December 12 - December 25, 2024 Volume 15 // Issue 25
RESORT BOASTS ‘WALL TO WALL’ NOVEMBER OPENING
RESORT BOASTS ‘WALL TO WALL’ NOVEMBER OPENING
2024 BEST OF BIG SKY AWARDS
BUCK’S RESTAURANT TO REOPEN
JEREMY HARDER TO RETIRE FROM TEACHING CAREER
RESORT TAX WRESTLES WITH POTENTIAL BONDING
LOCAL STUDENT DONATES $1,232 TO NONPROFIT
December 12, - December 25, 2024 Volume 15, Issue 25
Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana
PUBLISHER
Eric Ladd | eric@theoutlawpartners.com
EDITORIAL
VP MEDIA
Mira Brody | mira@theoutlawpartners.com
SENIOR EDITOR
Jack Reaney | jack@theoutlawpartners.com
STAFF WRITER
Jen Clancey | jen@theoutlawpartners.com
EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
Leslie Kilgore | leslie@theoutlawpartners.com
DIGITAL MEDIA LEAD
Fischer Genau | fischer@theoutlawpartners.com
CREATIVE
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Griffin House | griffin@theoutlawpartners.com
SALES AND OPERATIONS
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Josh Timon | josh@theoutlawpartners.com
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Megan Paulson | megan@theoutlawpartners.com
VP DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Hiller Higman | hiller@theoutlawpartners.com
DIRECTOR OF RELATIONSHIPS
Ersin Ozer | ersin@theoutlawpartners.com
MARKETING MANAGER
Tucker Harris | tucker@theoutlawpartners.com
CONTENT MARKETING LEAD
Taylor Owens | taylor.owens@theoutlawpartners.com
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Sara Sipe | sara@theoutlawpartners.com
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD
Patrick Mahoney | patrick@theoutlawpartners.com
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
Ellie Boeschenstein | ellie@theoutlawpartners.com
Jason Bacaj, Daniel Bierschwale, Robin Fedock, Michael Hilliard, Colter Nuanez, Benjamin Alva Polley, Bridget Wilkinson CONTRIBUTORS
BY LESLIE KILGORE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BUCK’S RESTAURANT TO REOPEN
BRIEFS
When Big Sky Resort opened on Nov. 27, powder-hungry skiers like Vasu Sojitra found deep stashes around Lone Mountain. A resident of Bozeman, Sojitra is a single-leg amputee and adaptive athlete sponsored by brands including The North Face, and he is an international leader for disability access in outdoor spaces. PHOTO BY PATRICK CONROY / BIG SKY RESORT
EDITORIAL POLICY
Outlaw Partners, LLC is the sole owner of Explore Big Sky. EBS reserves the right to edit all submitted material. Printed material reflects the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of Outlaw Partners or its editors. EBS will not publish anything discriminatory or in bad taste.
EBS welcomes obituaries written by family members or from funeral homes. To place an obituary, please submit 500 words or less to media@theoutlawpartners.com.
8 9 10 16 18 45
The restaurant at Buck’s T-4 Lodge will reopen in 2025 after “significant renovations,” including workforce housing, are completed. The historic roadhouse closed in September 2023, as Lone Mountain Land Company—which purchased Buck’s in 2020—pursued a partner to operate the restaurant and bar.
JEREMY HARDER TO RETIRE FROM TEACHING CAREER
By the time Jeremy Harder retires in June, he’ll have racked up 25 years of teaching in the Big Sky School District. Hired in 2000, Harder has led students to "think differently" in dynamic classrooms, outdoor learning and innovation at the high school’s STEAM building, and coached the boys soccer team.
RESORT TAX WRESTLES WITH POTENTIAL BONDING
In a special BSRAD board meeting on Dec. 5, discussion of potential voter-approved debt between $75 million and $125 million prompted the board to schedule an additional public meeting in early January. The working session will allow time for the board to ask detailed questions and learn more details about the projects shaping Big Sky’s future.
RESORT BOASTS ‘WALL TO WALL’ NOVEMBER OPENING
Big Sky Resort’s director of operations said Nov. 27 was “by far the biggest opening we’ve had in at least in the last 10 years.” Early season snowstorms allowed for the opening of 1,500 acres of terrain for the resort’s 51st opening day, and over 60 runs with a fresh coating of powder.
LOCAL STUDENT DONATES $1,232 TO NONPROFIT
At just 13 years old, Owen Edgar has turned his passion for fly-tying into a successful business, The Fly Box. He recently donated $1,232 to Warriors & Quiet Waters, a nonprofit that supports post-9/11 combat veterans in reconnecting with community through excursions in Montana nature.
PLUS: 2024 BEST OF BIG SKY AWARDS
On Dec. 10, Big Sky’s community and business leaders gathered at The Waypoint to celebrate dozens of “Best of Big Sky” award-winners. From “Best Business” and “Best Chef” to “Best Nonprofit” and “Community Member of the Year,” the event celebrated all who make this unique community tick.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Letters to the editor allow EBS readers to express views and share how they would like to effect change. These are not Thank You notes. Letters should be 250 words or less, respectful, ethical, accurate, and proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters and will not publish individual grievances about specific businesses or letters that are abusive, malicious or potentially libelous. Include: full name, address, phone number and title. Submit to media@outlaw.partners.
The annual Her Gift, Her Creation performance took place at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center on Friday, Dec. 6. Local Big Sky women of all ages gathered and took the stage to share their creative talents to a sold-out audience.
PHOTO
NEWS IN BRIEF BRIEFS
GREATER GALLATIN UNITED WAY HIRES EARLY LEARNING DIRECTOR
EBS STAFF
Tori Sproles, former executive director of Bozeman nonprofit Child Care Connections, has been hired to lead early childhood education for Greater Gallatin United Way.
The transition follows recent news that Child Care Connections would close due to funding challenges, with its work being carried out by a fellow regional nonprofit in GGUW, which focuses on strengthening communities in Gallatin, Park, Madison and Meagher counties.
Sproles will lead initiatives including the Gallatin Area Early Childhood Community Council and the Cooperative, Holistic, Innovative, Local, Design (CHILD) Task Force, according to a Dec. 2 GGUW press release. The CHILD Task Force has recently collected feedback from Big Sky families on their child care needs, and GGUW operates local affordable child care programs includingkidsLINK at the Big Sky School District during the summer.
Under new leadership, GGUW will focus on three targets: advocacy through supporting and promoting policies to support every child’s development and wellbeing; expanding programs to improve school readiness and increase access and family support services; and building partnerships with local leaders, businesses and providers to develop solutions to child care and early childhood education.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK PREPS FOR DEC. 15 WINTER SEASON OPENING
As winter blankets southwest Montana, Yellowstone National Park is preparing for a quieter time of year for the popular destination. The park announced in a Dec. 10 press release that it will open for oversnow travel on Dec. 15.
Starting Dec. 15, only the roads between the North Entrance in Gardiner, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate are open to automobiles. Visitors can anticipate possible road closures due to quickly changing weather and dangerous driving conditions and the park service encourages checking the road status map often.
Visitors can travel most of the park’s roads from the West, South, East and North entrances by approved commercially guided snowmobiles and snowcoaches and via the non-commercially guided snowmobile access program. Very limited facilities remain open during winter. The park’s website lists which visitor centers, stores, restaurants, lodges and warming huts are operational.
The park service also reminds visitors to stay on designated boardwalks in fragile thermal areas, to stay 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife and to prepare for winter weather conditions, checking current weather forecasts often.
Winter travel ends in mid-March when plowing crews begin to clear snow. Roads will start to re-open to automobiles and bicyclists beginning in mid-April.
INJURED CROSS COUNTRY SKIER RESCUED IN HYALITE RESERVOIR
EBS STAFF
On Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 1:23 p.m., Gallatin County 911 dispatch received a call for an injured cross country skier near Crescent Lake at Hyalite Reservoir, according to a Dec. 5 press release from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. The skier was approximately 1.5 miles up the trail and was unable to ski out due to an injury to their hip from falling. The skier’s partner was able to ski to an area with cell reception to call for help.
Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley section responded to the trailhead and dispatched snowmobiles with a rescue sled. After the initial assessment, the patient was taken to the Hyalite Reservoir parking area and transferred to a Hyalite Fire Department ambulance for transport to medical care.
In the release, Sheriff Dan Springer reminded backcountry users that in the event of an accident, it is safer to have someone with you when you are enjoying the outdoors.
WINTER ART WALK TO FEATURE LOCAL ARTISTS IN DOWNTOWN BOZEMAN
EBS STAFF
On Dec. 13, downtown Bozeman will welcome art fans to its final Winter Art Walk of the year. Hosted by the Downtown Bozeman Association, Downtown Bozeman art galleries and retailers, and Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture, the event will be the fifth and last art walk of 2024.
More than 40 businesses will feature work by local artists, and provide appetizers and refreshments to visitors starting at 6 p.m. Learn more about the Winter Art Walk at DBA’s online guide.
Reminder: Annual Business Registration Is
DO I NEED TO REGISTER?
All businesses operating within the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD) are required to register annually. This includes nonprofits, professional services and businesses based elsewhere who enter the District to provide/sell goods and services. Your registration is important! It provides essential data to help make informed decisions that shape our future. Registration is free.
DO I NEED TO COLLECT RESORT TAX?
Businesses operating within the District must collect resort tax on the sale of luxury goods and services that are not considered ‘Necessities of Life.’ These taxable items include, but are not limited to:
Head to resorttax.org/business-resources for more information and to register today.
No longer doing business in Big Sky? Please email us or call our o ce to close your account.
ALBERT BARTZICK DEC. 30, 1956 – DEC. 2, 2024
Albert Bartzick, 67, passed away Monday Dec. 2, in Bozeman, surrounded by family and friends.
Albert was born on Dec. 30, 1956, in Yonkers, New York, son of the late Hubert Bartzick and Rosemarie Bartzick (Bittlingmeir). Albert grew up in Briarcliff Manor, New York, where he attended Briarcliff High School. After graduating, Albert worked alongside his father in their family business for many years. Continuing the family business, he established Oak Mountain Properties in Croton on Hudson, New York. Albert owned and operated Oak Mountain Properties until his retirement in 2022.
Albert married Diane (Smith) on Aug. 27, 1994, at the lake house where Albert enjoyed many years with his family and friends. Albert started a family with Diane in Yorktown Heights, New York, where they had two children, Daniel Bartzick (Haley) and Rachael Bartzick. As a family, they made their big move to Big Sky in 2007.
Albert was dedicated to spending quality time with his family, friends and dogs. You could always find him with a fishing pole in his hand or asking if anyone wanted to go four-wheeling. Not to leave
out his love for camping, live music, being on the water, skiing and traveling. It was never a bad day when you were with him doing what he loved. Albert always wore a smile, and greeted everyone like he had known them for years. Affectionately known by his family and friends as "Captain Slow,” Albert was never in a hurry, and lived his life to the fullest everyday.
Albert is survived by his wife, Diane, son, Daniel Bartzick (Haley), daughter, Rachael Bartzick, brother, Richard Bartzick (Debra), sister, Rosemarie Slachta, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Dec. 13, 2024, at the Riverhouse BBQ & Events in Big Sky. Additionally, a second celebration will be held next summer, 2025, at the lake house on East Sidney Lake in Franklin, New York. Details TBD.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the following organizations that Albert loved and supported: Trout Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (Montana and New York chapters), Gallatin River Task Force and Madison River Foundation.
LOCAL
LMLC ANNOUNCES PLANS TO REOPEN BUCK’S RESTAURANT
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—The restaurant at Buck’s T-4 Lodge will reopen in 2025 after “significant renovations” including workforce housing are completed.
The historic roadhouse closed in September 2023, as Lone Mountain Land Company—which purchased Buck’s in 2020—pursued a “perfect partner” to operate the restaurant and bar. That partner was identified: the hospitality group behind One&Only Moonlight Basin will aim to keep Buck’s relaxed and family friendly, according to an email from LMLC representatives.
LMLC plans to announce the restaurant’s opening date in early 2025, according to a press release from LMLC.
“The refreshed restaurant will retain many beloved original elements to honor its storied history, including an enhanced arcade and game room for family-friendly fun, along with an updated menu and full bar,” the release stated. “The spacious Montana Room will also be available for group bookings and community events, continuing a legacy of memorable gatherings.”
