet, the Sept. 7 show will be an end-of-the-year blowout for the outdoor music season, said ACBS General Manager Brian Hurlbut.

“We’re envisioning a local opener and two national touring bands that would create a little festival scene,” Hurlbut said. “We should be able to get a band that will be a good regional draw.”

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decided to stop hosting major, ticketed events. The cost to bring headliners to the area has increased in the last few years, and the ACBS board decided it wasn’t sustainable to put on these large concerts anymore, Hurlbut said.

On Wednesday, Feb. 6 the Resort Tax Board released the remaining $27,000 of the headliner seed money to help fund the final summer concert, as well as the 2013-14 winter concert series planned at the new Warren Miller Performing Arts Center.

“We’re working with [WMPAC Director] John Zirkle to host ticketed events,” said ACBS Board President Tallie Jamison. “We hope to keep them affordable, programming-diverse offerings with universal appeal.”

The event will be partially funded by resort tax money originally earmarked for the ACBS headliner fund, started in 2008. That original allocation of $100,000 was seed money and helped bring acts such as Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt and the Doobie Brothers to Big Sky.

The ACBS already has five acts scheduled for the upcoming summer concert series, as well as the Big Sky Classical Music Festival and Shakespeare in the Parks. On Saturday, March 30 it will hold “Crawfish and Cornbread,” a fundraiser at the WMPAC, featuring Eden Atwood and the Bridger Mountain Big Band.

After losing $43,000 during the Keb Mo show in 2011, the nonprofit ACBS

For information and a schedule of events visit bigskyarts.org.

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Resort Tax Board town hall meeting is Feb. 11 6 – 9 p.m. at Buck’s T-4 By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

BIG SKY – This is your chance to help plan the future of Big Sky.

One upcoming challenge, Davis noted, is the more than $5 million in projected requests for 2015 – compared to the $3 million the board has historically received.

At the town hall meeting on Feb. 11, the audience will have a chance to get up and speak in an open forum; and to ask questions of the applicants and the board members. The board also plans to engage the community in a conversation about values.

On Feb. 11, the Resort Tax Board will hold the second of two town hall meetings, this one focused on community input and needs.

The board will present a compilation of approximately 19 organizational surveys from resort tax applicants, and also hear a brief presentation from each applicant on upcoming needs and proposed projects.

“What makes us a community and a resort?” asked board member Mike Scholz at the Feb. 6 meeting, referring to those bigger picture ideas. “We need to say, ‘What are we missing?’ A hospital? Education? Affordable housing? They’re big things, and they usually don't come up because they are so big. But if we’re going to be that world class community, we’ve got to say, ‘How do you cover those big things?’”

The idea is to get a sense of what requests are coming up in the next three to five years, and what those implications might mean for the community and the RTB. Already, the surveys have helped the board understand future funding requirements, allocation breakdown, and its own cash flow requirements.

In its monthly meeting on Feb. 6, the board discussed the fact that several applicants had areas of interest that overlapped those of other applicants.

“One of the purposes [of the town hall meeting] is to get the community to be thinking outside the box,” said RTB chairman Les Loble. “You’re hearing about things in your jurisdiction, so to speak, that others are doing, and we hope that you will be thinking about collaborating.”

Buz Davis, a consultant for the board, suggested “there needs to be a ‘visioning process’, or some process that brings [Big Sky] organizations together for planning.”

“What you’re really doing here,” Davis told the board, “is uncovering for the community the fact that they've all got little pieces of this, but they haven’t begun to figure out how those pieces fit together on where they want to be in five years.”

Scholz, Loble, and resort tax attorney and lobbyist Mona Jamison presented at the hearing, as did Big Sky Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kitty Clemens and President David O’Connor, and a Carbon County Commissioner, who spoke on behalf of Red Lodge Ski Area, which is also requesting bonding authority.

If the bill passes, the amount pledged annually to repay bonds cannot exceed 25 percent of the average of the previous five years’ collections.

“What we’re trying to do is limit the amount of resort tax funds that can be committed to repayment,” Loble said after the hearing.

In the first town hall meeting on Jan. 14, the RTB presented its recent strategic planning process, its new operational guidelines, as well as two ways it might fund such large projects – a sinking fund and bonding.

Hypothetically, he explained, if the average collection for the last five years was $2.5 million, 25 percent of that is $625,000. That means no more than $625,000 could be committed to repaying the bonds.

If you assume the interest rate will be 4 percent, then the total bonds that could be raised will be $6.9 million. $625,000 annually would pay that off in 15 years.

To fund these long term, more expensive projects, the board is currently working to get legislative approval for it to have bonding authority, something Resort Tax Communities like West Yellowstone have.

From the applicants’ point of view, the pot of money would be almost the same as it’s been – except that this year there’s more, with the Water and Sewer District loan ($500,000 annually) paid in full.

A bill is currently before the 2013 state legislature that would grant the board this authority. The Montana State Senate Taxation Committee heard the bill, which is sponsored by Sen. Ron Arthun, R-Wilsall, on Feb. 5. It now appears the bill will have some amendments, one of which states that to issue a bond, the resort tax board must first gain approval from the district’s voters.

“I don't think you could do big things without it,” Scholz told the Weekly on Feb. 6. “We’re looking for game changers [for the community], but also, you don't know when you’re going to have something happen,” he said, referring to an emergency.

After being redrafted, the bill will go before the committee again, then if approved, on to the Senate floor. This may happen as soon as Friday Feb. 18, Loble said.

“There’s something that we probably want, but if we always do it out of our annual [allocations], we would have to sacrifice many of the other projects that are so important to our community. It’s a cash flow management tool.”

The following is a compilation of the groups that have filled out oganizational surveys, as of Feb. 5 Community Organization Survey Compilation Date: February 5, 2013

Organization

2013

Resort Tax Cash Flow Requirement 2014 2015

TOTAL

New Projects

Arts Council

$

89,450

$

85,000

$

80,000

$

254,450 Potential infrastructure projects

Blue Water Task Force

$

47,100

$

47,100

$

46,100

$

140,300

Chamber of Commerce

$

355,000

$

377,950

$

317,000

$

1,049,950 Wayfinding replacement sign sinking fund

Visit Big Sky - Chamber

$

217,500

$

450,000

$

500,000

$

Community Corporation

$

150,000

$

300,000

$

250,000

$

1,167,500 Strategic destination marketing plan- summer season, regional short-haul visitor traffic Trail buildingproject, project,aquatic aquatic center feasibility study, park improvements, acquisition, Trail building center, feasibility study, park improvements, land land acquisition, mountain to tomeadow meadowtrail trail 700,000 mountain

Community Food Bank

$

10,000

$

-

$

-

$

10,000 Community food security assessment; emergency food, energy and housing assistance

Fire Department

$

494,500

$

382,000

$

432,000

$

Forest and Fire Safe Program

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

Jack Creek Preserve

$

5,000

$

10,000

$

10,000

$

Library

$

64,000

$

66,000

$

69,000

$

199,000

Morningstar

$

100,000

$

100,000

$

100,000

$

300,000 Mortgage assistance, possible tuition reduction program

Noxious Weeds and Bear Smart

$

26,000

$

30,000

$

40,000

$

96,000

Post Office

$

38,000

$

47,000

$

55,000

$

140,000

Search and Rescue

$

17,000

$

13,000

$

14,000

$

44,000 Gravel parking area, replace snowmobiles

Sheriff

$

123,581

$

220,532

$

231,805

$

575,918 One additional deputy per year (2014, 2015)

Skating and Hockey Association

$

25,000

$

25,000

$

45,000

$

Transportation District

$

300,000

$

310,000

$

300,000

$

95,000 Upgrade exisiting facilites and equipment; marketing; staff; possible permanent facility planning Replacement two25-passenger 25-passanger buses, vans possible accessible coach; Replacement ofoftwo buses, twotwo vans andand possible accessible motormotor coach, expanded service service(into (intothe theevenings) evenings) 910,000 expanded

Warren Miller Performing Arts Center

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

Water and Sewer District

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

- Uncertain if they will ask for assistance to the annual debt service

Women in Action

$

150,000

$

40,000

$

2,540,000

$

2,730,000 Substance abuse program, critical access hospital feasibility study

RT Cash Flow Rqrmt TOTAL $

2,212,131

$

2,503,582

$

5,029,905

$

9,745,618

Estimate of Available Tax Funds $ (5% increase per year) Difference $

2,974,353 $ 3,123,070 2779769 $ 148,717.64 194584 762,222

$

619,488

$ 3,279,224 $ 156,153.52 $

(1,750,681)

1,308,500 Replace pickup truck, firefighter gear and command vehicle 25,000 Possibly expand trail system

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Big Sky Weekly

Historic Crail Ranch becomes Crail Homestead Museum Adds History Annex in Visitors Center By emily stifler

Crail History Annex open house is Feb. 16

big sky weekly managing editor

The Crail Homestead Museum is hosting an open house on Feb. 16 from 4-6 p.m. for its new History Annex at the Big Sky Visitors Center.

BIG SKY – At 110 years old, Crail Ranch was due for some upgrades, so to speak.

Visit with the authors of Images of America: Big Sky, meet “Old Man Crail” portrayed by Scott Carpenter, sip wine and snack on savory hors d’oeuvres, and view vintage photos, artifacts and documents from the homestead era.

A preserved homestead and museum in the Big Sky Meadow, Historic Crail Ranch has added a year-round exhibit, the History Annex at the Big Sky Visitors Center, and has a new name, Crail Homestead Museum.

play ranching equipment, and the main house will be dedicated to exhibits on century-old home-life.

The name change is as much philosophical as it is economic, and it’s meant to benefit the community and its visitors: A museum is one of the top five reasons people list for visiting areas near Yellowstone National Park, according to Ryan Hamilton, project manager for the Big Sky Town Center.

The group also installed a new kiosk sign at the homestead this year; removed a concrete cap on its grounds and re-graded the area to the north of the main cabin; and published the history book, Images of America: Big Sky.

“We hope that the Annex will provide visitors with a glimpse of Big Sky history and encourage them to return during the summer months, when the Crail Ranch buildings and grounds are open," said Al Lockwood, chair of the Historic Crail Ranch Conservators.

Crail Ranch began operation in the early 1900s when Augustus Franklin Crail moved his wife and three children into the small homestead cabin that still exists on the original site. While others in the area converted to dude ranching, the Crails lived on and operated their 960-acre stock ranch for another 50 years.

This is one of two projects by the Conservators’ Historic Collection Committee to help grow an understanding of Big Sky’s ranching roots, said Anne Marie Mistretta, vice-chair of the Conservators.

Efforts to preserve Crail Ranch began in the late 1970s, and the buildings and grounds were added to the National Register of Historic Places in the early 1980s.

Preservation efforts today are under the nonprofit Historic Crail Ranch Conservators, established in 2006 as part of the Big Sky Community Corporation.

In addition to the Annex, the group is reorganizing its presentation of material at the main ranch, most of which is original to the Crails. “We want to improve display and interpretation of the homestead era through a logical and authentic furnishing plan,” Mistretta said. The small cabin will be a place to dis-

More information on the Crail Ranch and the museum project are available online at crailranch.org.

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Feb. 8-21, 2013 9

WIA partners with Alcohol and Drug Services of Gallatin County Offers new substance abuse counseling services in Big Sky women in action

BIG SKY – The nonprofit Women In Action has expanded its community counseling services in Big Sky to now include a substance abuse counseling program.

Beginning Feb. 21, Alcohol and Drug Services of Gallatin County will send substance abuse counselor Lindsay Herron to Big Sky every Thursday to provide outpatient evaluation, intervention and treatment services to residents. The program works in stride with WIA’s mission to enrich the lives of children and families, providing access and support to social programs for the community.

WIA established this new program in part as a reaction to an opinion-based community health needs assessment that established baseline information on community health. Substance abuse and mental health (counseling) issues were a major health concern for 56 percent of survey respondents and was the second highest ranked community health need. Additionally, local law enforcement officials report that the majority of incidents and arrests in the Big Sky area involve alcohol and drugs.

A community health assessment conducted in 2012 by the Gallatin County Health Department showed that substance use and abuse is prevalent and a growing concern in all of Gallatin County.

The substance abuse counseling program will provide critical access to services for Big Sky residents unable to commute to Bozeman who would otherwise forgo treatment. For more information, visit wiabigsky.org.

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26 Obsidian Road was 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. 16 Travertine Road is listed for sale by Martha Johnson, Broker/Owner Martha Johnson Real Estate DBA Montana Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate (P.O. Box 160730, Big Sky, MT 59716, 406-995-6333, Lic#10419).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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Listed by Martha Johnson, Broker/Owner | 406.580.5891 Listed for sale by Martha Johnson, Broker/Owner Martha Johnson Real Estate DBA Montana Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate (P.O. Box 160730, Big Sky, MT 59716, 406-995-6333, Lic#10419). 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 details.

12 Feb. 8-21, 2013

regional

Big Sky Weekly

Newark-Bozeman flight service expanded for summer 2013 By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

BOZEMAN – City slickers rejoice – cowboys, Yellowstone National Park and big browns are only a flight away, even on Sundays.

The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport announced in early February it will expand its nonstop service from New York/Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) for summer 2013, doubling the service. Saturday flights will operate June 22 through Aug. 31, and Sunday flights June 30 through Aug. 25.

Starting last June, United Airlines offered the service on Saturdays through Sept. 1. The flight is also being run this winter, Dec. 22 through March 30. Approximately 2,600 passengers used the flight last summer and an estimated 2,900 will use the flight this winter, according to BZN Airport Director Brian Sprenger.

That's 80 percent full or better, Sprenger said.

“We were hoping for 80 percent. United was expecting about 40 percent, but we were much more optimistic.”

The Bozeman Chamber of Commerce, Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin and the Yellowstone Club, in conjunction with a Department of Transportation Small Community Air Service Development Grant, help fund the flights.

If the flight hadn’t been profitable for United, the community and the grant could have been responsible for up to $610,000 of insurance, Sprenger said. Because of the flight’s success, however, the groups only paid 20-25 percent of that guarantee.

“We felt it was a relatively safe bet to expand it to include Sundays this summer,” Sprenger said.

Brandon Bang, Big Sky Resort’s Director of Sales, says the expansion is proof United recognizes the success of this flight.

“If the airline can see after two or three years that this is a successful flight, then we can move on and try to find the next city,” Bang said, meaning the resorts could step away from funding the flight.

The winter EWR-BZN flight, which runs Saturdays through March, will be up for review in April.

“As long as winter continues to go at the pace that it is, I see that (extending the service to Sundays) as being a likely outcome,” Bang said.

Since adding the flight, the resort has seen an uptick in business from that area, Bang said, “but it’s hard to say how many wouldn’t have come [anyway] without that flight.”

Passenger numbers at the Bozeman airport have grown by 9 percent overall in the last year, or 17,000 passengers total, boarding or deplaning there. United also operates year-round service between Bozeman and Denver, and seasonal service to Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco.

King and Queen of the Bridger Ridge is Feb. 16 11th annual avalanche center fundraiser BOZEMAN – The Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center is hosting its 11th annual winter fundraising event, the King and Queen of Bridger Ridge on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Whereas past events were focused on the number of hikes, this year, the emphasis is on fun and giving out prizes to those who raise the most money.

The high-energy day will have its own ridge hiking route, music and beer.

Whether you hike once or 10 times, anyone can be part of the day, says Friends of the GNFAC Board President Jeannie Wall.

“It's a fun way to enjoy supporting avalanche education, and skiing some laps with friends without the pressure of competition!” Wall said.

The goal is to raise at least $15,000.

Prizes will be awarded for the following: 1. New this year! Most money raised (team or individual) for the least amount of hikes.

2. Most money raised by a team 3. Most money raised for the top three individuals 4. Most laps: King and Queen 5. Most laps for a team

The Friends of the GNFAC hope to raise $15,000 during this year's event.

Visit the Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center’s Facebook page, Bridger Bowl’s event page, or the GNFAC avalanche advisory (mtavalanche.com) for details and forms.

Participants in the 2012 King and Queen of the Ridge. Photos courtesy of Doug Wales

International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, now in its 17th season, came through Jackson, Wyo. on Jan. 25 and West Yellowstone on Jan. 27. Similar to the Tour de France, the race stops in a different town every night.

