Explore Big Sky - December 31 to January 13, 2022

December 31 - January 13, 2021 Volume 12 // Issue #27

EBS: TOP STORIES OF 2021 Big Sky’s child-care woes

Viral illnesses spike in Big Sky

Movie theater reopening as The Independent Local freeride athlete heads to world finals

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dec. 31 - Jan. 13, 2021 Volume 12, Issue No. 27

Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana

OPINION ................................................................... 4 LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS .................................................6 LOCAL.........................................................................7 OP NEWS ..................................................................10 SPORTS .....................................................................13 ENVIRONMENT & OUTDOORS................................14 REGIONAL ...............................................................20

HEALTH.... ................................................................23 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ......................................25 BUSINESS ................................................................28 DINING .....................................................................30 FUN............................................................................35 TOP STORIES.............................................................37

PUBLISHER Eric Ladd | eric@theoutlawpartners.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, VP MEDIA Joseph T. O’Connor | joe@theoutlawpartners.com

7

Viral illnesses spike in Big Sky

8

Big Sky’s child-care woes

13

Local freeride athlete heads to world finals

25

Movie theater reopening as The Independent

37

EBS: Top Stories of 2021

SENIOR EDITOR Bella Butler | bella@theoutlawpartners.com STAFF WRITER Gabrielle Gasser | gabrielle@theoutlawpartners.com DIGITAL PRODUCER Tucker Harris | tucker@theoutlawpartners.com

CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR Marisa Opheim | marisa@theoutlawpartners.com SENIOR DESIGNER Trista Hillman | trista@theoutlawpartners.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER ME Brown | maryelizabeth@theoutlawpartners.com

SALES AND OPERATIONS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Megan Paulson | megan@theoutlawpartners.com CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Treston Wold | treston@theoutlawpartners.com VP OF SALES EJ Daws | ej@theoutlawpartners.com VP OF EVENTS Ennion Williams | ennion@theoutlawpartners.com VP OF MARKETING Blythe Beaubien | blythe@theoutlawpartners.com MEDIA AND EVENTS DIRECTOR Ersin Ozer | ersin@theoutlawpartners.com MARKETING COORDINATOR Sophia Breyfogle | sophia@theoutlawpartners.com VIDEO DIRECTOR, CINEMATOGRAPHER Seth Dahl | seth@theoutlawpartners.com

As the U.S. clocks a new record for COVID-19 cases, cases of the flu and COVID-19 are spiking in Big Sky due to the rapidly spreading Omicron variant and holiday travel. Local medical experts provide insight on how to stay healthy, what to do if you are sick and when testing may be appropriate.

Families who are lucky enough to secure child care in Big Sky are paying a premium. In an effort to make child care more accessible and affordable, local facilities and a community task force are seeking federal funding to alleviate the pressure.

At 17, local snowboarder Isaac Singer is living out his dream competing for a world freeride title.

Singer will be Austria-bound in February, where he’ll vie for a title that could kickstart a career competing at the highest level of the sport.

After sitting dormant for two years, Big Sky’s movie theater will reopen on Jan. 7 as The Independent. With an eye toward community entertainment and engagement, The Independent will host new Hollywood flicks as well as nightly entertainment including jazz, trivia and everything in between.

Covering everything from wildfires to the first COVID-19 vaccines administered in Big Sky, we hope the Top Stories of the past year will offer perspective and reflection on our community experiences in 2021 before we step into the new year together.

Opening Shot

CONTENT MARKETING STRATEGIST Mira Brody | mira@theoutlawpartners.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT Sara Sipe | sara@theoutlawpartners.com ACCOUNTING MANAGER Taylor Erickson | taylor@theoutlawpartners.com PROJECT MANAGER Eli Kretzmann | eli@theoutlawpartners.com COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Meg Koenig | mk@theoutlawpartners.com EVENTS COORDINATOR, RETAIL MANAGER Connor Clemens | connor@theoutlawpartners.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER, LOCAL SALES Patrick Mahoney | patrick@theoutlawpartners.com COPYWRITER Patrick Straub

CONTRIBUTORS Kaley Burns, Tom Cohen, Kwame Dawes, Tim Dietz, Dan Egan, Negro Elkha, Scott Foster, Chris Kamman, Max Savage Levenson, Colin Lloyd, Thomas D. Mangelsen, Scott Mechura, Dave Pecunies, Holly Pippel, Todd Wilkinson, Adam Wirth, Matt Witt, and Cy Whitling

ON THE COVER:

The iconic Lone Mountain is bathed in alpenglow during a frosty winter sunrise. This image of the dawning of a new day also marks the beginning of a new year. PHOTO BY DAVE PECUNIES

The annual Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade at Big Sky Resort paints a mesmerizing streak of light down Ambush. PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG SKY RESORT

EDITORIAL POLICIES 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.

#explorebigsky

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.

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explorebigsky

ADVERTISING DEADLINE For the January 14, 2021 issue: January 5, 2021 CORRECTIONS Please report errors to media@outlaw.partners.

OUTLAW PARTNERS & EXPLORE BIG SKY P.O. Box 160250, Big Sky, MT 59716 (406) 995-2055 • media@outlaw.partners © 2021 Explore Big Sky unauthorized reproduction prohibited

@explorebigsky

528 KARST STAGE LOOP

M O NTANA D R EAM P R O P E RT Y Just listed. These three premier properties will be sold as a package. The elegant log home sits on two, ten acre parcels and offers nearly 1000 feet of riverfront footage on the iconic Gallatin River, a blue ribbon trout stream. This stunning home includes a sauna, a library, three woodburning fireplaces, a fabulous bunk room and plenty of outdoor recreation area.

Also, offered as part of the package is a 1.02 acre ski in/ski out lot at Spanish Peaks Mountain Club which provides either a golf or ski social membership. Enjoy a world class Signature Weiskopf 18 hole golf course, tennis & pickle ball courts, miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that double as groomed Nordic/snow shoe trails in the winter, 2 1/2 miles of a tributary of the Gallatin River and a clubhouse with fine dining, a lively bar, men’s and women’s locker rooms, workout facility, private pool, hot tubs & ski access. Enjoy benefits at the Montage hotel as well.

528 Karst Stage Loop

528 Karst Stage Loop

Elkridge Lot 39

MLS # 360585 | HOME & LAND | 10 +/- ACRES

MLS # 360584 | LAND | 10 +/- ACRES

MLS # 360583 LAND | 1.02 +/- ACRES

ELKRIDGE LOT 39

Martha Johnson VP of Sales Founding Broker martha@bigsky.com 406.580.5891 View all my listings at bigskyrealestate.com/team/martha-johnson

ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED IS DEEMED RELIABLE BUT IS NOT GUARANTEED AND SHOULD BE INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED. INFORMATION AND DEPICTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, PRIOR SALES, PRICE CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. NO GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY HAS JUDGED THE MERITS OR VALUE, IF ANY, OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ADVERTISEMENT OR ANY REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED OR DEPICTED HEREIN. THIS MATERIAL SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL IN ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE PRIOR REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED OR WHERE SUCH AN OFFER WOULD BE PROHIBITED, AND THIS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION IF YOU ARE WORKING WITH ANOTHER REAL ESTATE AGENT. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL, TAX, ACCOUNTING, OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.

4 December 31 - January 13, 2021

OPINION

Explore Big Sky

Letter From the Editor: Reflection and refocus Dear readers, It’s always fascinating to look back through the hundreds of stories we published each year to select Explore Big Sky’s Top Stories of the year. And 2021 was no exception. We covered both great progress and steps back. We reported on bravery and destruction. We wrote stories about selflessness and fear and loss.

Last year was, as Bill Gates and many others have said, the hardest year of their lives. A year ago, EBS published its first cover of 2021, a hopeful painting by our dear friend Kelsey Dzintars. The only headline on that cover read, “2021: A Vision of Hope.”

Help preserve Montana’s open spaces.

And we were hopeful. We all were. Hopeful that we’d ride right out of the pandemic, blasting down cultural barriers, toppling norms and breaking every record in the book in the name of freedom and patriotism and compassion and love.

That lasted about five days.

The Jan. 6 insurrection and storming of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. left the country crippled. I recall watching it with my team and our publisher in the newsroom, aghast. Not knowing what to do. It felt like when COVID-19 truly took hold. It felt like 9/11. No one knew what to do or how long it might last.

And we did what we do: we put one foot in front of the other. We rolled as best we could with the punches. And through the darkness and smoke, we began to notice the shimmers of light; the parts of our lives that we sometimes take for granted.

Yes, 2021 was a tough year. But so was 2020. And humanity showed its resilience yet again. We hope that the Top EBS Stories of the past year will help you—the way it has all of us at EBS—put life into perspective. To recall the loss and the love, the frustration and the joy, the beauty of another year gone by. And the hope of the year to come. We wish you all the best in 2022 and thank you for reading.

Happy New Year!

Joseph T. O’Connor, and the Outlaws Editor-in-Chief

Contact Jessie Wiese at jessie@mtlandreliance.org for more information Ad donated by supporters for open land | mtlandreliance.org | 406.594.1570

BETTER TOGETHER A biweekly District bulletin In early November, the District released a guide to understanding taxes in Big Sky. The following is an overview from the guide. To read the full guide and learn more visit: ResortTax.org/Tax-Ed/

BIG SKY RESORT AREA DISTRICT Resort Tax

HOW MUCH? 4%* $7,671,899 collected in 2020 *1% is committed for Infrastructure, and currently funding community water & sewer upgrades

Resort Tax Fund Distribution

(percentages based on Award history since 1993) 10%

7%

24%

16%

WHO PAYS? Those purchasing luxury goods and services sold in the District.

WHO COLLECTS? Local businesses collect and remit (not pay), retaining 5% for administrative processing.

WHERE DOES IT GO? 100% to Big Sky

STATE OF MONTANA Lodging Facility Sales & Use Tax

12%

Public Safety (24%) Infrastructure (30%) Economic Development (12%)

30%

Conservation & Recreation (16%) Community Development & Social Services (10%) Housing (7%)

“Use” Tax Fund Distribution

(Established annual percentage based on Montana Statute)

HOW MUCH? 8% $61,531,300* collected in 2020 • 4% “Use” Tax • 4% “Sales” Tax WHO PAYS? Those purchasing short-term lodging (hotels, motels, campgrounds, vacation rentals, dude ranches, etc.) in Montana.

0.5% 0.7% 1% 1.4%

2.5% 2.6%

63%

6.5%

22.5%

WHO COLLECTS? Lodging establishments WHERE DOES IT GO? “USE” TAX: See chart “SALES” TAX: 75% towards the State General Fund, and, until 2025, 25% towards the construction of the Montana Heritage Center and historic preservation grants.

Property Tax Formula ((MV x TR) x TML) + NMLT = Taxes Owed • The Market Value (MV) of property is determined by statute and assessment by the Montana Department of Revenue.

• The Tax Rate (TR) varies according to the property class, the residential rate is 1.35% • The Total Mill Levy (TML) is based on a property’s value and applicable mills. The amount of mills each entity can levy is determined in several ways.

• The Non Mill Levied Taxes (NMLT) are other applicable taxes unrelated to mills.

Regions/CVBs (22.5%) Fish, Wildlife, & Parks (6.5%) Historical Interpretation (2.6%) University System (ITRR) (2.5%)

Aquatic Invasive Species (1.4%) Historical Society (1%) DOR Tax Admin & State Employee Reimbursement (0.7%) Tribal Tourism (0.5%) Montana Office of Tourism & Development (63%)

GALLATIN & MADISON COUNTIES Property Tax

HOW MUCH? % variable based on tax formula • Madison County: $46,537,891 collected in 2020 • $31,740,720 collected from Big Sky • Gallatin County: $187,502,399 • $14,106,771 collected from Big Sky

WHO PAYS? Property owners, including landowners, homeowners, and business owners.

WHO COLLECTS? Gallatin & Madison Counties WHERE DOES IT GO? Property taxes fund all governmental levels (State, County, and Local).

STATE: General Fund (Including State Schools and Universities) COUNTY: Infrastructure, health & human services, public safety, county administration, and more LOCAL: Depends upon voter-approved mills and location of property.

Administered by the Big Sky Resort Area District, Resort Tax is a 4% tax on luxury goods & services.

OUR VISION: “Big Sky is BETTER TOGETHER as a result of wise investments, an engaged community, and the pursuit of excellence.”

Info@ResortTax.org | ResortTax.org | 406.995.3234 |

6 December 31 - January 13, 2021

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Comedians take the WMPAC stage WARREN MILLER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

BIG SKY – In the new year, WMPAC will put on the Big Sky Laugh Fest, featuring a performance by legendary sketch comedy group The Second City on Jan. 7 and stand-up comedian Roy Wood Jr. on Jan. 8.

Wood Jr. was a long-time correspondent on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” and has recorded two standup specials with Comedy Central. Unlike most WMPAC shows, Wood Jr.’s is geared for audiences 18 and over, so it’s a great night to get a babysitter and enjoy an adults-only night out with friends.

To stay consistent with local school district policies and CDC guidelines in the midst of this ongoing pandemic, WMPAC has enacted a series of guidelines in line with those of other national performing arts centers. For the remainder of the shows this season, guests will be asked to show either proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the show or proof of vaccination. Ticket holders are encouraged to download and use the MyBindle app to streamline the entry process. All guests will be asked to wear a mask for the duration of the performance.

Guests are able to purchase a live streaming experience or tickets to see a show inperson at warrenmillerpac.org.

Tedeschi Trucks concert to benefit Haven EBS STAFF

BOZEMAN – After 15 months, Tedeschi Trucks return to the stage again, performing at The Armory Music Hall in Bozeman on Jan. 14 for a concert benefitting local nonprofit Haven. Part of the Armory’s Fireside Live series, this unique live show will feature a smaller configuration of the contemporary blues and rock band.

Explore Big Sky

2 snowmobilers die in avalanche north of Yellowstone ASSOCIATED PRESS COOKE CITY – Two Minnesota men died in an avalanche while snowmobiling in the mountains north of Yellowstone National Park, where about 3 feet of snow had fallen over the past week, the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center said.