The updated restaurant will be called “Buck’s Road House,” dropping the “T-4” brand from its name.
T-4 was the original livestock brand issued to founders Buck and Helen Knight in the 1940s.
Workforce housing expansion
Before this renovation, LMLC had already added workforce housing on the Buck’s campus, reaching a capacity of 234 local workers. When ongoing work is completed, as many as 322 local workers can live onsite, according to the release.
“One of Lone Mountain Land Company’s top priorities is for Big Sky to be a thriving year-round community where families and residents can prosper,” stated Anna Johnson, LMLC’s director of community engagement. “A large part of that is our commitment to creating more housing for a variety of community needs and Buck’s is a piece of that housing solution.”
Guest rooms in the former Buck’s Motel are being renovated to include fire sprinklers and alarms, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and new windows, plumbing, carpeting and furniture. Tenants can make use of a new dining room and communal kitchen, as well as a convenience store, coffee bar and fitness center, according to the release. The new facilities are expected to house employees this winter.
In addition, a new building has been constructed onsite to add more workforce housing. The building is expected to welcome occupants in the spring.
COURTESY OF LMLC
PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
JEREMY HARDER REFLECTS ON 25-YEAR CAREER AT BIG SKY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BELOVED TEACHER, SOCCER COACH, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT IN JUNE
BY JEN CLANCEY
BIG SKY—The night before Jeremy Harder’s interview at the Big Sky School District in August 2000, the then 27-year-old bathed in the Gallatin River and camped at Red Cliff. After his interview, the BSSD team encouraged him to see Big Sky, so Harder drove to the base of Lone Mountain and back down again. By the time he returned from the scenic tour, BSSD was ready to give him a job offer, which Harder accepted, starting a career that’s spanned a quarter century.
For the last 25 years, Harder has worked at the school district, first as a fourth-grade teacher and then as the lead in design technology at Ophir Middle School and Lone Peak High School. In June 2025, Harder will close out a career that’s overseen the construction of the district’s STEAM building, planning of annual Yellowstone trips and hundreds of students who’ve learned in his classrooms.
“You know, I kind of came in with this sort of, ‘I'm going to change the world’ thing. Kind of a chip on my shoulder,” Harder said. He learned early on that teaching and running a school is a collaborative effort and can’t be done alone. “All of it has to come together like a fine-tuned machine to make this thing run.”
Harder grew up in New Jersey. His grandfather used to pick Harder up after school and venture into the woods with him, identifying animal tracks and learning about plants and fish. He remembers it as “just learning about the oddities of the natural world.”
This early education inspired Harder to bring his students into nature. Harder began planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, where students could make connections between their lives and the history of the land, and build relationships. In his 25 years of teaching, Harder has coordinated the trip for fourth and eighth grade students 21 times and led outdoor learning with Big Sky volunteers. The tradition will continue in the hands of science teacher Dr. Kate Eisele with eighth-grade classes.
Outdoor experiences were always present in Harder's curriculum almost on a weekly basis when he taught fourth grade. At that time, he also worked with then kindergarten teacher Erika Frounfelker to teach students life skills.
“We'd connect the fourth graders with the kindergartners to learn how to tie shoes,” Frounfelker said on the phone with EBS. She also recounted times when Harder and Frounfelkers’ classes hiked together on the trails behind the school, the fourth graders leading the way.
“He looks at the whole student,” Frounfelker said. And by doing so, he empowers students to be independent and engage in their own learning, she added. She noted dynamic seating arrangements as another example of this effect, allowing restless students to stand at desks while learning.
She describes Harder’s upcoming goodbye as bittersweet, and that he will leave a legacy of bringing the outdoors into the classroom.
“I am excited for him because I think his next adventure is going to be awesome, but I'm
also really sad because I think he should stay,” Frounfelker said. “I think the kids are going to miss him here.” With the technology piece, she saw his role as bringing two separate worlds together. “It's like meshing the old and the new. He was able to bring and do all of that here at our school.”
Harder taught fourth grade for 18 years until he transitioned into his current role as the head of design and technology in the STEAM building, though he calls his role the facilitator of innovation and creativity and calls the STEAM building— short for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics—“the innovation center.”
“Whether you're creating arts, you're creating a wooden box or you're singing a song, you're using innovation. You're trying something new. You are failing a lot to figure out what works,” Harder said. He describes his interests as a threeheaded monster, connecting three separate goals: technology, outdoor science and social-emotional wellbeing.
He hopes to explore that social-emotional piece in his next step, continuing a curiosity that he says began three years ago. “These worlds of self-care started falling in my vision, maybe they were always there … but I started taking advantage of them.” He began to volunteer as a Wellness Navigator
with Be Well Big Sky, a local organization working to improve mental wellbeing through community connections, and went back to school for a certificate in addictions counseling from Montana State University.
“I think I'm finally starting to understand these human basics that are really difficult to build for me. They have been my whole life,” Harder said, sitting in the STEAM building hallway. The space had grown quiet as classes resumed on Nov. 21. Across the hallway, a student ambled over to him, swinging a tooth on a lanyard. Harder had been meaning to talk to the student.
Harder's conversation style is consistent across students and adults: he looks people in the eyes, asks how they're doing and gets on their level. He built a scene with words for the student to relate to a current challenge. Harder told him that when he was younger, he remembered that his instinct was to fight back when someone said something mean. Like digging a hole in the sand at the beach, the hole just kept getting bigger, no matter the actions he took to retaliate. Soon enough, young Harder realized that the hole wasn’t going anywhere.
The student nodded. As Harder went on to offer advice on managing hurt feelings, the student listened and shook his head. Eventually, the conversation turned to discussing problem-solving for a project the student was crafting.
Reflecting with Explore Big Sky, Harder explained the respect he has for young voices, ideas and perspectives. “Too many places, it's the adults telling the youth what to do, how to do it. I don't know if that's the right way. Each day I think it's less and less the right way.”
Harder doesn’t imagine his presence will be completely gone from Big Sky schools. He would like to be a “lunch dad,” helping the cafeteria team put together meals, and would like to continue coaching soccer as the assistant coach for the Lone Peak boys team. Outside of school, he plans to complete his program in addiction counseling at MSU in the next two years.
“I'm really allowing curiosity to lead right now,” Harder said about his next steps. When asked if he feels ready to leave, Harder said that it’s not quite “ready” that he feels, but an openness to the next chapter.
Jeremy Harder looking at student projects in the Big Sky School District's STEAM building.
PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY
Harder enjoying lunch with colleagues in his second year of teaching.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JEREMY HARDER
RESORT TAX PLANS ‘VERY PUBLIC’ Q&A FOR DETAILED DEBT DISCUSSION
ADDITIONAL MEETING SCHEDULED JAN. 2; ANNUAL DEADLINE LOOMS IN FEBRUARY
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—The Big Sky Resort Area District board held a special meeting Thursday, Dec. 5, to hear a proposal for potential voter-approved debt that would fund infrastructure projects outlined in BSRAD’s capital improvement plan.
Daniel Bierschwale, BSRAD executive director, introduced the complicated topic in a presentation called “Bonding 101.”
“The most important point to note here for everyone in the Big Sky community is: what we’re discussing today does not have a direct impact on an increase in taxes,” Bierschwale said. “… Underline, bold, exclamation point—we are not discussing an increase in taxes.”
Big Sky’s resort tax will remain 4% on luxury goods and services, comprised of 3% resort tax and an additional 1% for infrastructure. But annual resort tax revenues aren’t sufficient to cover Big Sky’s pressing infrastructure needs in a timely manner, so BSRAD is exploring bonding to fund projects with upfront costs between $75 million and $125 million in total, Bierschwale said.
The board is on a tight schedule. They must decide by early January whether or not to bring a potential bond package to voters, who will ultimately decide whether Resort Tax takes on significant debt to fund infrastructure. For a bond package to appear on ballots in May of 2025, the board must have ballot language prepared and submitted by early February.
Board members expressed concern about making such an unprecedented and heavy decision in a 90-minute meeting, and eventually voted to convene for an additional working session. The proposal was prepared by a subcommittee of only two board members, Kevin Germain and John Zirkle—their proposal showed a rough estimate of
$100 million in potential debt—and an additional session would make space for careful questions from the rest of the board.
“This is 100 million dollars, and while I think you are both crazy smart and have put so much effort into this, I don’t know that I feel comfortable having the committee make the recommendations without maybe an application-style meeting,” said board member Sarah Blechta—she pointed out that every year, BSRAD pores over requests merely in the thousands. “We spent hours—like hours and hours and hours—on 10 million dollars for annual applications… I’m feeling anxious and nervous about 100 million dollars of debt that I don’t know enough about.”
Repeating a phrase he used in November, Germain called this process “uncharted waters” for Resort Tax and agreed with the concern voiced by Blechta, echoed by board member Michelle Kendziorski.
Zirkle told EBS that the Dec. 5 decision is a big step in the right direction, adding that a careful and engaging public meeting will lead to a better outcome for the community.
The working session will be held on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 9 a.m., likely at a larger venue to accommodate a sizable crowd, similar to BSRAD’s annual allocations meetings. They hope to see significant attendance from the public.
“Not only… is it very public, but we want a lot of people there,” Germain said.
Bierschwale cautioned that if the bond isn’t ready for ballots in February, they’ll need to wait an entire year for another chance to bring it to vote. “We are now beginning to push against a barrier of time,” he said.
Germain responded that it’s not worth rushing the board for a decision of this magnitude.
“I think we’ve got time… It’s very important,” Germain said. “I think that enough debate and dialogue goes into this, as I said, these are big, big, big decisions.”
After the public working session on Jan. 2, the board will hold its regular meeting on Thursday, Jan. 9.
The board also agreed to move its February meeting from Feb. 13 to Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Five big projects make the early cut
Eight near-term infrastructure projects were identified by the subcommittee, totaling up to $117.4 million in potential Resort Tax debt. Although specific numbers are a bridge to cross later, the board did vote on which should continue to be evaluated.
The board voted to continue discussing five of those projects: Cold Smoke, a large-scale workforce housing complex projected to cost $220 million; water and sewer infrastructure projected to cost $80 million; a community arts center projected to cost $12 million; ongoing renovations to the Big Sky Community Park projected to cost $8.7 million; and a new community park projected to cost $5 million.
Much of the funding for those projects will come from outside Resort Tax, but all five will depend on at least partial support from Resort Tax. They will be discussed in greater detail in Jan. 2.
At the dawn of 2025, the community and BSRAD board will share an opportunity to learn more specifics and give feedback about the projects shaping Big Sky’s future.
This story was condensed for print. Read more details about the eight projects at explorebigsky.com.
The Resort Tax boardroom was unusually full for a special meeting on Dec. 5. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
GROUP PLANS LOCAL CPR TRAININGS, ACCESS TO WILDERNESS SAFETY CERTIFICATION CLASSES
BY JEN CLANCEY
BIG SKY—As Big Sky gears up for another season of winter recreation, a new organization hopes to make life-saving training more accessible to residents and workers.
Connor Goodwin began Mountain Safety Group, a nonprofit organization that aims to address accessibility of CPR and first aid training by providing local classes, after learning about the obstacles for Big Sky residents needing certifications.
CPR/AED courses in Big Sky are few and far between, though the Big Sky Fire Department offers resources and instructional materials. Usually,
employees and any interested community member will travel to Bozeman for courses that cost $100 or more, according to Goodwin. He remembers directing his employees of the outdoor adventure program at the Spanish Peaks Mountain Club to Bozeman for costly courses so that they could lead recreational activities.
“I got sick of trying to source first aid classes, CPR classes, wilderness first aid classes,” Goodwin said. “There should be a measure of accessibility, both geographically and financially for certifications.”
He said that knowing the restraints of a limited income of the recreational workforce gave him the kick to start MSG, which will have a “no cost, low cost” model making the courses free for Big
Sky residents and at a low cost for organizations wanting to get members and employees certified.
Connor Goodwin’s background is in outdoor recreation, having spent more than a decade in search and rescue organizations including volunteering with Gallatin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue. When he started MSG, he collaborated with Christine Thomas, who has volunteered with GCSSAR in Big Sky for a year, to begin planning for programming.
“Trying to keep things centralized and local is the goal,” Thomas said. In the winter, MSG plans to roll out CPR courses for the community and by the end of the summer, the MSG team hopes to have a wilderness first aid schedule lined up for the summer.