“Awesome race, awesome people, and incredible dogs,” said Pinedale, Wyo.-based photographer Jess McGlothlin, who shot this photo.

Two of the mushers were from Montana, Charlotte Mooney of West Yellowstone, and 17-year-old Jenny Gregor of Bozeman. Aaron Peck, of Grand Prairie, Alberta, took first place this year with his team.

The race was launched in an effort showcase the state of Wyoming and to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. In addition, it contributes to communities on the race route for childhood immunizations. -E.S. Photo by Jess McGlothlin

regional

Feb. 8-21, 2013 13

Fishing on Gallatin returning to normal after ice jam break by sean forbes

big sky weekly contributor

BIG SKY – The carnage was evident along the banks of the Gallatin River.

And, even though Gallatin River Guides’ Pat Straub said it might be comparable to a hurricane in an estuary, like a skinned knee, it looks worse than it is.

What started with the break up of an ice jam in December 2012 – probably somewhere above Cinnamon Creek – which unleashed a torrent of water pushing broken ice, muddy waves, full-sized down trees and other debris down stream, resulted in the deaths of an unfathomable number of the river’s fish.

“I was out fishing that day,” said Rainbow Ranch Lodge bartender Matt Meyer. “I was driving back up to Rainbow and noticed several people taking photographs right at the Conoco there [at the turn to Big Sky]. I thought there was a moose sighting or something when I looked at the river, and sure enough there’s this massive mudslide going by. Which was pretty impressive.”

While eagles and other predators have have scavenged on the abundant food source, some people view the dead fish as a poignant reminder of the fragility of the river’s wildlife. Others have been left wondering if there’s something to be done.

“There’s no question that there were fish killed,” he said. “In the short term there were negative effects, because on trips our guides saw dead fish … It was a couple here and there, (and) a couple here and there adds up.”

“We probably had a dozen [guided] trips in 8 to 10 days after the fish kill and they all reported better fishing than they had in the summer.”

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With the National Weather Service describing Montana as having the highest number of reported ice jams in the lower 48 states, perhaps that success shouldn’t be so surprising.

“These ice jams are kind of a regular feature,” said FWP Region 3 fisheries biologist Mike Vaughn. “There were certainly fish killed from this one this winter, but I don’t expect any longterm consequences to the fish populations up there. When we’re talking thousands of fish per mile, we’ve got a few to lose.”

Most wild trout streams have an annual mortality rate of around 33 percent, Vaughn said. So from Jan. 1 to Jan. 1 of an average year, a third of the individual fish inhabiting the river will not be there the next year.

“That means there’s a lot of replacement going on and a lot of growth,” Vaughn said.

“In the big picture that’s part of life in the Gallatin,” said Travis Horton, fisheries manager for Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 3. “It’s a rough place to live.”

And it’s all part of the natural cycle.

But, as Straub noted, the Gallatin is remarkable.

Missed the ice break? Visit YouTube and watch Jonathan Patten’s video, “Gallatin Tsunami.”

“Whatever negative effects that caused, the Gallatin will rebound,” Straub said.

“And will be probably better.”

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of

Big Sky Resort The Dude Abides.

NRCS changes number of snow courses used for snowpack monitoring natural resources conservation service

BOZEMAN – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program for Montana is reducing the number of snow courses it surveys during the 2013 water year from 134 to 95.

This will increase efficiency and reduce costs, but also optimize the agency’s forecasting and snowpack monitoring capabilities and maintain data integrity to users.

Snow courses are specific snow measurement locations where monthly manual surveys are performed to gather snowpack totals.

liveTHEDREAM.

Historically, this data has been used in water supply forecasting.

Today, with real-time SNOTEL (SNOwpack TELemetery automated snow measuring sites), snow courses act in support of SNOTEL in providing predictors for streamflow forecasts on an as-needed basis. SNOTEL data are the primary input for water supply forecast equations.

Ninety SNOTEL sites in Montana will continue to provide the major contribution of data for forecasting and snowpack indexing. In addition, the remaining 95 snow courses will provide snowpack data as in previous years.

Craig Smit, Broker 406.581.5751 Craig@BigSkyRealEstate.com

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14 Feb. 8-21, 2013

montana

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Montana legislative roundup – weeks three and four Week 3: Lawmakers argue over abortion and illegal immigration Week 4: Governor lays out agenda; lawmakers study construction, concussion and sex ed By amy r. sisk

Um community news service

HELENA – Three weeks into the 2013 legislative session, a number of bills reached the Montana House and Senate for a vote. Two drew significant debate on the House floor.

A proposal to criminalize assaults on unborn children passed 59-40, its proponents aiming to punish people who hurt pregnant women by charging them with homicide when their actions kill a fetus. Opponents to House Bill 104 argued the measure creates a legal definition for “unborn child” in the state code, thus opening the floodgates to anti-abortion measures.

Supporters of another bill meant to prevent problems with illegal immigration in Montana. House Bill 50, which passed 61-37, prohibits municipal governments from establishing

“sanctuary” policies that do not enforce immigration laws. Legislators who opposed the bill asserted it isn’t necessary because Montana doesn’t have an illegal immigration problem.

Those bills must next pass the Senate and receive the governor’s signature before they can become law.

During week four, Gov. Steve Bullock delivered his first State of the State Address on Jan. 30.

Bullock spent most of his time discussing education. He promised to focus on job training in Montana schools, which coincides with his plan to put 2,500 people to work on construction projects at colleges and universities around the state.

He again called on the Legislature to accept federal money for a Medicaid expansion that would serve nearly 70,000

low-income Montanans without health insurance. He also advocated for a $400 one-time property tax rebate, the elimination of an equipment tax on 11,000 Montana businesses, and the end of dark money in elections.

Bullock also made a surprise announcement about a new website, transparency.mt.gov, that allows anyone to view the state’s checkbook.

“We’ll have a searchable database so that anyone in Montana – or anybody across the world, for that matter – can look at how we spend the taxpayers’ money,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do and it’ll lead to a more effective government.”

Republicans praised the announcement, which came two years after former Gov. Brian Schweitzer vetoed a bill proposed by a Republican lawmaker to create a similar website.

In the official response to the Democratic governor’s speech, Rep. Austin Knudsen, R-Culbertson, stressed Republicans’ desire to work with the governor, but he also outlined some key differences. He said members of his party worry about federal funding and cannot trust Washington, D.C., to keep its promises.

Although Knudsen didn’t mention Medicaid, state Republican leaders have expressed concern over the federal government’s ability to uphold its end of the bargain, as outlined in the Affordable Care Act. The expansion of Medicaid would require the state to pick up 10 percent of the tab by 2020.

Knudsen also suggested the Legislature reduce taxes for all Montanans – not just those who own property. He noted opportunity for bipartisan agreement on reduction of the business equipment tax.

Highlights from weeks three and four of the 2013 Legislative session: Concealed weapons permits Montanans’ permit applications for concealed weapons could become confidential under a new proposal awaiting legislative action.

Senate Bill 145 stems from a New York newspaper’s decision in December to publish the names and addresses of local handgun permit holders, said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Frederick Moore, R-Miles City. Moore urged members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to learn from that event. He argued the disclosure of personal information doesn’t fall within a compelling public interest.

Doug Nulle, a lobbyist for the Montana Shooting Sports Association, said confidentiality would protect applicants. “This information could be used by the criminal element to locate not only the applicant but also the applicant’s references, and thus potentially subject these individuals to a wide variety of crimes including murder, burglaries, home invasion robberies, theft and identify theft,” he said.

A lobbyist for the Montana Newspaper Association and Jan Anderson, editor and publisher of The Boulder Monitor, opposed the bill, urging lawmakers to balance an individual’s right to privacy and the public’s right to know. They voiced support for a different measure, Senate Bill 37, which would make public only the names and addresses of concealed weapons permit holders.

“When the local hothead showed up at my office and told me that he had a concealed weapons permit and I’d better be careful about what I wrote, didn’t I have a right to know whether indeed he had a concealed weapons permit?” Anderson asked the committee.

State employee pay plan State employees could soon see a pay raise, which for some would be the first time in four years.

More than 20 people spoke in front of the House Appropriations Committee in support for House Bill 13, a proposal to increase the salaries of state employees by 5 percent over each of the next two years. No one spoke in opposition.

Karen Haubbert, an employee at the state title and registration bureau in Deer Lodge, told the committee she makes $9.90 per hour after 10 years on the job, which is $0.85 more than new hires. She said it’s tough to make ends meet with the cost of living steadily increasing.

Public land access Hunters and anglers could gain access to public land currently off limits under a proposal to change Montana’s trespass laws.

The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony last week on House Bill 235, a measure that would allow crossing from a parcel of public land to another at a corner where public and private land intersect.

The bill’s main sponsor, Rep. Ellie Hill, D-Missoula, told the committee 1.3 million acres of public land are inaccessible because under current law, crossing corners is considered trespassing on the adjoining private property.

Under HB 235, property owners could still prosecute those who set foot on other parts of their land.

Representatives from the United Property Owners of Montana, Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Montana Stockgrowers Association and Montana Cattlewomen argued the bill infringes on private property rights.

University system funding Montana University System officials want to keep tuition levels frozen over the next biennium and increase faculty pay.

Clay Christian, the commissioner of higher education, told an appropriations subcommittee last week Montana has resisted tuition increases better than any other state, and he would like to keep it that way.

At the start of the three-day hearing, which occurred during week three of the session, the subcommittee’s chair, Rep. Roy Hollandsworth, R-Brady, urged the university system to lead the fight to protect natural resource development in Montana. He mentioned concern over the 2012 Power Shift conference held at the University of Montana, where students attended seminars on climate change and ending society’s reli-

ance on fossil fuels.

Christian addressed those comments, noting that nearly 10 percent of last year’s graduates went to work in the Bakken region.

Teaching alternatives to evolution A proposal allowing science teachers to teach alternatives to evolution drew critics to the Capitol during week three.

Opponents of House Bill 183 told the House Education Committee the sponsor wants intelligent design and creationism taught in public schools. They disputed the bill’s claim that the scientific community has not reached a consensus regarding the origin of life.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Clayton Fiscus, R-Billings, said the measure encourages critical thinking and doesn’t specify which theories to teach as alternatives to evolution.

Construction projects at colleges Lawmakers heard testimony on House Bill 14 during week four, which calls for about $100 million in state bonds to fund nine construction projects at Montana campuses. The measure, as outlined in Bullock’s address, would create 2,500 construction jobs.

A $29 million provision to fund construction of a new Missoula College (formerly the College of Technology) on UM’s South Campus drew heated debate. Opponents want the new facility built next to its counterpart near Fort Missoula. The current plan calls to move the college closer to the main campus, where it would interfere with the university’s golf course.

Administrators from Montana’s higher education community said the plan reflects a decades-long vision for the university. They stressed urgency: An increasing student population has led to crowded classes, some of which must be held in trailers.

Sex education Parents would have to give written permission for their children to take sex education under a new proposal that awaits a vote on the House floor. The measure would also

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montana

Big Sky Weekly

Feb. 8-21, 2013 15

Gov. Steve Bullock outlines his legislative priorities during his first State of the State address. Photo by Amy R. Sisk

prevent organizations that perform abortions from providing informational materials or instruction in schools.

House Bill 239 passed the House Education Committee 11-7 last week in a straight party line vote with Republicans in favor.

Campaign finance

Concussion education

Several proposals to combat anonymous money in Montana elections faced wide opposition from the House State Administration Committee.

Supporters told the committee that parents should decide whether to allow their children to learn about reproductive issues in school. Currently, parents can choose to opt their children out of the instruction.

Schools, doctors, the state’s student athletic association and individual citizens have come together to promote education about concussion injuries.

House Bill 265, sponsored by Rep. Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, would double the amount of money an individual can donate to campaigns. He said the bill would “level the playing field” by providing candidates with more money to respond to attack ads paid for by third-party groups.

Several proponents also criticized Planned Parenthood, whose Teen Council visits several Montana high schools to teach students about health and sexuality. Marybeth Adams, a family nurse practitioner from Belgrade, said the earlier the organization educates children about sex, the earlier young women get pregnant and have abortions.

Opponents argued that sex education is vital to preventing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Several members of the Planned Parenthood Teen Council said their peers often feel more comfortable discussing reproductive issues with people their age rather than parents or other adults. They also said they help clear up misconceptions about safe sex.

Opponents said allowing more money in elections would only worsen the problem.

Matt Leow, who organized November’s successful initiative calling for limits on corporate campaign spending, urged lawmakers to listen to constituents. “We need to deal with the problem of corporate personhood and the concept of money as speech, because those are the two concepts on which the Citizens United decision was based – not by inviting more big money into the process,” he said.

House Bill 229 faced similar opposition. Sponsored by Rep. Scott Reichner, R-Bigfork, the proposal also calls for increasing individual contribution limits and ending restrictions on donations from political parties.

Standing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Cydni Steigers explained how her son, Dylan, had received multiple concussions while playing football. He died in May 2010 when he was removed from life support, just one day after he stumbled off the football field with another concussion.

Senate Bill 112, sponsored by Sen. Anders Blewett, D-Great Falls, calls for school districts to inform coaches, athletes and parents about the nature and risks of brain injuries. It also requires athletes suspected of sustaining a concussion to be removed from play and receive a medical clearance before returning to the team.

Reporter Amy Sisk can be reached at (425) 466-6633 or amy.sisk@umontana.edu.

Follow @amyrsisk on Twitter for the latest from the Capitol.

New mural honoring Montana women planned for Capitol HELENA – The first new painting installed in the Montana State Capitol since 1928 will be a mural honoring the history of Montana women as community builders and commemorating the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, according to former legislators Lynda Moss and Diane Sands.

Senate Bill 59, sponsored by former State Sen. Lynda Moss and former Rep. Diane Sands and approved by the 2011 Legislature, approved the project and established the process of its installation.

Women have pioneered some of the essential social institutions in Montana, founding libraries, museums, theaters, parks, schools, hospitals, shelters, labor

unions and social clubs. The painting will honor these diverse roles in family life and as business leaders, educators, healthcare providers, scientists, ranchers and community builders.

Fifty-five mural painters from throughout the nation applied to be considered for the mural commission.

Three semi-finalists were selected: Hadley Ferguson of Missoula, Robert Evans of Sherborn, Mass. and Janet McKenzie of Island Pond, Vt. The public can get involved by submitting stories of remarkable women and women’s organizations to help document the significant contributions of women in the state’s history.

Projected to cost $56,000, the mural will be funded by private contributions. Both political parties have donated, and the Montana History Foundation and the Montana Historical Society are fiscal sponsors. A grant from Humanities Montana will ensure historic accuracy.

The historic Montana State Capitol has a wide variety of artwork, including paintings by Charlie Russell and Edgar S. Paxson, as well as life-size bronze sculptures of Sen. Mike Mansfield, Maureen Mansfield and Jeannette Rankin.

To learn more or get involved, visit montanawomensmural.org.

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Big Sky Weekly

Feb. 8-21, 2013 17

Section 2:

business, health and environment

Volume 4 // Issue No. 3

Top area brokers break down the real estate market big sky weekly editors

BIG SKY – The Weekly tracked down seven top real estate gurus this February and picked their brains about what’s happened in the market this past year, and where homeowners and potential homebuyers can expect it to go in 2013.

Even though brokers recognized some buyer apprehension toward the end of 2012 due to potential looming fiscal changes in Washington, two trends are clear: Numbers are up, and consumer confidence is on the mend.

“Twice as many properties sold between Dec. 21 and Jan. 21, as compared to the same time period last year,” said Ania Bulis, a broker with Christie’s International Real Estate/PureWest.

Prudential Montana Broker Eric Ossorio took it a step further.

“We see the pace and volume of inquiries quickening,” he said. “Seasonally, from November 2012 to Jan. 21, 2013, 62 properties closed in Big Sky, representing $27 million in sales. In 12 months, that would suggest an annualized rate of 248 sales, totaling $108 million.

Both 2011 and 2012 ended with the same total numbers in Big Sky – 220 closed sales, according to the Southwest Montana Multiple Listing Service’s reported sales. However, many private listings in Montana are not reported on MLS, to protect buyers’ privacy.