A group of eight snowmobilers was recreating in the area of Scotch Bonnet Mountain north of Cooke City at mid-day Dec. 27. One man got stuck on the southeast facing slope and another man was trying to help dig him out when the avalanche happened, Park County Undersheriff Clay Herbst said Tuesday.

The group had avalanche beacons and rescue equipment, Herbst said. They were able to dig the men out and attempted CPR, but were unable to revive them.

The victims were Jesse Thelen, 43, of Paynesville, Minnesota, and Carl Thelen, 40, from St. Martin, Minnesota, Park County Coroner Al Jenkins told The Livingston Enterprise. Due to consistent snowfall in the mountains around Cooke City, humantriggered avalanches were likely on steep, wind-loaded slopes, the avalanche center said in its Dec. 28 forecast.

Due to consistent snowfall in the mountains around Cooke City, human-triggered avalanches were likely on steep, wind-loaded slopes, the avalanche center said in its forecast on Monday morning.

The deaths were the fifth and six due to avalanches in the United States this month, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Montana had two avalanche deaths during the 2020-21 season.

Christmas tree recycling at community park EBS STAFF

Haven is a nonprofit that provides confidential support, legal advocacy, counseling and a safe place to stay for anyone impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking or stalking.

BIG SKY – Don’t let your Christmas tree dry up in your living room. Big Sky Community Organization and Republic Services are providing an easy recycling method to dispose of your tree in a green way.

Tickets are available for both general admission (standing room only) and limited VIP table seating. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.

Stop by the Big Sky Community Park between now and Jan. 14 to drop off your Christmas tree in one of the large recycling containers at the loop closest to the softball fields. The trees will be repurposed and chipped into mulch.

Visit amorymusichall.com to purchase your tickets.

Please remove all decorations and garbage before disposing of your tree.

Artificial trees will not be accepted.

BASE membership passes on sale mid-January EBS STAFF

BIG SKY – Memberships to the BASE community center will go on sale mid-January.

Members will have access to complimentary fitness and wellness classes, the climbing and bouldering walls, The HIVE gymnasium and gym equipment, SPARK, or Spanish Peaks Area for Recreation and Knowledge, multipurpose room and the child watch area and more.

“Our goal is to ensure that everyone in the community, who wants to access BASE, can access BASE,” wrote Base Director Madeleine Feher in an email to

EBS. “We also tried to be mindful of the pass rates so that most everyone could afford to purchase a pass.”

The ALL IN Uplands Annual Pass starts at $25 for ages 3-22, and extends to $121 for a Family Pass of up to six members of the same household. The Annual Pass is paid monthly. BASE will also be offering a Beehive Season Pass with a one-time purchase starting at $198 for youth, a Mud Creek 10 Punch Pass for $200, and a Hummocks Day Pass for $25.

Stay tuned for communication from BSCO on the release of BASE membership passes.

7 December 31 - January 13, 2021

LOCAL

Explore Big Sky

Holiday travel, Omicron contribute to spike in viral illness in Big Sky

BY GABRIELLE GASSER BIG SKY – An influx of holiday travelers and the Omicron variant of COVID-19 are contributing to a spike in viral illness in Big Sky, local medical professionals say.

“Prior to the holiday rush in Big Sky, our community's health had stabilized from the viral illness standpoint,” Dr. Maren Dunn, Big Sky Medical Center primary care provider, wrote in a statement to EBS. “Since the holiday rush, the number of flu and COVID illnesses have skyrocketed, especially in Big Sky.” As of EBS press time, Gallatin County was in a high transmission status for COVID-19 according to the Gallatin City-County Health Department, with 486 active cases of the virus. Based on this status, the Health Department recommends that everyone in Gallatin County should wear a mask in indoor, public settings, regardless of vaccination status though currently there is no mask mandate in place in Montana.

Montana is not outstanding in this regard. The U.S. on Dec. 28 broke its record for daily coronavirus cases when the seven-day average of cases reached 267,000, according to the New York Times, topping the previous record of 251,232 cases from Jan. 11.

While Dunn wrote that current data is not currently able to discern how many positive COVID-19 cases are the Omicron variant, she said that Influenza A and COVID-19 are the predominant viruses currently spreading through the Big Sky community.

There is a lot of overlap between COVID-19 symptoms and most other respiratory viruses, says Dr. Jason Moore, who holds a PhD in Epidemiology and is an emergency medicine physician assistant. Moore consults for numerous businesses, including EBS publisher Outlaw Partners, on developing customized COVID-19 protocols.

Moore said that there are a lot of people getting sick right now, all with very similar symptoms, who are then entering into a strained healthcare system to seek care.

“That's more people coming in, in a system that's already feeling it because of the burnout for the nurses and the providers and staff and hospital systems,” he said.

Moore says the best thing people can do right now is remember the basics of managing viral symptoms: avoid close contact with sick individuals, wash your hands frequently and stay hydrated.

For those who are sick, Moore recommends his trusty 4-5-6 rule: take 400 milligrams of ibuprofen and 500 milligrams of Tylenol every six hours for one to two days to manage symptoms.

Testing is the best way to know if you have COVID-19, according to Dunn, and should be done promptly when a close contact tests positive for COVID-19 or when any typical symptoms arise.

Taylor Rose, director of operations and clinical services at BSMC wrote to EBS that outpatient COVID-19 testing is currently returning results in 24-48 hours.

“Our daily analyzer capacity for testing exceeds demand at this time,” Rose wrote.

“However staffing for collections, registration, and scheduling are our biggest limiting factors. Our staff is doing the best they can and we appreciate folks being kind and understanding when calling for information about COVID testing.”

Big Sky Relief is currently offering self-administered rapid COVID-19 tests for asymptomatic Big Sky residents and workers. Big Sky Relief announced Dec. 28 that it would temporarily double the weekly test supply from 500 to 1,000 rapid tests.

BIG SKY

COVID-19 TESTING OPTIONS Big Sky Relief is offering free, self-administered rapid tests for those who meet the following criteria: Asymptomatic individuals Big Sky residents/workers Aged 2+ Two hundred tests are available per day for pickup in the lobby of the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. Pick-up hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.until tests run out. There are two tests in each box, and each person is limited to one box. Results will appear on the testing card within 15 minutes.If you're seeking out a test because: You are experiencing symptoms You are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 You need a valid test to travel Call Big Sky Medical Center at 406-995-6995 to schedule a COVID-19 PCR test or visit BozemanHealth.org/Covid19 for testing information.

8 December 31 - January 13, 2021

LOCAL

Explore Big Sky

To raise a child

Child care shortage in Big Sky prompts groups to seek federal funding "Things can't happen overnight but there are a lot of people that actively are working to find better solutions to support the working class and I find that really hopeful and empowering."

BY GABRIELLE GASSER BIG SKY – On a wintry Wednesday afternoon the entire Adams family, 3-yearold Carson, 3-week-old Parker, mother LeAnn, and father Steve, are home together. Carson and his dad just got off the ski hill, quality time made possible

by Steve’s adjusted work schedule, but the young boy still has energy. He holds up his plastic blocks, eager to play.

The Adamses moved to Big Sky five years ago and both LeAnn and Steve hold full-time jobs here. Though LeAnn is able to work from home and Steve has done his best to adapt his schedule, their family struggles with the same issue plaguing many families with young kids in Big Sky: a lack of affordable child care.

The pickings are slim for child care in Big Sky and families lucky enough to secure a spot pay a premium. New federal dollars, however, could fuel communitywide efforts to support and expand child-care options.

Big Sky Discovery Academy offers an Early Childhood Program five days a week with capacity for 20 kids daily, and Lone Peak Playhouse at Big Sky Resort offers drop-in day care during the winter for up to 50 kids per day. But currently, Morningstar Learning Center is the only full-time, year-round childcare facility in the area.

- Hannah Richardson Most students don’t attend full time though, according to Butan, families using Morningstar’s services pay on average $551 a month per child, placing them well below the state average.

The Adams family uses Morningstar four days a week on average. Since Morningstar offers flexible enrollment, LeAnn can save a little on child care if she keeps her son home on days when she or her husband are off from work.

According to Morningstar Executive Director Mariel Butan, the center currently has capacity for 50 children per day based on staff numbers and statemandated ratios. Morningstar has received inquiries for more than 30 children in the last year who Morningstar couldn’t enroll, Butan said.

Sometimes, LeAnn explains, they have to drive five hours round trip to Helena and back in order to gain a couple days of child care by dropping their son off with his grandparents. She says this happens about six times a year when the family is in a bind.

Day rates at Morningstar range from $59 to $70 depending on the age of the child, and if a family enrolled an infant full time, it would cost $16,730 for the year. That’s nearly 76 percent higher than the average annual cost of infant care in Montana at $9,518, according to 2020 data compiled by the Economic Policy Institute.

“As of July 1, our tuition for one child went up 32 percent,” LeAnn said. That 32 percent increase is a result of Morningstar’s annual increase in tuition, coupled with a change in the tuition assistance program that took away the flat $13 per day of assistance available to all families.

The Department of Health and Human Services defines affordable child care as costing no more than 7 percent of a family’s income. Families using Morningstar’s infant care five days a week without tuition assistance would need to make $239,000 each year to keep child-care costs at that 7 percent. The median household income in Big Sky is $75,586, says the U.S. Census Bureau.

With the support of the Big Sky Resort Area District and Spanish Peaks Community Foundation, Morningstar implemented a new needs-based tuition assistance program in July 2021 as opposed to one with a set amount per day.

Although the annual tuition increase in 2021 was $2 to each day rate, a smallerthan-planned increase according to Butan, the change in tuition assistance meant that families who don’t qualify for the need-based tuition, like the Adamses, were then paying an additional $15 a day for child care.

To qualify for Morningstar’s tuition assistance, families must submit an application through a third party that assesses a wide variety of information and creates a value called Expected Family Contribution. If that number is less than Morningstar’s annual tuition, which can range from $14,000 to almost $17,000, a family will likely qualify for assistance, Butan said.

Butan recognizes how steep the increase was for some families and that those rates still don’t totally cover Morningstar’s operating costs. “Morningstar is making [our services] the lowest cost possible,” she said, “but that doesn’t necessarily make it affordable for families.”

In total, 32 children currently enrolled have been awarded tuition assistance this year, according to Butan. Morningstar is projected to spend $225,000 in annual tuition assistance, though, she said, this number could increase based on new enrollment over the next six months. The program has already increased average weekly enrollment by a full day per week. The goal? Reduce the cost of care at Morningstar to the recommended 7 percent of a family’s income.

“It’s nice to be able to support the families who need it so that they can still live and work here and have their kids get a great early learning experience,” Butan said.

Three-year-old Carson Adams holds his new baby brother, Parker Adams, who has just awoken from a nap. PHOTO BY GABRIELLE GASSER

LeAnn, who recently gave birth to her second son, Parker, worries about finding child care for him until he is six months old and can enter Morningstar. She said the family is currently searching for a nanny.

9 December 31 - January 13, 2021

LOCAL

“The most important thing to remember, and I know Morningstar takes a lot of heat for this, is this isn’t a Morningstar problem,” LeAnn said. “They offer what they can, they are a business just like everyone else … It needs to be a communitywide initiative.”

EBS circulated a survey around the Big Sky community in December 2021 to learn more about everyone’s experiences with child care.

Respondents were asked to answer questions on a scale of 1-5 with 1 meaning that they disagreed and 5 indicating that they agreed with the statement. Below are the average responses for two of the survey questions.

Explore Big Sky

“Part of our goal with this grant is to really be the broker, make the connection, connect with child-care providers and really get them the financial support that is already available,” Richardson said.

A small subset of the main committee, including Gillette, Richardson and Caitlin Quisenberry, vice president of operations and events with the Big Sky Chamber, is tasked with applying for the ARPA funds. The subcommittee has also met with a Gallatin Child Care Discussion Group which includes the Northern Rocky Economic Development District and nonprofits Child Care Connections and the Human Resources Development Council to discuss and develop different operational models.

Richardson says the partnerships being formed to find solutions to this pressing issue are strengthening the Big Sky community.

“Things can’t happen overnight but there are a lot of people that actively are working to find better solutions to support the working class and I find that really hopeful and empowering,” she said.

Richardson said the Child Care Task Force is also considering how ARPA funds could benefit the commuting workforce as well as Big Sky. The discussions between Gillette, Richardson and Quisenberry along with local child-care providers have yielded the idea for a potential child-care facility in Gallatin Gateway. Richardson said such a resource could help serve the commuting workforce and open more local spots to Big Sky kids.

“I think for Big Sky it’s not going to be one size fits all,” said Gillette, adding that a variety of options will be needed to serve all members of the Big Sky community.

The rest of Big Sky is getting creative as well.

A community mobilized To help alleviate the pressure, Morningstar applied for a Child Care Stabilization Grant made available through the American Rescue Plan Act and a local Child Care Task Force is also looking to an ARPA grant for aid.

Morningstar submitted its grant application in October for funds specifically made available to licensed and registered child-care providers. Funds can be used for a variety of operating expenses including personnel costs and health and safety training. Butan expects to hear back on grant awards by mid-January.

If Morningstar receives the funds, Butan said, they would primarily be used to cover the facility’s operating deficit which, without any grants, fundraising or philanthropic support, is $400,000 annually. The grant money could also be used for other longer-term projects including employee housing to retain staff and a new building on a lot owned by Morningstar to provide kids with an even better learning environment.

BSSD’s school board recently approved a first reading of a measure that, if passed at the next meeting, would create a pre-K program. And as the new BASE community center reaches completion, plans are being made for activities and programs that will serve younger children in the Big Sky community.

Big Sky’s status as a resort town, despite its many challenges, Butan says, gives it a unique opportunity to be nimble and try some outside-the-box solutions.

“I personally am very excited to see where this Child Care Task Force goes,” she said, “because there are a lot of great ideas out there that I think we have the ability to try and not restrict ourselves.”

In November of 2021, the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce gathered a coalition of Big Sky organizations to take a holistic look at child-care issues in the area and pursue solutions.

The Child Care Task Force includes representatives from the Big Sky School District, Discovery Academy; Morningstar; Spanish Peaks Community Foundation; Moonlight Community Foundation; BSRAD; Yellowstone Club Community Foundation; Big Sky Community Organization, Big Sky Chamber of Commerce; private employers as well as Montana House District 64 representative Dr. Jane Gillette.