“Information and knowledge is exactly what a recreation destination like Big Sky needs,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin hopes that in its beginnings, the organization can also connect people to further courses like avalanche safety after they get their basic training, as his team knows resources in the region.
“Optimistically, I expect to see people from all walks of life jumping in for this, whether it’s people who are retired, living in Big Sky, that are just trying to brush up on some of their backcountry aptitude and knowledge, or whether it’s seasonal lifties who are coming out saying, ‘Hey listen, I’d like to have a little bit more accessibility to this,’” Goodwin said.
Goodwin said he feels confident in the community’s interest in the courses.
“I’ve met very, very few people who don’t go out and recreate and who wouldn’t benefit from this knowledge,” Goodwin said.
PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY
PHOTO FROM ADOBE STOCK
OKTOBERFEST RAISES OVER $17K FOR BIG SKY YOUTH SOCCER
BY FISCHER GENAU
BIG SKY—This year’s Big Sky Oktoberfest raised $17,225 for the Big Sky Futbol Club to support local youth sports. Larry and Dana Wikan, the co-founders of the festival, handed the big check to Doug Hare and Lindsie Feldner from the Futbol Club on Nov. 25 at their annual general meeting to commemorate the success of the event’s second year.
“Our goal for the event was to be able to support youth activities in Big Sky, bringing funds to community members who really need it, and also support areas of organizations where they may be underfunded,” Dana told EBS. “The fact that we could raise more money this year and contribute to that even further, it feels great.”
Last year, the inaugural Big Sky Oktoberfest raised $10,000 for the Big Sky Futbol Club. This year, the event added a third day and extended its hours, and despite the increase in expenses, it managed to raise almost twice as much money.
“I think people who came last year were very excited to come again, which was great,” Dana said.
Dana thinks that word of mouth helped Oktoberfest grow in its second year, and she also thanked the volunteers and sponsors who made it possible.
“I think that the volunteers in the community were amazing. Without the sponsors and volunteers, it
would have been very, very difficult to pull it off,” Dana said. “Larry and I and Shana are all very happy with the result.”
The Wikans and Shana Seelye, who helps them organize Oktoberfest, are looking forward to
hosting the event again next year. It will take place in September, although exact dates have not yet been determined, and the funds raised will be donated to youth organizations in Big Sky.
PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY
DECEMBER 14, 2024 | 10AM - 6PM
Come celebrate the season with us in style, surrounded by our finest handcrafted boots and Western-inspired luxury. Enjoy the festivities while browsing our latest collections for the perfect holiday gift or something special for yourself. Raffle Giveaway and WildRye Tastings! LUCCHESE BOZEMAN | 131 E MAIN ST. BOZEMAN, MT 59715
‘BIGGEST OPENING’ IN A DECADE
BIG SKY RESORT CELEBRATES 1,500 ACRES, TEMPORARY PARK TOW ROPE FOR 51ST SEASON OPENER
BY MIRA BRODY
BIG SKY—There are few sounds sweeter to the ears of those who revel in snow sports than that of explosives in the morning echoing off the ridgelines of their favorite mountain. Sure enough, after a couple early winter storms in nearby mountain ranges, sporadic booms from avalanche mitigation efforts greeted skiers and riders at Big Sky Resort’s 51st opening day on Nov. 27, as well as periodic snow flurries that eventually made way for an afternoon of bluebird skies.
“[It’s] by far the biggest opening we’ve had in at least in the last 10 years,” said Adam West, director of mountain operations. Standing at the top of Swift Current 6, he gestures with one arm toward Andesite Mountain to the east, and with his other arm toward the Challenger chairlift, calling the opening “wall to wall.”
West and his team were able to open 1,500 acres of terrain, more than initially anticipated, encompassing over 60 runs accessed by Ramcharger 8, Swift Current, Challenger, Explorer, four base area carpets, and by popular demand, a park tow rope.
As an added bonus, opening day-goers were greeted by a spinning blue rope in the temporary base area terrain park to whisk them up to their next park lap. The addition did not go unnoticed for long and soon had park fans whooping and flying over features to cheering onlookers.
“We decided to—for the early season until our main park Swifty is open—we decided to rent a tow rope … So that will be there for the next three weeks, and then once our main park is built up we will remove that,” West said. “We’re also just trying it out. We try out these fancy D-Line lifts, maybe we’re overlooking the tow ropes too.”
West expects not only the bowl, but also the Lone Peak Tram to open by the coming weekend. The Madison Base Area, in correlation with the new Madison 8 chairlift, is projected to open Dec. 20.
In addition to humans, canine staff members expressed excitement toward opening day, particularly Hank the avalanche cattle dog. Hank is seven, and has been working alongside owner and ski patroller Max Erpenbach since he was six months old. Hank works alongside five other canine coworkers, including the team’s newest addition as of last season, a one-year-old yellow lab named Chester.
“As soon as I put my skis on the snow he starts barking at me,” Erpenbach said. “Riding up the
lift, he’s kind of whiny and shaky, he starts to get really excited, and then the last five towers of Swift Current he starts barking, he’s just so excited.”
Avalanche dogs like Hank go through extensive training to work on the mountain, thanks to Montana Avalanche Dogs, a nonprofit that helps train and certify dogs for avalanche search teams across the state.
Erpenbach said with all the snow, the Big Sky Ski Patrol team—dogs and humans—have been working hard to ensure accessible terrain is safe or guests.
“Obviously it’s way more exciting when we have a bunch of snow,” he said, noting the explosives locals have been hearing throughout the week. “A big part of our safety culture is that we won’t open avalanche terrain on a whim.”
Everyone knows a strong work ethic pairs well with the ability to have fun—Erpenbach said the highlights of Hank’s days are greeting each of his coworkers before loading the lift in the morning, and taking his end-of-day run down Harbor’s Halfpipe.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, West voiced thanks to his team for a successful opening day, and season ahead: the ski patrol team, maintenance, snow surface, terrain park, grooming and snowmaking teams, as well as mountain hospitality.
“As the saying goes, it takes a village,” he said.
The snowy conditions, impeccable weather and room to roam was not lost on skiers.
“Guests are so spread out today because we have so much terrain,” West said. “Usually we’re all kind of packed into the base area and you get a ton of atmosphere down there, but today—everybody’s just out skiing.”
Ski racks fill as the afternoon brings locals and visitors alike to the base area. PHOTO BY MIRA BRODY
A new tow rope brought high energy to the temporary base area terrain park. PHOTO BY MIRA BRODY
LOCAL FLYTIER DONATES $1,232 TO SUPPORT VETERANS’ EXPERIENCES IN NATURE
BY JEN CLANCEY
BIG SKY—Mimicking waterbugs, caddisflies and other delicious creatures, Owen Edgar has helped people catch fish with his handmade fishing flies for the past three years. In the summer, Edgar can complete custom 150-piece kits for customers in a month, but that timeline extends to three months when he’s in school, as in, Ophir Middle School— Edgar is 13 years old.
During COVID, Edgar gingerly made flies in his free time and began selling them at the Big Sky Farmers Market in 2021. As Edgar started to see money flowing in from sales, he strictly used profits for business expenses. With the remaining profits he earned over three years, Edgar wrote a $1,232 check to Warriors & Quiet Waters in September 2024. The nonprofit gives post-9/11 combat veterans meaningful experiences and community in nature, bringing veterans to beloved outdoor spaces in southwest Montana for activities like fly-fishing and hunting.
Brian Gilman, WQW’s chief executive officer, met Edgar at the WQW office when Edgar and his father reached out about wanting to donate. Gilman described Edgar’s actions as “incredibly admirable” over the phone with EBS.
“Owen being able to bring us his donation makes a big difference,” Gilman said. He described how the $1,232 sum helped the organization meet its budget needs. In the future, Gilman hopes to continue working with Edgar at events in Big Sky and “highlight the great work of this young man” by telling Edgar’s story and sharing his craft.
Edgar was eight years old when he received a flytying kit for Christmas. Less than two years after that gift in 2018, a pandemic left people to their devices, or in Edgar’s case, fishing crafts.
“During COVID it was kind of like a nice way to just do stuff and it kind of passed the time,” Edgar said. When his mom gave him the green light to open a stall at the farmers market, Edgar prepared
for the first year of business. Customers could buy one fly for $3 or two for $5, but Edgar explained that was just the start. The next year, he sold flies for fishing, and for Christmas trees in the form of ornaments.
Edgar described improvements to his stand at the market as well, including a white tent. As the name of his business, The Fly Box, got around he began to work on large custom orders including a 114-piece set and currently a 150-piece bundle.
At the end of his third year selling, Edgar decided to support a nonprofit cause. He admired Warriors & Quiet Waters’ efforts and thought his fly-tying business meshed well with their mission.
“I think that Montana is so pretty and giving people a chance to come out here and fish is just like a really good cause, and I want to support that,”
Edgar said. On top of donations, Edgar also pays his dues in resort tax.
Since, Edgar has been working on increasingly complex flies.
“You can make a fly in 30 seconds and it can be super-duper simple, but also I make flies that have like three hooks on them and they take an hour to make for just one fly, and they’re just generally more challenging,” Edgar told EBS.
His latest challenge is an articulated streamer, a larger fly with at least two hooks. In his mind, catching fish on a fly like that is most rewarding.
Next summer, Edgar will launch new products like earrings, and fishing flies encased in resin to serve as paperweights and coasters at the farmers market. Of course, his handmade flies will be available too.
Owen Edgar donated his profits in September 2024. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK EDGAR
Edgar’s flies (right)
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REGIONAL
A WARM WELCOME: BIENVENIDOS HELPS IMMIGRANTS THRIVE IN GALLATIN VALLEY
BY FISCHER GENAU
BOZEMAN—Ramon had been living in Bozeman for six months when he fell. He was working construction in Big Sky, putting up a roof in the middle of February, when he slipped on a patch of ice, plummeted to the ground and shattered his leg. His boss refused to give Ramon workman’s compensation because he was still undocumented— Ramon had just moved to Bozeman from Honduras—and his boss fired him, leaving him on the side of the road with his 11-year-old daughter when temperatures were dropping as low as minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Nobody deserves to be alone in those situations,” said Kendall Levinson, board chair for Bienvenidos a Gallatin Valley.
Bienvenidos is a nonprofit connects Spanishspeakers moving into greater Bozeman with local mentors and resources to help them thrive in the community. Levinson met Ramon, whose name is an alias used by EBS with respect to privacy, after he reached out to the Human Resource Development Council, a Bozeman nonprofit that combats poverty through nearly 50 initiatives , and HRDC put him in touch with Bienvenidos.
“He was homeless in the middle of the winter on the side of the road with a broken leg and an 11-year-old daughter and he had no idea—no idea who to call, no friends, no family,” Levinson told EBS.
Bienvenidos connected Ramon with a personal injury attorney—undocumented workers are still entitled to workers’ compensation if they’re hurt on the job in Montana—and provided him with a qualified interpreter to help the two communicate. Volunteers for the nonprofit would even drive him back and forth from doctor’s appointments, and, with their support, he was eventually able to get the care he needed.
“His leg healed and he ended up going back to Honduras to be with his family, but he didn’t feel so alone because he knew if he needed someone, he could call and we would try to help him problem solve,” Levinson said.
Bienvenidos helps people like Ramon navigate the patchwork system of public resources available for newcomers to a foreign country, regardless of
whether they speak English or have legal status. The nonprofit also provides interpreters for Spanish-speakers trying to get health care, rent a house, or secure other necessary services like garbage pickup, and its team of 80 volunteers serve as mentors for families adjusting to life here.
“We want Montana to be a place where people are good neighbors and they welcome each other with open arms, where everyone feels at home, where we celebrate everybody’s story and where…people can thrive no matter where they come from,” Levinson said. “That’s our big vision.”
Meeting a need
Bienvenidos was founded in 2020 by Tina Visscher and Ita Killeen. Visscher heard of students in the Bozeman School District who needed winter coats, and she assembled a group including herself, Killeen, Heather Jackson, Amanda Cater and Ellen Guetter to put on a clothing drive, providing coats and warm winter clothing for 12 Spanish-speaking families.
“That’s how it began, and the need has only grown,” Levinson said.