“Winter [sales] have picked up dramatically since summer 2012,” said Scott Johnson, co-owner Mon-

tana Living/Big Sky Real Estate. He sees the market turning around, as well, but noticed it’s not only existing homes that are moving.

“Land sales are starting to occur more frequently as prices are at rock bottom, inventory is plentiful and carrying costs are attractive,” Johnson said. “Rolling land into a construction mortgage is also very attractive due to aggressive interest rates.”

Jeff Helms, of Big Sky Sotheby’s, says it’s clear the real estate market here is recovering.

“I’m a data-driven person and am excited about the fact that we are finally seeing a trend line of data demonstrating a bottom of our local market.

I predict that prices will begin to moderately adjust upwards indicating a steady recovery in 2013.”

Here are eight top listings from the brokers’ own files:

Photo courtesy of Peak Photography

Photo by matty mccain

Moonlight Basin – Cabin 18, Cowboy Heaven

Moonlight Basin – Ulery’s Lake Road

"I love all the Cowboy Heaven Cabins, but Cabin 18 truly has it all. Great views of Lone Peak, a loft to accommodate an additional sleeping space and a deck that sits on the slopes of Powder River. It’s small, but charming with a location that’s hard to beat." –Ania Bulis, Christie’s International Real Estate/ PureWest (800) 325-8369 realestateofbigsky.com

"Our favorite listing right now is Ulery’s Lake Road in Moonlight Basin. This property offers three spacious bedrooms, a six-person bunkroom, 4 1/2 bathrooms and a three-car garage on 20 acres, with a two-bedroom, two-bathroom guesthouse. Enjoy views of Lone Mountain and the Spanish Peaks, outdoor terraces, fire-pit, barbecue and hot tub." –Eric Ossorio, Prudential Montana Real Estate (406) 219-7706 prumt.com

photo by robert hawkins

Photo by chris davis

Big EZ/The Club at Spanish Peaks – Duck’s Pond Estate

Moonlight Basin – Luxury Suite 1B, Cowboy Heaven

"Duck’s Pond Estate is the perfect Montana retreat! At 3,100 square feet, this fully- furnished, handcrafted timber-beam home is located on 20 acres with a private pond. Rustic and reclaimed materials used in construction are the perfect canvas for a cozy, yet elegant four-bedroom Montana cabin. 180 degrees encompass Yellowstone National Park." –Scott Johnson, Montana Living/ Big Sky Real Estate (406) 995-6333 bigskyrealestate.com

"Luxury Suite 1B currently available in Cowboy Heaven at Moonlight Basin is fully furnished for $879,000. Setting this property apart is unique ski access to both Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin; a great rental history to offset ownership costs and single-level living. It’s currently the least expensive unit in Cowboy Heaven on a per-square-foot level." – Ryan Kulesza, L & K (Ladd, Kulesza & Company) (406) 539-4666 lkrealestate.com Continued on p. 18

18 Feb. 8-21, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

Continued from p. 17

Photo by brian niles

Between Meadow Village and Mountain Village – 35 North Fork "The locals’ favorite is 35 North Fork. With no homeowners' association or covenants, and backdoor Nordic skiing, hiking and horseback riding access via Lone Mountain Ranch’s trail system, it’s an archetypal Big Sky home. Its 10 acres are located on a south-facing slope with old-growth fir trees (read: year-round sunshine and privacy) close to resorts and meadow amenities." – Tallie Jamison, Big Sky Sotheby’s International Realty (406) 600-8081 reallybigsky.com

Photo by jon marshall

The Club at Spanish Peaks – Ranch 28 "Ranch 28 is a gorgeous four-bedroom, six-bath home on 2.18 acres. It’s private but close to community activities and located on a gentle hillside surrounded by trees. The finishes and views are beautiful, and even though it has 6,100 square feet, the floor plan feels intimate." –Shawna Winter, Winter and Company Real Estate (406) 995-2093 mtwinter.com

Video production Real Estate Business Promotional Aerial Commercials Events Documentary

Photo by Chris Davis

Moonlight Basin – Luxury Suite 2B, Cowboy Heaven "This is a beautifully furnished luxury suite in Building Two. Exceptional views and easy ski access to Iron Horse and Six Shooter Ski Lifts. This luxury suite has five bedrooms, 5 1/2 bathrooms, 4,150 square-feet; a condo that feels like it's on top of the world. The whole family can easily ski into this spectacular Moonlight property." – Jeff Helms, Big Sky Sotheby’s International Realty (866) 995-2211 bigskysothebysrealty.com

Photo courtesy of ladd, kulesza & company

Yellowstone Club – River Run (Lot 311)

theoutlawpartners.com

"River Run tops our list as a prime Montana listing. And a river runs through it: A fork of the Gallatin River flows through a northern section of the 7.11-acre skiin, ski-out property, which adjoins another 30 acres of development-restricted land. One of only two member properties at the base of the Yellowstone Club’s Lake Lift, it contains a 2,800-square-foot guest log cabin with three bedrooms, three full baths and a deck and hot tub. Stay in the log cabin while you build your dream estate! " –L & K (Ladd, Kulesza & Company) (406) 995-2404 lkrealestate.com

Phone Discounts Available To CenturyLink Customers The Montana Public Service Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes.

CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $14.73 per month and business services are $30.00 per month. Specic rates will be provided upon request.

CenturyLink participates in a government benet program (Lifeline) to make residential telephone service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers are those that meet eligibility standards as dened by the FCC and state commissions. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benets if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless telephone. A household is dened for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Lifeline service is not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain Lifeline telephone service can be punished by ne or imprisonment and can be barred from the program.

Lifeline eligible subscribers may also qualify for reliable home high-speed Internet service up to 1.5Mbps for $9.95* per month for the rst 12 months of service. Further details are available at centurylink.com/internetbasics.

If you live in a CenturyLink service area, please call 1-800-244-1111 or visit centurylink.com/lifeline with questions or to request an application for the Lifeline program. *CenturyLink Internet Basics Program – Residential customers only who qualify based on meeting income level or program participation eligibility requirements, and requires remaining eligible for the entire offer period.

First bill will include charges for the \rst full month of service billed in advance, prorated charges for service from the date of installation to bill date, and one-time charges and fees described above. Qualifying customers may keep this program for a maximum of 60 months after service activation provided customer still qualies during that time. Listed High-Speed Internet rate of $9.95/mo. applies for rst 12 months of service (after which the rate reverts to $14.95/mo. for the next 48 months of service), and requires a 12-month term agreement.

Customer must either lease a modem/router from CenturyLink for an additional monthly charge or independently purchase a modem/router, and a one-time High-Speed Internet activation fee applies. A one-time professional installation charge (if selected by customer) and a one-time shipping and handling fee applies to customer’s modem/ router. General – Services not available everywhere. CenturyLink may change or cancel services or substitute similar services at its sole discretion without notice. Offer, plans, and stated rates are subject to change and may vary by service area. Deposit may be required. Additional restrictions apply. Terms and Conditions – All products and services listed are governed by tariffs, terms of service, or terms and conditions posted at centurylink.com. Taxes, Fees, and Surcharges – Applicable taxes, fees, and surcharges include a carrier Universal Service charge, carrier cost recovery surcharges, state and local fees that vary by area and certain in-state surcharges. Cost recovery fees are not taxes or government-required charges for use. Taxes, fees, and surcharges apply based on standard monthly, not promotional, rates.

Over 3 decades building in Big Sky

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20 Feb. 8-21, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

Ravens win Super Bowl was awarded the Super Bowl MVP for his performance.

By Brandon Niles

Big sky weekly sports columnist

New Orleans - The Baltimore Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the 47th annual Super Bowl on Feb. 3, 2013. It was a higher-scoring game than expected – each team is known for their defensive prowess – but the Ravens held on to win 34-31 despite a late surge by the 49ers.

Quarterback Joe Flacco got the Ravens off to a hot start, hooking up with receiver Anquan Boldin for a touchdown on the Ravens’ first drive. Flacco threw two more touchdown passes in the second quarter, including a 56-yard bomb to Jacoby Jones. Flacco methodically moved the Ravens into scoring position twice in the fourth quarter to keep the 49ers at bay, finished with 287 yards and three touchdowns, and completed 67 percent of his throws. Most importantly, Flacco avoided turnovers, and

on the sidelines and was critical of the officiating after the game. John made shrewd coaching decisions throughout the game, including taking a safety in the closing seconds in order to use up time on the clock and limit the potential of a 49ers comeback.

In addition to Jones’ long touchdown reception, he returned the opening kickoff in the second half 108 yards for a touchdown, putting the Ravens up 28-6. Just when all signs pointed to a Ravens blowout, in a bizarre turn The quarterbacks performed as exof events, the lights went out in the pected in many ways. Flacco played like stadium, halting the veteran he is, play for more "The 49ers and Ravens are cool and collected than 30 minfrom the pocket, superb examples of how utes. executing each to build a football team: play surgically draft well, develop talent When the and catapulting lights came himself into the and play good defense." back on, the discussion of top momentum of players at his posithe game shifted and the 49ers seemed tion. Meanwhile, 49ers quarterback to come alive. In the third quarter, they Colin Kaepernick revealed his inexperiscored 17 unanswered points and cut ence, struggling early and throwing the Ravens’ lead from 22 to 5. But the a key interception to veteran safety 49ers failed to convert on a fourth and Ed Reed. Kaepernick came alive late goal late in the game, giving the ball and finished the game with a 15-yard back to the Ravens with less than two touchdown run, but ultimately came minutes left. The Ravens burned most up short. of the clock and the 49ers couldn’t return a final kick in the closing seconds These two teams should remain domito prevent a Baltimore win. nant for a long time. Both coaches are young and talented, and the quarterSan Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh, backs are as well. The 49ers and Ravens trailing the entire game to older brother are superb examples of how to build a John’s Ravens, was his usual fiery self football team: draft well, develop talent

and play good defense. With the stability this success has earned them, these two teams should continue to thrive in the coming years.

For now, the Ravens can reflect on a tremendously successful year, one that culminated in an amazing run through the playoffs. The Ravens beat both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady on the road, and Joe Flacco stepped up and delivered in the biggest game of his career.

The Super Bowl is always an exciting, yet somber moment for me. It’s the biggest event in my favorite sport, but it’s also the final event of the season, and now I begin the long wait for September.

Until next season, congratulations to the Ravens!

Brandon Niles has done online freelance writing about the NFL since 2007. His articles range from NFL news to teamspecific commentary. With a Masters in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Niles is also an avid Miami Dolphins fan, which has led to his becoming an avid Scotch whisky fan over the past decade.

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22 Feb. 8-21, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

Bobcat men win 4 of 5 story and photos By mike coil

Christian Moon goes for the layup

BOZEMAN - After a close overtime loss on the road to the Grizzlies 71-76 in mid January, the Bobcat men's basketball team returned home on Jan. 21 to win three home games in row, but then split a pair of road games the following week. With the wins the Bobcats (7-5, 10-10) moved into a tie for third place in the Big Sky conference behind Montana (12-0, 16-4) and Weber State (10-2, 15-5). The Cats are tied for third place with Southern Utah.

On Jan. 21 the Cats beat Southern Utah (7-5, 9-12) 76-68. On Jan. 24 they handed Weber State their first conference loss 79-74 in an upset win, and on Jan. 26 the Cats prevailed over Idaho State (3-9, 4-17) in overtime 61-59.

In the contest with Idaho State the Bobcats held a 45-28 lead early in the second half, only to see the Bengals shoot their way back into the contest and end regulation tied at 57. In overtime the Bengals only managed two points, both foul shots. Fifteen seconds later the Cat's center Paul Egwuonwu jammed one home off of an Antonio Bigelow assist and then closed out the game with two free throws by Bigelow.

On Jan. 31 the Cats lost on the road to Eastern Washington (4-8, 6-16) 72-68. Having an off night, with a little over eight minutes to go the Cats trailed by 13. They mounted a 9-0 run late in the contest but fell short.

The Cats fared better at Portland State (3-9, 5-14) on Feb. 2, winning the game 70-64 despite not having their starting center Paul Egwuonwu, who is injured.

The Cats led by 15 at halftime but let PSU back into the contest. Down the stretch, Antonio Bigelow connected on a fade away 3-pointer with 2:37 to play to seal the victory.

The Cats are home for the next two games. They play North Dakota (6-6, 9-12) on Feb. 7 and Northern Colorado (4-8, 6-14) on Feb. 9.

Paul Egwuonwu jams one home

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Big Sky Weekly

Feb. 8-21, 2013 23

Big Horns ready to compete in district tournament story and photos By maria wyllie big sky weekly editorial assistant

BIG SKY – On Thursday, Feb. 7, the LPHS Boys Basketball team (4-10, 5-11) celebrated “Senior Night,” where seniors Grayson Bell, Haven Morris and Tucker Shea played in their final home game against West Yellowstone.

The Weekly went to press before the Senior Night game.

“These three players are the first fouryear players in Lone Peak basketball history and are responsible for establishing a program that has witnessed steady improvement each season,” coach Al Malinowski said in an email.

However, the season isn’t over yet for the three seniors. The team’s last regular season game is at Lima at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 9, and the district tournament is at the MAC Center in Butte, Feb. 13-16.

Malinowski and his players have been preparing for the tournament all season, and they are excited to see where they measure up against others in the district.

“We know we have to focus on one opponent at a time to achieve our goal,” Malinowski said, referring to the team’s

desire to extend their season and bring home a trophy.

The Lady Big Horns are also competing in this year’s district tournament.

Although they have played a primarily JV schedule, the girls had their first varsity-level win on Tuesday, Jan. 29, beating Lima 38-27 at home.

The team has improved immensely since day one, and coach Adam Olson says the decision to bring in some middle school girls has given them the needed depth to be competitive on the varsity level.

Ever since their first win of the season in a close game against the Sheridan Panthers on Jan. 19, Olson and the girls have been hungry for more.

“They fight hard and never give up,” Olson said. “We have a bright future ahead, especially since we are so young.”

With the last two games of regular season against varsity teams, the girls are finishing strong and ready to show just how far they’ve come at the upcoming district tournament.

Soph. Quinn House boxes out for the rebound in a 70-37 victory over Lima on Jan. 29.

• Pediatrics • Chronic Conditions • Women’s Health • Prenatal Care • Osteopathic Manipulation

Bianca Godoy makes a fast break down the court, leaving Lima players behind.

Prescheduled and same-day appointments available

throug h Feb. 28 On Jan. 29, the Lady Big Horns claimed their first varsity-level win against Lima, winning 38-27. Here, Sophomore Tehya Braun goes in for a layup.

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

th

Open weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Maren Dunn D.O. Board Certified in Family Medicine 18 Meadow Village Drive, Big Sky, MT (across from the post office) Phone: 406-995-3111 | After hours: 406-599-5848 gallatinfamilymedicine.com

24 Feb. 8-21, 2013

sports

Big Sky Freeride team goes big at Jackson Hole comp By jackie robin

big sky weekly contributor

International Freeskier Association Junior Freeride Competition of the season.

JACKSON, Wyo. – Fifteen Big Sky junior freeride athletes and their coaches drove to Jackson Hole, Wyo. Feb. 2-3 for the first Northern Region

Under two days of sunny skies, Big Sky Ski Education Foundation athletes ages 12-18 from

Wyoming, Montana and Utah, together with a team from Chile, showcased their big mountain skills. The young competitors skied fast, fluid lines through a variety of natural features on a cliffside venue known as the “Toilet Bowl.”

BSSEF Freeride team members Gracely Speth and Sadie Stenzel of Bozeman took first and second place, respectively, in the girls 12-14 age group.

Meanwhile, Ruby Speth finished fifth and Lucy Amsden sixth, facing a tough competition in the girls’ 15-18 group.

In the boys’ 12-14 category, Jackson Raden of Big Sky took fourth place, improving his score by six points on the second day with a dynamic run that included landing an impressive double air. In his first competition ever, and on his 16th birthday, Levi Rugheimer of Bozeman finished fourth in the boys' 15-18 division. Bozeman High senior Solomon Amsden took seventh place.

“It’s a tough sport with a lot of ups and downs,” said head coach Peter Manka. “Skiers have to find a balance between going big and staying in control, while showcasing technique, style and fluidity in a steep, rocky venue.”