The meetings thus far have examined the issue of child-care access and affordability throughout Gallatin County, Gillette told EBS, and many of the solutions would be implemented in her district, which includes Gallatin Gateway, Four Corners, Big Sky and West Yellowstone.

“At some point, it just becomes a real basic math equation of how much are you going to earn [and] how much does your child-care cost,” Gillette said.

The Child Care Task Force is currently focused on applying for an Innovation and Startup ARPA grant. The application for this grant is not open yet but Hannah Richardson, community engagement director with the Spanish Peaks Community Foundation, said the task force is planning to apply in January when they anticipate applications will open.

Gillette described it as a planning grant that would provide the funding to start a new child-care business, and said a subsequent grant could help fund the business conceived of through the planning grant.

Carson plays with blocks in his family’s living room. PHOTO BY GABRIELLE GASSER

10 December 31 - January 13, 2021

OP NEWS

Explore Big Sky

News from our publisher, Outlaw Partners

TEDxBigSky: Meet the speakers Pt. 3

Introducing the 2022 TEDxBigSky speaker lineup

BY MIRA BRODY BIG SKY – Whether it’s saving an entire ecosystem starting with one species, or facing trauma for personal growth, this issue’s featured TEDxBigSky resilient speakers provide more fuel for inspiration. Meet Jan Winburn, a journalist and teacher with four decades of reporting behind her; Briana Lynn, who will explore six “microstories” through her traumatic past in the form of spoken word, slam poetry and deep breathing; and Tom Spruance, a conservation activist who will discuss the power of the ripple effect.

Be sure to purchase your tickets to this inspiring two-night speaker series, available at tedxbigsky.com.

Jan Winburn In September of this year, an Amtrak train derailed along the Montana Hi-Line, killing three and injuring dozens of others. Jan Winburn, who has been a journalist for 40 years, was at the time teaching a class of journalists at the University of Montana when it occurred, and had the opportunity to work with one of her students as they reported on the tragic incident. Through the student’s work, she was able to see a concept of jounralism play out that she’s been teaching, and one she’ll cover in her upcoming TEDxBigSky talk this January.

“Coverage that comes so quickly after an event is informing you,” Winburn said.

“Coverage that comes much later, when a person has had an experience and has had some time to make sense of it … what can we gain from that?”

Her UM course, titled “The worst day ever: Writing about trauma,” took a deep dive into these later iterations of reporting, what she calls Act 2 journalism, and explores coverage of trauma and loss. Trauma, she explains, is something almost none of us are shielded from, especially coming out of this pandemic.

“There’s a reaction to trauma, but that is kind of all it is in the beginning,” Winburn said. “It’s with the passage of time that we can understand things better. And I think that’s true of everything … like what we’ve gone through with this pandemic.”

Winburn believes that instead of shying away from traumatic news, that we actually have a lot to gain from letting it in, if the journalism is done well. On par with this year’s theme, that’s where she believes resilience comes into play.

“I think it’s about growing from experience,” she says of the word.

Her own traumas, she candidly discusses, are disordered eating, walking out on a narcissistic and abusive relationship and discovering shamanism. Her recovery from these experiences is deep seeded in her current way of life, which emphasizes community support—Lynn lives in a community of eight other people who share 1.5 acres of land in Los Angeles they call The Mother Tree.

“This American dream that we’ve been sold isn’t working for anyone, so what is actually wealth, what is actually value?” Lynn said. “To me it’s to be in a thriving community where what I do contributes to the greatness and beauty of others and the greatness and beauty of me.”

Lynn calls The Mother Tree an experiment, and is quick to explain that their situation is ever evolving to the community’s needs and lessons. What she is adamant about however, is the power of this year’s theme.

“Resilience is not an accident,” Lynn said. “It’s a very intentional choice to not to live as the victim.”

Tom Spruance Avid fly fisherman and president of the Spruance Foundation, Tom Spruance believes the key to saving the ecosystems around Big Sky and other booming mountain towns relies on something called the ripple effect. A supporter of the Gallatin River Task Force, Jack Creek Preserve and Yellowstone Forever, his fear has always been that developers will gain the upper hand and pave away natural beauty—an attribute that brought many here in the first place.

Spruance’s talk will follow a line of thinking outlined in American journalist and founder of Mountain Journal Todd Wilkinson’s newest book (out in April 2022), “Ripple Effect.” The idea behind a ripple effect is that by concerting efforts toward the success and rejuvenation of a single species, you can return the natural balance of an entire ecosystem.

“Let’s say you don’t like fish, but let’s say you like eagles or osprey or otters,” Spruance said. “The interesting thing about the return of cutthroat trout, is because of the lake trout removal efforts, you’re bringing back the natural balance that those animals are used to.”

This isn’t an attack on local developers, Spruance explains, but is rather about establishing a compromise that allows for growth while preserving the natural habitat of local animals. Right now, he believes we’re moving in the wrong direction.

Briana Lynn Briana Lynn believes resilience is an intentional choice. The Reverend, who went through a month-long program to become a minister and practices nature-based spirituality, will center her TEDxBigSky talk around six “microstories” from her own life experiences. It’ll be a mixture, she says, of spoken word, slam poetry, deep breathing and fun.

He urges residents of Big Sky to not give up, but to hunker down and help determine the future of our ecosystem—his definition of resilience.

“We have to take the energy of every traumatic event on the planet as an expression of someone’s unresolved trauma,” Lynn said.

“I’m hoping people don’t just give up hope,” he adds.

“The reason all of us came to Big Sky was because of the natural beauty of the place, but yet there is that financial benefit of the growth and development,” Spruance said. “There’s a conundrum that faces the families and business owners; they are benefitting from the growth and development, but yet that growth and development is causing an impact.”

11 December 31 - January 13, 2021

OP NEWS

Explore Big Sky

News from our publisher, Outlaw Partners

Best of Big Sky’s Editor’s Picks: Honoring the core of our community

BY MIRA BRODY BIG SKY – Many artists have captured familiar renditions of Big Sky—the sharp silhouette of Lone Mountain, the curves of the Gallatin River and the shades of the surrounding pine forests. While zoomed out, the area makes for a vast and beautiful

landscape. Within that landscape however, are the details that make up the community.

Honing in on these details—the community members, businesses, food and culture—is what Best of Big Sky’s Editor’s Picks are all about. Join us in celebrating those who stepped up this year; the faces that make the core of our community more than just a pretty landscape, but a place that gives back as much as you give it.

Best Business: Big Sky Post Office This year’s Best Business Editor’s Pick honors the Big Sky Post Office, an organization that has been unwavering in its ability to serve the community with a basic and vital need, even as that community grows rapidly. Big Sky depends on its local post office and its steadfast team for everything from paying bills to filling prescriptions.

These simple errands are always made better by the warm and welcoming staff.

Best Community Member: Andy Dreisbach Although he’ll be too humble to admit it, Andy Dreisbach is considered a Big Sky local. A killer skier, business owner and family man, Dreisbach also volunteers his time toward the Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Big Sky Section.

“Andy’s a true ambassador of Big Sky and a cherished community member,” said EBS Editor-in-Chief Joseph T. O’Connor, who describes Dreisbach as a “gentle giant.”

"He’d give you the shirt off his back then take off on a swift-water rescue as a volunteer with Search and Rescue.

He always keeps things light and never takes life or himself too seriously.”

Best Restaurant: Lotus Pad Asian Cuisine Although Big Sky is full of talented chefs, Lotus Pad’s Alex Omania stands out as a true entrepreneur who cares about her food, her employees and the people in Big Sky. Through the pandemic, she worked tirelessly to not only keep the community fed with delicious Thai food, but also her staff healthy and employed. Omania’s unwavering work ethic and contagious laugh has earned her establishment Editor’s Pick this year.

Best Event: Big Sky Soul Shine Big Sky Soul Shine embodies what it means to live in Big Sky. The annual live music event is a celebration of community and life, particularly that of the late Mark Robin who passed away from complications from ALS in 2016. This year’s event returned after a 2020 hiatus, featuring music by Dammit Lauren! and Moonlight Moonlight, and raised money for Team Gleason, a nonprofit that provides various kinds of support to those living with ALS. “The Robins are staples of Big Sky, and Soul Shine, in memory of Mark, is the most selfless event around,” O’Connor said. “He was a gem. It’s an honor to give this award to Soul Shine.”

Best Nonprofit: Big Sky Search and Rescue Going big—it’s in the name. Big Sky residents move here to experience the rugged recreation Lone Mountain and the surrounding scapes have to offer, whether that be on bike, skis or foot. When an accident occurs, leaving you stranded or injured, there’s one nonprofit you can always rely on to help you in a pinch, which is why we’ve chosen Big Sky Search and Rescue as Editor’s Pick for Best Nonprofit. We believe that when you give your best to your community, your community and your neighbors give that back to you, and in that regard, BSSAR takes the prize.

CONGRATULATIONS from the team at Explore Big Sky BEST BUSINESS

BEST PIZZA

BEST OUTDOOR RETAILER

MOST SUSTAINABLE/ GREEN ORGANIZATION

BEST BAR

BEST FISHING OUTFITTER

BEST SPA/YOGA

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY

1st. Big Sky Build 2nd. Ace Hardware 3rd. Two Pines Properties Editors Pick. Big Sky Post Office

1st. Gallatin River Task Force 2nd. Recycling Center 3rd. Big Sky SNO

COMMUNITY MEMBER OF THE YEAR 1st. Al Malinowski 2nd. Lindsey Hurlbut 3rd. Heather Morris Editors Pick. Andy Dreisbach

1st. Ousel & Spur Pizza Co. 2nd. Blue Moon Bakery 3rd. PInky G’s Pizzeria

1st. Beehive Basin Brewery 2nd. The Rocks Tasting Room and Liquor Store 3rd. Brothel Bikes

1st. Santosha Wellness Center 2nd. Sanctuary

BEST SALON

1st. Tribe Salon 2nd. Hairninja Salon

BEST RESTAURANT

1st. Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge 2nd. Olive B’s 3rd. Riverhouse BBQ & Events Editor’s Pick. Lotus Pad Asian Cuisine

BEST ARTIST

1st. Heather Rapp 2nd. Jill Zeidler 3rd. Anna Middleton

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER 1st. Dave Pecunies 2nd. Ryan Turner 3rd. Kirby Grubaugh

BEST BURGER

1st. By Word of Mouth 2nd. Copper Whiskey Bar and Grill 3rd. Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro

1st. Gallatin River Guides 2nd. East Slope Outdoors 3rd. Wild Trout Outfitters

1st. Big Sky Real Estate Co. 2nd. Big Sky Sotheby’s International Realty 3rd. L&K Real Estate

BEST ARCHITECT

1st. Centre Sky Architecture 2nd. 45 Architecture 3rd. Bechtle Architects

BEST WELLNESS BUSINESS 1st (tie). Big Sky Medical Center 1st (tie). Big Sky Natural Health 2nd. Santosha Wellness Center 3rd. Moving Mountains

BEST LOCAL MEAL DEAL

1st. Riverhouse BBQ & Events 2nd. Mi Pueblito Taco Bus 3rd. Hungry Moose Market & Deli

1st. Grizzly Outfitters 2nd. Gallatin Alpine Sports 3rd. East Slope Outdoors

BEST APRÈS

BEST BUILDER

1st. Highline Partners 2nd. Big Sky Build 3rd. Lone Pine Builders

1st. Scissorbills Saloon 2nd. Beehive Basin Brewery 3rd. The Rocks Tasting Room and Liquor Store

BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

BEST COFFEE

BEST NONPROFIT

1st. Caliber Coffee 2nd (tie). ACRE Kitchen 2nd (tie). Blue Moon Bakery 3rd. The Traveling Bean

BEST EVENT

1st. Big Sky PBR 2nd. Music in the Mountains 3rd. Big Sky Farmers Market Editor’s Choice. Big Sky Soul Shine

1st. Two Pines Properties 2nd. Ascend Properties 3rd. Hammond Property Management

1st. Big Sky Bravery 2nd. Big Sky CommunityOrganization 3rd. Big Sky Community Food Bank Editor’s Pick. Big Sky Search and Rescue

SPORTS

13 December 31 - January 13, 2021

Explore Big Sky

SECTION 2: SPORTS, ENVIRONMENT & OUTDOORS, REGIONAL AND HEALTH

5 Instructor Secrets Every Parent Should Know pg. 18

Recreational marijuana is legal Jan. 1, here’s what you should know pg. 20

Altitude Guide pg. 27

Local youth snowboarder to compete in Freeride Junior World Championships

BY GABRIELLE GASSER

always working towards his goals, whether it was the result he wanted or not.”

BIG SKY – A dream realized, 17-year-old Big Sky snowboarder Isaac Singer will compete in the Freeride Junior World Championships in Austria this winter after earning himself a ranking as No. 1 in the U.S. Northern Region for the 2021 season.

DeWolf and Isaac first met when he joined the team and they have recently, in the past couple of years, made a tight bond.

“He’s a super rambunctious kid, just loves being outside [and] loves snowboarding,” DeWolf said. “That was apparent from day one that his heart was just in it. So, I think we bonded over that right away. It’s just been a whirlwind ever since.”

The Freeride Junior World Championships invites the world’s best 65 young skiers and snowboarders from 18 nations to compete against one another on an international stage, according to the tour’s management organization, each year taking place at a premiere resort with exceptionally challenging slopes.

Isaac had a successful 2021 season competing on the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation Freeride Team, according to his coach, Drew DeWolf, in which he was the overall point leader in the U.S. Northern Region.

Left to Right: Elijah Singer, 14, Isaac Singer, 17 and Ethan Singer, 9 pose together on the slopes. PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL SINGER

His competition wins during the season earned him his No. 1 rank with 1,841 points, according to International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association, as well as a spot competing in the world tour in Kappl, Austria, on Jan. 26-29, 2022.

A line score is based on five criteria defined by the IFSA: line choice, control, fluidity, technique, and style and energy. DeWolf said higher scores are generally given to athletes who can link up more features that are smaller in a way that flows well.

Isaac Singer soars through the air. PHOTO BY ADAM WIRTH

As part of his commitment to his freeride career, Isaac opted to switch to an online high school for his senior year after attending Lone Peak High School for three years.