Bienvenidos serves a growing demographic as more and more immigrants arrive in Gallatin Valley, coming from countries like Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico and looking for work and a different way of life. Bozeman is in the midst of a population boom, with thousands of people flocking to the mountain town for its proximity to nature and western charm, and this growth has led to high demand for new workers, especially in the construction and hospitality industries. Many immigrants end up working jobs like Ramon’s, framing and roofing the new houses and buildings springing up on the outskirts of Bozeman, in Big Sky, and in luxury clubs like Big Sky’s Yellowstone Club and Spanish Peaks Mountain Club.
Bienvenidos mostly supports a niche population of high-needs families and individuals, and Levinson makes sure not to characterize all immigrants as “construction workers and cleaning ladies.”
“Just because you’re an immigrant doesn’t mean you’re illegal, and just because you’re an immigrant doesn’t mean you’re a construction worker either,” Levinson said.
According to U.S. Census data, the Latino population in Bozeman increased by nearly 140% between 2010 and 2020. But Bozeman’s overall
growth has become even more rapid since 2020, and many of these new arrivals are undocumented and therefore hard to track.
According to Bienvenidos executive director Vanessa Zamora Moreno, at the beginning of 2024, about 400 children in Bozeman’s school district were multilingual. Halfway through the year, that number had jumped to 450. By October, there were 500 multilingual students, and 520 just a few weeks later.
Even if the numbers are uncertain, the trend is clear, and when these new Spanish-speakers arrive in Bozeman or Big Sky, many are met by a series of challenges that make it difficult to lead a normal life.
“Things like health care or housing or food get extra challenging when you don’t know who to ask, you don’t know the language, you don’t know the place, and you may be in the process of getting your documents,” Zamora told EBS.
Zamora says that the challenges faced by the immigrants Bienvenidos serves are the same challenges everyone must face, but they are made more difficult by a language barrier and unfamiliarity to the country.
“A lot of these families have all the knowledge,” Zamora said. “They’ve figured this out before, they’re very, very competent and powerful, but it’s just connecting them and helping them understand the process here, the systems, and the places where you go.”
Along with the resources that they provide, Bienvenidos works closely with local law enforcement to distribute as many educational resources regarding local laws and regulations as they can in Spanish. Levinson, who also founded Montana Language Services, says that the language barrier is probably the first and largest barrier for the population Bienvenidos serves, especially when it comes to any negative sentiments they might face. “If you can’t communicate with somebody, then it just stops whatever you’re trying to work out,” Levinson said.
Bienvenidos added a bilingual resource coordinator in March to combat the language barrier, assisting people over the phone, over text or in person to connect them with different agencies and walk them through the process of getting help. Zamora
Kids play at Bienvenidos' "Fiesta at the Park" event. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID RIQUELME
says that a lot of these families are earning plenty of money, but sometimes rental agencies will ask two- to three-times a down payment if renters can’t prove residency, and other resources like health care can be almost impossible to access.
Another challenge is transportation. There is very little public transportation in Montana to speak of, and undocumented immigrants or immigrants in the process of receiving documentation cannot receive a driver’s license. Bienvenidos is working to pass state legislation to enact driver’s privilege cards which would give undocumented people proof that they learned the rules of the road and can drive legally in Montana. These driver’s privilege cards are not a legal form of identification or voter ID, but they would help immigrants travel to and from work without constant fear of getting pulled over and arrested.
As of 2022, some form of driver’s privilege card is issued in 20 U.S. states, according to the National Immigration Law Center.
From health care and language resources to the housing market and transportation, there isn’t much of a safety net for immigrants moving to Gallatin Valley, leaving groups like Bienvenidos to fill in the gaps.
“We try really hard to combat the misinformation that these migrants are getting a bunch of taxpayer public assistance, which is a narrative that’s happening, and every time I hear it I’m like, what public assistance are they receiving? Because they’re not eligible,” Levinson said.
Bienvenidos doesn’t receive any state or federal money, and instead relies upon individual donors and foundation grants to fund their programs and pay their three employees, two of which are parttime. Many members of the board work 30 to 40 hours a week, unpaid, to help immigrants overcome the challenges they face, and Bienvenidos depends on the thousands of hours donated every year by their mentors and other volunteers.
One of those volunteers is Dr. Sally Moyce. An assistant professor in Montana State University’s School of Nursing, Moyce volunteered as a mentor for Bienvenidos, and she recently joined its board. Through her position at MSU, Moyce hosts health fairs for the Latino immigrant community in Gallatin Valley, where she and her team provide health screenings, perform dental cleanings, and collect data to determine the social and cultural determinants of health outcomes. She and her team have found that over 80% don’t have health insurance, despite most of them working jobs with steady income.
“We know that people are coming to work, so most people are employed, and they’re making good money,” Moyce said. “It’s not that people don’t have
money to pay for things like health care or dental care, it’s that the systems aren’t set up to allow them to do that.”
Now Moyce is working alongside Levinson and others on Bienvenidos’ board to brainstorm solutions to meet material needs for a vulnerable population. But Bienvenidos is concerned with more than material needs. They’re also committed to helping immigrants find belonging in their new home.
‘We all deserve to feel at home’ “Sometimes belonging or succeeding, it’s not about money or needs, but really feeling connected to where you belong, where you are,” Zamora said. “Our new tagline is ‘We all deserve to feel at home,’ and once you feel at home, you feel like you belong, then you feel like you can thrive. That’s our focus: to really create an environment where they are so sure that this community is focused on them thriving. When they thrive, we all thrive.”
Bienvenidos fosters belonging through their mentor program as well as their kids programs, like their collaboration with the Bridger Ski Foundation that gets children on the mountain to learn how to ski. The nonprofit also hosts clothing drives and community events, like their “Stories Beyond Borders” fundraiser dinner that will take place on Dec. 3 to highlight the journeys of immigrant families.
As an immigrant herself, Zamora is uniquely aware of how hard it can be to belong in a new country. She moved to the United States from Columbia when she was 17, and says she had a privileged experience because her father was already living in the U.S. But it still wasn’t easy.
“It can still be very isolating when you don’t have the tools, and the community doesn’t offer the tools like English education,” Zamora said.
In the states, her father was known as a resource for other newcomers, helping them to get oriented in their new home. This motivated Zamora to do the same.
“I just realized that sometimes it’s just information sharing or being an ear, or someone advocating and telling you your rights,” Zamora said. “And all of that stuck to me. I realized that there were so many people that just needed someone to support them.”
While still attending Montana State University, she started English Para Todos—which translates to English for All—to provide English classes for people new to the language, and when Levinson asked her to join Bienvenidos’ board in 2023, she jumped at the chance. Now executive director, Zamora has big dreams for the nonprofit’s future.
A vision for the future
Zamora is planning a welcome center “for the community, by the community,” called El Centro that would function as a one-stop shop for Spanishspeakers. El Centro would include health advocates, interpreters, and social navigators to connect people to the community—a community that Zamora hopes “celebrates differences, celebrates the richness of multiple cultures, and welcomes them with open arms.”
Already Bienvenidos is bringing together the community to support its immigrant population. Each month, the nonprofit convenes the Migrant Community Coordination group to collaborate with different agencies and organizations, including the Bozeman Police Department, City of Bozeman, Haven and HRDC, to address the needs of migrants in the community.
“Nobody in the valley has much experience with supporting an immigrant population, so it’s nice to bring together these smart people who are all committed to helping create a sense of belonging and a more inclusive environment for people,” said Moyce, who attends these meetings.
El Centro would model this kind of collaboration, just on a bigger scale, and cultivate the kind of community that Zamora and Levinson both hope for.
“I personally would hope to see a community that leads with curiosity instead of making assumptions about people,” said Levinson, who grew up in Bozeman and has witnessed its rapid growth over the past few decades. “That asks questions, instead of painting people with broad generalizations and stereotypes and strokes.”
Immigration is a highly controversial topic in America. It fuels anger and outrage on both sides of the political spectrum, but Zamora and Levinson want to shift attention away from the heated, nationalized conversation.
“I think that if we play into that conversation, we’re defeating the purpose of what we do at this point,” Levinson said. “I think that what we need to focus on is that these are human beings that we can help. We can just illuminate ways to their own empowerment. And it doesn’t matter if you are documented or undocumented. It doesn’t matter if you’re from this country or that country. It doesn’t really matter where you’re from. We’re on a rock floating in infinite space, but really we’re just neighbors that are opening our arms to each other and just celebrating everybody’s story. And that’s what we stick to. Everybody should deserve to thrive, no matter where they come from.”
The team at Bienvenidos. LEFT TO RIGHT: Ita Killeen, Tina Visscher, Mayra del Carmen, Paul Stouffer, Sally Moyce, Vanessa Zamora Moreno, Alex Basilio, Marcus Pearson.
SECOND ROW: Jim McKenna, Buck Taylor, Kendall Levinson, Flor Vega-Castillo. PHOTO COURTESY OF BIENVENIDOS
SPORTS
MELLOTT LEADS BOBCATS TO SCHOOLRECORD 13TH STRAIGHT WIN WITH TRANSCENDENT PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE
BOBCATS REACH FCS QUARTERFINAL FOR THE FOURTH TIME IN FIVE SEASONS
BY COLTER NUANEZ SKYLINE SPORTS
BOZEMAN—Tommy Mellott has had plenty of critics throughout his four years as not only the starting quarterback for the Bobcats but also as one of the faces of all of Montana State University.
After his Saturday afternoon performance on Dec. 7 to help MSU win a program-record 13th game this season, those critics have no more ground to stand on.
The baby-faced former Valedictorian from Butte High grew up a mile high in the Mining City, one of the most iconic towns in America. That molded him into the hard-nosed competitor who has led Montana State to 31 victories and counting in games that he has started and finished.
Although Mellott exploded onto the scene as a true freshman in the playoffs in 2021, making his first three career starts and leading Montana State to three playoff wins to earn its first national title in 37 years, the skeptics have always pointed to two factors when analyzing Mellott: his ability to throw the football and his ability to stay healthy.
For those that say Mellott is simply a glorified running back lining up under center, just watch the film from Saturday’s 49-17 win over Tennessee Martin to lift the Bobcats into the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs. And for those wondering what the key factor has been for Montana State to get to 13-0 and earn the No. 1 seed in the FCS playoffs, look no further than the fact that Mellott has stayed perfectly healthy throughout his senior year.
The University of Tennessee-Martin entered Saturday’s game—a rematch of Mellott’s first start back in 2021—with one of the stoutest rush defenses in the FCS. The Skyhawks held eight of their opponents under 100 yards rushing this season. Montana State entered the contest averaging an FCS-best 318 yards per game on the ground.
UTM held Montana State to “just” 200 yards on the ground, the second-lowest total of the season for the most potent rushing attack in college football. But Mellott was a model of nearperfection, putting to rest once and for all the notion that he’s just a runner who operates an option offense, not as a savvy passer and field general.
Mellott completed 22 of his 26 passing attempts for a career-high 300 yards. He also tied a career high with four passing touchdowns.
“We felt like we would have to throw it a fair amount because of the way they play and Tommy probably had, from a numbers perspective, his best day as a passer,” Montana State head coach Brent Vigen said after moving to 45-9 as MSU’s head coach.
“We have felt strongly that whatever it’s taken each and every week this season, Tommy has been able to do. There were some real opportunities there play-action-wise and I thought the way he operated right before the half—that was critical. He evaded a sack a couple times even on the touchdown to Ty [McCullouch]. That was a heck of a play by [Mellott].”
Mellott completed five of his six passes for 73 yards in just 52 seconds on the last Bobcat drive before half, which answered a big 78-yard touchdown pass by the Skyhawks and helped the ‘Cats enter the break with a 28-10 lead.
With soon-to-be All-American tight end Rohan Jones—first-team All-Big Sky—on the shelf with an undisclosed injury, Mellott hit sophomore tight end Hunter Provience with a strike up the seam for a 24-yard touchdown less than three minutes into the game to begin the scoring barrage. Less than eight minutes later, he made one of his throws of the year, a perfectly placed, lofting ball to a streaking Taco Dowler for a 12-yard touchdown in front of the Sonny Holland endzone that set the Montana State student section into a frenzy and gave the Bobcats a 14-0 lead.
“I don’t understand it either, like you said he just keeps getting better,” Dowler said with a smile when asked about Mellott. “It’s a testament to his work ethic and the type of leader he is. I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s just a special player and special person.”