The team travels to Grand Targhee for the second Northern IFSA Regional competition the weekend of Feb. 9.

The BSSEF freeride team poses at Jackson Hole photo by Jackie Robin

This is how Big Sky gets into hot water.

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Big Sky Weekly

Junior slalom race results from Red Lodge RED LODGE – The Big Sky and Bridger ski teams had strong results on Feb. 2, day one of the two-day slalom competition in Red Lodge, Mont. The following are the top 25 Big Sky Ski Education Foundation and Bridger Ski Foundation standings. At press time, official results from Feb. 3 were not yet available.

Feb. 2 Girls’ Results 1 Coyle, Alexa, BSSEF/99 1:42.60 2 Petitt, Megan, BSF/99 1:45.45 3 Matelich, Julia, BSF/99 1:47.29 4 Petitt, Erin, BSF/99 1:48.15 8 Bell, Reece, BSSEF/01 1:55.45 10 Delger, Ella, BSF/00 1:58.86 11 Winters, Madison, BSSEF/00 1:59.46 12 Becker, Riley Belle, BSSEF/01 2:00.95 13 Newhouse, Violet, BSF/01 2:01.44 15 Saarel, Larissa, BSF/99 2:03.73 16 Wills, Heidi, BSSEF/99 2:04.82 18 Severn-Eriksson, Annika, BSSEF/02 2:05.65 19 Davis, Isabel, BSF/99 2:05.79 20 Winters, Mackenzie, BSSEF/00 2:06.00 21 O'Donnell, Libby, BSF/00 2:06.32 22 Asbell, Riley, BSF/01 2:08.25 25 Smith, Natalie , BSF/00 2:10.28 Feb. 2 Boys’ Results 3 Robbins, Wesley, BSSEF/99 1:46.97 4 Saarel, Sam, BSF/99 1:48.03 5 Wills, Kyle, BSSEF/99 1:51.31 11 Kirchmayr, Luke, BSSEF/04 2:02.14 14 Trebesch, R Beck, BSSEF/00 2:05.89 15 Trafton, Boone, BSF/02 2:06.89 19 Unger, Caleb, BSSEF/03 2:10.78 20 Henyon, Walker, BSF/04 2:10.79 24 Rogers, Samuel, BSF/00 2:16.95

Alexa Coyle

Annika Severn-Eriksson

Kodi Boersma

Madison Winters

Mary Elizabeth Royce

Megan Robbins

Reece Bell

Sam Johnson

Feb. 8-21, 2013 27

photos by mike coil

Special Advertising Section

Finding Solace at Big Sky Resort’s Spa and Salon THOUGHTS OF PEACE, RELAXATION & SNOW … FROM SOLACE

Facials are both supremely hydrating and a must-have as your skin adjusts to life at 7,500 feet.

THIS WINTER AT SOLACE SPA & SALON will be one to remember.

Get the VIP treatment with our Spa Club and save on spa services and retail items. As a spa club member enjoy complimentary valet service on day of treatments, a free 30 minute consultation with first 50- minute treatment, complimentary wellness studio classes (one per week), discounts on services, special rates, free upgrades and more.

Learn more on our website www.bigskyresort.com/spa.

We are excited to announce that Solace Salon has gone AVEDA this winter. This will include our professional color line as well as our retail hair product line. Their products are naturally derived and plant-based, their color is 100% customizable and their mission as a green company matches well with ours. If you have never experienced an AVEDA ritual, or if you have and you loved it, then come see us this winter.

We have redesigned our spa menu keeping many old favorites and adding many new options. You will find some great new packages where we have taken the best of the menu and blended them into unique experiences like the Skier’s Surrender, Montana Retreat and The Calamity Jane just to name a few.

The Après Ski Fusion Massage is also new to the menu and promises to be a Big Sky sensation by relieving the symptoms from exercising at high altitudes. This sensory indulgent treatment combines hot & cold stone therapy with deep tissue work and aromatherapy.

The facial menu has also expanded to include many more results-driven treatments. Using Epicuren and Babor skin care lines as well as specialized facial massage techniques, we have created very specific experiences. Our Lone Peak Lifting Facial will literally have you walking out with lifted skin and is great for those concerned with the effects of aging on their skin. In addition, the High Altitude Hydrating and the Solace Organic

Last but not least, many of our talented (and your favorite) therapists and stylists have returned this winter. Additionally, we have some amazing new recruits from across the country bringing their expertise to Solace. So, if you haven’t experienced the newly remodeled Solace Spa, this winter is the time. Give us a call at 406-995-5803 to schedule your appointments.

We look forward to seeing you this winter at Solace, – Amber Miller, Spa Manager

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Big Sky Weekly

Feb. 8-21, 2013 29

Ask Dr. Dunn By maren dunn

with fever-reducing medicine since a cool bath alone will not reset the hypothalamus.

big sky weekly health writer

What happens to cause a fever? How do feverreducing medicines help?

- Michael, Bozeman

Studies show that treating fever does no harm, nor does it slow the healing of an illness. In fact, medicines such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which can be used together, reduce fever and also allay other symptoms including headaches and joint and muscle pain. It’s important to remember children under 16 should not take aspirin. If a person cannot tolerate medicine by mouth rectal suppositories are effective. See your medical provider if your fever does not reduce with medicine or if it is coupled with worrisome symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal pain or severe vomiting.

It’s influenza season, a time when fever becomes rampant in our community. Fever, defined as the elevation of an individual’s core body temperature beyond the normal daily range, can be one of the most unpleasant symptoms of illness. Typically it is due to infection.

The brain has a thermostat that works similar to the one in our homes. It’s called the hypothalamus.

Here, the set point for your body temperature is determined. When fighting infection, the body produces chemicals that trigger the hypothalamus to increase the temperature set point to a higher level.

When the blood surrounding the hypothalamic nerves is a lower temperature than the set point, the body is stimulated to produce heat. First, blood vessel constriction in the extremities reduces heat loss from the skin. This can make the hands and feet cold while the core body temperature rises. In some cases the muscles twitch, or shiver, producing more heat. This is when a person feels cold or “chilled” and wraps up in a blanket and clothing layers. Essentially, your brain makes you feel cold while our body works to increase its temperature to a new set point.

When the infection is gone or fever-reducing medicine like acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen

"Studies show that treating fever does no harm, nor does it slow the healing of an illness. In fact, medicines such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which can be used together, reduce fever and also allay other symptoms including headaches and joint and muscle pain." are taken, the set point returns to normal. Often the person will feel hot and will likely sweat, which helps reduce their body temperature back to the normal setting. Sometimes a cool bath or cool compresses are used to reduce body temperature. However, these methods should only be used together

Maren Dunn, D.O., is owner of Gallatin Family Medicine, a medical clinic in the Big Sky Meadow Village. Gallatin Family Medical offers reduced cost and free mammogram screening. Have a question?

Email her at inquiries@gallatinfamilymedicine.com. gallatinfamilymedicine.com

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30 Feb. 8-21, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

Town Center Marketplace building filling up

By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR big sky weekly editor

BIG SKY – The Marketplace building in Town Center has filled nearly all of its vacant spaces.

And it’s all happened in the past month.

Four of five empty storefronts are now occupied, thanks to a concerted effort by Big Sky Town Center, Creighton Block Gallery, Rocky Mountain Rustics Group and Bozeman Audi.

“It’s good to have some open space, but upstairs has been largely vacant for too long,” said Bill Simkins, Town Center developer. “[Filling these spaces] is a sign of confidence building in the Big Sky community.”

Town Center opened a sales office with a conference room in the building in early February, allowing the developer to occupy a branded office in a central location, since moving out of the former Simkins-Hallin showroom last September.

Also in the first week of February, RMR Group moved into the building and out of the upstairs office it previously held in a barn in Beaver Creek, to be closer to the bank and the post office and to have a visible storefront.

Setting up the Bozeman Audi Big Sky Showroom, now located in the Marketplace building. Photo by Chris Davis

“We looked at all the spaces available but felt Marketplace, near the new Town Center office, was the only option at the end of the day,” said Chad Rothacher, owner and founder of RMR. Rothacher is looking forward to expanding business at the new location, which already houses Gourmet Gals, The Cave Spirits and Gifts, Big Horn Boutique and Creighton Block, the art gallery that expanded in January to include an upstairs art showroom.

“I’m thrilled with the expansion of the gallery and to see Audi going in,” Rothacher said. “Having that type of clientele is great. Most of our clients are not driving Pintos.”

Bozeman Audi opened a showroom in the building in early February, as well, and owner Alan

Cawthon sees a bright future in the new location.

Two Audis and a Subaru Outback are currently parked in the showroom.

“The opportunities in Big Sky are incredible,” said Cawthon, who also owns Bozeman’s Montana Import Group and whose daughter, Caroline, will be running the Town Center showroom. “We all went through the [market] down cycle. It feels good to be on the upswing.”

In addition to showing cars, the Bozeman Audi Big Sky Showroom is carrying locally and U.S.-made clothing, furniture and other gifts. Cawthon’s partner Columbine Culberg formulated this idea to appeal to an “Audi and Big Sky lifestyle.”

The showroom walls are painted Audi grey and Montana Import Group tan, and are adorned with canvasses depicting wild horses and bison, lent by Colin Mathews of Creighton Block.

Chamberlain new membership and event manager for Chamber big sky chamber of commerce

BIG SKY – The Big Sky Chamber of Commerce has a new membership sales and event manager, sevenyear resident Danielle Chamberlain.

Businesses interested in scheduling a meeting with Chamberlain may reach her at danielle@bigskycham-

“The greatest hindrance to main streets are empty storefronts,” said Mathews, who learned the concept when he was mayor of Virginia City, west of Ennis. “Filling these spaces will be positive for further development [in Big Sky].”

Simkins echoed the sentiment, pointing to Big Sky’s population surge and an uptick in economic security.

“In the last few months we’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about workspace housing,” Simkins said.

“Population and consumer confidence are gaining momentum, like a snowball effect. People are seeing others making moves and are doing the same.”

Big Sky architecture firm wins ‘Best of Houzz’ 2013 award Annual survey reveals toprated U.S. professionals BIG SKY – Houzz, a leading online platform for residential remodeling and design, recently awarded Centre Sky Architecture “Best Of Houzz” for customer service in 2013. The firm has offices in Big Sky and Denver and a focus on sustainability.

Chamberlain is a recent graduate from Montana State University with a major in marketing. She has been the face of the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center for the past five months, as the visitor information services manager. Prior to joining the chamber, she was the distribution director for the Big Sky Weekly, a ski instructor at Big Sky Resort and a raft guide at Geyser Whitewater.

“Danielle understands the unique needs of our members and will be an excellent representative for the Chamber and the community as a whole,” said Kitty Clemens, the Chamber’s executive director, adding that Chamberlain “welcomes the opportunity to sit down with … members to better understand their wants and needs.”

Mathews’ new gallery room displays high-end Western art, complete with a bronze statue of an eagle in the second floor window. The art dealer says he feels a sense of community in the building, and that he believes the now-occupied spaces should lead to increased sales.

The award was based on homeowner members’ ratings of their experience working with remodeling professionals.

Photo courtesy of Danielle Chamberlain

ber.com or (406) 995-3000. She will also attend the next Business After Hours on Feb. 21 at the Big Sky Owner’s Association between 5:30 and 7 pm.

With Houzz, homeowners can identify top-rated professionals, and those whose work matches their own aspirations for their home. Homeowners contact professionals directly on the Houzz platform and see their responses to questions from other members. Houzz claims more than 11 million monthly users.

explorebigsky.com

classifieds/business directory

Big Sky Weekly

help wanted

for rent

There are atleast 7 Mistakes in this ad.

If you beleive you’re a detail oriented person with great communication skills and have good time management, spot these mistakes, then sent us your feedback on the pelow address including your resume before Febaurary 26th has we are hiring a part-time customer service/office person. Yourcsr1@insagency.com

RENTALS ATV'S, Polaris RZR side by sides, RV's, Driftboats & SNOWMOBILES when the snow flies! bigboystoysrentals.com

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

for sale FIREWOOD $200 a cord, split/delivered Big Sky Trees 995-7852

Feb. 8-21, 2013 31

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Paving Contractors

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

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or call (406)995-2055 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath in Spanish Peaks Call 406-995-2174 or visit vrbo.com/393008 for more details

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weekend getaway

Big Sky Weekly

Feb. 8-21, 2013 33

Section 3:

life, land and culture

Volume 4 // Issue No. 3

Spotlight: Jackson, Wyoming

The sun sets over downtown Jackson, as seen from Snow King ski area

by big sky weekly staff

Jan. 31, 2013… Board Jackson Hole’s 100-person tram on the first powder day in weeks, and the energy is nearly as intense as the start gates of the Kentucky Derby. Led Zeppelin’s music echoes through the tramcar, as the 4,139-foot vertical, nine-minute ride whisks skiers and boarders up to some of the most amazing ski terrain in the lower 48.

“Welcome to the top of Jackson Hole ski area, recommended for experts only,” the tram attendant announces as the crowd readies to exit the tram. “We have five inches of new snow!”

New in 2008, Jackson's 100-person tram accesses some of the Rockies' best in-bounds terrain. Photo courtesy of JHMR

The crowd erupts in cheer. What a great start to a ski day.

To visitors, Jackson, Wyo., is known for views of the Teton Range, elk antler arches, a steep ski mountain and The Cowboy Bar. To locals, the town is known for its hardcore-yet-friendly community, vast open spaces and exciting sporting opportunities.

For the Big Sky Weekly’s new spotlight series featuring nearby mountain towns, we have come up with some criteria that make a weekend getaway worth leaving our own gorgeous mountain and terrain.

Some key elements are: a comfortable bed, family activities, amazing meals, insider tips, places to get

a ‘deal’ and how to’s. We recently sent a team to Wyoming to explore its jewel of a ski town, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

When the Weekly went to press on Feb. 6, JHMR had a 72-inch base and 256 inches for its season total. More snow was in the forecast.

Where to Stay: Editor’s Pick - Four Seasons Resort The name says it all. When it comes to a resort property, Four Seasons at Jackson Hole is truly one of the finest in the ski industry. Location, location, location. The runs are groomed to the doorstep of Base Camp, where your ski day begins and ends. Four Seasons hospitality and service includes luxurious rooms, an 11,000 square-foot spa, on-property restaurants and an après bar. For families, this resort is an oasis. Its amazing staff can help with everything from equipment rentals, lessons and activities for all ages. If you’re looking for the luxury resort with the best access to JHMR’s ski slopes, Four Seasons Resort is the spot. Tip – Nespresso coffee in the morning and heated lockers for your robe poolside. Ski vacation dream come true! Ski and stay packages are offered throughout the season.

(307) 732-5000 fourseasons.com/jacksonhole Kickin' it in high style, Wyoming-style Photo courtesy of four seasons resort

Locals’ Pick – Fireside Resort Looking for a different resort experience during your stay in Jackson? Try Fireside Resort just off of Wilson Road. Ultra modern, yet rustic cabins frame this quaint little ‘glamping’ community, giving Jackson a refreshing twist on luxury lodging. Each cabin is equipped with a cozy mini-kitchen and living space, an ultra modern designer bathroom and a master bedroom that combines unique touches to provide plenty of storage space. Don't forget to bring your sweet tooth, because your private wood burning fire pit outside comes with all of the fixin's for s'mores... complimentary of course.

(877) 660-1166 firesidejacksonhole.com

Glamping, aka, glamour camping, ain't bad at all. Photo courtesy of

fireside resort

Continued on p. 34

34 Feb. 8-21, 2013

weekend getaway: Jackson

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Continued from p. 33

Where to eat: Dinner

Alpenglow at sunrise on the Grand Teton and Mount Owen Photo courtesy of Jackson chamber

of commerce

Breakfast On-mountain – Terra Cafe Located slopeside in the contemporary and elegant Hotel Terra, this understated café serves up a great organic breakfast with everything from eggs to lattes to smoothies.

Tip – The banana and peanut butter smoothie with a scoop of soy protein powder will carry you through a ski day.

(307) 739-4000 hotelterrajacksonhole.com In town – Café Genevieve One block east of the town square, this log cabin serves up a hearty meal. Go for the Spanish Frittata or the Chicken and Waffles supported by a Mimosa.