The flexibility of the online curriculum has allowed Isaac the ability to train when he needs to, according to his mom, Jill Singer. Isaac is very disciplined and the switch to online school has been a good fit Jill said.

Leading up to the world championships in Austria, Isaac is riding with DeWolf three to four times a week, practicing visual assessment of lines and rehabbing his hip which he injured last fall in a football game.

“He’s the type of kid that when he sets a goal, he’s going to get it,” Jill said of her son.

Isaac has made a lot of progress since he originally began training with the BSSEF Freeride Team, according to DeWolf, and he has done it all with a smile on his face.

“He’s always the kid who’s out there smiling and having a good time no matter what the conditions are,” DeWolf said. “You can just tell that he loves [snowboarding.]

It definitely has gotten him to where you want it to be just having a positive attitude and

“It’s really awesome to have a coach like that, who’s got your back at all times and you know that if you’re having issues or if there’s a certain trick you want to try to do or a certain line you want to try to ride at a competition, it’s really nice to have someone to be by your side that whole time,” Isaac said.

When Isaac first started competing, DeWolf says he liked to hit the biggest cliffs that he could, often resulting in a fall that negatively impacted his line score.

“Ever since the age of 12 or 13 I’ve been working really hard to try to qualify for this tour,” Isaac said.

“So to work for years and years to get there it’s a really special thing for me.”

After moving to Big Sky from Minneapolis, Isaac started snowboarding when he was 8 years old, joined the freeride team when he was 12 and competed in his first competition.

DeWolf has been working with Isaac for years now, helping to hone his raw talent into a wellpolished skillset.

Isaac’s training has really come together, according to DeWolf, and he is now able to focus on building his line score in a way that showcases his abilities.

Headed into the competition in Austria, Isaac will have to adjust and learn a new way of building his line because of the different rules governing freeride competitions in Europe, according to DeWolf. In Kappl, athletes will only be allowed to visually inspect the venue, an adjustment for American skiers and riders who usually get a chance to ski or ride the venue as part of their inspection. Isaac and DeWolf have been training for this adjustment. Isaac has also never ridden in Europe before.

“I’m gonna have to try to take it all in at the same time that I’m trying to mentally prepare for a competition with a ton of other great athletes,” he said.

To help give Isaac time to ride the new mountain, Isaac, his 14-year-old brother, Elijah, and DeWolf will arrive in Europe four days ahead of the competition. Isaac’s parents will follow to watch the actual competition.

Now that Isaac has reached the world stage, he’s looking forward to taking his freeride career to the next level. Next year, once he is 18, Isaac will be able to compete against adults and he said his goal is to qualify for the professional tour and see how far he can take it.

14 December 31 - January 130, 2021

ENVIRONMENT & OUTDOORS

Explore Big Sky

Five instructor secrets every parent should know

BY TIM DIETZ EBS CONTRIBUTOR

Skiing and riding are objectively fun. How, then, is it possible that kids don’t always share the same joy that we all get from sliding on snow? Turns out, having the right equipment, staying warm, and taking breaks can be the difference between giggles and tears.

Hydrating and eating a good breakfast are game-changers, too. But still, there are a few more tricks to keep the stoke high.

Tapping the collective experience of our world-class children’s ski and snowboard instructors, here is the secret sauce to making every day on the slopes unforgettable: 1. Rule #1 is FUN OK, this seems pretty obvious, but it’s also easy to forget.

The most common source of stress on the slopes stems from trying to “make the most of the day.” Here’s a little instructor secret – our goal isn’t to cram as many runs as possible into a day. Our goal is to make every run unforgettable. Be patient. Take breaks, have flexible plans and make sure everyone is comfortable. Think quality over quantity.

One amazing run is worth a million hot laps.

The third rule is technique over terrain meaning learning skills and using proper form on familiar terrain is more important than skiing hard runs. PHOTO BY TOM COHEN

Remember that vibes are contagious, and kids are amazingly perceptive. Keep calm and go skiing!

2. Motivation is Everything One of the fundamental pillars of instructing is to tap into what gets kids excited. Everyone is different, but no one knows your kids better than you. A great example is how differently kids can respond to uncertainty. Is exploring new terrain a fun adventure, or an unnecessary challenge? Create an environment that fosters autonomy, sets realistic goals, and lets the little ones be a part of the decision-making process. If you have multiple kids in your crew, make sure everyone’s voice is being heard to keep things fair.

Try to focus on the right milestones. Kids, especially siblings, are inherently competitive. A race is inevitable. Remember, the “best” skier isn’t the one who made it to the bottom fastest, it’s the one who had the most fun. Look for semicompetitive alternatives – who can make the most turns, who can spray the most snow, who can follow closest to Mom’s tracks – so that everyone can be a winner.

3. Technique Over Terrain “Technique over terrain” is the unofficial motto of children’s instructors. Kids progress a lot faster by mastering turns on familiar terrain than they do by simply surviving in challenging terrain. If your little skiers revert back to the dreaded “power wedge,” or little riders start sideslipping on their heel edge, it is a huge red flag that the terrain is too steep.

Simply put – if they’re not turning, they’re not learning!

There are essentially two ways riders progress – “New task, old terrain. Old task, new terrain.” This means that if you’re going to try to master a new technique, do so on mellow and familiar terrain. When you venture into unfamiliar terrain, fall back on the techniques you’ve already mastered. Make the mellow areas fun by trying new tricks. Progression can happen anywhere on the mountain – not just on more challenging terrain

Don’t get too bogged down on trail ratings – they’re really not a good measure of skills. It’s good to have goals, but doing their “first blue run” isn’t the real accomplishment. The real victory is the practice and progression that got them there. Celebrate the small stuff !

4. Start Small, End Small Never end on the most challenging run of the day. End-of-day fatigue can be a big safety concern, not to mention the rapidly changing conditions as the sun gets low. That last run is going to be the one they dream about, and the one that makes them stoked for tomorrow. Dial it back and make it an unforgettable one!

If you’re skiing back to your house at the end of the day, remember that some of those cat tracks can be grueling for even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders. Allow plenty of time and make it a fun adventure.

The same goes for starting the day or after lunch – start with a little refresher on a familiar run before exploring more.

5. Don’t Forget to Reflect If you’ve been to any aprés scene, you’re probably aware of the most powerful phenomenon in snowsports – skiers LOVE talking about skiing. Maybe it’s the universal joy we all get from it, but skiing stories have a magical ability to take on lives of their own. Regardless of our tendency to exaggerate a little, these tales have value.

Psychology nerds call this “reflective observation” and “abstract conceptualization.” Together, these two concepts represent half of the experiential learning cycle. The human brain, especially young ones, has a remarkable capability to reflect on previous experiences and abstract future experiences. Just as we don’t have to touch fire to know that it’s hot, we don’t have to be skiing to know that it’s fun.

Encourage those excited dinner conversations. What worked? What didn’t work? What are we going to do tomorrow? If you take pictures or videos throughout the day, point out specific successes – “look at how good that wedge looks” or “wow, watch how many turns you make in this video!” Just because the boots are off doesn’t mean the learning stops!

Skiing and snowboarding inspire us all on a lifelong journey of learning.

Progression means more time on the slopes, more terrain to explore, and most importantly, more fun! Regardless of age or ability, consider booking lessons for the whole family. The kids will have a blast skiing with their peers, and adults will be amazed by how much there is to learn. With a variety of group, private, and family lessons available, Big Sky’s Mountain Sports School offers something for everyone.

Tim Dietz is an examiner on the AASI-NRM Snowboard and Children’s Education Teams, as well as a candidate for the 2021 National Demo Team. He has been a trainer and supervisor for Big Sky Mountain Sports since 2012.

The number one instructor rule is fun and their goal, according to author Tim Deitz, is to make every run unforgettable. PHOTO BY TOM COHEN

This article originally appeared on Big Sky Resort’s blog: The Way I Ski It on December 6, 2021. For more stories, visit blog.bigskyresort.com.

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16 December 31 - January 130, 2021

ENVIRONMENT & OUTDOORS

Explore Big Sky

Hey Bear! Why we yell it in bear country

BY MIRA BRODY

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT When Nate Bender goes camping or hiking, he makes it a habit to keep his bear spray to his right side—on the right-hand pocket of his backpack or to the right of his sleeping bag at night. On July 4, 2021, that habit came in handy for the first time. It may have even saved a few lives.

An avid outdoorsman and native of Hamilton, Montana, Bender grew up recreating in bear country with his family and continues to do so from his home in Missoula where he is attending the University of Montana for dual graduate degrees in research conservation and business analytics. This summer, he was camping alone, what he calls “cowboy style,” in the Mission Mountains when sounds of a bear growling woke him around 6 a.m.

“I can think of better ways of being woken up,” Bender said. “It all happened very quickly. When I opened my eyes after that sound I was looking right at the mama and her two cubs.”

The sow bear, which Bender identified as a grizzly, charged within five seconds, just enough time for him to reach to his right, grab his bear spray, pull off the safety and deploy a 30-foot pepper spray cloud that deterred her and may have saved both their lives.

While recreating, it is key to avoid startling bears, which many people do by yelling “Hey bear!” The brand Hey Bear has harnessed the power of these words and turned it into a movement. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO

Bear encounters are not only dangerous to humans but put bears at risk as well.

Over Labor Day weekend in 2021, four grizzlies—a sow and her three cubs—were euthanized after improperly stored food habituated the bears into breaking into vehicles and residences. The sow had been a longtime resident of Glacier National Park and is said to have mothered at least 10 cubs over the years.

Bender did everything right: he stored his food away from camp in a scent-proof and bear-proof bag and had bear spray on hand, within reach, and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice; and he had practiced with his spray. He calls the encounter a combination of preparation and luck but asserts that everyone entering bear country should do so with a visitor’s mindset—you are entering a wild habitat in which wild animals live and thrive.

“Following these recommendations and being ‘bear aware’ adds layers of safety for people, but they also help keep bears wild,” said Morgan Jacobsen, Region 3 information and education program manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Bears that are habituated to gaining access to food, whether it be garbage, pet food, bird feeders or other attractants, according to Jacobsen, lose their natural drive to find food in the wild and oftentimes cannot be rehabilitated. “Keeping attractants secured not only helps keep you and your neighbors safe, it helps keep bears alive and promotes healthy bear behavior.”

BEING RESPONSIBLE IN BEAR COUNTRY Hike in groups of three or more Make noise. We recommend yelling “Hey Bear!”

Store food properly when hiking and camping.

Carry bear spray, keep it within reach, and know how to use it.

Visit a bear safety class with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

If you see a bear from afar, Stay 100 yards away.

If you encounter a bear and it moves toward you, move slowly away and speak to it in low tones.

If a black bear charges, hold your ground and fight back.

If a grizzly charges, lay flat on your stomach, protecting your neck and head with your arms and do not move

NEVER RUN FROM A BEAR

A small cousin of the grizzly, the black bear is found throughout the United States in forested mountains.

Unlike grizzlies, black bears are skilled at climbing trees. PHOTO BY THOMAS D. MANGELSEN

Yellowstone National Park visitation numbers broke all-time records in both July and August of 2021, and Gallatin Valley is the fastest growing micropolis in the country.

As more people visit and move to these wild areas, bear encounters will become more common. In addition to storing food properly, hiking in groups, and carrying and knowing how to use bear spray, it’s also key to avoid startling bears, which many people do by yelling “Hey bear!”

The brand Hey Bear has harnessed the power of these words and turned it into a movement.

“There’s been this massive population growth in bear habitat areas,” said Eric Ladd, the brand’s founder and owner of Outlaw Partners, publisher of Explore Big Sky. “You see more and more interactions with people and bears… and it prompted me to try and have an impact and create a solution for these problems.”

Hey Bear cobrands with a number of sustainable and ethical brands, such as Cotopaxi, selling T-shirts, hats, jackets and bear spray belts, and is subsequently creating a movement around education and recreation as well as partnering with regional bear habitat conservation efforts. Hey Bear is more than just a brand of sustainable and fashionable products—it’s a movement that advocates for those beautiful apex predators with whom we live. This is the ethos of Hey Bear.

“If you’re going to coexist with a creature at the top of a the predator pile, like a bear, you have to treat them with a tremendous amount of care and respect, otherwise that interface is not going to turn out well,” said Ladd. “We should consider ourselves lucky to be stewards and to be living with a creature such as a bear.”

And we are lucky—lucky to share a space in this beautiful ecosystem with these bruins.

Lucky, even, to be awakened by them at night while camping, or to see one on a hike or from a distance in our car so long as we’ve taken the precautions required of us to be good stewards in their home.

Visit fwp.mt.gov/conservation/species/bear/bear-aware for information on living, working and recreating in bear country, as well as what to do in case you encounter a bear. Visit heybear.com to shop products and learn more about Hey Bear!

This article was originally published in the winter 2021-22 edition of Mountain Outlaw magazine. Read more at mtoutlaw.com.

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18 December 31 - January 130, 2021

ENVIRONMENT & OUTDOORS

Explore Big Sky

Ryan Busse’s ‘Gunfight’ among most important books written about guns

BY TODD WILKINSON

EBS ENVIRONMENTAL COLUMNIST

Few topics are more “triggering” today in America, especially within red states, than discussions about guns. Perhaps no one, at this moment, understands this better than Ryan Busse, a self-described former “gunrunner” who has called out the firearm industry and the powerful National Rifle Association in his new book.

T.W.: You have encountered some people who, in a knee-jerk way, claim you are undermining the Second Amendment of the Constitution which pertains to the right to bear arms. Tell us, in simple terms, where do you stand?

R.B.: As I describe in the book, many of the best parts of my life have involved guns. That remains true now as I hunt and shoot with my boys. I believe in the right to self-defense and the rights of Americans to own guns. I also believe that a right of this elevated importance must involve a very large degree of responsibility. That either happens voluntarily or through government regulation. I refuse to believe that reason and responsibility are in any way “antigun.” Quite the contrary, I believe that being pro-gun mandates that we must embrace responsibility for the good of a functioning society.

“Gunfight: My Battle Against the Industry that Radicalized America” is an insider’s account. Already called one of the most important books about guns in America ever written, it has placed Busse on a metaphorical firing line and is stirring up conversation nationally. No matter where one comes down on right-to-bear-arms issues, “Gunfight” ought to be a part of your reading list.