Mellott’s 39-yard touchdown to a wide-open Ty McCullouch right before halftime essentially iced the game as it gave MSU an 18-point lead—UT Martin would only manage to score 17 points in the entire contest. And Mellott’s fourth touchdown
came as much because of his accuracy as Dowler’s electric ability in the open field.
Dowler, a former Montana Gatorade Player of the Year from Billings, took a screen pass 29 yards for a score to give MSU a 42-10 lead with six minutes left in the third quarter. Dowler also had a 40-yard punt return to help him break a nearly 50-year-old record, passing Mark McGrath for the most punt return yards in a career by a Bobcat—Dowler is only a sophomore.
“They were big, heavy linebackers and with being that big and heavy, you can’t move laterally as fast as the teams we see in the Big Sky,” Dowler said. “We knew we would have to get on the perimeter to make some plays and a lot of the run game would come down to perimeter blocks, or Ty [McCullouch] taking jet sweeps or picking up blocks.”
Mellott continues to climb the list of the Big Sky Conference’s all-time greatest winners. His 31 wins are second in Montana State history behind DeNarius McGhee’s 35 victories. Montana AllAmerican Dave Dickenson also had 35 wins in his illustrious career.
Eleven different receivers caught passes on Dec. 7 and aside from Dowler, McCullouch and tight end Ryan Lonergan, none had more than two catches. That efficient effort moves the Bobcats into the quarterfinals of the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
MSU will host No. 8 Idaho on Friday night, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at Bobcat Stadium. The Bobcats drilled the Vandals 38-7 on Oct. 12. Idaho has won six straight since that loss, including a 34-9 win over Lehigh in Moscow, Idaho on Saturday night to punch their ticket to Bozeman for a rematch with the Bobcats.
Montana State senior Tommy Mellott during his 31st win as MSU’s starting quarterback.
PHOTO BY JASON BACAJ / SKYLINE SPORTS
A&E
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
CLASSICAL MUSIC TRANSFORMS RURAL MONTANA
MONTANA CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CONTINUES TO GROW ITS UNIQUE PROGRAM TO COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE
BY LESLIE KILGORE
Angella Ahn began her musical career as a concert violinist at a young age with her twin sisters. As part of the Ahn Trio, which consisted of violin, piano and cello, they were known for their modern and genre-crossing performances beginning in the late 80s. The trio traveled the world playing in some of the most prestigious concert halls around the globe.
Raised by their mom who immigrated from Korea to give her girls a better life in America, the trio graduated from the Julliard School of Music in New York City while gaining recognition and fame around the world for bringing world-class chamber music to a younger and hipper demographic.
Having been featured in a Time magazine cover story in the late 80s, selected by People magazine as three of the “50 Most Beautiful People” in 2003, featured in Vogue, GQ, and other fashion magazines, as well as starring in an ad campaign for Gap, the Ahn sisters were not your typical chamber music performers. And that’s what made them so appealing.
In 2009, Ahn began her career as a professor at Montana State University after being invited to perform with the Muir Quartet in several performances for the Montana Chamber Music Society. Through these events, Ahn and members of the quartet became close friends, which inspired her to move to Bozeman and become a music professor.
“I continue to be inspired by Montana physically and in awe of its beauty,” Ahn said. “Every time I fly home, I’m newly reminded of how majestic our mountains are. I’m also inspired by our community and the people in it.”
With that inspiration came Ahn’s motivation to bring chamber music to rural Montana. In addition to teaching for MSU’s School of Music, Ahn also took over as artistic director for the Montana Chamber Music Society in 2020. She began inviting world-class, Grammy-winning musicians, who she knew and met during her past travels and performances, to play in Montana.
“Montana is a musical world with the dew still on it, to borrow a phrase. As artistic director, it’s important to me to share chamber music throughout Montana”, Ahn said. “I want to make sure we go to small rural communities, not just to the bigger cities. I grew up in large cities where it took no effort to experience the greatest performances by internationally renowned musicians. My hope is for our rural communities in Montana to be able to experience the greatest chamber music, no matter how small the community is.”
Ahn also serves on the Governor’s Montana Arts Council. Through her work with this organization,
she has been introduced to a variety of artists throughout Montana.
“This also inspires me to encourage the groups I bring into the state to cast their net widely toward our rural communities,” Ahn said.
The Montana Chamber Music Society’s rural program has existed for three years. In the past, MCMS brought its artists to a few rural communities during the summer, but Ahn was proud to share that all of their visiting artists now visit at least one rural community during their stays in Montana.Locations have included Pony, White Sulphur Springs, Big Timber, Virginia City, Butte, Georgetown Lake, Havre, Lewistown, Manhattan and Whitehall, with more visits planned to rural communities in the next two scheduled seasons.
“Pony, Montana has a population of 137. We can have as many as one-third of its entire population at one of our concerts. This is remarkable,” Ahn said. “Also, it’s truly moving to witness people who have never experienced chamber music reacting to a performance in an intimate setting. Chamber music is a form of music closest in spirit and execution to an intimate conversation. The members of the audience get to eavesdrop on this conversation, and this causes increased emotional involvement for them. It goes straight to your heart. It’s magic to witness this.”
Ahn said she especially loves watching audience members who don’t have preconceived notions about the rules of attending a classical music concert.
“For me, music is about communication and expression. The audience should feel free to express
their feelings. Wear what they want to the concert, clap and laugh when they feel like it. Cry if you are so moved. I have seen Montana farmers and ranchers throughout the state exhibit all of these behaviors during our performances, and will never forget this as long as I live.”
Ahn mentioned that while the program has been a big success around the state, fundraising continues to be a challenge. Also, Montana weather during the winter makes it difficult for artists to travel to remote destinations.
“Aside from raising the money to make this all happen, the only other challenging aspect is the weather,” Ahn said. “We always do a little prayer dance to the weather gods for good driving conditions during our winter months.”
This January, Ahn will be performing with two of her good friends and world-class musicians, William Hagen and Albert Cano Smit, and has several other performances scheduled for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Ahn added that MCMS has plans for more fundraising and programming efforts in order to bring more world-class musicians into rural communities around the state, while continuing to provide several free performances in the area.
“Through Montana Chamber Music I have realized how paramount music is in bringing community together. It’s incredible to observe everyone from children to retirees from different backgrounds and all walks of life coming together at these performances,” Ahn said. “The cool aspect of listening to music performances is that you don’t need any prior knowledge. It is something you feel. It’s transportive.”
The Aizuri Quartet performs at Reynolds Recital Hall for the Montana Chamber Music Society’s fall concert series, before traveling for a performance at the White Church in Pony, Montana. PHOTO BY LESLIE KILGORE
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COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
If your next event falls between Dec. 25 - Jan. 8 please submit it to explorebigsky.com/calendar-event-form by
BIG SKY CHRISTMAS STROLL
DEC 13 -14
MEADOW VILLAGE CENTER, DEC. 13
BIG SKY TOWN CENTER, DEC. 14
The Christmas Spirit is making a visit in Big Sky on Dec. 13 and 14. Enjoy holiday festivities in Meadow Village Center on Friday, Dec. 13 starting at 5:20 p.m. and another night of fun in Big Sky Town Center on Saturday, Dec. 14 starting at 5 p.m. Other related events include a Big Sky Winter Market at The Wilson Hotel from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Nutcracker shows at the WMPAC on Sunday at 5 and 7 p.m.
Do You Sometimes Wish You Could Spend A Holiday Sober?
PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIK MORRISON
BUSINESS
ENJOYING THE RIDE: YEAR END INVESTMENT PLANNING AND NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
BY MICHAEL HILLIARD EBS COLUMNIST SPONSORED ARTICLE
As we approach the end of 2024 and look to 2025, it’s a perfect time to perform a year-end review, and strategize to make positive change in the new year.
And it all starts with an honest assessment of your personal financial situation, benchmarked against the six areas of investment planning: financial position, insurance, tax strategies, investment management, retirement planning, and estate planning strategies.
You may ask yourself a barrage of questions as you explore each category. Over the past year, did you stick to a budget, increase retirement plan contributions, supplement your cash reserve, and decrease debt? Have you explored—and do you understand—your employee benefits, such as your Health Savings Account, insurances, and your employer-sponsored retirement plan? Do you have the correct amounts and types of insurance coverage across the various lines of risk management? Are you on track to maximize (with potential catch-up provisions) and take advantage of any employer match in your retirement plans, and do you qualify for deductible traditional IRAs or Roth IRAs? Have you considered Roth Conversions or a Back Door Roth IRA strategy, if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) disallows a standard contribution? Did you not only file your taxes but strategize about how to reduce them in the future? Remember, tax preparation takes place once per year, but tax planning should be a continuous process. Do you have non-qualified (non-IRA) assets in your portfolio that can be sold to harvest tax losses? And in assessing your holdings, have you
constructed a tiered approach for short, mid, and long-term planning? Is your portfolio properly diversified across the various asset classes and investment styles, and further segmented by product and company? Are you participating in 529s or Coverdell accounts to plan for college? Have you performed a retirement planning review, essentially projecting your assumed retirement expenses, inflation-adjusted, against what future income you expect through social security, annuities, or pensions? And is there a disconnect between what you project to spend versus what you expect to receive? Are your rates of return aligned with your risk posture, or are you being too conservative or too aggressive? And finally, have you checked your beneficiaries across all your accounts, and do you have a current estate plan, including powers of attorney and living wills or advanced healthcare directives?
Turning to end-of year gifting, have you been smart with your charitable donations? Giving cash is easy, but here are a couple additional ideas:
1) Donating highly appreciated assets to a qualified charity can avoid taxation on the gains but still allow a tax deduction.
2) If you are of age to take required minimum distributions (RMDs), and do not qualify for itemized deductions, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) direct to a charity. The maximum contribution in 2024 is $105,000, and although you cannot make a charitable deduction, you don’t include the donated amount in your taxable income.
Switching to 2025, and in building on the previous questions, are you on track to achieve all your financial goals? Collaborating with a financial advisor can help you better strategize and align your financial resources with your future goals, and that’s a fantastic New Year’s resolution!
Michael Hilliard is a Managing Director at Shore to Summit Wealth Management. He currently works and lives in Severna Park, Maryland with his wife and children.
Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing in a 529 savings plan. The official statement, which contains this and other information, can be obtained by calling your financial advisor. Read it carefully before you invest. Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network is not a legal or tax advisor. Be sure to consult your own tax advisor and investment professional before taking any action that may involve tax consequences.
Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network did not assist in the preparation of this report, and its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. The opinions expressed in this report are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network or its affiliates. The material has been prepared or is distributed solely for information purposes and is not a solicitation or an offer to buy any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network and Shore to Summit Wealth Management are not legal or tax advisors. You should consult with your attorney, accountant and/or estate planner before taking any action.
Shore to Summit Wealth Management is located at 105 E. Oak Street, Unit 1A Bozeman, MT 59715 # 406219-2900.
This advertisement was written by Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network and provided to you by Michael Hilliard, Managing Director. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. Shore to Summit Wealth Management is a separate entity from WFAFN.
THE BIG SKY WAY: NOT ALL TAXES ARE CREATED EQUAL UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PROPERTY TAX
BY DANIEL BIERSCHWALE EBS COLUMNIST
Funding public projects requires a variety of tools, and in Big Sky, property taxes and resort taxes are two of the most impactful. While both serve the common goal of supporting public needs, they differ significantly in function, particularly when it comes to bonding.
Property taxes are levied on land and property owners based on the assessed value of real estate. This means the tax burden falls squarely on property owners. Conversely, resort tax is levied on the sale of luxury goods and services. Because it is tied to spending rather than ownership, resort tax allows Big Sky to shift some of the financial burden for essential services and infrastructure to the visitors who also use and strain them. By funding local government services, resort tax offsets property taxes, reducing the financial burden on local residents while ensuring sufficient funding for the community.
These differences in how revenue is generated and who pays become especially important when considering how large-scale infrastructure projects are funded. Bonding is a tool that enables communities to address urgent projects today by borrowing funds upfront and repaying them over time. However, the method of funding bonds—and the financial burden they impose—differs between property tax and resort tax.
The difference
Most of us are familiar with property tax bonds, particularly those tied to funding schools or other public institutions. When a property tax bond is proposed, voters typically see a ballot measure that asks for approval to increase their taxes. These measures often include specific language explaining how much the increase will cost per $100,000
of assessed property value, and how it will affect homeowners’ annual tax bills.