(307) 732-1910 genevievejh.com

On-mountain – Osteria

Another dining experience creation from the Fine Dining Restaurant Group, this Italian restaurant is the perfect end to a powder day. Chef Joseph O’Connor has created a diverse menu with everything from housemade pastas, wood-oven fired pizzas, beautiful salads and fresh fish. The atmosphere is cozy with a small setting and sophisticated ski bums serving up an elegant meal.

Tip – Try this for a meal…. Fried Stuffed Olives, followed by an entrée of Crispy Lamb Shank, and the Osteria chocolate mousse cake to finish things off.

(307) 739-4100 jhosteria.com

Locals’ pick – Pearl Street Bagels Grab a fresh baked bagel and cup of coffee and be on the mountain fast. This landmark bagel shop is the place to gather in the morning, with its hip vibe, quality product and reasonable price. Located in the Town Square and in Wilson and open 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

In town – Rendezvous Bistro

Known as a locals’ favorite for years, this Bistro style restaurant serves up some of the best food in the valley. The raw bar and other menu items like baby octopus will test and reward customers. Daily plate specials are always a hit and the private dining area is perfect for groups.

(307) 739-1218 pearlstreetbagels.com

Lunch On-mountain – The Spur Teton Mountain Lodge's in-house restaurant the Spur offers world-class, Western-inspired cuisine in a unique and lively atmosphere.

Tip – Try the Tuna Tartare with a glass (or bottle) of EOS Chardonnay.

No need to say more.

(307) 739-1100 rendezvousbistro.net

Tip – Order the half grilled cheese with salad and a bloody mary with bacon. Yep, bacon!

Locals’ pick – Teton Thai This family-run business located in Teton Village serves up the best Thai food in the valley. A favorite for over a decade, it has strong loyalty from locals and visitors alike.

Locals’ pick – Nikai Sushi in ski towns is like powder on the slopes – just right! Two blocks off the Town Square, Nikai is a trusted source for amazing sushi and Asian inspired menu. The comfortable and contemporary setting is a welcome site in this cowboy town.

Tip - The Masaman and Panang are must-haves!

Tip – Try the Firecracker and Big Kahuna rolls. Get an order of the Sake from Oregon – best bang for the buck!

(307) 733-0022 tetonthaivillage.com

(307) 734-6490 nikaisushi.com

weekend getaway

Feb. 8-21, 2013 35

Top five “Must do’s” when visiting Jackson

pick your pearls.

1. Ski the new Casper Quad Lift It accesses some great intermediate terrain and stellar, long groomers, including the Moran face.

Eric Seymour skiing the light and fluffly in 2013 at Jackson Hole Photo courtesy of JHMR

2. Million Dollar Cowboy Bar Saddle up at the famous landmark in Town Square.

Check milliondollarcowboybar.com for a live music schedule.

3. Inversion Yoga Hosting a variety of classes in two studios, this Inversion Yoga has everything from flow classes to hot yoga. The downtown studio has showers, a smoothie bar and retail. What a great way to start a day or relax after skiing.

More information at inversionyoga.com

S H E L LY B E R M O N T Hosting a variety of classes in two studios, Inversion Yoga has everything from flow classes to hot yoga.. Photo courtesy of Inversion Yoga

4. Visit the National Elk Refuge and take a sleigh ride Imagine riding a sleigh through the open fields of the refuge, in the shadows of the Tetons, getting a close-up view at thousands of wintering elk. Sleigh rides run from December through April. Contact the Jackson Hole Visitor Center for tickets, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (307) 733-9212 fws.gov/nationalelkrefuge/jacksonholevisitorcenter.htm

Unique, handmade jewelry Extensive selection of South Sea & Tahitian pearls Exotic stones, raw diamonds, fine silver and 18-22 karat gold

5. Go cross-country skiing at the Trail Creek Nordic Center Located at the base of Teton Pass, the Trail Creek Nordic Center’s groomed loops are used by the Jackson Hole Nordic Team for training and races, as well as by community members for a fee. For information on all Nordic skiing opportunities in the Jackson area visit jacksonholenet.com.

B I G S K Y, M T | P A C I F I C P A L I S A D E S , C A Private appointments and trunk shows available. shellybermont.com

Next stop for weekend getaway – Alta, Utah

How are you going to lose those 7 pounds you gained over the holidays?

Or...you could ski.

-ELK RIDGE RANCHexplorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

LIVINGSTON • $2,100,000 640 +/- acres (4 parcels), spectacular elk, deer and antelope hunting, borders USFS land, Yellowstone River access, minutes to town

More Fine Ranch & Recreational Offerings: ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROAD • BELGRADE • $4,300,000 719 +/- acres, 3,622 +/- sf home, primitive cabin, borders USFS land, Mill Creek runs through, water rights, productive hay ground ROCK CREEK SECTION • GARDINER • $2,700,000 640 +/- acres, log cabin, meadows, creeks, springs, trees, borders USFS land for 3.5 +/- miles, excellent recreational property T BAR Z ROAD • WHITEHALL • $1,450,000 237 +/- acres, 6,048 +/- sf home was lodge for the historic T Bar Z Ski Area, Locati designed addition, trees, alpine meadow

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WE DELIVER 406.995.2305 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 7AM-10PM CHECK OUT OUR MENU: BIGSKYBLUEMOONBAKERY.COM LOCATED IN WESTFORK PLAZA MALL BIG SKY, MONTANA

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gallery

Big Sky Weekly

Feb. 8-21, 2013 37

Jill Zeidler – Big Sky’s Resident Ceramic Artist

Zeidler's pod bowl Photo by tom ferris

birds and lotus flowers, but in a recent departure, she’s working on a different line of vessels featuring new imagery, to be revealed once the collection is ready.

By rené kraus

big sky weekly contributor

BIG SKY – Like many people in Big Sky, Jill Zeidler came to live here by a circuitous route. Before completing her fine arts degree at Northern Arizona University, she studied for a year at Montana State University in Bozeman, where she met her future husband. They briefly lived in Alaska before setting out for a “small town experience” in Big Sky, having skiing nearby an added bonus.

Zeidler chooses bright, vibrant colors rather than the dark, earthy palette seen in much ceramic work. Turquoise is a recent favorite, adding to the contemporary “Zen” quality of each piece.

As an artist, Zeidler takes great pleasure in the moment. As a mother, she looks forward to when her youngest is in school, and having more time for her career. Yet, in her perfect artistic, inspirational environment, and as an evolving art professional, Zeidler is just where she wants to be.

Now with two children, Zeidler’s work as a ceramic artist fits her busy life. Children and art have been a recurring focus for her – she taught ceramics to eighth graders as part of the “Art Around the Corner” program at Big Sky’s Ophir School shortly after graduation. Since then, she’s built a roster of exhibitions, including at the Gallatin River Gallery in Big Sky, as well as the prestigious Turman Larison Contemporary Gallery in Helena. Zeidler participated in her first juried art fair in Jackson Hole, Wyo. three years ago.

Her professional goals now include attaining more visibility through art fairs and influential galleries in new markets such as Idaho, Oregon, Chicago and New York. Her ideal venue is the coveted Scottsdale Art Fair, as she has yet to have a showing in Arizona.

She says it would be wonderful to come full circle and become known in that area.

All of Zeidler’s ceramic pieces are hand-built. She doesn’t use a wheel, but rather sculpts each item by hand, then glazes and fires them. She enjoys the physi-

Photo by tom ferris

“Being in nature, in a small town, with the beauty of Big Sky right outside my window, is my constant source of inspiration,” she said.

Artist Jill Zeidler in her studio Photo by kene sperry

cal interaction with the clay, stretching it out and letting the organic nature of the work reveal itself, using a technique known as “slumping.”

She also pioneered a xerography transfer process, which involves transferring a Xerox image in pigment onto wet clay. Because the Xerox image can only be transferred once, each ceramic piece is unique. Typically, her imagery is nature-based, sculpting trees,

photo by kene sperry

She would like nothing more than to continue bringing smiles to people who use her ceramic art for their morning coffee, or as decorative pieces adorning a dining room table. Her work makes people happy and she never wants that to stop.

Jill Zeidler will be featured in the Big Sky Art Walk on Feb. 17, 2013 in the Meadow Village Business Center.

Rene Kraus is a freelance writer and communications consultant with an avid interest in the arts and Montana's outdoor lifestyle. Her work appears regularly in print and online media.

38 Feb. 8-21, 2013

events

explorebigsky.com

Dummy Jump is Feb. 9 By kipp proctor

THE RULES

big sky resort

Skates and Spurs at the Legion Feb. 9

All dummies must resemble an organic life form, have a theme, be manageable by no more than two people, be designed with modesty (i.e. clothing) for the younger audience in attendance, and leave no trace.

BIG SKY – You’d have to be a dummy to miss the party at Big Sky Resort on Saturday, Feb. 9, when participants launch their dummy creations skyward off a ski jump, then watch them explode upon the impact of a crash landing.

The landing itself should create enough impact for the dummy to explode, and explosive devices are not allowed. Hint: A heavy dummy with a low center of gravity is key to a successful launch and subsequent splat upon landing.

Teams have been designing, building and modifying their dummy competitors all month.

The fun will start at noon, when the dummies line up near the Summit clock tower to be judged on creativity. Next, they will begin their first and only ascent up the mountain at 1 p.m. to assume their positions at the starting line.

There is no entry fee, but entrants must register by Feb. 8. Registration forms are available online at bigskyresort.com/events, along with the official rules and a video of last year’s event.

BOZEMAN – Channel your inner outlaw, grab your Stetson and join the Gallatin Roller Girlz Derby league for a rootin’ tootin’ good time on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Roller derby meets the Wild West for the Skates and Spurs Fundraiser at the Legion Upstairs on Main Street in Bozeman from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Proceeds benefit the league.

The evening begins with a ‘Dirty Deeds’ live auction at 8 p.m., where attendees can bid on services such as landscaping, snowboarding lessons, ranch work, house painting and cleaning – donated by the roller derby girlz and gents.

At 3 p.m. gravity will work its wonders, when the dummies are shoved out of the starting gate toward a kicker complete with a flat landing. The judges will take notes to determine the best jump, best form, sturdiest dummy, best amplitude and the best explosion on impact.

The awards ceremony will be in Whiskey Jack’s, following a short period of deliberation after the final dummy has flown.

Big Sky Weekly

DJ Miss Illaneous and DJ Luscious will be spinning fresh grooves, and Scissorbills Saloon will sling drinks. In addition, there will be a 50/50 cash raffle and a prize for Ace-High outfit (best costume).

LPHS students Nick McTaggart, Dan Bartzick, Tommy Tosic and Jace Morgan huddle prelaunch with their entry at last year's Dummy Jump, Lone Peak Scholar.

The nonprofit Gallatin Roller Girlz are dedicated to empowering individuals through the sport of roller derby. The team is busily preparing for its expanded 2013 summer home bout schedule, kicking off June 15 at the fairgrounds.

More at grgderby.com or Facebook/GallatinRollerGirlz.

Moonlight Basin

Full event details at moonlightbasin.com (406) 993-6000

@moonlightbasin · #moonlightbasin

E V E N T S

a jam packed winter calendar

F e b rua ry 2 5

Special Olympics Montana Big Sky Area Winter Games

In the 4th annual Winter Games, over 45 athletes and coaches compete in alpine skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing events. Come out and cheer them on!

M a rC h 9

9th Annual Snowshoe Shuffle

Grab your snowshoes, dogs, and put your best paw forward to raise funds for the heart of the Valley animal Shelter.

M a rC h 1 4 - 1 8

Freeride World Tour Qualifier Event

Come watch a collection of high caliber athletes compete in the 4-star Subaru Freeride Series stop on the 2013 Freeride World Qualifier tour, being held at Moonlight basin.

M a rC h 3 1 a n d a p r I l 6 Headwaters Spring Runoff

Moonlight basin’s 8th annual event returns with twice the fun.

Junior competition held on March 31 and adult competition held on april 6. registration opens in March, check moonlightbasin.com for details.

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events

Big Sky Weekly

Feb. 8-21, 2013 39

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

Friday, Feb. 8

sunday, Feb. 10

big sky

big sky

Big Sky Big Grass Music Camp Big Sky Resort, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

BSSEF Northern Division Speed Series Hangman’s trail at Big Sky Resort 10:30 a.m. (women’s); 11:15 a.m. (men’s)

Big Sky Big Grass Music Festival Big Sky Resort, 3:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Big Sky Big Grass Music Festival Big Sky Resort, 3:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Bozeman

Bozeman

Home Energy Free Workshop Series: Radiant Floor Heating Montana Weatherization Training Center, 12 – 1 p.m.

International Guitar Night Ellen Theatre, 7 p.m.

Bozeman Running Co. Invitational Brick Breeden Field House, 4:30 p.m.

Artwalk Reception: Willem Volkersz Emerson Cultural Center 5 - 8 p.m.

Tracorum Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 8 p.m.

Livingston & paradise valley The Bus Driver Tour The Murray Bar, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 9 big sky BSSEF Northern Division Speed Series Hangman’s trail at Big Sky Resort 10:15 a.m. & 1 p.m. (women’s); 11 a.m. & 1:45 p.m. (men’s) Search and Rescue Dog Demonstration Moonlight Basin, 2 p.m.

Dummy Jump Big Sky Mountain Village base area, 2:30 p.m.

monday, feb. 11 big sky The Special Consensus and Friends Big Sky Big Grass Special Benefit Concert Talus Room, Summit Hotel, Big Sky Resort Wine Tasting and hors d'oevres Wine at 5:30 p.m., Music at 6:30 p.m.

All proceeds go to Warren Miller Performing Arts Center

Preschool Story Hour Big Sky Community Library, 10:30 a.m.

Big Sky Resort Town Hall Meeting Montana Room at Buck’s T -4, 6 – 9 p.m.

Bozeman Gypsy Writers Bozeman Public Library, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, feb. 12 big sky

The Tyler James Brigade Choppers, 9 p.m.

Bozeman Special Chef’s Valentines Dinner Starky’s Authentic Americana Grill, 5 p.m.

Valentine’s Blast from the Past Rockin’ TJ Ranch, 6 p.m.

Hot Tuna Emerson Cultural Center, 8 p.m.

LFTD Presents: Montana Rose Peach Street Studios, 8 p.m.

friday, feb. 15 big sky Big Sky Band Whiskey Jack’s, 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Dinner Concert Series featuring Lura Turner and Chris Nemec Buck’s T -4, 5:30 p.m.

Bozeman Gypsy Lumberjacks with the Kitchen Dwellers The Filling Station, 9 p.m.

Murder Mystery Dinner, “The Grapes of Frath” Livingston Senior Center, 6 p.m.

Bebe LeBoeuf Cajun Band, Mardi Gras Party Pine Creek Lodge, 7 – 10 p.m.

Sugar Daddies Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon, 9 p.m.

Jeremy Morton Choppers, 5 – 7 p.m.

Fat Tuesday Pub Crawl Downtown Bozeman, 5 – 11 p.m.

Rapunzel! Rapunzel!

Equinox Theatre, 2 p.m.

23rd Annual Museum Ball Museum of the Rockies, 5:30 p.m.

MSU Cats vs. Northern Colorado, men’s basketball Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 7 p.m.

Skates and Spurs Gallatin Roller Girlz Fundraiser The Legion upstairs, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Livingston & paradise valley In Walks Bud Pine Creek Lodge, 7 – 10 p.m.

The Bus Driver Tour Murray Bar, 9:30 p.m. west yellowstone SPAM Cup Rendezvous Ski Trails, 10 a.m.

Taste of the Trails Rendezvous Ski Trails, 2 p.m.

big sky Meadow Village Center Art Walk Meadow Village Pavilion, 2 – 8 p.m.

Dan Dubuque Whiskey Jack’s, 3:30 p.m.

Bozeman Wild West Winterfest Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 9 a.m.

2013 Oscar Nominated Short Films, The Bozeman Film Festival Emerson Cultural Center 2 – 9:30 p.m.

monday, feb.18 president's day big sky

Preschool Story Hour Big Sky Community Library, 10:30 a.m.