T.W.: Within outdoor journalism, there’s an expression called “getting Zumboed” that applies to writers who have questioned the promotion/use of certain kinds of guns in hunting and suffered severe blowback from the NRA and gun manufacturers. In the case of Cody, Wyoming-based writer Jim Zumbo, a popular contributor at Outdoor Life magazine, he was fired from his job and it created a chilling effect on writers and outdoor columnists. Can you comment on this phenomenon?

Four things justify a recommendation of the book. First, Busse enters the fray as a gun advocate, hunter, and Westerner. Second, he’s smart, self-reflective, draws upon first-hand experience and doesn’t deny having complicity in creating a problem that is tearing the country apart.

R.B.: Yes, in 2007 Jim Zumbo expressed what was, at the time, a commonly held antipathy toward the overt embrace of “assault-style guns.” Jim dared to call them “Terrorist Rifles” on his blog after a day of hunting.

Despite his revered status (he had authored 23 books and was a celebrity who regularly signed autographs at trades shows), his multiple sponsorships, editor status at Outdoor Life and his celebrity status were almost instantly revoked.

That was a big turning point in the industry.

Third, as a father he really is trying to secure a better America for his family and doesn’t see that happening with a needless civil war driven by rhetoric or violence.

Fourth, Busse is also, in a way, a fighter for free speech and sees the way the gun industry carefully controls the public conversation about the Second Amendment is an infringement upon the First Amendment of the Constitution.

The irony of “Gunfight” is that Busse himself, as a gun industry executive and strategist, helped frame up the arguments used as a litmus test by the gun industry to get politicians elected or defeated. None of the current problems in America are going to be remedied, and no one is going to have more freedom, liberty, and safety if it means having to stare up the barrel of someone else’s gun.

Ryan Busse, author of “Gunfight: My Battle against the Industry that Radicalized America,” is a former gun industry executive and strategist. PHOTO COURTESY OF RYAN BUSSE

A few years later, Dick Metcalf, who spent 37 years as a respected editor at the largest gun magazines, dared to suggest that not all gun laws were “infringements” and he too was summarily fired almost immediately. Because of public executions like this, everyone else in the industry got the message; “Never criticize anything no matter how extreme or dangerous.” What developed from those events was a culture where ever-worsening extremism could only be embraced. If that sounds a lot like modern politics on the right, well it is. The world of gun politics is where it all started.

T.W.: One of the first books I wrote was about whistleblowers and among the most effective techniques used against them is shooting the messenger. Have you experienced that?

Fear sells, Busse notes in “Gunfight.” And in recent years, unsubstantiated claims that liberals are coming for hunters’ deer rifles and shotguns have also fueled paranoia as well as cleverly choreographed propaganda campaigns that have manipulated many into believing they’re true. Even though it’s a canard, Busse says, the truth doesn’t seem to matter. When objective reality becomes a casualty to an industry that uses power, influence and money as tools for evading accountability, the nation, he notes, is in trouble.

R.B.: Yes, but mostly when I was still in the industry because the most effective tool is to threaten a person’s livelihood and social structure. It was painful for me, but I gave all of that up before I wrote this book so now the typical “let’s get him fired” tactics don’t work on me. Knowing that there are many former friends who now disown me is tough but I also knew that is the way it would go.

Busse did not write “Gunfight” to be a polemic. For him, a looming, frightening question is what’s the end game of the escalating rhetoric and the inability of America to have a rational conversation about guns within the context of maintaining law, order and a functional democracy?

As we discussed with Zumbo and Metcalf (and others), there have been plenty of messengers who were shot, and it is an incredibly effective tactic. That is why no one in the industry even dares to think about criticizing people like the insurrectionists or Kyle Rittenhouse.

I asked Busse some questions.

T.W.: Is it not ironic that a segment of America decries the so-called “cancel culture” and yet there is an organized public relations machinery ready to silence anyone who exercises the First Amendment in talking about the Second Amendment?

Todd Wilkinson: Before we leap into the fire, I want to know: Why do you live in Montana, in the Northern Rockies? How did you get here?

Ryan Busse: As a kid on a high plains ranch, I learned about Montana from my dad in stories he told me as a young boy. When he was in college as a very young man, he took a trip with his brother and couple buddies to Montana.

I heard the resulting stories often. He slept in hayfields near famous rivers and told me about hearing big trout feed during the night. He described the valleys and mountains in ways that would have made Norman Maclean proud.

So, in 1995, when I was a young man of 25, I jumped at the opportunity to move to Montana. I did it on a whim after a tiny rifle manufacturer (Kimber) was convinced that a couple guys could run a sales and marketing office from northwest Montana. It was all a romantic dream for me and it remains one today.

R.B: Yes, I have experienced that the right is incredibly effective at canceling dissent and there are numerous examples in my book. I believe I lived through the formation of this tool and, regrettably, I now believe I even contributed to it.

T.W.: So, why is there so little tolerance for having honest discussions about guns?

When did the era of severe muzzling start, and what has been the impact on how we in the hunting community talk, or don’t talk about, guns and the tradition of going afield?

R.B.: This is exactly the thing that now controls the right side of our politics and it began in the gun industry between 2004 and 2007. There was a conflagration of events that the NRA used to develop a new brand of all-ornothing politics and the same thing that drove those political outcomes also

19 December 31 - January 13, 2021

drove a new, more militant gun business. Part of that change involved the harnessing of everincreasing radicalization. As we see in politics, this radicalization drives fearful voters and it drives gun sales.

T.W.: Part of your own awakening was triggered by what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut where, on Dec. 14, 2012, 20-year-old Adam Lanza shot and killed 20 people, 16 of them being young kids. Please share a bit about how Sandy Hook shook you up because you mention it in the book.

R.B.: Our boys were the same age as those kids at Sandy Hook. It was horrible and shocking.

Even hardened people in the industry thought things would change after that. But we were wrong and I played a role as a go-between for a U.S. senator and the NRA. Through the events in that part of my story I saw the inner workings of our modern politics up close.

Very powerful people admitted to me that the stalemate that resulted was not about policy or dead kids, it was about political power. Being in the middle of that helped me see our changing politics for what they actually were.

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a vote that he knew would result in powerful election attacks and he did it even though he knew that bill would not pass. He cast that vote out of principle. Senators these days do not cast those kinds of votes. I am not star struck by any politician, but I do believe that if we had more Jon Testers, we would have a lot more civility in our country. It’s going to take actions like his to break apart this dangerous political situation.

T.W.: My last question is intended to end on an upbeat note: As a hunter and angler, what ranks among your favorite days in the great outdoors and how do memories like that shape the way you see t he world?

R.B.: My time in wild places shapes everything about who I am. I think that somewhere inside every person who wants to achieve something is also a “reason” for wanting to accomplish. I believe that, subconsciously, my reasons all have to do with wild places. I hate picking favorites and I think it is because I am always looking forward to something. A bird hunt with a new puppy, a family fishing trip, an antelope hunt with my sons, a wilderness exploration with my wife, Sara. Those things are what keep me going. In other words, the next one is my favorite because that is what gets me up in the morning.

T.W.: U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana, a “Gunfight” was published in October 2021. farmer by profession who grew up hunting and knows his way around guns, appeared at a public event alongside you not long after the book appeared in autumn 2021. What is your Todd Wilkinson is the founder of Bozeman-based Mountain Journal and a friendship with Tester like and what does it say to have him involved in necessary correspondent for National Geographic. He authored the book “Grizzlies of discussions that you believe need to take place?

Pilgrim Creek,” featuring photography by famed wildlife photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen, about Grizzly Bear 399.

R.B.: I have known Sen. Tester to be uncommonly courageous and to be uncommonly stubborn about it. I tell one story in the book about him casting

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20 December 31 - January 130, 2021

REGIONAL

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Recreational marijuana is legal Jan. 1, here’s what you should know

BY MAX SAVAGE LEVENSON

The law notes that a person convicted of the offense of unlawful possession of a legally permitted quantity of marijuana in a motor vehicle “shall be fined an amount not to exceed $100.”

MONTANA FREE PRESS

Editor’s Note: This Montana Free Press story has been edited for brevity. Read the full story at montanafreepress.org.

IS IT LEGAL TO DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF MARIJUANA? No. Driving under the influence of marijuana can result in a DUI-D. Per HB 701, law enforcement officers have the jurisdiction to stop anyone driving erratically. If the officer has "probable cause to believe" the driver is under the influence of marijuana — i.e., if they can smell marijuana in the car, or the driver’s eyes are red — they can transport the driver to a hospital to administer a DUI test. Refusing a blood test can result in a temporary suspension of a driver’s license.

On Jan. 1, 2022, adult-use recreational marijuana will become available for purchase in Montana.

The launch of the new market raises a wide range of questions, from how much marijuana an individual can possess, to whether they can consume it in a national park, to the types of products that will be available for purchase.

Read on for answers to those questions, and many more, in this MTFP guide to the state’s post-prohibition marijuana marketplace.

WHO CAN BUY MARIJUANA IN MONTANA? Starting Jan. 1, 2022, any adult age 21 or older can purchase marijuana and marijuana products. That includes Montana residents, residents of other American states and territories, and international travelers with valid identification.

A DUI can be served to anyone with more than 5 ng of THC (the most common psychoactive compound in marijuana) per milliliter of blood. Yet since marijuana can stay in a consumer's body for up to three weeks, the results of such a test may not provide definitive information on whether the driver was actually under the influence of marijuana at the time of their arrest.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME TO A DISPENSARY? Bring identification proving that you are at least 21 years of age.

CAN I CONSUME MARIJUANA IN PUBLIC IN MONTANA? No. Consuming marijuana in public is punishable by civil fines of up to $50.

Virtually all marijuana transactions are in cash due to ongoing federal restrictions on banking services for the industry. Bring your own to avoid paying ATM fees at the shop.

CAN I LEAVE MONTANA WITH MARIJUANA IN MY POSSESSION? No. It is illegal to cross state lines with marijuana in your possession. Montana’s neighbor states Idaho and Wyoming maintain strict laws criminalizing marijuana possession.

Shops are required to put your purchases in a plastic, child-proof “exit bag.” On subsequent trips, bring that reusable exit bag with you to limit waste and avoid paying for a new one.

Especially during the opening weeks of the recreational program, bring a good dose of patience. Budtenders will be answering lots of questions from novice consumers, and lines may be long.

WILL THE STATE TRACK MY PURCHASES OR PUT ME ON A LIST OF MARIJUANA CONSUMERS? No. While a business can make a scan of your identification “to determine the consumer’s age,” per House Bill 701, the state’s legalization framework bill, it can only keep those records for 180 days. Furthermore, dispensaries are not permitted to share that information with the state, nor can they transfer or sell it to a third party.

IS MARIJUANA TESTED IN MONTANA? Yes. All products must be tested for a wide range of bacteria, mold and heavy metals, as well as for potency and the various compounds they contain. The state is home to several testing labs; Fidelity Diagnostics and Stillwater Laboratories are the two largest facilities.

WILL MY PURCHASE BE TAXED? Yes. All recreational marijuana purchases will be subject to a flat 20 percent sales tax. As of this writing, Missoula, Park, Yellowstone and Dawson counties have enacted an additional local-option 3 percent tax.

HOW MUCH MARIJUANA CAN I LEGALLY POSSESS? Possession of up to one ounce of marijuana, or its THC equivalent in edibles, concentrates and other products, is legal in the state of Montana.

Possession of larger quantities of marijuana remains illegal in Montana.

Possession of between one and two ounces is considered a civil infraction and subject to fines of up to $500. Possession of more than two ounces is considered a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or fines up to $45,000.

CAN I DRIVE WITH MARIJUANA IN MY VEHICLE IN MONTANA? Yes, but there’s a huge caveat: It must be in its unopened, original packaging and stored outside of the car’s “passenger area.” In other words, it’s required to be, per HB 701, either (a) in a locked glove compartment or storage compartment; (b) in a trunk, luggage compartment, truck bed or cargo compartment; (c) behind the last upright seat of a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a trunk; or (d) in a closed container in the area of a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a trunk and that is not normally occupied by the driver or a passenger.

It is also illegal to fly with marijuana.

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Big Sky Medical Center now offers general, OB/GYN, vascular, and basic fetal ultrasounds.

Call 406-995-6995 to schedule an appointment for your ultrasound needs.

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23 December 31 - January 13, 2021

HEALTH

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Altitude Guide DR. KALEY BURNS

plant and animal proteins and healthy fats can help keep you full and enable your body to run well at higher elevations.

Welcome to wonderful Big Sky, Montana! As you take in the beautiful scenery, your body may also be reminding you that you’re “not in Kansas anymore.”

Depending on where you are in town (or at the resort), you could be resting anywhere from 6,000-11,000 feet above sea level.

Pro Tip: If you experience appetite reduction, this is a great time to utilize nutrient-packed fluids including bone broth, juices and protein shakes. Just watch the sugar levels!

8. Recruit quality supplementation as needed: I recommend utilizing NEO40 or SuperBeets supplements to support nitric oxide production.

Research has found that optimal nitric oxide levels are key to improving high altitude function.

EBS HEALTH COLUMNIST

At higher elevations, you start taking in less oxygen per breath. The higher you climb, the greater the risk of developing sickness. Altitude sickness is actually a type of stress on the body and can be a big concern for travelers. The stress of lower oxygen levels can lead to symptoms such as nausea, trouble breathing and weakness.

Thankfully there is no need to miss out on the fun and leave the mountain to alleviate altitude-related symptoms. Reference this guide for helpful tips and tricks.

Dr. B’s Top 10 Tips to Adjust to Altitude 1. IV nutrient and hydration therapy: Especially if you know you are sensitive to elevation changes, I suggest getting a nutrient intravenous drop (IV treatment) as soon as you get into town. Don’t wait until you are already feeling ill.

2. Keep up hydration with electrolytes: Our favorite electrolyte on the market is LMNT. Add a packet to your 40-ounce water bottle once to twice per day to keep your muscles happy and allow you to enjoy the mountain to the fullest.

Water intake is advised to be half your bodyweight in ounces, PLUS if you are physically active adding roughly 8 ounces for every 15 minutes.

9. Protect yourself from the sun: The ultraviolet rays are more intense the higher you go in elevation, meaning sunburn can occur more easily. The effect is intensified by the sun reflecting off the snow, so don’t underestimate the power of sun protection.