While property tax bonds are a powerful tool, they place a direct and immediate financial burden on residents. Every dollar required to repay the bond, plus interest, comes from property owners within the community. This can mean a noticeable increase in monthly or annual expenses, particularly in areas where property values—and taxes—are already high.
Resort tax bonding, by contrast, offers a fundamentally different funding approach. Instead of relying on new taxes, resort tax bonds simply reallocate a portion of future resort tax collections to pay for projects today.
Many of the typical programs and projects historically funded through resort tax will continue to receive support, though the exact funding levels will adjust to accommodate bond payments. This ensures that while some shifts may occur to fund long-term projects, the community’s essential needs will still be met.
‘No new taxes’
To borrow a quote former president George H.W. Bush, “read my lips: no new taxes.”
Resort tax bonding has two major advantages. First, it allows Big Sky to tackle pressing infrastructure needs before costs escalate due to inflation or other changes. Second, it enables critical investments without increasing the tax burden on residents, relying instead on existing revenue streams.
Timing is a significant factor and the cost of inaction can be steep. Infrastructure projects delayed today often become exponentially more expensive tomorrow. By leveraging bonds, communities can lock in today’s construction rates, address deficiencies before they worsen, and start reaping the benefits of completed projects sooner.
For local residents, the most significant takeaway is that resort tax bonding doesn’t require new taxes
AND RESORT TAX
or additional revenue from your wallet. Unlike property tax bonds, which directly increase property owners’ financial obligations, resort tax bonds rely on existing revenue streams and reallocate dollars already in play. This distinction makes resort tax bonding an equitable and efficient way to finance community improvements, particularly where a significant portion of resort tax revenue comes from non-residents purchasing luxury goods and services.
Moreover, resort tax bonding underscores the importance of community stewardship. By investing in critical projects now, we ensure that Big Sky remains a vibrant, resilient place for residents and visitors alike. It’s a proactive approach that balances the needs of today with the demands of tomorrow.
As Big Sky continues to grow, the need for innovative, sustainable funding solutions will only increase. Understanding the differences between property taxes and resort taxes—and the role of bonding within each—is crucial for informed decision-making. While property tax bonds remain a valuable tool for specific needs, resort tax bonding offers a unique opportunity to address Big Sky’s infrastructure challenges without placing additional financial strain on local taxpayers. It only requires a vote of support.
In Big Sky, not all taxes are created equal. Resort tax bonding exemplifies how we can leverage our resources wisely, act decisively, and build a community that thrives for generations to come. Through thoughtful planning and strategic investments, we’re not just meeting today’s needs— we’re shaping Big Sky’s future. That’s the Big Sky Way.
Daniel Bierschwale is the Executive Director of the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD). As a dedicated public servant, he is committed to increasing civic engagement and voter education. Many ballot issues impact government services and public funding including subsequent property tax impacts. BSRAD is the local government agency that administers Resort Tax, which offsets property taxes while also funding numerous community-wide nonprofit programs.
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FEATURED RESIDENCE 203 3BED, 2BATH | 2,307 SQFT
ONLY THREE WILDLANDS RESIDENCES REMAIN!
Wildlands is a distinctive living experience in Bozeman’s vibrant Northeast Neighborhood, offering a blend of Scandinavian-modern architecture and industrial-inspired design just four blocks from downtown and 10 minutes from Yellowstone International Airport.
Each of these high-end residences feature top-tier finishes, including Poliform cabinetry, 11-foot ceilings, wide plank American white oak floors, 8-foot window bays, and spacious outdoor decks. Residents also enjoy access to private rooftop spaces with breathtaking views, creating an unparalleled living experience in the heart of Bozeman.
Two more residences sold this month, leaving only 3 remaining. Don’t miss your chance to call Wildlands home!
ONE VALLEY HELPS GALLATIN COUNTY PRESERVE ITS PAST AND SHAPE ITS FUTURE
BY BRIDGET WILKINSON GUEST COLUMNIST
Through everyday actions and shared moments, we have the opportunity to shape the world around us—whether through small acts of kindness, time spent with others or the values we pass on to those close to us.
In Gallatin County, each of us contributes to a legacy rooted not only in the land itself but also in deep connections, compassion and a commitment to our community. With a unique blend of longtime residents and newcomers drawn by Montana’s beauty, Gallatin County is constantly evolving. Regardless of how long we’ve called this place home, each of us has the power to contribute to a thriving future for our community, carrying the simple yet powerful responsibility to leave something meaningful behind for generations to come.
As our county grows—with new neighbors arriving, industries expanding and tourism increasing—we face exciting opportunities as well as real challenges. Amid these changes, it’s up to us to preserve what we cherish about Gallatin County: its welcoming spirit, natural beauty and close-knit community. At the same time, we must plan for a future where
everyone can thrive, from our children to new neighbors and locals with generations-long roots here. Leaving a legacy doesn’t have to mean grand gestures or having your name on a building; often, it’s about the small, intentional choices we make that reflect who we are and what we care about. This might mean supporting a local nonprofit that provides meals to those in need, protecting our natural resources, or creating opportunities for students. Each contribution is a way to make a lasting impact, ensuring that Gallatin County remains a place of opportunity and community for years to come.
This is where a community foundation can make a powerful difference. One Valley Community Foundation specializes in connecting community members with local needs and causes, helping people create a lasting impact that aligns with their values and vision for our community. We offer a bird’s-eye view of the region’s challenges and opportunities, enabling donors to make informed decisions about where their support can make the greatest impact.
Whether you’re interested in opening a charitable giving fund, making a planned gift, or donating to support One Valley’s work, partnering with your local community foundation is a strategic way to multiply your impact. With One Valley’s guidance, you’re not only able to make a difference today but also to shape the future of Gallatin County. We ensure that every gift has a meaningful, long-term
impact by connecting you with areas of need you may not have considered, broadening your ability to make a lasting difference.
Leaving a legacy in Gallatin County is about more than a one-time donation—it’s about being thoughtful and strategic in how we give back. It’s about fostering the relationships, values and traditions that make this community feel like home. True legacy-building means creating a place where children of all backgrounds grow up knowing they’re supported, where the beauty of our natural landscape is valued and protected, and where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through our collective efforts and thoughtful giving, we can create a future where Gallatin County remains a place that embodies the best of what community can be.
As we consider the legacy we’ll leave behind, let’s remember that each of us is part of a larger story, one that we help shape every day. By choosing to give back with intention and support local causes, we can make this place a little better, a little brighter, for those who will call Gallatin County home long after we’re gone.
Learn more about One Valley Community Foundation at onevalley.org.
Bridget Wilkinson is president and CEO of the One Valley Community Foundation.
Volunteers with One Valley Community Foundation’s Youth Giving Project help out at a Gallatin Valley food bank. COURTESY OF ONE VALLEY
LISTED
ENVIRONMENT
DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD: GRIZZLIES WILL FACE ONE LESS THREAT THIS YEAR
CONSERVATION GROUPS AND THE STATE OF MONTANA SETTLE LAWSUIT ON WOLF TRAPPING
BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY EBS COLUMNIST
On Nov. 21, 2024, the Flathead-Lolo-Bitterroot Citizen Task Force and WildEarth Guardians settled a lawsuit with the State of Montana, resolving and dismissing Flathead-Lolo-Bitterroot Citizen Task Force et al. v. Montana. The two conservation groups challenged Montana’s wolf trapping regulations, which the groups said increased the chances that grizzly bears could be inadvertently captured and snared in wolf and coyote traps. The rules set by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission extended the wolf trapping season into an erroneous and arbitrary time when grizzlies have not yet entered their den for the winter, leading to grizzlies being injured in traps. Under the Endangered Species Act, this qualifies as illegal “takings” of federally protected species protected.
With this settlement, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has altered the 2024-25 wolf trapping regulations to Jan. 1 through Feb. 15, when most grizzlies are in their winter dens. This trapping season primarily applies to the western
two-thirds of Montana and aligns with Idaho’s wolf trapping season.
Montana’s previous wolf trapping regulations allowed trapping to begin on the first Monday after Thanksgiving, which was called the “floating season opener.” The lawsuit primarily asserted that grizzlies stay up longer and emerge earlier with the planet warming, and winter starts later. This led to controversy over grizzlies being inadvertently snared or injured. The settlement cancels the floating season opener in the state’s western portion, pushing the beginning of trapping season until Jan 1.
The freshly minted regulations require coyote and other non-game species within grizzly habitat to obtain a free permit. People trapping coyotes on private land to protect livestock must fill out declarations of intent with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. This helps inform further surveys and stats on the number of traps being used and what species.
Suppose any grizzlies are caught in traps between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31. In that case, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will place a size limit on trap size, hoping to reduce the possibility of capturing grizzlies. The new regulations encourage but don’t require fur trappers to check their traps by
noon the following day after setting them, which should help to avoid catching grizzlies in traps. But if they are only encouraging and not enforcing it, does it matter? Will it prevent fewer grizzlies from being trapped or other animals from suffering longer than necessary?
The task force initially sent out their 60-day intent to sue on May 9, 2023. A federal district court granted the injunction in favor of the plaintiffs on Nov. 21, 2023. The State appealed the injunction to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld it on April 23, 2024, except for the geographic scope. The federal district court then issued an order further defining the area. The case was headed to trial in the district court at the time of the settlement, which saved the people and the judicial system time and money by avoiding a trial.
Grizzlies already have a hard enough life, but dealing with traps meant for other species is just another pitfall; luckily, with wolf trapping season being pushed back, this could save some lives.
Benjamin Alva Polley is a place-based storyteller. His stories have been published in Audubon, Esquire, Field & Stream, The Guardian, Outside, Popular Science, Sierra, and other publications on his website. He holds a master’s in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism from the University of Montana.
PHOTO BY JACOB W. FRANK / NPS
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BEST OF BIG SKY CELEBRATES 38 AWARD-WINNERS
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the 2024 Best of Big Sky awards ceremony gathered community members and distinguished leaders from businesses and nonprofits to celebrate another year of achievement and community building across 38 categories.
In November, the public engaged by nominating worthy leaders, and eventually voting for their favorites. Those winners—and a few special picks from the EBS editors—are celebrated below.
The Best of Big Sky awards continue to build in their prominence and competition, as the Big Sky community continues to grow, collaborate and innovate. Beyond the honorary plaques and flashing lights, the annual event also continues to gather some of Big Sky’s most dedicated and passionate community members in an informal setting.
Below are the 2024 Best of Big Sky award winners. Please join us in celebrating the work they’ve done this year.
- The Editors
Thirty-eight awards were granted to deserving members and businesses of the community, including the Big Sky Fire Department (left) and the Big Sky Ski Patrol Avalanche Dogs (right).