Bozeman

Wilderness and Yellowstone Ablaze Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture, 7 p.m.

sunday, feb. 17

livingston & paradise valley

Big Sky Big Grass Music Festival Big Sky Resort, 3:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Girls for a Change statewide conference MSU, 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Livingston Roundup Association “Boots and Buckles Ball” The Office Lounge, 8 p.m.

Kenny Diamond Carabiner Lounge, 4 p.m.

west yellowstone

Bebe LeBoeuf Cajun Band Café Zydeco, 6 p.m.

Livingston & paradise valley

Sweet Tooth Ball & Silent Auction Emerson Cultural Center 7:30 p.m.

Pub Trivia Whiskey Jack’s, 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Bozeman

The North Mississippi Allstars with The London Souls The Filling Station, 9 p.m.

saturday, feb. 16 big sky RAMP Ski & Snowboard Demo Moonlight Basin, all day

tuesday, feb. 19 big sky Pub Trivia Whiskey Jack’s, 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

wednesday, feb. 20 big sky Montana Night Jack Creek Grille, 5 p.m.

Bozeman Paul Schmitz lecture Bozeman Public Library, 8:30 a.m.

Search and Rescue Dog Demonstration Moonlight Basin, 2 p.m.

livingston & paradise valley

big sky

Dan Dubeque Choppers, 5 -7 p.m.

Kenny Wait Band Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

Creative Writing Forum with Liz McRae Santosha Wellness Center, 7:30 p.m.

Fireworks Big Sky Resort, time TBD

Gypsy Lumberjacks Black Bear Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

Bozeman

wednesday, feb. 13

Bozeman “Love and Tragedy” Ukulele Valentine Serenade Wild Joe’s Coffeehouse, 6:30 p.m.

Livingston & paradise valley Elk River Writers Night – Romantic Poetry Night Pine Creek Lodge, 7 p.m.

thursday, feb. 14 Valentine's day big sky Sushi at the Summit Peaks Restaurant, 5 p.m.

thursday, feb. 21 big sky Sushi at the Summit Peaks Restaurant, 5 p.m.

Wild West Winter Fest Gallatin Country Fairgrounds, 9 a.m.

Bozeman

Queen and King of the Ridge Bridger Bowl, 9:30 a.m.

Holy Motors, The Bozeman Film Festival Emerson Cultural Center 7:30 p.m.

Digital Darkroom 101 and Lighting F-11 Photographic Supplies, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

livingston & paradise valley

31st International Street food Bazaar MSU, 4 p.m.

Annual Bridge, Pinochle and Cribbage Night Livingston Depot Center, 7 p.m.

Snowmobile Spectacular Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

Valentine’s day Contra Dance Eagles Lodge – upstairs, 7:30 p.m.

Bearfoot Ellen Theater, 8 p.m.

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

40 Feb. 8-21, 2013

entertainment

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Upcoming featured events Mardi Gras Bozeman’s Fat Tuesday Pub Crawl marks the end of the second annual Mardi Gras Scavenger Hunt and takes place from 5 - 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Get a punch card stamped as you drink your way from image courtesy of bozemanmardigras.com bar to bar and turn it in at midnight for a chance to win $400 in “downtown dollars.” Each bar will select its own Mardi Gras prince and princess to be entered in the drawing for Mardi Gras Queen and King, so don’t forget to dress up!

Hot Tuna Guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady formed Hot Tuna in early 1969, during a hiatus from Jefferson Airplane. Influenced by blues, jazz, bluegrass and folk, as well as the psychedelic rock of the 1970s, Hot Tuna’s career exhibits a range of music, Photo courtesy of hot tuna both acoustic and electric. The duo will perform an acoustic set on Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture in Bozeman at 8 p.m.

Big Sky Weekly

compiled By maria wyllie big sky weekly editorial assistant

Wild West Winterfest Winterfest 2013 is taking place at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Feb. 16 and 17 starting at 9 a.m. daily. The Snowmobile Spectacular on Saturday night features a Photo courtesy of visitmt.com number of snowmobile athletes performing big air tricks, and a portion of the proceeds will go to Gallatin County Search and Rescue. From ski joring to quilt and rabbit shows, to a trail-horse battles and a chili cook-off, Winterfest offers activities for the whole family.

The Tyler James Brigade Bozeman-based band The Tyler James Brigade is coming to Choppers in Big Sky on Thursday, Feb. 14 at 9 p.m. Singersongwriter Tyler James Haugum, often in bare feet and a cowboy hat, fronts Photo courtesy of the tyler james brigade the Americana band and always gives a high-energy performance. With a variety of music, from country to blues, rock and folk, the show has something for everyone.

ARTWALK

FEBRUARY 17, 2PM-8PM

MEADOW VILL AGE CENTER, BIG SKY

Celebrating Na th a n An de r so n D a n Ar mstr o n g Judy a n d B o b B e n n e tt M itch B illis Pa ula B le n d Ka th r y n B r o wn Ka th y B ur ke M a r y An n C h e r r y

“B e ar S c hool” by D anie l Park e r

M O N TA N A A R T I S T S !

Ar ia n e Colm ane Jim D ick Ellio t Ea ton Fr a n ce s Gentry M a r in a Kessler Pe ggy Kohler Re id M o rth D a n ie l Parker

Ritva Porter Peggy Ring C. David Sw anson J ess Tode Robert Tom pkins Am anda Wilner J ill Zeidler and m any m ore...

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food + Dining

Big Sky Weekly

Feb. 8-21, 2013 41

LMR: Sleigh rides are for lovers

By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR big sky weekly editor

BIG SKY – There are few things more romantic than riding in a horse-drawn sleigh beneath snow-laden pines, huddling with your valentine under a wool blanket as snow falls. Add a softly lit cabin and a piping-hot prime rib dinner with wine, and you have a Valentine’s Day that’s tough to beat.

Lone Mountain Ranch’s horse teams pull guests to the North Fork log cabin, a 20-minute trip from the main grounds. The 32-year-old tradition has a reputation that speaks for itself.

Even though the ranch offers more than 50 miles of cross-country ski trails, the sleigh ride dinners keep people returning – brought back in time to a family-style feast lit by kerosene lanterns.

“It’s something magical,” said general manager Bob Foster who, along with his wife Karen, took over LMR in July after handing down their own family guest ranch in Colorado, which they ran for 38 years. “I knew about [LMR] because of the sleigh rides.”

The sleighs drop bundled riders off at the cabin, where a 125-year-old woodstove heats the room and the smell of slow-roasted prime rib wafts from the kitchen. Live performances by Bruce Anfinson, Rick Steinke or Adam Pople (aka Tiny) give visitors a taste of local bluegrass music and Montana cowboy poetry.

The friendly LMR staff works like, well, ranch hands – seamlessly, doing whatever is required, and often wearing many hats.

“We get to live this [Montana lifestyle] every day and we want our

guests to experience that,” said P.J. Wirchansky, director of sales and marketing at LMR. “It’s all part of being on a ranch, and it’s definitely a team effort to get the job done.”

When he’s not performing, Tiny drives a team of horses for the sleigh rides.

He fell in love with Big Sky Country and his job after moving here six years ago to attend Montana State University.

“The great thing about horses is they’re kind of like people,” he said, adjusting his wide-brimmed Stetson.

“Each one is a little different.”

Among the ranch’s six teams of draft horses are Blue and Bell, Larry and Curly, Ted and Charlie and Pepsi and Rum. Although they have distinct personalities, they all respond to the same commands, Tiny says.

With four drivers per night hauling 10 to 12 sleigh-goers, dinner is an event and more like a family meal than an intimate couple’s retreat. Up to 46 people can eat together in the cabin, and most would have it no other way.

John and Suzanne Pate from Virginia Beach, Va. came with friends Mark and Kelly Hansen to LMR six years ago for the sleigh-ride dinner. This past December, they returned, soaking up one of the best ranches Montana has to offer.

“This place is magical,” said Mark, between sips of red wine. The group vows to make this trip an annual one, as the chef calls for the room’s attention.

Rick Reed, the LMR chef for 14 years, who’s also one of the ranch’s fly fishing guides, addressed diners

Tiny leads Ted and Charlie through the woods photo by Brian Niles

in true Montana style, with a quick wit, humor and savory delivery: “Vegetables are what food eats,” he announced, introducing the meal he’s prepared. “Our vegetarian option is prime rib.” Of course, Reed will make a vegetarian dish, he just needs a heads up.

Hostess Elise Crisafulli brings around rice sopa, maple rolls, steaming baked potatoes and thick slabs of Montanagrown prime rib sided with onion and bacon. The kitchen has perfected this menu – it’s been the same for 30 years.

As the group enjoys a wild huckleberry cobbler for desert, Anfinson closes his set with a Western melody as smooth as cowboy coffee.

“I am bound to ramble/ Yes, I’m bound to roll/ When I’m in off the road now boys/ Montana is my home,” he croons.

The forest above Lone Mountain Ranch is quiet in the evenings, save for a few snow-muffled laughs and the sound of big horseshoes falling on powder. Pepsi and Rum, the two huge draft horses pulling the sleigh, snort occasionally, steam blasting from their nostrils.

“Between Walt Whitman’s poems, and ‘Over the River and through the Wood,’ there’s a nostalgia to [sleigh rides],” Foster said. “The ranch could stop [operating], and as long as the sleigh rides continued, we’d be just fine.”

North Fork log cabin aglow in lantern light photo by Brian schott

Lone Mountain Ranch offers sleigh ride dinners all winter, but for the perfect Valentine’s Day, make a reservation now, before you end up re-gifting the chocolates your sweetheart didn’t eat last year.

More at lonemountainranch.com.

42 Feb. 8-21, 2013

buscrat's fables

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Big Sky Weekly

The Liars' Box I was travelin’ thru Virginia in the mid 1700s and when I rode into a new town, I met some kids what had their own special little liars club. They all lied fer differnt reasons, but their fate was equally rewarded.

I was skeptical, so I handed her the box. When she touched it, bop! She turned into a weasel. She was a weasel of a liar – she lied neither to gain nuthin’ nor avoid nuthin’. They just lie fer sport.

George was the last of the kids.

On the way into town, I stopped my wagon to pick up a box in the road what seemed to have fallen offa another wagon.

“Lying is the easy way to accomplish yer objective,” I said to him, “but in the long run it catches up on ya. Biggest thing folks want out of others is to trust ‘em. Might take more effort to be truthful, but in the long run ya become mighty respected fer it. Do you know whose box this is?”

“That’s my box,” said a young feller named Oliver.

“I left it there while we were playing street games.”

He grabbed the box outta my hands and, bop! He turned into a monkey. Monkeys are generally funloving animals, but they do like to steal things.

Oliver became a lying monkey, the kinda liar what lies in order to git what they want.

“Is that true what he said?” I asked a gal, and then handed the box to her. Athelia seen the group stare her down, willing her to protect Oliver.

“I think so, yes,” she said.

Then, bop! Athelia turned into a groundhog.

Groundhog liars dig into the ground and hide to avoid trouble.

I picked up the box. “It says here, ‘Mr. Smithers,’” I said. “Any of ya know Mr. Smithers?”

“Yeah, we do,” Luella. “I yelled to Mr. Smithers when the box dropped off his wagon, but he

didn’t hear me. Give it to me, and I’ll take it to him.”

I gave Luella the box and, bop! She turned into a peacock. Peacock liars lie just to impress others and to look good.

”No,” George said. “We were playing street games and didn’t notice it until you discovered it.”

Curious, I handed the box to George. He took it in his hands. And then … nothing. He was still a boy.

“Why don’tcha go find Mr. Smithers and bring it to him,” I said.

Then Walter grabbed the box. “I saw Oliver steal this box from Mr. Smithers’ wagon,” he said.

Bop! He turned into a bulldog. This is the kind of liar that likes getting others into trouble. The term “lying dog” originated with Walter, short fer lyin bully dog, and he was a bully.

George did just that, and became known as the person everybody could trust. Over the years, many good things happened in George Washington’s life, as he was one of the most respected men in the country.

Then Ursula spoke up. “I saw the box fall off Mr. Smithers wagon. It bounced up and spun around ‘til it flew over the moon and back.”

Buscrat’s Fables are simple stories that teach a moral. Visit buscratsfables.com for the full version and other fables.

Toyota of Bozeman 866-623-5535

fun

Feb. 8-21, 2013 43

THOMAS LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

Winter means

powder days, snowflakes on the tongue,

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

k.com orOpenStoc www.Vect

By ross Gilbert Big Sky resident Ross Gilbert listens to music that allows him to stop thinking about skiing and just do it. The songs listed below are just a few that put him at ease, helping him confidently hit nice lines.

By Maria Wyllie BIG SKY WEEKLY EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

2. “Get Down,” Butthole Surfers

After a nice, big dump of snow, picking out a playlist is usually the last thing on my mind.

But then again, when I’m skiing endless amounts of powder, I can’t help but think, “This is what it’s like in the movies.” Letting my fantasy run away with me, the songs listed below are a few I’d pick out for my ski film debut.

3. “Honeybee Blues,” The Tao of Groove

1. “Weatherpeople,” RJD2

4. “Back Home,” Pepper

2. “Powa,” Tune-Yards

5. “Freshies,” Keller Williams

3. “Anything Could Happen,” Ellie Goulding

6. “Without a Doubt,” Black Sheep

4. “Lucid Dreams,” Big Gigantic

7. “Bees on Mars,” TM Juke

5. “I Love It (feat. Charli XCX),” Icona Pop

8. “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” Jet

6. “Girls,” Santigold

9. “South Side,” Moby

7. “Survivor,” Destiny’s Child

1. “Sacrifice,” The Expendables

10. “Cochise,” Audioslave

8. “Sauvez Le Monde,” MC Solaar 9. “Where I Want to Be,” Waist Deep 10. “What I Got,” Sublime

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44 Feb. 8-21, 2013

column: wanderer at rest

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Big Sky Weekly

Attack of the presumably harmless spiders by jamie balke

big sky weekly columnist

Despite having spent a fair amount of time outside, I have yet to shake a couple of mostly irrational, entirely embarrassing fears: the first. my lifelong nemesis the earthworm, the second, spiders. The worm phobia probably arose when my brother threw one of the most bulbous, grotesque worms that’s ever existed at me when I was a young girl.

In theory, I recognize the importance of both worms and spiders. In practice, I find myself encouraging my boyfriend to deal with a spider dangling from the ceiling by using him as a shield

and yelling helpful advise like, “Get it in the air!

The air!”

At age 28, I can offer no explanation on why spiders bother me so much, especially having lived in Georgia, among the prolific southern bugs. At Emory University, I stayed in the theme house for the outdoors club, a roomy three-story building, slightly off the beaten track in a woodsy part of campus.

Originally from the Midwest, I wasn’t accustomed to the size of the insects I encountered in that house. They particularly flourished in my bathroom.

“Don’t freak out when you open the shower curtain,” my housemate would say to me, “but there is a spider the size of small dog in the corner.”

and release home, but in light of recent events, I may have to amend my policy of peaceful coexistence.

A couple nights ago as I was getting ready for bed, I reached for the Kleenex box only to discover a spider crouched between the folds of a tissue.

Startled by this cleverly laid trap, I called for backup. I thought my boyfriend would be able to simply pluck the tissue containing the insect and usher it outside.

The spider, disinclined to cooperate, dodged and weaved around the tissue uncomfortably close to well-intentioned fingers. In the end, my boyfriend grabbed the entire box, dashed for the door, and tossed it on the porch, which had the intended effect of dislodging the invader.

We named a cockroach with a distinctive missing leg, like some sort of mascot. I wish I could remember its name, I think it might have been Steve.

For reasons unknown, the poor little thing scurried back onto the box. After flailing about and kicking the box around, we determined the coast was clear and quickly shut the door, having left any remaining shred of dignity outside with the spider.

When I moved to Bozeman, I lived in an older building I assumed would be a spider paradise.

But, it wasn’t until I moved to my current, modern apartment that they came for me. There, they lurk on the ceiling. Mine has been mostly a catch

Jamie Balke moved to Bozeman in the fall of 2009.

She hopes to come to peaceful terms with the harmless spiders with which she occasionally shares an apartment.