10. Go lower or seek support if necessary: Don’t wait too long to seek medical attention if your health is struggling as you adapt to altitude. If needed, make arrangements to sleep at a lower elevation; This has been found to help the body adjust more optimally and can allow you to still enjoy a day at the mountain!

Dr. Kaley Burns is the founder, owner and Naturopathic Doctor at Big Sky Natural Health. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey. Dr. Burns has advanced training application of regenerative and intravenous injection therapy. She also serves as the Vice President and CE Liaison of the Montana Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Pro Tip: Consume 24 ounces of water within the first 30 minutes of waking. Your body dehydrates overnight.

3. Mind your activity levels: Many people notice that they need to monitor their intensity and duration of activity as they are adjusting to higher elevations.

It’s common for physical performance to become more difficult when you ascend in altitude. It is best not to push yourself too hard for the first two to three days.

4. Get adequate amounts of sleep: Sleep disturbances are common at higher elevations. If you are struggling to sleep, check your caffeine intake and try improving sleep hygiene with a dark room, white noise or calming essential oils such as lavender.

Pro Tip: Magnesium is great for helping promote optimal sleep. Current research shows that magnesium can help the body relax to help improve disruption and even insomnia.

5. Exercise caution with alcohol intake: Alcohol is dehydrating and can affect many people more significantly at altitude. Alcohol intake can also disrupt sleep patterns. Your safest option is to wait about 48 hours before you consume alcohol at altitude.

6. Boost your nutrient intake: Foods such as bananas, avocados, spinach, greek yogurt and kale are all high in potassium which can help mitigate some of the effects of altitude.

Pro Tip: Another favorite way to support your nutrition AND help with hydration levels is consuming bone broth. There are a couple great restaurants in town that offer this tasty treat as well! (We enjoy Acre, The Rocks and Niseko!)

7. Keep an eye on your calorie intake in general: Your body has to work extra hard to keep you functioning with less oxygen available. Therefore, your body requires more fuel. A nutrient-dense diet combining complex carbohydrates,

Dr. Kaley Burns enjoys some high-elevation views. PHOTO COURTESY OF KALEY BURNS

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25 December 31 - January 13, 2021

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SECTION 3: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, BUSINESS, DINING AND FUN

Annual Auction for the Arts fundraiser pg. 26

Car detailing company opens in Big Sky pg. 29

Lazy chicken pot pie pg. 32

Big Sky theater to reopen Jan. 7 as The Independent

BY TUCKER HARRIS BIG SKY – After sitting dormant for nearly two years, Big Sky’s local movie theater will reopen as The Independent on Jan. 7. Formerly Lone Peak Cinema, the venue has been completely overhauled and its creators envision the new space as a community center for entertainment.

The Independent—once host to Hollywood flicks and occasional ski films as Lone Peak Cinema, which shuttered its doors in March 2020 when COVID-19 first hit Big Sky—will be broken into four different venues: a large 90-seat theater for newly released Hollywood movies; a smaller open-stage space for independent films, live music, trivia and private parties; a large downstairs bar with cocktails inspired by classic films; and an upstairs restaurant and bar.

“Every night of the week there is going to be something different happening,” said Ruth White, general manager of The Independent. “It will almost be like a community hub for entertainment.”

The restaurant will be open seven days a week for dine-in or packaged-to-travel meals and will serve rotating cocktails set to a theme each season. The dinner menu is currently in development and being curated by the team at neighboring Ousel and Spur Pizza Co.

A 360-degree bar stocked with one of Montana’s largest liquor selections is the centerpiece of The Independent’s lobby. PHOTO BY JOSEPH O’CONNOR

Previous building owners, John Romney and Dan Henry will remain the theater’s owners. Romney, also co-owner of Ousel and Spur, brought on White in May of 2021, and she has since been hard at work bringing the theater’s refurbished concept into reality.

“I’m just really excited, not only that the Arts Council has gotten to be a part of it but as someone that has lived here in Big Sky for a long time,” Hurlbut said. “This type of space is going to be really popular, from anyone that just wants to go in and get a drink to someone that wants to listen to music, to somebody that wants to go upstairs and get dinner ... It’s just going to have a lot of buzz to it when it’s open.”

“The movie theater was the first place I ever went to when I first came [to Big Sky] in 2017,” White said. “It was literally the first business that I walked into.”

In addition to providing movies, The Independent will host daily entertainment in the smaller, open-concept theater space, formerly known as "The Little" theater.

The Independent staff is also happy to have the Arts Council on board as a partner.

“It’s interactive where guests can still go up to the bar and grab a drink,” White said, “or if they’re sitting on the opposite side of the bar, they can still see and hear what’s going on.”

The Arts Council of Big Sky has partnered with The Independent to help curate the weekly event series on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Music Mondays will feature films centered around music; Tuesdays will include outdoor-themed films, including touring film festivals and documentaries; Fridays will be reserved for live jazz nights; and Saturdays for singer-songwriter live music.

“We’re totally excited to tap into not only the reach of the Arts Council and the outstanding work they have done for the community, but also Brian’s knowledge of music and of outdoor films and film festivals," White said. "It is a wealth of knowledge to be able to partner with them."

Co-Head Bartender, Michael Duke, prepares an “Andy’s Negroni” from 1942 film, “Casablanca.” PHOTO BY JOSEPH T. O’CONNOR

Brian Hurlbut, executive director of the Arts Council, looks forward to partnering with The Independent and expand the Council’s reach to the Big Sky community while also getting more involved in the film industry.

Bozeman-based jazz artist Craig Hall will spearhead jazz nights on Friday evenings, occassionally bringing in other musicians to play improvisational jazz with him on stage.

“It’s something we haven’t really had—a jazz scene up here before like that —I think it’s just something that we’ve been missing in Big Sky,” said Hurlbut. “I think it really fits in with that space: with the table seating, the stage and the atmosphere.”

Trivia Night at Lone Peak Cinema was a staple for Big Sky locals. White is looking to bring back the event and host live trivia again, equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, a host on stage and table service to ensure nobody misses a question while refilling their beverage.

Each month, free Throwback Thursday films in the open space will be set to a theme.

For January, in honor of Nicolas Cage’s birthday month, the throwback films will both feature Cage: “Ghostrider” on Jan. 13 and “Honeymoon in Vegas” on Jan. 20.

“I think the atmosphere is very upbeat, very fun, very interactive,” White said. “I always tell my team before we start work to be nice to people and have fun, and so I think the atmosphere our team will provide is fun and friendly.”

Both White and Hurlbut look forward to bringing a fresh entertainment hub to the Big Sky community.

“The movie theater was a huge part of the Big Sky community when it was open, and people miss it,” Hurlbut said. “We’re just trying to change it up and offer something different for the Big Sky community."

The Independent will host daily entertainment in the smaller, open-concept theater space. PHOTO BY JOSEPH T. O’CONNOR

Hollywood new releases will be available with two showings per day at $15 for adult tickets and $10 for children tickets ages 14 and under. There will be special deals for locals that work in the hospitality and service industry as well.

26 December 31 - January 13, 2021

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Tickets on sale for Annual Auction for the Arts fundraiser ARTS COUNCIL OF BIG SKY

The Arts Council of Big Sky is hosting its annual Auction for the Arts fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at the Montage Resort in Big Sky. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by visiting bigskyarts.org. This year’s event is again sponsored by Big Sky Sotheby’s Realty.

More information about the auction and a full schedule of events can be found online at bigskyarts.org.

The Arts Council of Big Sky is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 whose mission is to enrich our community through artistic experiences. For any questions about the auction, please call (406) 995-2742 or visit the arts council’s website.

This year’s auction will feature many returning artists, including Kevin Red Star, Tracie Spence, Amber Blazina, Julie Chapman, Ryan Turner, Kira Fercho, David Hooper and many more. There are two components to the event—a silent auction with online bidding and a live auction with an auctioneer. The silent auction will feature paintings, pottery, photography, sculptures, jewelry and more, with prices that will allow everyone from the casual buyer to the discriminating collector to participate. The live auction includes one-of-kind works from some of the country’s most renowned artists. There will also be several artists participating in a “quick-finish” onsite and these pieces will also be auctioned off.

“We’re excited to partner with the Montage for this year’s auction,” said Brian Hurlbut, Arts Council of Big Sky’s executive director. “It’s the perfect venue for showcasing some amazing artwork and will allow the Big Sky community to see this incredible space.”

Tickets include valet parking, entry into the auction, a welcome cocktail, one drink ticket for beer/wine/ champagne, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and the silent and live auctions. Proceeds from the auction allow the arts council to keep the arts alive and accessible to Big Sky residents and visitors.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTS COUNCIL OF BIG SKY

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BIG SKY EVENTS CALENDAR Friday, Dec. 31 – Thursday, Jan. 13

If your event falls between Jan. 14 and Jan. 27, please submit it by Jan. 5 by emailing media@outlaw.partners

Friday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve

Bozeman Doc Series: Writing with Fire The Emerson Center for Arts & Culture, 7 p.m.

Live Music: Dammit Lauren!

Live Music: The Damn Duo

Montana Jack, 4 p.m.

Tips Up, 9 p.m.

Live Music: Hard Hugs Tips Up, 9 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 7

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

South Fork Loop, 3 p.m.

Glide Big Sky

Big Sky Resort, 9 p.m.

Craig Hall Jazz

Saturday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day Winter Fun Day: Tubing, Snowshoes, Broomball

The Independent, 8 p.m.

Big Sky Laugh Fest: The Second City

Yellowstone Alliance Adventures, 1 p.m.

Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, 5:30 & 8 p.m.

Live Music: James Salestrom

Live Music: Dan Dubuque

Tips Up, 9 p.m.

Tips Up, 9 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 2

Saturday, Jan. 8

Live Music: Cole Thorne and Jess Atkins

Big Sky Laugh Fest: Roy Wood Jr.

Bozeman Hot Springs, 7 p.m.

Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, 5:30 & 8 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 3

Live Music: Canoe Dealers

Monday Night Ruck

The Independent, 8 p.m.

Peet’s Hill/Burke Park, 6:45 p.m.

Live Music: Sam Platts & The Plainsmen

Tuesday, Jan. 4

Tips Up, 9 p.m.

Open Mic Night

Sunday, Jan. 9

Tips Up, 9 p.m.

Yellowstone Winter Photography Workshop

Wednesday Jan. 5

Yellowstone Tour Guides, Jan. 9-14

Live Music: Kent Johnson

Science Inquiry Series: Quantum Materials and the MonArk Quantum Foundry Gallatinscience.org, 7 p.m.

Trivia Night The Independent, 7 p.m.

Live Music: Dusty Moats Tips Up, 9 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 13 Teen Tech Squad: Wearable Tech Montana Science Center, 4 p.m.

‘Ghostrider’ Film The Independent, 7 p.m.

Live Music: Wood Belly and Laney Lou & The Birddogs Tips Up, 9 p.m.

Featured Event: Jazz night with Craig Hall Join Craig Hall for the opening night at The Independent, previously Lone Peak Cinema, starting at 8 p.m. Hall will set the tone with smooth jazz tunes to celebrate the rebranded movie theater.

Hall is a Bozeman-based jazz guitarist and upright bassist who performs across Montana. Each Friday night at The Independent, Craig Hall will perform, sometimes accompanied by friends. Other weekly special events at The Independent will include Music Movie Mondays, an Outdoor Film Series on Tuesdays, live trivia on Wednesdays, Throwback Movie Night on Thursdays, live music on Saturdays and Sunday night football. Read more about The Independent on page 25.

Monday, Jan. 10

Tips Up, 9 p.m.

Monday Night Ruck

Beginner Country Swing Lesson

Peet’s Hill/Burke Park, 6:45 p.m.

Starlite, 7 p.m.

‘This is Spinal Tap’ Film

Thursday, Jan. 6

The Independent, 7 p.m.

Live Music: Jeff and Dave duo King Ropes Bozeman Hot Springs, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 12

Tuesday, Jan. 11 Open Mic Night Tips Up, 9 p.m.

HAVE YOU SOMETIMES WISHED YOU COULD SPEND A HOLIDAY SOBER? Contact A.A. - We’re alcoholics helping other alcoholics stay sober.

Call 1-833-800-8553 to talk to an A.A. member or Get the Meeting Guide app or Go to aa-montana.org for virtual and face-to-face meeting times and locations

BUSINESS

28 December 31 - January 13, 2021

Explore Big Sky

Making it in Big Sky: Ski Butlers

BY MIRA BRODY BIG SKY – What began as a brief, “ski bum stint” trip to Big Sky turned into a fulltime career for Wyatt Dodd, Ski Butlers' general manager. The east coast native came out to escape the city and pandemic, and instead has landed—like many who arrive here—in his new home. Ski Butlers, founded by CEO and Owner, Bryn Carey in 2004, is considered the travel agents of skiing, providing delivery, pickup and support for everything you need to enjoy a ski trip far from your own home.

Today, Ski Butlers is composed of five Ski Technicians and two Team Leaders who help pack orders, fulfill equipment swap requests, pick up equipment, tune skis and much more. They take the guesswork and complicated logistics out of a ski trip so you can have time to do just that—ski Lone Mountain. Explore Big Sky spoke with Dodd about his own journey to the area and what makes him love going to work every day.

The following answers have been edited for brevity.

Explore Big Sky: I’d like to start with a little background information on you, when did you come to Big Sky? Wyatt Dodd: My first trek out to Big Sky happened in early November of last year. My in-person collegiate career at Franklin and Marshall College of Lancaster, Pennsylvania had ended in March due to the pandemic and next thing I knew, I was graduating from my computer in May. Over that summer, my close friend, and now team leader at our shop, Matt Burnham, notified me that he was moving out to Bozeman for a ski-filled winter and was in need of a friend/ roommate to make the move with. That first drive out to Big Sky was eye opening for me. Coming from the East, specifically a small town called Stonington in the Southeast corner of Connecticut along the Rhode Island border, the drive to the mountain was usually the hardest part of the ski day. The restless anticipation, the crawling minutes as you eagerly awaited fresh tracks … but this time the drive was a welcome part of the experience. The rushing current of the icy blue Gallatin, the snow dusted pines, and of course the breathtaking first view of Lone Peak as we made our way up Gallatin Gateway. “That’s Big Sky?” I asked, shocked that a skiable mountain could look like that.