Lone Mountain Ranch has been a staple of Big Sky since 1915, welcoming locals and guests alike with a pure, unfiltered Montana experience. In the winter, LMR offers a system of groomed Nordic ski trails, and in the summer, offers horseback rides followed by an evening rodeo at their scenic arena. Horn and Cantle serves up delicious, local meals and craft cocktails, all paired with an unbeatable view. lonemountainranch.com
Big Sky Vacation Rentals knows Big Sky. With agents based locally in the community who regularly care for the properties they manage, BSVR takes responsibility over 125 of the area’s luxury properties, ensuring they are in tip top shape for the next guests, as well as for the property’s owners. The team also takes pride in their involvement with local events and supporting important area nonprofits. bookbigsky.com
The vacation rental market booms in Big Sky during the popular winter and summer months, and Ascend Properties ensures that all of their properties are well-managed, taken care of and that both guests and homeowners have the best experience possible. Their staff provides responsive, reliable service for vacationers getting a taste of the area, and Ascend works to maximize revenue for homeowners who list with the company. ascendvacationrentals.com
BIG SKY BUILD
Winner of Best of Big Sky in the same category in 2023, Big Sky Build has been a common name for the “Best Builder” award. Big Sky Build has worked on Big Sky homes since 1997, with values of communication, organization, teamwork and quality. Projects include Yellowstone Club homes and remodels and custom builds throughout Big Sky, each with their own unique touch complimenting the beautiful nature around them. bigskybuild.com
CENTRE SKY ARCHITECTS
Centre Sky Architects brings custom builds to the region that match clients needs and wants, and are designed sustainably. Specializing in building in the Rocky Mountain West, Centre Sky’s Big Sky team has accomplished unique homes made to enjoy the mountains and built to last in the landscape. centresky.com
With over $2 billion in sales, Outlaw Realty is a driving force in southwest Montana’s real estate market. Their team, which includes in-house experts in marketing, videography, operations and more, helps people streamline the home buying and selling process to serve as their passport to the Western lifestyle. outlaw.realty
Once a singer in a British funk band and a globe-trotting snowsports professional, Mia now devotes her professional energy to helping her clients in their real estate journeys. She is also an active Big Sky community member, serving on boards for the Arts Council of Big Sky and Women In Action as well as volunteering for the Big Sky Community Food Bank and Eagle Mount’s adaptive ski program. bigskyrealestate.com/team/mia-lennon/
Music in the Mountains is perhaps one of the best and longest-standing Big Sky traditions that we hope never fades. Gathering the community from near and far at Len Hill Park, the Arts Council of Big Sky’s annual free summer music series brings musical talent of all genres to the stage for entertainment the whole family can enjoy. bigskyarts.org/pages/mitm
When community member Brit Diersch organized Big Sky’s first pride march with Big Sky Pride in 2023, over 100 people showed up in support. This
Big Sky OUT became a newly-established nonprofit for queer inclusion and community-building, and hosted a week’s worth of pride events including the pride march, poster making, a queer variety show and live music. bigskyout.org
CHICO HOT SPRINGS
When you take a right from East River Road in Paradise Valley near Emigrant, Chico Hot Springs is difficult to miss; the whitewashed buildings and green roofs are a sign that good food and steaming pools await. Visitors have been enjoying the hot springs for over 100 years, as well as Chico’s historic lodging, dining room (we recommend the beef Wellington), saloon, tasting room and poolside grille. Less than two hours from Big Sky, voters say it’s “Worth the Drive.” chicohotsprings.com
2 ND STACEY'S BAR
MSU SPORTING EVENTS
What Montana lacks in professional league sports, it makes up for with Division I athletics at Montana State University. From Bobcat volleyball to basketball, and of course this year’s undefeated football team who just secured their firstever FCS No. 1 seed, it’s an unforgettable experience from the tailgate to the final buzzer. msubobcats.com
3 RD PINE CREEK LODGE
From radiant wildflowers in the summer, to gold and orange aspen trees in autumn and majestic Lone Mountain in the winter, each season makes its way onto a canvas and serves as an inspiration for local painter Heather Rapp. She finds color in just about everything, and when she’s not painting, you can find her snowboarding or serving up beers at Beehive Basin Brewery. heatherrapp.com
Jonathan Stone’s photography ranges from landscape shots capturing Big Sky and its surrounding wild spaces, to evocative culture imagery at year-round local events, and fly-fishing shots on the Gallatin. Also a skilled drone pilot, Stone captures familiar spots from unique angles. His work has been featured locally—and frequently—in Explore Big Sky and marketing content for Big Sky Resort, and worldwide in publications including National Geographic, SKI magazine and Freeskier Magazine. Instagram: @jonathanstone_
DAMMIT LAUREN!
Founded in 2018, Dammit Lauren! is a local rock and roll trio born from a love for alt and indie rock, led by distinctive and dynamic vocalist Lauren Jackson, and carried by unconventional chords and driving rhythm. The band has played some of Montana’s prominent festivals and venues including Big Sky’s Music in the Mountains, and opened for nationally touring bands like Jamestown Revival, Kitchen Dwellers, The Lil' Smokies and Black River Revue. dammitlauren.com
Inside Big Sky’s popular Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge, the Drunken Monk is a small, colorful concept unlike any other Big Sky bar. Owners describe it as a “fun little creation of a Japanese bodega meets a trendy highend cocktail bar,” and the late night menu includes ramen noodle cups among other Japanese snacks and candy. bigskybluebuddha.com
Restaurant and bar owner Troy “Twist” Thompson calls Messreni “incredibly passionate” and meticulous in his cocktail craft, adding that Messreni is likely the most dedicated and knowledgeable bartender he’s worked with over a 30-year career. Messreni is known for a uniquely blended presence: loud and brash, yet caring, genuine and honest. He constantly works to improve his knowledge of spirits, products and processes and has been serving Big Sky for 10 years.
JOHN FLACH - BYWOM
John Flach moved to Big Sky permanently in the late 1980s. His first formal cooking job was working for Kurt Sanborn, former executive chef at Big Sky Resort’s Huntley Lodge, but he’s been working in kitchens since he was 15 years old. Now he’s nearing 30 years of manning the menu at Big Sky’s locally renowned eatery, BYWOM, and he’s been proud to feed Dirtbag Royalty and regulars in “Big Sky’s original neighborhood.” bywombywordofmouth.com
A perennial winner of the “Best Burger” award, BYWOM takes it again in 2024. The BYWOM burger is a photogenic, casually gourmet creation. Owners John and Pam Flach have been cheffing up burgers and other plates since the mid-1990s, while keeping the beloved establishment in touch with its truly local Westfork Meadows roots. For many regulars, the burger is a go-to. bywombywordofmouth.com
Caliber opened its doors in 2016, and has been voted “Best Coffee” every year since 2018. Local workers, residents and visitors on their way up to the mountain enjoy the $10 latte and burrito special, among other drinks, baked goods and snacks. With locally roasted whole beans for sale, Caliber’s local flavor is summed up in its slogan: “We roast, you shred.”
BEST PIZZA BLUE MOON BAKERY
Big Sky made its voice heard on who has the best slice in town this year. Blue Moon Bakery took home the victory with its made-from scratch pies. The locally-owned bakery is a staple for classic pizza, pastries and specialty pies with celestial names. Located on Big Pine Dr., the restaurant welcomes customers with colorful decor and hefty helpings. bigskybluemoonbakery.com
Not many businesses can boast a record like Scissorbills Saloon can, but their loyalty to the local ski community has made them a mainstay since Big Sky Resort first opened in 1973. Owner and past “Best Bartender” winner Michelle Clark-Conley doesn't take the honor of “Best Apres” lightly, which is possibly why the establishment finds itself at the top of apres awards year after year. scissorbills.com
It’s not just hot dogs for sale at Yeti Dogs, it’s “legendary” gourmet creations like the “Lifty” and “Texi” on their menu, plus scoops of Montana-made Wilcoxson's Ice Cream. Yeti Dogs dishes out all-beef franks and high quality toppings on local Montana buns at its Big Sky Resort location, and there’s more to come: Yeti Dogs will open a second restaurant this winter, setting up shop in Town Center in the newly constructed Franklin Building. yetidogsbigsky.com
Montana Supply Co. in Town Center is a visitor’s and resident’s hub to purchase quality clothing, footwear, accessories, outdoor items and gifts for anyone in the family. With more than 50 brands at Montana Supply Co., the shop offers variety and new styles all year-round. montanasupplyco.com
When Man of the Woods Barbershop moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, the shop was sold and rebranded locally as Ridge & Blade, “where Big Sky’s rustic charm meets modern grooming,” according to the website. With owner Ronie Hommes at the helm and support from barber Robert Hawthorne and stylist Casey Phelan, Ridge & Blade looks to continue providing trusted cuts to the Big Sky community. motwbarber.com
SANCTUARY
Opened in 2021 and now located among businesses on the east side of Town Center, Sanctuary offers appointments for organic skin care and massage-based therapies, offering a variety of facials and treatments to cleanse and exfoliate skin, plus services like celluma LED light therapy. Owner and esthetician Amy Woodger has been a Big Sky resident for nearly 25 years, and enjoys introducing clients to Gua Sha and other holistic practices to nurture the skin, body and spirit.
Operated by nonprofit Big Sky Community Organization, BASE turned three years old in March. It’s a fitness center and a gymnasium for pickup sports including basketball, pickleball and volleyball. It’s a climbing wall, a child care center, even an office space for BSCO and a host of community meetings—BASE stands for “Big Adventures, Safe Environment” and many community members of all ages find themselves walking through the doors to celebrate wellness. bsco.org/base/
Sometimes it’s good to chill. Lone Peak Cannabis Company has a range of products, with friendly staff to help you find what you’re looking for. Founded by Charlie Gaillard in 2010, the 14-year-old business opened Java Joint this year in Big Sky, serving up a cup of Joe with the cannabisshopping experience. lonepeakcannabiscompany.com
When Big Sky Thrift opened its doors, their goal was to provide an affordable, eco-friendly shopping option for the community. This nonprofit secondhand store has exceeded that goal and more. At the forefront of sustainability, the shop is keeping fewer items out of our landfill, supporting local organizations with annual grants, and providing a location for community members to shop affordably—a trifecta that has made a true difference in Big Sky. yellowstoneclubfoundation.org/big-sky-thrift
Skiers, snowboarders, bikers and other outdoor athletes abound in Big Sky, and for almost 30 years, “GAS” has been one of their most reliable sources of outdoor gear. Shop founder Tom Owen rents and sells equipment like skis, bikes, helmets and goggles yearround, and GAS also functions as a tune and repair shop for skis, snowboards and bikes. Known for their friendly and knowledgeable staff, GAS is a Big Sky mainstay. gallatinalpinesports.com
Both a full-service outfitter and retail ski and fly shop, East Slope Outdoors is one of Big Sky’s best guides to the outdoors. Led by “Super Dave” Alvin, East Slope offers guided fly-fishing trips to help their clients improve their technique, find the best fishing holes and catch trophy trout on the Yellowstone, Gallatin and Madison rivers. eastslopeoutdoors.com
ANDREW ROBIN - PEAK CREATIVE DESIGNS
Born and raised in Big Sky, Andrew Robin earned a degree in graphic design from the University of Utah and brought his skills back home. Robin created a homegrown marketing, branding and graphic design business and he’s worked with more than 40 local businesses, including the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation, the Hungry Moose Market & Deli, Big Sky Build, Town Center and The Waypoint. peakcreativedesigns.com
2 ND MATT KIRKLAND - THE CABIN 3 RD DUFFCO FIREWOOD
"Black Betty" is a 14 year old lab/pointer mixed who was born in Yellowstone National Park. She has spent her entire life living in Big Sky, loves bird hunting, fishing, swimming and holds the record of having walked the Ousel Falls trails the most times. Betty had a short stint as a river ranger dog on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, which she has rafted over 30 times.
Forest is a German shepherd mastiff rescue from Dillon, Montana. His beloved owner, Barry, welcomed him home when he was 8 months old. He loves going rafting and hanging in the ski shop.
Forest loves everyone, but especially kids.
TIPPET TIMON
Tippet Timon is an energetic (emphasis on energetic) and loving black lab who goes shamelessly crazy for any type of food—or cardboard! He loves to go to work with his dad and hang his head out the window of the truck to say hi to everybody. Tippet loves playing in the snow and is very hopeful we have a good powder year!
BIG SKY SKI PATROL AVALANCHE DOGS
Amongst the hardworking Big Sky Ski Patrol team at Big Sky Resort, are a canine squad also working hard (and playing hard) to keep skiers safe on the mountain. The whole crew is trained and certified by Montana Avalanche Dogs, and consist of: Tela (and handler Danny Skilling), Juniper (and handler Nancy Sheil), Hank (and handler Max Erpenbach), Zazu (and handler Virginia Beineke), Hank (and handler Anna Kendal), Echo (and handlers Jelica Summerfield and Mike Aston), and candidate dog in training, Chester (and handler Amanda Eittreim).