Picture life here

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216 +/- acres, old growth forest, meadows approx. 3/4 mile of Northfork flows through borders public lands, private road outstanding Spanish Peak views

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$1,295,000 • #184968 • Call Stacy or Eric 3 bd, 3.5 ba, 3,168 +/- sf custom home ski-in/ski-out, beautiful furnishings great rental history, immaculately maintained includes: www.bigskyvacationrental.com

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64 whitE pinE lanE $1,289,000 • #187418 • Call don

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6 bd, 8 ba, 6,160 +/- sf home 19.8 +/- acre Elk Ridge Ranchettes lot constructed with large logs, 5 fireplaces wine room, theater room, guest apartment

loSt trailS, traCt 8 • • • •

$780,000 • #178440 • Call don

20 +/- acres sunny, south-facing building sites between Mountain and Meadow Villages views of Yellowstone Mtn and Spanish Peaks community water system with fire flow

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north fork rd, traCt 2 $1,050,000 • #180623 • Call Stacy or Eric

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20 +/- acres triple triangle Ranch extraordinary views and ski trail access desirable, private enclave contiguous to North Fork tract 8

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$995,000 • #188095 • Call Stacy or Eric 3 bd, 4 ba, plus sleeping loft, 2220 +/- sf aka Mountain Home #11 ski-in/ski-out access from front door offered furnished, including artwork

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$775,000 • #187917 • Call Erin or peter

16.0 +/- acre commercial property property not part of Sweetgrass covenants zoned community commercial call Peter Mackenzie, Agent, 406-223-1159

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$697,000 • #187760 • Call don

unit #120 4 bd, 4 ba, 2,742 +/- sf hickory flooring, steam shower custom coverings, and interior doors views of wide open space and Crail Ranch

$949,500 • #186436 • Call Stacy or Eric unit #90, 4 bd, 4 ba, 3,500 +/- sf most panoramic views in complex overlooks Crail Ranch and golf course designer furnishings, heated 2 car garage

bEavEr CrEEk w, lot 13 • • • •

$645,000 • #176399 • Call don

20 +/- acres, spectacular views located on gentle slope, private driveway ideal for a new home, well is drilled short distance to NFS land/trails

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$569,000 • #181216 • Call tim

3 bd, 4 ba, 1,950 +/- sf ski-in/ski-out upgraded free standing condo great furniture package, indoor hot tub call tim Beardsley, Agent, 406-581-7056

SkyCrESt Condo #1708

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$495,000. • #186079 • Call Stacy or Eric

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2 bd, 2 ba, 1,725 +/- sf, exquisitely furnished stone fireplace, outdoor terrace, sun room views of Lake Levinski and Lone Mountain call Leah Olson, Agent, 406-763-4596

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

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1 bd, 1 ba, 440 +/- sf premium main floor creekside location tranquil views of Lake Levinsky and Andesite Mtn. slate tile in kitchen and bathroom, short sale

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

explorebigsky.com

Feb. 8-21, 2013 47

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.

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

Cast or carve? by pat straub

gallatin river guides

BIG SKY – Lately, mornings have meant waking to fresh snow. In our mountain town, that means smiling faces – even my two Labrador retrievers wag their tails with more enthusiasm.

Anglers in Big Sky embrace snow: It means better summer stream flows, and also that people are on the slopes and not on the river. Cast or carve? This decision has become cliché in our shop, but we really do live in the best place on Earth.

Here are some tips if you opt to cast and want to get the best out of your winter fishing: Get a quality pair of waders and boots. Waders keep you dry and provide a layer of warmth. A pair of boots with good traction is important. A fall in icy water ruins your fishing day and can be dangerous. It’s also nice to have non-felt soles for winter fishing. Snow sticks to felt and makes for an uneven and treacherous walk to and from the river. Put spikes or studs in your non-felt boots.

Layer your clothing. If the temperatures warm more than you expected, or if you’re walking a lot, shed layers to keep dry and comfortable. Quality long underwear and socks are a must for an enjoyable day on the river.

Carry a pack. A backpack allows you to bring extra clothing, gear and food.

Bring a net and hookremoval tool. A net can keep your hands dry, and with a hookremoval tool, such as hemostats or a Ketchum Release, you can release a netted fish without getting your hands wet or touching the fish.

Both tools are win-wins.

Simplify your fly selection.

Trout feed sporadically in winter.

Gone is the need to match a hatch, as hatches are minimal. Most local

guides fish a handful of patterns this time of year. Be sure to have some 8-12-sized Pats’ Rubberlegs in brown/tan, and a few 16-20-sized bead head midge patterns. Our guides love Broughton’s Root Beer or red or black Zebra midges. This winter a gold- or fire-bead San Juan Worm in size 10 has been catching fish, as well. If you are fortunate enough to see rising fish on the Gallatin in winter, cast an 18-20-sized Parachute Adams or any midge cluster pattern, and the hungry trout should be fooled.

Be willing to fish sub-surface. Because winter hatches are minimal, trout congregate in slower, deeper pools. It’s not pure or pretty, but if you use a strike indicator and some weight you might have enough action to keep you from calling it quits early because you can’t feel your feet.

Patrick Straub is the owner of Gallatin River Guides on US 191, a half-mile south of the intersection with Big Sky Spur road. gallatinriverguides.com

"Most local guides fish a handful of patterns this time of year. Be sure to have some 8-12-sized Pats’ Rubberlegs in brown/tan, and a few 16-20-sized bead head midge patterns."

Fishing can be excellent in Feb. Photo by Austin Trayser

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outdoors

Big Sky Weekly

Feb. 8-21, 2013 49

Section 4:

Outdoors, Yellowstone and resorts

Volume 4 // Issue No. 3

Island Park hosts 2013 fat bike winter festival by estela villaseñor

big sky weekly contributor

ISLAND PARK – Down the road from West Yellowstone, scenic Island Park, Idaho hosted the second annual Fat Bike Winter Summit and Festival Jan. 26-27.

Coinciding with the first big snowfall of 2013, the rendezvous attracted fat bike visitors from eight states. The group of 60 attendees, some with young families, helped fill a number of nearby lodges to capacity – including the Sawtelle Mountain Resort, headquarters for the summit.

Fat bikers, the new kids on the block, frequented local businesses and swapped stories with snowmobilers and nordic skiers.

The atmosphere throughout the three-day summit was one of fun and camaraderie with clinics, guided rides, demos, a 25K race and evening festivities. Fat bike enthusiasts mingled with land access and bike advocacy organizations, industry leaders and retailers, state and federal public land administrators, a private nordic ski area executive from Grand Targhee Resort, the local chamber of commerce, and representatives from national and state legislators’ offices.

Fat bikes are gaining traction across the West, according to Scott Fitzgerald, owner of Fitzgerald's Bicycles in Victor, Idaho, and the event’s co-host and organizer.

“These bicycles are flying out of shops,” Fitzgerald said. “It is appealing to all age groups with varying bicycle skills. They are fun and easy to ride.”

Public land managers from Idaho Parks and Recreation, Yellowstone National Park, Bureau of Land

John Foster from Driggs, Idaho, demonstrates that winter fat biking makes you smile. Photos by Bob Allen

Management and the Forest Service participated in roundtable discussions on land access, public education and shared-use issues. Representatives from International Mountain Bicycling Association, Missoula-based Adventure Cycling and Wyoming Pathways were on hand to talk advocacy efforts and gather information.

The highlight of the weekend, aside from exploring winter trails on fat bikes, was a spectacular slideshow of a winter fat

What is a fat bike?

Fat bikes and mountain bikes share basic features and similar frame construction, but fat bikes have a wider, non-suspension fork system designed to receive the wheel axle for much wider tires. At 3.7-4.7 inches wide, they allow more surface-to-ground contact and a smoother ride over sand, silt, rock, ice and snow.

bike expedition into the remote Alaskan wilderness by champion fat bike endurance riders Jay and Tracey Petervary.

Estela Villaseñor adventures and writes from her dwelling in Hyalite Canyon

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Tracey Petervary from Victor, women's elite winner and ninth place overall finisher, chasing snowmobilers at the 2013 Fat Bike Winter Race in Island Park, Idaho

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Big Sky Weekly

Sleigh ride dinnerS Featuring...

Sleigh Ride Dinners Day Sleigh Rides Heated Sleighs Fun for the entire family!

cache creek outfitterS

Big Sky, Montana

•

406-995-3888

The Board of Trustees has selected the Nominating Committee for the 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. 60th Annual Meeting.

These committee members are looking for interested 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. members who live in the listed exchange areas to be candidates for the position of Trustee on the Board of Trustees. This Board manages the business and affairs of 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an active participant on the Board of Trustees of 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. please call one of the Nomination Committee members listed below for requirements, qualifications and responsibilities by February 18, 2013.

At-Large Committee Member: Ethel Parker 406-264-5877

At-Large Committee Member: Jeanette “Tootie” Rasmussen 406-466-2091 At-Large Committee Member: Ken Maki 406-277-4172 Big Sky Committee Member: Katie Grimm 406-995-2120 Browning Committee Member: Charles DeRoche, Jr. 406-450-8060 Fairfield/Augusta/Fort Shaw/Helena Committee Member: Ken Naylor 406-467-3409 Lima/Melrose/Sheridan/ Virginia City/Twin Bridges Committee Member: Dale Giem 406-684-5856

In addition, there are two other ways to be nominated: 1. Any 15 or more members acting together may make nominations by petition up to 30 days prior to the meeting.

2. The president of the board will call for additional nominations from the floor at the actual meeting.

For further details on these alternative nomination procedures, please call 1-800-796-4567 ext 4132.

The election will be held in Fairfield at the Community Hall on Monday, March 18, 2013.

The business meeting begins at 1:00 p.m.

1-800-796-4567 • www.3rivers.net

explorebigsky.com

outdoors

Big Sky Weekly

Feb. 8-21, 2013 51

The magic is in the draw

Three days in B.C. with Sweetgrass Productions story and photos By max lowe big sky weekly contributor

NELSON, British Columbia – It is a privilege to do what you love and to go places that awe and inspire you, and call it work.

This crossed my mind as I looked out over the clouds meandering up the troughs of the Selkirk Mountains, ablaze with the radiant glow of the setting sun. As the last feathers of light fell and cold darkness settled in the valley below, we switched on our headlamps for the descent to the small base area of Whitewater Resort, outside of Nelson, British Columbia.

I had just spent three days photographing with Sweetgrass Productions, and during that time I learned again why I throw myself at this lifestyle with ardor. It’s a life of uncertainty: never knowing where you might find yourself in a month’s time; a life of couch living and solo driving; of taking risks that might not pay off but will likely produce something fulfilling.

Darkness fell as we first entered the outskirts of Nelson, recently dubbed by Powder magazine’s readers as the best ski town in North America (a sore

subject for some of us Bozemanites – we were runner up).

Nelson is home base for Sweetgrass’s team of athletes and artists. The crew sits deep within the methodology during the second year working on their forthcoming film, “Valhalla.”

The name, which in Norse mythology means ‘hall of the gods,' is a call to Valhalla National Park, which surrounds Nelson. There, the unremitting snow and grandiose landscape forges a liking to that of the Norse realm.

White pillows of powder became our canvas, as athletes Johan Jonsson, Molly Baker, C.J. Carter and David “Powder” Steele, romped through the

destructible sweep. The snow in British Columbia is heavier than in Montana, and with this quality it prevails on the landscape and creates a surreal feeling of heaven on Earth. On these snow ghosts we cast our troupe of performers.

But movie magic lives in ski films as in any motion picture. An hour-long film with tantalizing visuals and captivating stories takes months, even years of work, painstakingly perfected shot by shot, word by word. So much effort and insight goes into each shoot, but few are likely to be included in the final film – this, to me, shows insurmountable dedication to the bigger picture.

The process, passion for the sport and craft, and the feeling you get watching people enjoy something I’ve had a hand in is the draw. Even my part in the film, which in the end will be but a side note, brings a glow to my doggedness.

When trees shrouded in white light began to smolder that final afternoon, I thought about how traveling to this place and returning with images to share made it all worth it.

The folks at Sweetgrass, striving to capture the imagination of a waiting congregation, had found a setting out of legend. “Valhalla,” the film, will indeed bring its viewers to a place of dreams.

Find more of Max Lowe’s work at maxlowemedia.com.

YOU KNOW IT’S TIME TO BUY. HERE’S HOW...

Go exploring.

The best of Big Sky’s real estate is now at your fingertips. FAST. EASY. RICH IN DETAIL. Introducing the new iPad app. Another exclusive from Big Sky Sotheby’s International Realty.

Bella Terra, Offered at $2,900,000. Web ID: 4444873 Lisa Knorr +1 406.580.8488

bigskysothebysrealty.com © MMVI Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Home Sweet Home, used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. All information herewith was provided by third parties and while deemed reliable in not guaranteed.

MOONLIGHT BASIN SKI HOME

BEAVER CREEK HOME

MOONLIGHT LUXURY SUITE

$2,950,000 | Web ID: 4282235

Spectacular vista from this four bedroom, 6 bath home, on 20 acres, in a gated community. Views include the Big Sky ski area, the Madison Range and the Gallatin Range.

Cathy Gorman +1 406.580.2318 Tim Cyr +1 406.580.6316

$1,150,000 | Web ID: 4380518

$1,850,000 | Web ID: 4385321

Dave Cyr +1 406.539.4894

Jeff Helms +1 406.539.0121

BLACK EAGLE LODGE

SADDLE RIDGE TOWNHOME

PORCUPINE HOME

An unobstructed, epic view of Lone Peak makes this property special. Black Eagle Lodges are ski-in/ ski-out luxury condos within walking distance of the Mountain Village. 2,500 sf, 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths.

Beautiful condo with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, spectacular views of the Spanish Peaks. Great ski access to both Moonlight Basin and Big Sky. Walk to lodge.

$360,000 | Web ID: 4105409

Mint condition 4 bedrooms,4 full bath home on 3 level acres. Beautiful stone and reclaimed timber.

Large heated garage. Abundant wildlife. Terrific 360 degree views. 3,559 sf, 4 bedroom, 4 bathrooms

Cathy Gorman +1 406.580.2318 Tim Cyr +1 406.580.6316

Laura T. Sacchi +1 406.570.9651

Great ski access, incredible views and privacy in this gorgeous custom home. Spacious 5,900 sf, 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths.

$995,000 | Web ID: 4411321 Tallie Jamison +1 406.600.8081

PE

IN ND

This penthouse-style suite is the ideal family ski property with easy ski access to both Moonlight and Big Sky. One-of-a kind 4,150 sf, 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 bathrooms.

$797,000 | Web ID: 4451570

G

POWDER RIDGE CABIN

YELLOWSTONE CLUB HOMESITE

SUN WEST RANCH ESTATE

This is your true cabin in the woods - with ski in, ski out access. 3 bedrooms to fit your family or friends, a hot tub to warm you up after skiing and a detached one car garage to keep your car (or toys) snow-free.

This 2.51 acre lot in the fabulous Yellowstone Club offers expansive views of Pioneer, Eglise and Cedar Mountains, as well as Lone Peak. Gently sloped, creating breathtaking panoramic views..

This exquisite 6,749 sq. ft. Madison Valley estate, features reclaimed timber from all over the country and hand-selected stone. 3 bedroom, 5 1/2 bathrooms. An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

$499,000 | Web ID: 4420774

$1,400,000 | Web ID: 4405666

$3,200,000 | Web ID: 4388345

Anne Staudt +1 406.539.1552

Julie Blakeley +1 406.579.6473

Laura T. Sacchi +1 406.570.9651

MEADOW VILLAGE

TOWN CENTER

406.995.2211

406.995.2244

(next to Black Tie Ski Rental)

(next to the Hungry Moose)

54 Feb. 8-21, 2013

tech talk

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Camber versus Rocker By matt sterbenz 4frnt skis

If you haven’t purchased new skis or a board in the last decade, your ride most likely has traditional camber (or at least what’s left of it).

traditional camber

If you’re on the beat with what’s new and wonderful, then the topic of camber to rocker ratio has probably already reached you, and thus you’ve chosen a side (or compromise) for the style and conditions of skiing or riding you prefer.

Rocker will have some permanent role in future ski design, or dare I say, technology.