EBS: How big is your team?

W.D.: Our current team is composed of five Ski Technicians and two Team Leaders, with one more Ski Technician coming on in mid-January as of now.

EBS: Tell me about the different services offered at Ski Butlers?

W.D.: We understand that ski vacations can be stressful to plan and execute, so we developed a process that makes the renting portion of the vacation seamless. There are essentially three components that comprise the Ski Butlers’ model: Delivery, Support and Pickup.

How the delivery portion works, is the customer books online either through our website, through a travel agent, by calling one of our reservation agents or by calling us at our shop. We pack their selected equipment the day before the delivery is scheduled for. The renters are each brought their requested gear, as well as an extra pair of boots to ensure they are fitted into the correct size.

The idea here is that customers are able to stay From the top down, Ski Butlers fosters a work relaxed at their accommodations even through environment where each and every employee is able to the ski rental fitting portion of their vacation, which is typically looked at as a stressful come together in the pursuit of a passion, that passion moment when planning a winter ski trip. If the being skiing and the mountains. customer needs anything throughout their stay, they can give us a call or shoot us a text, and we – Wyatt Dodd, Ski Butlers general manager will meet them wherever desired to tend to their needs. At the end of their last ski day, all renters have to do is leave the equipment outside their accommodations, and we will come pick it up between 4-8 p.m. It’s that easy.

“

”

A fresh tune and waxing happens on every ski and snowboard after its use, ensuring the customers have nothing to worry about in this department.

Wyatt Dodd is one of Ski Butlers’ Ski Technicians, providing all the services needed for visitors to enjoy a day out on the slopes we’ve all come to love. PHOTO COURTESY OF WYATT DODD

I later found out about Ski Butlers through my brother who had worked in the Park City location a couple years prior, and was put into contact with our Director of Operations, Maura Grady … [and] I was brought on as a Ski Technician in January. What was supposed to be a brief, ski bum stint, has now resulted in a year plus in Montana and myself at the head of Ski Butlers Big Sky.

EBS: Tell me about the history of Ski Butlers when did it start? How/when did you become involved? How has it grown over the years?

W.D.: Ski Butlers was an idea thought up by our CEO and Owner, Bryn Carey, in his dorm room at the University of New Hampshire. Later, he upgraded his think space from a dorm room to a garage, and in 2004, Ski Butlers was officially founded. Eighteen years later, we are proud to represent 19 locations, serving 50 different resorts in North America and Europe. Customer service has been the lifeblood of the business; it’s allowed Ski Butlers to see continual growth each year in business and has been what separates us from the competition.

EBS: What is the best part or your favorite memory of working there?

W.D.: My favorite part of working at Ski Butlers has got to be the culture. From the top down, Ski Butlers fosters a work environment where each and every employee is able to come together in the pursuit of a passion, that passion being skiing and the mountains. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know different Ski Butlers employees. From our CEO, Bryn Carey, to the different General Managers of other Ski Butlers locations, to my own employees this year, there really is a common theme among people who work at Ski Butlers and it makes working here a blast. Everyone is encouraged to get out there and experience the mountains and it’s so cool to have that work/life balance and support expressed all the way from the top. It’s something that you certainly don’t find in every company.

EBS: What is the best business advice you have ever received?

W.D.: The best business advice I have ever received is probably from my dad. Growing up, I, like most children, was, let’s say, “strongly encouraged” to help with chores around the house … my dad would always tell me, “Remember, all one big job is, is a bunch of little jobs.”

EBS: Anything else you would like to add?

W.D.: Overall, Ski Butlers is an exciting, curious, purposeful and constantly evolving company. It really feels, as an individual location, as though we are one piece of a greater whole. It makes working here really special and I am incredibly excited to see what new developments and expansions will come into play for future years. It certainly is an exciting time to be a Ski Butler!

BUSINESS

29 December 31 - January 13, 2021

Explore Big Sky

Car detailing company opens in Big Sky

BY TUCKER HARRIS

“I come to your house, which is convenient, you don’t have to drive to Bozeman or anywhere,” Saad said. “You also don’t have to worry about the car wash scratching your car because it’s all hand-done.”

BIG SKY – After an adventurous day that started with Mountain to Meadow laps and ended with car camping at Taylor Fork with your furry best friend, your car is coated in dirt and dog hair, inside and out. There are no car washes in Big Sky and the closest detailer is a GallatinCanyon drive away–or so you thought.

In the winter season, MS Detailing only does interior detailing and the work must be done in a garage. For clients without a garage, Saad uses his own garage at his home in Town Center.

Matthias Saad, 21, recently launched MS Detailing, a mobile detailing business based in Big Sky. Hailing from Minnesota, Saad worked in the detailing business for four years, where he moved up in ranks and became store manager in two years.

In the warmer months, MS Detailing also offers exterior cleans and includes the option for a ceramic package with everything done outside.

Saad said he strives for perfection when it comes to his clients’ cars.

Saad started his mobile detailing business, MS Detailing, in Minnesota in May before transitioning his business to Big Sky in October.

“It was [a successful business in Minnesota], but now it’s an even more successful business out here,” Saad said.

“It takes a lot of meticulous work,” Saad said. “Perfection is what I go for, so it just takes a lot of repetition, looking for little things, knowing what will clean up and what won’t clean up.”

Saad’s services are available Monday through Friday. The average interior clean takes between three and five hours and a full interior and exterior clean takes four to seven hours, depending on the vehicle. The starting price for an interior-only detail is $300.

Saad works on an interior detail. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO

Saad attributes his success to how adventurous Big Sky drivers are with their vehicles, in addition to the fact that there are no local car washes.

“In Montana, I’ve definitely seen more dirt and more pet hair—because everyone has a dog out here,” Saad said. “Dirt roads, snow, lots of people like hiking and biking and adventures. Adventures come with dirty cars.”

The benefits of detailing, according to Saad, are primarily the convenience and the superior clean.

Saad works on an interior detail. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO

This spring, Saad will be changing the name of his company to Detail Doctor and will have weekly subscription packages available to purchase.

To book an appointment with MS Detailing, contact Matthias Saad at (612) 2975768 or MSdetailing100@gmail.com.

CLASSIFIEDS NOW HIRING Experienced Siders, Framers, Trim Carpenters, Laborer and Job Supervisor Wanted for a Big Sky custom home builder. F/T position with benefit pkg.

30 Dec. 31 - Jan. 13, 2021

RMR seeking experienced Assistant Construction Superintendent to work in Big Sky. Resumes to lou@rmrgroup.net

FOR SALE House for sale in Ramshorn; 3 bedroom 2 full baths, 1725 Sq. feet with large double garage and fenced yard. Will sell turn key for $1,250,000. Call (406) 690-6376 for more information.

Explore Big Sky

AMUSE-BOUCHE Amuse-bouche refers to an appetizer, and by French translation means, “to entertain the mouth.” It offers a glimpse into what you should expect from a meal. Also it’s free, compliments of the chef.

The fall of food, part II

BY SCOTT MECHURA EBS FOOD COLUMNIST

This column is part of a series. Read part I on explorebigsky.com.

Seasonal employment also available. Wage D.O.E. Vehicle, References, and a back-ground check required. Please email resume to: brian@ bigskybuild.cm

NOW HIRING

DINING

We are at war. And we know exactly when it happened.

I don’t mean a war where we are all wearing camouflage fatigues, carrying guns and hiding in trenches trying to survive. I mean a war in which we are wearing trendy camouflage aprons with cute or clever sayings, carrying a tong or our favorite Japanese chef ’s knife and have our noses in the latest healthy cookbook or website, trying to survive with what we believe to be the most up-to-date information for how we should eat.

In this war, as we learn more and more how to eat more sensibly, some new diet, food product or regimen tells us we we’re doing it wrong; that what we thought we knew about margarine for example, turned out to be very wrong.

Or that red wine is good for our heart or helps alleviate arthritic pain, until it doesn’t.

The bottom line is that for every step forward we think we make in learning how and what to eat, another food product hits the market which is sure to take minutes off our lives like a cigarette.

The one-two punch that first had us on the ropes in the late 1940s and 1950s, tin can foods and high fructose corn syrup, respectively, were only the beginning.

But what harm is there in a few vegetables and red meat in cans? And surely liquid sugar isn’t any different than the white granules we know simply as “sugar.”

PUBLIC NOTICE: CALL FOR FY23 RESORT TAX FUNDING APPLICATIONS The Big Sky Resort Area District is accepting Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for the FY23 (7/1/22-6/30/23) funding cycle beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022. Approved applicants will be invited to complete Project Applications beginning Tuesday, March 1, 2022. As required by law, an applicant must be a legal entity formed under the laws of the State of Montana. The applicant must be “an entity” that is capable of both “legally and practically” carrying out the purpose of the allocation and located within the Resort Area District. The applicant must be a governmental unit, corporation, or limited partnership with the capability of being legally bound by an agreement.

LOIs and supporting documents must be completed using the online applications portal and must be submitted by Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, to be considered for an invitation to complete a Project Application. Project Applications and supporting documents must be completed using the online portal and must be submitted by Thursday, March 31, 2022, to be considered for funding.

More information can be found at ResortTax.Org/Funding or by contacting the District Office at 406-995-3234.

Well in and of themselves, no.

In theory, corn, green beans or a little wild salmon in a can are still just that.

So what if my sugar is a solid or a liquid?

Well, there’s a big difference as it turns out.

Though the 1950s and 1960s were still decades of overall healthy eating, we were setting the stage for Americans to become the fattest nation in the world.

America was on a roll.

And is the case with the ironic timing of American culture, more than one thing came to fruition at the same time.

The Levittown way of life was about to change the way we lived. We were moving out of inner-city row houses and out into urban sprawl. Additionally, 1954 saw the invention of what we colloquially refer to as the “TV dinner.”

And just like that, America went from cooking on cast iron stoves in brownstones that were crammed in tighter than dusty old library books and an inherent patriotism to fight overseas, to houses with yards, prepared meals in neatly compartmentalized aluminum foil, and a taste for salt, fat and butter that was insatiable.

Simultaneously, two brothers by the names of Richard and Maurice McDonald had been building a franchise which would go on to become the most recognizable brand logo for over three decades around the globe.

Right now you’re thinking to yourself that there are several directions America’s food was going. That surely these couldn’t all intersect.

Well they do, and what a fateful, unhealthy recipe it’s shaping up to be.

Scott Mechura has spent a life in the hospitality industry. He is an executive chef, former certified beer judge and currently the executive chef for Horn & Cantle at Lone Mountain Ranch.

BIG SKY • MOONLIGHT BASIN • SPANISH PEAKS • YELLOWSTONE CLUB

2350 Two Gun White Calf Road l $2,599,000 l 3 Beds 4 Baths l 3512 sq.ft.

MLS 357928 l Listing Advisor: Stacy Ossorio, Broker stacy.ossorio@engelvoelkers.com

14 Upper Cascade Ridge Road $5,500,000

DON’T JUST VISIT, LIVE HERE. · 5 bdrm | 5.5 bath | 4,358± SF | 2-car attached garage · Only ready-to-occupy Cascade Ridge condominium with highly sought-after upper tier location · Exclusive lodge access; ski-in/out to the Big Sky Resort, indoor/outdoor pool, concierge & more SANDY REVISKY | 406.539.6316

26 Black Moon Road, Lot 146A $1,400,000

2626 Michener Creek l $4,795,000 l 7 Beds 5 Baths l 9473 sq.ft.

MLS 355156 l Listing Advisor: Greg Smith, Broker greg.smith@engelvoelkers.com · 1.87± acres · Incredible homesite in the coveted Cascade neighborhood with outstanding views of the Spanish Peaks · Located just minutes from the base areas of both Moonlight Basin and the Big Sky Resort MARY WHEELER | 406.539.1745

DISCOVER YOUR DREAM HOME

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31 Black Moon Road, Lot 157A $1,100,000

· 1.89± acres · Secluded homesite with panoramic Spanish Peaks views · Recreation abounds with the Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin, and Beehive Basin trailhead all nearby MARY WHEELER | 406.539.1745

Visit us at either of our locations

88 Ousel Falls Road, Suite B | The Exchange (formerly the Mountain Mall) © 2021 .. All rights reserved. Engel & Völkers and its independent franchisees are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act. Each property shop is independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing.

406.995.4009 | www.bigskypurewest.com All information contained herein is derived from sources deemed reliable, however, is not guaranteed by Pure West Real Estate, LLC., Managing Broker, Agents or Sellers. Offering is subject to error, omissions, prior sales, price change or withdrawal without notice and approval of purchase by Seller. We urge independent verification of each and every item submitted, to the satisfaction of any prospective purchaser.

DINING

32 December 31 - January 13, 2021

Explore Big Sky

Lazy chicken pot pie

BY MIRA BRODY Wintertime cooking is a veritable catch-22—while the cold weather intensifies your cravings for something warm and hearty, the motivation, nay necessity, to maximize your time outside before the sun sets leaves you with little time or energy to shop, prep and cook a meal. Enter the Lazy Chicken Pot Pie, a piping-hot dish combining a choice selection of my favorite comfort foods, baked into soul-nurturing goodness: creamy soup, rotisserie chicken, buttery Pillsbury dough and, of course, a bounty of cheese.

The dish can be prepped in about 10 minutes, and in advance if needed, aka it’ll be waiting in earnest for your forks and knives once you return from your hike, ski or long day at work.

Oven temp: 375 degrees Farenheit Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 F and spray an 8-by-11 inch glass pan with nonstick spray 2. In a large stove pot, combine condensed soups with two cans full of water and set burner to medium 3. Add the bag of frozen vegetables, salt and pepper and stir until combined 4. Turn the heat up a touch until the filling mixture bubbles 5. Shred the entire rotisserie chicken and add to the pot 6. Stir to combine and remove from heat 7. Pour the pie filling into the pan and sprinkle the top with liberal dose of shredded cheese, chef ’s preference 8.