RIVERHOUSE BBQ & EVENTS
The home of Big Sky Legion Post 99’s competitive bingo is also the home of “Best Restaurant.” Riverhouse BBQ & Events opened in 2013 and has been serving Texasstyle barbecue in Big Sky ever since. In the summers, the community and visitors from all over stop at the Riverhouse for lunch and dinner, enjoying the sunny porch, sounds of the Gallatin River, and if they get there quick enough amid popular demand, Riverhouse’s famous fried chicken deal. riverhousebbq.com
BLUE BUDDHA
SUSHI LOUNGE
Featuring fresh fish, and specialty rolls of all kinds, Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge in Big Sky Town Center is the Editor’s Pick for "Best Restaurant." With a modern twist on traditional Japanese cuisine, Big Sky is grateful that this restaurant chose Big Sky as its newest location after starting up in Arizona in 2007. Cocktails, sake, wine and beer couple with the food menu for a delicious time. bigskybluebuddha.com
BIG SKY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
Big Sky Community Food Bank doles out an average of 2,300 food boxes to 900 households every year to help make Big Sky a more livable and sustainable community. The organization is a partnership between local leaders and the Human Resource Development Council, so it also helps customers find other relevant social services when they need them. bigskyfoodbank.org
Many dread a visit to the optometrist, but the ladies at Big Sky Eyes—Dr. Erica Perlman and office manager Amy Herran—are making optical procedures a breeze for their patients. Located in Big Sky Town Center, Big Sky Eyes performs eye exams, disease treatments, vision therapy and more to help people see more clearly, and they also stock an array of contact lenses, glasses, and sports and boutique fashion eyewear. bigskyeyesoptometry.com
THE ROCKS TASTING ROOM AND LIQUOR STORE
For a relaxed atmosphere with fun cocktails and food in Town Center, look no further than the Rocks Tasting Room and Liquor Store. The establishment sells a variety of food in a warm, cozy atmosphere and serves signature cocktails for summer days and chilly winter apres. bigskytowncenter.com/directory/the-rocks-tasting-room-and-liquor-store/
The Waypoint, located in Town Center, offers craft cocktails, delicious food from local Chef Dustin Rixey and the latest movies on rotation on their two big screens. The Waypoint is also a fantastic place to host an event, as BOBS attendees know all too well. thebigskywaypoint.com
BIG SKY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Thanks to our dedicated fire department, safety and awareness are always at the forefront of every season. To say our firefighters are vigilant when responding to emergencies is an understatement. As Explore Big Sky often reports, the Big Sky Fire Department is always the first on the scene responding to emergencies no matter where they happen in our community. It’s an honor to share our community’s recognition for the unsung heroes of this invaluable team. bigskyfire.org
KRISTIN KERN, OWNER OF HUNGRY MOOSE MARKET & DELI
The Hungry Moose Market & Deli is more than just a storefront. Behind this community cornerstone is Kristen Kern, who purchased the business with her husband from the Robin family in 2019. Niece of Big Sky Resort founder Chet Huntley, Kern has not only preserved the legacy of this community-driven business, but she also continues to support locals, small business owners and the thriving commerce in a town she loves. hungrymoose.com
For more than 30 years, ACE Hardware has provided all the general store necessities to Big Sky from, well, hardware, to pet supplies, gifts, office supplies, cleaning supplies and more. The store had its start with Kevin and Tina Barton who purchased Mountain View Mercantile and ran it as a mom and pop shop before transitioning to the Ace Hardware family. Since then, ACE has supported Big Sky schools, emergency departments and nonprofits, all while training more than 20 employees to serve the Big Sky community. acebigskytools.com
LONE MOUNTAIN LAND COMPANY
Lone Mountain Land Company has been pivotal in the growth and development of Big Sky, overseeing and implementing a wide range of projects since its inception 10 years ago. From Big Sky's very own Town Center to employee housing and the new One&Only Moonlight Basin, LMLC's team is focused on stewarding thoughtful and intentional community development and economic sustainability in Big Sky.
BEST LODGING OR HOTEL
320 Guest Ranch, The Lodge at Big Sky, Lone Mountain Ranch, Montage Big Sky, Rainbow Ranch Lodge, The Summit, The Wilson
BEST VACATION RENTAL AGENCY
Ascend Properties, Aspects Big Sky, Big Sky Resort, Big Sky Vacation Rentals, Elkhorn Home Management, Moonlight Vacation Rentals, Natural Retreats, Stay Montana, Two Pines Properties
BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Alpine Property Management, Ascend Properties, Big Sky Vacation Rentals, Go Big Properties, Hammond Property Management, Moonlight Vacation Rentals, Natural Retreats, Stay Montana, Two Pines Properties, Wilson Peak Properties
45 Architecture, Bechtle Architects, Centre Sky Architecture, Locati Architects, Miller-Roodell Architects, Reid Smith Architects, Stillwater Architecture
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Big Sky Real Estate Co, Big Sky Sotheby’s, Engel & Volkers, ERA Landmark, Outlaw Realty, PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate
BEST REALTOR
Ania Bulis, Jackie Miller, Jeff Helms, Martha Johnson, Mia Lennon, Michael Pitcairn, Shawna Winter, Tallie Lacey, Tory Cyr
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITY
BASE Community Center, Big Sky Farmer’s Market, Big Sky PBR, Big Sky Resort, Music in the Mountains, Ousel Falls Trail
BEST ANNUAL EVENT
Be Well Big Sky Live Storytelling, Best of the West Showdown: Big Sky Skijoring, Big Sky Christmas Stroll, Big Sky Community Rodeo, Big Sky Community Theater, Big Sky Farmer’s Market, Big Sky Oktoberfest, Big Sky OUT Summer Pride March & Festival, Big Sky PBR, Big Sky Winter Ball, Black Tie Trivia, Friendsgiving at The Wilson, LPHS Homecoming Parade, Music in the Mountains, The Rut Mountain Runs, Wildlands
WORTH THE DRIVE
Beartooth Highway, Bridger Brewing, Chico Hot Springs, Glacier National Park, Madison Double R, MSU Sporting Event, Old Saloon, Philipsburg Montana, Pine Creek Lodge, Sage Lodge, Stacy’s Bar, Yellowstone National Park
BEST ARTIST
Heather Rapp, Jil Zeidler, Julie Edwards
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Andrew Belli, Dave Pecunies, Delaney Conveno, Golden Mountain Photography, Jonathan Stone, Kene Sperry, Kevin Noble, Ryan Turner
BEST LOCAL MUSCIAN OR BAND
Buffalo Burrows, Chance Lenay, Dammit Lauren!, Scavenger, Thad Beaty, Tom Marino, Tuesday Night Rodo Club
BEST BAR
AWARD NOMINEES
Beehive Basin Brewery, Block 3 Kitchen and Bar, Broken Spoke, BYWOM, Drunken Monk, Horn & Cantle, Montage Big Sky - Alpen Glow, Scissorbills Saloon, The Corral, The Rocks Tasting Room and Liquor Store, The Waypoint, Tips Up
BEST BARTENDER
Chuckie Marks, Heather Rapp, Joe Messreni, Jon Carter, Julie Mattheson, Luke Weber, Michelle Clark-Conley, Nick Solak, Thiago Arosteguy, Zach Lowenstein
BEST CHEF
Adam Hall, Dustin Rixey - The Waypoint, Family Meal by Phil, Ian Troxler - Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro, John Flach - BYWOM, Joshua Yates - Backcast Montage Big Sky, Lindsie Feldner
Blue Moon Bakery, Cowboy Coffee, Milkies Pizza and Pub, Ousel and Spur, Pinky G’s Pizzeria
BEST APRES
Beehive Basin Brewing, Block 3 Kitchen and Bar, Blue Buudha Sushi Lounge, Horn & Cantle, Montage Big Sky - Backcast Bar and Grill, Montana Jack, Rainbow Ranch Lodge, Scissorbills Saloon, Tips Up
BEST DATE NIGHT
Block 3 Kitchen and Bar, Blue Buddha Sushi, Horn & Cantle, Michelangelo’s Big Sky, Montage Big Sky - Cortina, Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro, Rainbow Ranch Lodge
BEST LOCAL MEAL DEAL
Big Sky Noodles, Big Sky Scoops, Blue Moon Bakery, Cafe 191, Mi Pueblito Taco Bus, Riverhouse BBQ & Events, Slider’s Deli (Conoco), Wrap Shack, Yeti Dogs
BEST BOUTIQUE/GALLERY
ART Gallery of Big Sky, Belle Shops, Bluebird Big Sky, Courtney Collins Fine Art, Faherty Brand, Montana Supply, Rhinestone Cowgirl, Shelly Bermont Fine Jewelry, Trove West
BEST SALON
Creekside Salon, Hair Ninja, Ridge & Blade, Tribe Salon
BEST SPA
Sanctuary, Santosha Wellness Center, Spa Montage
BEST WELLNESS BUSINESS
BASE Community Center, Be Well Big Sky, Big Sky Eyes, Big Sky Natural Health, Lone Mountain Melodies, Moving Mountains, Santosha Wellness Center
Big Sky Resort, Big Sky SNO, Big Sky Thrift, Gallatin River Task Force, Hey Bear, Outlaw Partners
BEST OUTDOOR RETAILER
Big Sky Sports, Big Sky Thrift, Christy Sports, East Slope Outdoors, Gallatin Alpine Sports, Montana Supply Co., Ski Butlers Big Sky
BEST OUTFITTER
Cache Creek Outfitters, East Slope Outdoors, Gallatin River Guides, Jake’s Horses, Montana Whitewater, Moonlight Outfitters, Yellowstone Adventure Tours
EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR
A to Z Chauffeurs, Andrew Robin, Bridger Johnson - Headwaters Hot Tub, DuffCo Firewood, Jennifer Fitzhough, Jon Riebe, Lone Mountain Melodies, Matt KirklandThe Cabin, Payton Hueler, Todd RossierTwo Bear Construction
BEST DOG IN BIG SKY
Angus the Malamute, Betty, Big Boy Bert, Bru, Donny, Forest, Hank Erpenbach, Hank the Cow Dog, Ralph Herring, Randy the Dalmatian, Roscoe Fuzzy Face, Tippet Timon, Wilson Deitz
BEST RESTAURANT
Alberto’s Mexican Cuisine, Block 3 Kitchen and Bar, Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge, BYWOM, Cafe 191, Horn & Cantle, Michaelangelo’s Big Sky, Montage Big Sky - Cortina, Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro, Rainbow Ranch Lodge - Wild Caddis, Riverhouse BBQ & Events, Thai Basil, The Corral, The Rocks Tasting Room and Liquor Store, Tres Toros
BEST NONPROFIT
Arts Council of Big Sky, Be Well Big Sky, Big Sky Bravery, Big Sky Community Food Bank, Big Sky Community Organization, Big Sky Community Theater, Big Sky Discovery Academy, Big Sky OUT, Big Sky Rotary Club, Big Sky Search and Rescue, Big Sky Thrift, Big Sky Youth Empowerment Project, Gallatin River Task Force, Greater Gallatin United Way, Morningstar Learning Center, Riley’s Urgent Fund For Friends, Wellness in Action
BEST WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS
Big Sky Adventures and Tours, Big Sky Eyes, Big Sky Natural Health, Bluebird Big Sky, Consignment Cabin, Courtney Collins Fine Art, Elevated Tax and Accounting, Gourmet Gals, Herbaceous, Homestead Interiors, Hungry Moose Market and Deli, Lone Peak Vet, Maid in Big Sky, Shelly Bermont Fine Jewelry, Rhinestone Cowgirl, Svalinn, The Rocks Tasting Room and Liquor Store, Thorn Apple Baking Co., Trove West, Wrap Shack, Yeti Dogs
BEST SMALL BUSINESS (UNDER 30 EMPLOYEES)
Big Sky Print and Ship, First Tracks, Gallatin Alpine Sports, Go Big Rentals, Headwaters Hot Tub, Homestead Interiors, Lone Mountain Melodies, McNeal and Friends, Montana Suppy Co., Moving Mountains, Natural Retreats, The Rocks Tasting Room and Liquor Store, The Waypoint, Wrap Shack
COMMUNITY MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Alex Hoecker, Anna Johnson, Ben Keefe, Big Sky Fire Department, Big Sky Ski Patrol, Britt Diersch, Cackie Brosseau, Deputy Dan Haydon, Eric Ladd, Erik Morrison, Gladys GuerreroWangsgard, Jeremy Harder, John Allen, John Loomis, John Seelye, Kristin Kern, Laura Seyfang, Lindsie Feldner, Lizzie Peyton, Mandy Hotovy, Matt Dodd, Megan Porter, Queen Jean, Sarah Beer, Sarah Gaither-Bivins, Sydney Desmarais, Twist Thompson
BEST BUSINESS (OVER 30 EMPLOYEES)
Big Sky ACE Hardware, Big Sky Land Management, Big Sky Resort, Christy Sports, Hungy Moose Market and Deli, Lone Mountain Land Company, Lone Mountain Ranch, Montage Big Sky, Outlaw Partners, The Wilson