Background: Camber is a term that describes the profile of your base when sighted down one edge. Historically speaking, all boards were traditional camber. This meant when your ski or board was relaxed, its center was raised, but tip and tail were touching the ground.

rocker/reverse camber

Inherited from race skis, the purpose was to accentuate tip and tail contact points when making a turn. By increasing the downward pressure at those two points, the ski dug into the surface harder and as result, created an effortless transition, edgeto-edge.

Ski companies told us that more camber gave a ski or board more “life,” or springiness. Fact is, too much camber can make a ski or board miserable to ride in soft snow.

As freeriding evolved, so did ski equipment, moving to accommodate a stronger and more relaxed riding style for a wider variety of conditions. Ski companies began experimenting with longer radii in the tip and tail curves, which allowed more floatation, similar to a water ski. The rocker revolution was born.

Rocker hasn’t made skiers fundamentally better. Instead, it has enabled those who didn’t ski very well before to keep up. But God forbid you throw a three-way gaper pile up mid-slope. All hell will break loose watching them attempt to slow those rocker boards down.

flat Street terminology Rocker – A synonym for radius, when defining the gradual reverse curve along the base of a ski or snowboard Reverse camber – A complete arc extending from the tip through the waist and back up to the tail

Put on a few extra pounds this season?

Flat, or zero camber – The absence of any radius

Where do you fit in?

If you haven’t tried a rockered ski or board, its time. It’s shocking how different the new technology feels. In soft snow, flat bases allow a rider to stay forward, easing the strain on your legs and boosting your confidence.

All-around design A common design used in all-around conditions is camber underfoot and rocker in the tips. The camber underfoot, in conjunction with a sidecut, makes for short ski feel in tight areas when you need it, yet a lofty and capable feel when the terrain is wide open and soft. This is the beauty of rocker: It’s only there when you need it.

If you are casually ripping some groomed, you most likely won’t feel it. When you get into the crud or even powder off the groomed, it’s there waiting for you, allowing you to maintain a strong, balanced posture.

Gone are the days of leaning way back in powder to keep your skis or board from diving when you have rocker along for the ride.

Powder design If you’re a powder hound, it’s time to think about when you’ll migrate to flat or fullreverse camber. Old timers reference it as “pre-flexed,” but the truth is, when you’re in soft snow, all your technique relies on is your weight and angulation to the slope.

Get on reverse camber and blow your friends away!

Join us at Big Sky’s only full-service workout facility Open 5 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. 7 days a week Day, week and year-long memberships available visit ozssage.com/gym.php for details 32 Market Place, Meadow Village, Big Sky (406) 995-4522

Park design If you’re a park rat, you know the deal. It’s more practical and functional, when skiing hardpack day-in, day-out, to have a classic cambered ski, tip-to-tail, for maximum stability, sensitivity and control at higher speeds.

Matt Sterbenz is a former freeskiing professional who now spends his weekdays running 4FRNT, the ski company he and his friends started 10 years ago. 4FRNT is based out of Salt Lake City and calls Alta its home resort. You can find 4FRNT locally at Gallatin Alpine Sports, or online at 4FRNT.com.

Winter Season

Children’s menu available

lun ch, aprÈs sKI anD DInner

R E S E RVAT I O N S

(406) 995-7777

Treat your Valentine to a romantic dinner

at the Jack Creek Grille and enjoy Valentine’s Day dinner and drink specials.

56 Feb. 8-21, 2013

word from the resorts

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky Resort By kipp proctor

bsr media relations and community manager

With 100 percent of the resort’s 3,832 acres open, it’s hard not to find great turns out there. Everywhere from the glade skiing in the Dakota Territory, to the steeps of Lone Mountain and the wide, open cruisers of Southern Comfort benefitted from these recent storms.

The smiling faces of locals and guests coming off the mountain attest to that.

In addition, Big Sky is hosting the seventh annual Big Sky Big Grass festival Feb. 8-10. With headliners like The Del McCoury Band and The Sam Bush Band, it’s going to be a festival you won’t want to miss.

Top the weekend off with the family favorite “Dummy Jump,” held on Saturday, Feb. 9 in the Mountain Village base area. Watch as participants launch outrageous dummies off a massive ski jump, only to be destroyed as they come crashing down.

Photo by ersin ozer

Moonlight Basin MLB Sales and marketing team

days that will have you calling in sick for work with the powder flu.

With rocking events and dumping snow, it's safe to say that life at Moonlight has been epic during late January and early February. Volcom’s Peanut Butter and Rail Jam was the most competitive rail competition to date, bringing local and out-of-state talent.

Next up is the Big Sky Area Special Olympics Montana Winter Games on Feb. 25. Bring your cowbell and show support for an inspiring group of athletes while enjoying a day of races and smiling faces.

After a day of shredding Lone Tree, The Headwaters and Lookout Ridge, make sure to stop by the Jack Creek Grille at Moonlight Lodge for some après festivities. Visit the lodge on Wednesday evenings for “Montana Nights,” featuring a Montana-themed dinner menu and live music from local talent.

There is a little something for everybody here, so visit moonlightbasin.com for the full events calendar. Moonlight is gearing up for an unbeatable second half of the season, so come join us and make Moonlight Basin your mountain!

Thanks to a few recent storms and lowpressure systems, Mama Winter is back at Moonlight Basin. We are looking ahead to more snow and bluebird pow

Skier: Brian Stumpf Photo by Chris Kamman (Big Sky Resort)

I K S S É APR

S R E T R A U Q EAD

H

Live Music Schedule Saturday, Feb. 9

Jeremy Morton - 5-7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 11

Open Mic & Learn to DJ with Tiny - 9 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 14

The Tyler James Brigade - 9 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 16

Dan Dubuque - 5-7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 22 Saturday, Feb. 23 Monday, Feb. 25 Thursday, Feb. 28

Cure for the Common - 9p.m.

Eric Wink - 5-7 p.m.

Leo Rondeau - 9 p.m.

The Driftwood Grinners - 9 p.m.

OPEN DAILY AT 11:30 A.M. LUNCH & DINNER

LOCATED IN THE BIG SKY TOWN CENTER

big sky, montana 406-995-3830

2012 BEST OF BIG SKY - VOTED BEST BURGER AND BEST PLACE TO GRAB A DRINK!

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

word from the resorts

Feb. 8-21, 2013 57

Lone Mountain Ranch offers snow coach tours in Yellowstone. Photo courtesy of LMR

Lone Mountain Ranch

By Bob Foster

lmr general manager

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. As of Feb. 1, we’ve gotten over 20 inches of new snow, and the skiing is incredible.

Tip of the week: If the new snow begins to stick to your skis, try Maxi-glide express wax. It will keep your entire ski clear of snow and prevents clumping.

I’m surprised by how many people I’ve met in Big Sky who haven’t been to Yellowstone in the winter. LMR offers snow coach tours with cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing tours into the northwest section of the park. Bring your camera for some wildlife shots of a lifetime.

If you’re looking for something different for Friday’s lunch, join us for our trailside buffet at the Pavilion. You can walk, ski or snowshoe and enjoy some of Johnny’s fantastic BBQ, chili, burgers and fries. Stop in the Outdoor Shop for tickets.

The Saloon offers live entertainment five nights a week: Rick Steinke on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Blue Bird Sky on Thursdays and Bruce Anfinson on Fridays and Sundays.

Cross-country skiing is an affordable alternative to downhill skiing when you want to exercise different muscles. Come on down to the ranch!

Bridger Bowl

Jesse Alberi skiing at Big Sky with Eagle Mount. Photo courtesy of Cory Birkenbuel

Presidents Day Weekend fundraiser at Maverick Mountain by renae counter

big sky weekly contributor

POLARIS – Over Presidents Day Weekend, Maverick Mountain will host a silent auction and ski-a-thon to purchase a sit mono-ski for Jesse Alberi.

In October 2008, Alberi was injured after his truck rolled off the road, severing his spine and resulting in loss of function in both legs. Since the accident, Alberi, a native of Dillon, has learned to ski using a sit mono-ski through Eagle Mount in Bozeman.

After seeing Alberi’s 5-year-old daughter learning to ski at Maverick, Randy Shilling, owner of Maverick, decided it was time to get Alberi back on the mountain.

The silent auction will take place on Feb. 17 at the Grasshopper Inn in Polaris. A live jam session will follow the auction with local bands, Rabbit Stew and Willy James. Alberi, an accomplished guitarist, will also be playing.

The ski-a-thon will take place the following day, Feb.18 at Maverick Mountain. Pledges can be made on a per-run basis or by a flat donation. Alberi will be skiing the day of the event on a demo sit mono-ski.

Although they specialize in dual sit skis, Bob and Darwin of Mountain Man FFS Dual Skis in Bozeman have been assisting Alberi in fitting and recommendation of a sit monoski. Prior to the event, Alberi and longtime friend and employee at Maverick Mountain, Cory Birkenbuel, visited the Mountain Men, who hope to attend the event at Maverick.

The mono-ski will cost about $5,000, according to Birkenbuel.

The overall goal isn’t a set dollar amount, but rather to raise enough to get Alberi on the slopes this ski season, Birkenbuel said. Any additional money raised will be used to purchase lift tickets or set aside for use in a sit mono-ski program at Maverick.

“We’ve already raised a bunch of money,” Birkenbuel said. “That’s the way Dillon is, it’s a tight community, everyone knows Jesse. “ Donations to both the silent auction and ski-a-thon can still be made. For more information, contact Maverick at skimaverickmountain@gmail.com, visit skimaverick. com, or by calling (406) 834-3454.

BIG BURRITOS. BIG TASTE. SMALL PRICES.

TACOS • WRAPS • BOWLS KIDS MENU • BEER • MARGS EVERYTHING MADE FRESH EVERY DAY!

DINE IN • TAKE OUT • WEROLLEMFAT.COM Finley, age 8, played hooky with Grandpa during the big January storm at Bridger. The snow report: light, consistent and deep. Photo by Mike Coil.

WINTER HOURS START DECEMBER 6 OPEN DAILY 11-8

FIND

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LOCATED IN THE WESTFORK PLAZA NEXT TO MILKIES. CALL AHEAD 995-3099!

58 Feb. 8-21, 2013

yellowstone

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

SUMMARy: yellowstone - 300,000 lake trout were caught and eliminated in Yellowstone Lake during the 2012 season, which modeling suggests should be more than 50 percent of the estimated “catchable” population.

Over 1 million lake trout have been eliminated since suppression efforts began in 1995, with more than 500,000 taken in the last two years, the result of aggressive efforts by the Park Service, with support from its partners: Yellowstone Park Foundation, Trout Unlimited, Greater Yellowstone Coalition and the Naional Parks Conservation Association.

An adult lake trout caught in suppression efforts in September 2012

Photos by Jake Campos

lake trout can swim, but they can't hide!

Late summer 2012 samplings of pre-spawning aged, 2-3 year old cutthroat trout more than doubled over 2011, which represents the most significant increase in cutthroat trout recruitment in nearly a decade.

With more than 12 million hits from radio transmitter implanted lake trout to work with, the newly hired analyst will provide vitally important information for determining the best locations and times to carry out lake trout suppression efforts in 2013. Put succinctly, the lake trout can swim, but they cannot hide… any longer!

The numbers of young Yellowstone cutthroat are on the increase and more spawning age cutthroats are entering streams in the spring. We look forward to the day when the iconic Yellowstone cutthroat trout once again takes its rightful place in the Yellowstone Lake and throughout Greater Yellowstone.

Yellowstone Park Foundation

more than 300,000 lake trout were eliminated in 2012 (more than 50% catchable pop.)525,000 total in the last two years

samplings by fisheries biologists in 2012 found the biggest increase in juvenile cutthroat numbers in over a decade, and more than double the 2011 sampling

The nonprofit Yellowstone Park Foundation is the official fundraising partner of Yellowstone National Park. The Foundation is leading the fundraising effort to implement the lake trout suppression program. Half of the total $12 million cost will be covered by the National Park Service’s budget; the other half must come from private donations.

The Foundation is partnering with other organizations—including Trout Unlimited, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, and the National Parks Conservation Association—in an effort to raise public awareness, and secure the funds needed to successfully address this threat to Yellowstone Lake and the Park’s future.

For more information or to get involved, visit ypf.org/savethetrout or contact Ken Barrett at kbarrett@ypf.org.

One of the boats used to net Lake Trout in 2012

A major lake trout spawning area was identified and biologists began experimenting with methods to destroy their eggs

yellowstone

Feb. 8-21, 2013 59

Yellowstone harnesses hydropower...again YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – More than a century after U.S. Army troops harnessed the power of flowing water to light Fort Yellowstone, the park is generating electricity from water again.

Hydropower first came to Yellowstone in 1903, when the U.S. Cavalry under the direction of engineer Hiram Chittenden installed the first 100-kilowatt water turbine generator near its Mammoth Hot Springs headquarters. Relying on water flowing from Glen Creek down through Golden Gate, the power plant supplied energy for residences, administrative offices, maintenance shops, lights on the parade grounds and the occasional picture show at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

In the years since, commercially supplied energy has largely supplied power for Yellowstone. But a new spin on hydropower is adding a few hundred extra kilowatts of power to what’s already being supplied by the grid.

According to YNP officials, a new micro-hydro plant brought on line last December will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 800 metric tons annually. The

park’s goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 15 percent by 2016.

The new plant captures energy from water that flows 560 feet downhill from the combined Gardner River, Panther Creek and Indian Creek water intakes on Swan Lake Flats to the storage reservoir at Mammoth’s water treatment plant through an existing 12-inch pipe. A newly installed generator and turbine rely on an average water flow volume of four cubic feetper-second to produce electricity.

Park officials expect it will generate an average of 175 kilowatts of energy, depending on the normal fluctuation of the water supply, though it is capable of producing up to 230 kilowatts.

That should add up to more than 1.2 million kilowatt hours each year.

The plant will be synchronized directly with Northwestern Energy’s electric grid, providing an annual savings of approximately $73,000 on the park’s electrical bill.

The project was funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds at a cost of $1.1 million and is expected to pay for itself in about 12 years.

Nothing gets you romance points like a moonlight S P A D AY

for your Valentine

Gift basket comes beautifully wrapped and includes: • A 50 Minute Moonlight Massage (gift card)* • “With Love” hardback book $155 • Bag of Bissinger’s red foil wrapped, milk chocolate hearts • 4” red sweetheart potted rose plant • Dreamtime Loving Hearts red aromatherapy pillow *customize gift card with your Valentine’s favorite treatments, pricing will vary, or upgrade your package to a couples massage.

Phone orders welcome (406) 995-7700

HELMS

JEFF HELMS

JAMISON

“

Let us show you the advantages of owning, and how you can own for less than leasing.

Peaks Centre Building

“

KULESZA

175 Aspen Leaf Drive | In the Big Sky Town Center between the Fire Station & Hungry Moose Market

ADVANTAGES OF OWNERSHIP: • Mortgage Interest Deduction • Depreciation Deduction

Owner Financing Breakdown Ground Floor

Size

Purchase the Building

Purchase One of the Suites

Suite A

1,826 sq. ft.

Square Footage

8,706 sq. ft.

Suite A - 1,826 sq. ft.

Suite B

1,266 sq. ft.

Purchase Price

$1.2M / $138 psf

$273,980 / $150 psf

Suite C

1,735 sq. ft. (LEASED)

Down Payment (5%)

$60,000

$13,698

Second Floor

Size

1st Mortgage* (80%)

$960K @ 5.5% = $52,800 p.a. $260K @ 5.5% = $14,315 p.a.

Suite D

1,974 sq. ft.

2nd Mortgage* * (15%)

$180K @ 4.0% = $ 7,200 p.a. $41,190 @ 4% = $ 1,648 p.a.

Suite E

1,292 sq. ft. (SOLD)

Yearly Payment

Suite F

1,965 sq. ft.

Financing Costs

$60K / 8,760 sq. ft. = $6.85 psf $15,963 / 1,826 sq. ft. = $8.74 psf

All Suites

8,706 sq. ft.

Operating Costs

$6 psf

$6 psf

Effective Rent

$12.85 psf

$14.74 psf

$60,000

$15,963

* Conventional Bank Loan. Contact your lender for terms. ** Owner Financing Available. Contact listing team for details.

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.