Unroll the can of crescent rolls without breaking them The Lazy Chicken Pot Pie is hearty, checks all the comfort apart, keeping the dough in one long sheet food boxes, and is quick and easy for a busy cook. PHOTO 9. Gently lay it across the top of the pan and stretch to fit,

BY MIRA BRODY tucking the excess down into the sides of the pan 10. Place the pie into the oven, placing a cookie pan on a rack underneath to catch drips 11. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown 12. Enjoy

Ingredients • 1 rotisserie chicken • 10 ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup • 10 ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup • 1 small bag of vegetables, frozen • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon pepper • 1 can crescent rolls • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

The experience, accreditation, industry-wide recognition and integrity that Southwest Montana deserves.

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Scott Brown CFP®, CIMA®, CRPC® recognized as Barron’s Top 1000 Advisor’s in 2011, 2012, and 2013.* *The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of advisors. Factors included in the rankings were assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record and client retention.

Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. Shore to Summit Wealth Management, LLC is a separate entity from (WFAFN).

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors Methodology 2020 The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years experience, and the algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes or SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.

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Tips: The crescent roll version makes for a softer crust. If you prefer a crispier crust, you can try a can of biscuits or pre-made pie dough instead.

Another set of ingredients to bring into the mix is varied vegetables. Try: mushrooms, bell pepper, zucchini, spinach or potatoes.

A version of this story was first published in March 2020 in Explore Big Sky.

Find Your Treasures Here Clothing

Furniture

Artwork

kitchen

Sporting

Dining

GoodS

BeD AnD Bath

LiGhting

Antiques

Call Kerri and Kevin Fabozzi 406-993-9333 Open 6 days/week loCated in big Sky, MT in the big Horn ShOpping CenTer

STACY OSSORIO Broker, Private Office Advisor 406-539-8553 stacyossorio.evrealestate.com stacy.ossorio@evrealestate.com

2350 Two Gun White Calf Road | Big Sky, MT Sweetgrass Hills | Lone Mountain Views +/- 1. Acre | +/- 3,512 Sq. Ft. | 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | $2,599,000 | MLS# 357928

TRUST EXPERIENCE

Your trusted Big Sky real estate advisor.

Providing exceptional service to buyers and sellers of Big Sky properties for 25 years.

Let me be your community connection. ©2021 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.E&OE. Published by REAL Marketing (REM) | www.REALMarketing4You.com | 858.254.9619

The Canyon Cabins 74545 Gallatin Road, Gallatin Gateway

Location & Potential • 4.56 Acres • 8 Units on Property • Septic Allows for 8 More Dwellings • Infrastructure Ready for Expansion • No Zoning

$3,999,000 Listed By Dick Stefani 406-580-8344, Larry Wilcox 406-580-1426 & Tom Baker 406-539-7978

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TEXTILE CLEANING SPECIALIST SINCE 1988

Carpet Cleaning • Soil & Stain Protectants • Spot Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Cleaning Fine Area Rug Cleaning • Tile & Grout Cleaning Hardwood Floor Cleaning & Conditioning • Odor Removal

IICRC CERTIFIED FIRM

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REGENMARKET JOIN TODAY ANIMALS AND PLANTS THAT ARE SAVING THE PLANET, AND YOU!

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35 December 31 - January 13, 2021

FUN

Explore Big Sky

American Life in Poetry

BY KWAME DAWES

Here is an elegant flower of a poem— small, delicate in sentiment, and yet so resonant in meaning. Sam Dodson, in a few short lines, observes the stoic strength of faith, the sadness of loss, and the rituals that we perform to help us cope with the helplessness that comes with grief.

After Her Mother Passed

BY SAM DODSON

Lutheran beautiful Eva broke down for a dear, dear moment before she picked that rake back up and moved maple leaves over grass.

Corner Quote

BIG SKY

BEATS Cheers to the New Year

BY TUCKER HARRIS

"Packaged inside of every mistake there lays a great lesson. And while I don’t want to take the mistake into the New Year, I most certainly want to take the lesson that’s packaged inside of it."

– Craig D. Lounsbrough

Author Elizabeth Edwards writes: “Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you’ve lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that’s good.”

2021 has tested our resilience. For many, 2021 challenged and strengthened us. As we head into the new year, EBS brings you a playlist to inspire reflection on this past year and encourage taking important lessons with us and leaving the past behind. Cheers to a fresh start in 2022.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

“Ringing in the Year” by Turnpike Troubadours “Figure Out” by Boy Named Banjo “Starts with Goodbye” by Carrie Underwood “Bound for Glory” by the Tedeschi Trucks Band “Change” by Moon Taxi “Dog Days are Over” by Florence & The Machine “Brand New” by Ben Rector “Starting Over” Chris Stapleton “Wide Open Spaces” by The Dixie Chicks “Start Over” by Beyoncé

New Year - New Home!

3735 Pinewood Drive | $5,850,000 7,274 ± Sq. Feet | 5.67 ± Acres Main House 4,976 ± Sq. Feet 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms Guest House 2,298 ± Sq. Feet 1 Bedroom, 1 Full Bathroom

Contact Us Today!

LKRealEstate.com | 406.995.2404 All information given is considered reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and should not be relied upon as such.These offerings are subject to errors, omissions, and changes including price or withdrawal without notice. All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. If you currently have a listing agreement or buyer broker agreement with another agent, this is not a solicitation to change. ©2016 LK REAL ESTATE, llc. lkrealestate.com * Membership upon approval

37 December 31 - January 13, 2021

2021 TOP STORIES

L

Explore Big Sky

The Big Sky community over the past year has undergone a broad range of experiences, and we hope we’ve reported on most of them. Join us in the following pages for a look back on the stories that shaped 2021 in Big Sky and the greater region. We wish you the best in 2022. – The Editors

ooking back on the past 12 months, the EBS editorial team had the top stories of 2021 narrowed down to about 40. We needed 10. We looked at analytics, polled teammates, all the while considering the balance that this collection as a whole must have. And we got there.

The following stories have been edited for brevity. Visit explorebigsky.com to read the full articles.

OCTOBER 8

A ‘true legend’

Remembering the life of Sam Wilson

BY BELLA BUTLER BIG SKY – It’s hard for folks to say exactly when the “old Big Sky” became “the new Big Sky.” So much has changed, but in local barroom anecdotes, a few consistencies emerge: the people, places and circumstances that were the good ol’ days. At the center of that Big Sky of yore is a group of legends, defined by one old timer as the “people that really made this place a great place to live.”

“He was just elegant in his skiing,” said “Queen” Jean Palmer, 1999 Dirtbag Queen.

During a memorial for Sam at the Riverhouse bar on Sept. 30, the restaurant and deck were packed with his friends, old and young from near and far, shoulder-toshoulder recounting stories of South Face Sam, as he was known for a fateful day ripping down Lenin at Big Sky Resort in 1979.

One of those undisputed legends was born-and-raised Montanan Sam Wilson, who passed away on Sept. 17 at age 81.

Sammy, as he was fondly known, had roots that ran deeper than his own renown. His grandparents, Sam and Josie Wilson, homesteaded the Buffalo Horn Ranch in 1899, later to become the 320 Ranch. He himself was a third-generation Gallatin Valley resident and his son, Clinton, was the fourth.

More than in skiing circles, Sam was embedded into so many facets of the Big Sky community. A former Marine helicopter crewman and Vietnam veteran, Sam was a member of the local American Legion Post 99.

He worked for the Big Sky Ski Patrol and could often be seen walking and jogging around town, eating a BYWOM burger or grabbing his morning coffee at the Hungry Moose.

“Sam was definitely one of those guys that was full-blood Montanan,” said Kevin Kelleher, another Big Sky legend and longtime friend of Sam’s. Perhaps more than a fullblood Montanan, Sam was full-blood Big Sky. Sam Wilson is, among many other things, remembered as a skier. After growing up skiing at Bridger Bowl in Bozeman, Sam began working for Lone Mountain Sports at Big Sky Resort the year it opened in 1974. When Sam’s friends talk about his skiing, they get a dreamy look in their eyes as if falling into a blissful memory.

They told tales in a roundabout way, sneaking three more memories into each one. They’re the kind of friends that’ve been around so long nobody remembers exactly how and when they met Sam, but they sure remember plenty else. He was straight up, but also generous, and a good friend. Pam Flach, co-owner of BYWOM restaurant, one of Sam’s regular spots, said Sam always made sure her kids and their friends had skis.

Though Sam’s usual seat in the corner of BYWOM will be filled by new patrons, he’s left an unforgettable mark on Big Sky, like a ski line on the south face of Lone Mountain.

Sam Wilson, a Big Sky legend, passed away on Sept. 17, 2021.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT FOSTER

“He is one of the true legends here in Big Sky,” Sam's friend Chris Nash said.

38 December 31 - January 13, 2021

2021 TOP STORIES

Explore Big Sky

First COVID-19 vaccines administered

BY BELLA BUTLER AND MIRA BRODY BIG SKY – On the top floor of the Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center in a closed off hallway, three nurses received the hospital’s first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

“We’ve just been waiting for this,” said Kelly Reynolds, one of the first BSMC nurses to receive the vaccine, which received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Dec. 18, 2020. “Obviously this year has been horrible for everyone in our community. It’s scary. And I think this is the first step to getting back to some normalcy.”

Big Sky Medical Center was allotted 100 Moderna vaccine doses for the first round, enough to vaccinate the entire staff. Similar to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which was given FDA emergency use authorization on Dec. 11, 2020, then administered to staff at Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital, the Moderna vaccine requires two doses, spaced 28 days apart.

“I didn’t even feel it,” one of the nurses said with a smile after receiving the longanticipated shot.

“After employees receive the vaccine we ask them to stay for 15 minutes just so we can monitor any more immediate side effects,” said Lauren Brendel, system director of marketing and communications for Bozeman Health and public information officer for the Bozeman Health Incident Command team.

Some potential side effects of the Moderna vaccine include fatigue, headache and nausea, among others, but some levels of side effects are expected. The Moderna vaccine has been described as being quite “reactogenic,” meaning it can trigger an immune response that can sometimes be uncomfortable, a sign that it’s working.

Gallatin City-County Health Department Health Officer Matt Kelley said in a virtual press conference that they are distributing the vaccine with three primary goals in mind: safety, timeliness and transparency.

Ody Loomis, a nurse at the Big Sky Medical Center, receives the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in Big Sky. PHOTO BY GABRIELLE GASSER

“Frankly, to see that vaccine come out of the box today, I don’t think there was anyone in the room that didn’t have goosebumps and there might have been a few tears here and there, or at least strong-willed people trying to hold back tears,” Kelley said. “I think when you’ve gone through something like we’ve gone through—as a community, as a nation, as a world—to be able to see innovation and see those vaccines roll across the threshold is really pretty special.”

Kelley noted that although a vaccine is now available, the communities in Gallatin County still need to follow guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The best way to honor and thank those on the frontlines, he said, is to wear masks, wash your hands, keep your distance and stay home if you’re sick.

JANUARY 1

Follow the leader, Part 3 The road to incorporation

JANUARY 15 a difficult contender for a municipal makeover, including requirements laid out by Montana law that prove challenging for Big Sky. No matter your philosophies, heavy questions hang in the air: How is it done, and is it even possible?

According to Montana law, it all begins with a petition.

In order to begin the incorporation process, a petition requesting the incorporation of a potential city or town must be filed with the county commission. The petition must include a map of the proposed city limits and must be signed by 300 registered electors—or two-thirds, whichever is less—who reside within the area of proposed incorporation.

The proposed town must have 300 or more inhabitants, be three or more miles from a presently incorporated municipality and have a post office, among other conditions.

In the early 2000s, the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce convened the Big Sky Community and Infrastructure Group, a subcommittee that explored incorporation, among other local government topics, for at least four years.

The communities of Town Center and Meadow Village at dusk. PHOTO BY CHRIS KAMMAN

BY BELLA BUTLER AND MIRA BRODY This article (edited for brevity) is the third installment in an ongoing examination of leadership and governance in Big Sky. Visit explorebigsky.com to read the full series.

BIG SKY – Some have said that the concept of incorporating the census-designated place of Big Sky “raises hackles.” The very word itself is enough to either launch a prophetic conversation with your neighbor or shut down an interaction altogether.

The idea of limited government in Big Sky dates back decades and, for many, part of the resort town’s draw is its libertarian ethos while others are hungry for change.

Government philosophies aside, however, when the concept of incorporation is boiled down to its logistics, the water remains murky. A number of factors make Big Sky

Kay Reeves and Dick Fast were two of the group’s three members who stuck with the chamber subcommittee through its end in 2009. Both say that given the density standard, among others, incorporating Big Sky would be challenging but feasible.

The irony—and challenge—in trying to approach the incorporation process is that while the goal is to create a government, no such centralized organization exists to help propel the effort “I think [incorporation is] certainly doable,” said Fast, a 20-year resident of Big Sky. “It’s just going to take a few people, or a group of people, working on some of those details.” He added that the group, likely a dedicated volunteer citizen initiative, would need to be “willing to do the work, want to see it happen, and are patient enough to take a few arrows to the body."

“The way the process has it set up, you go through all of those logistical things and then it goes to a vote,” Fast said. “And I think you then either accept the outcome of that vote or you don’t. The problem is we’ve never gotten to that vote.”

2021 TOP STORIES

39 December 31 - January 13, 2021

Explore Big Sky

Montana inaugurates new leadership amid national political drama

BY BELLA BUTLER

College votes from some states. Rosendale also announced his support for opposition to some state’s votes.

HELENA – The state of Montana ushered in new leadership into its Congressional delegation and state executive office at the start of 2021, preceding the inauguration of Joe Biden as president of the United States and the political drama surrounding it.

Republican Greg Gianforte, Montana’s former Congressman and 25th governor, was inaugurated before the start of the Legislature on the morning of Jan. 4. The new governor enters office after a 12-point victory over Democratic opponent and former lieutenant governor, Mike Cooney.

In the middle of the U.S. Senate’s confirmation process of the Electoral College votes on Jan. 6, “stop the steal” protesters stormed and sieged the Capitol building in D.C., effectively stalling the proceedings until later that night. Following the violence, Daines released a statement at 5:30 p.m. saying he would not oppose any votes.

Montana inaugurated elected leaders amid national political tensions including

the pandemic and the U.S. Capitol riots on Jan. 6, 2021. PHOTO BY COLIN After campaigning on a promise to focus his LLOYD / UNSPLASH COVID-19 efforts on protecting the most vulnerable and relying on personal responsibility rather than government mandates, Gianforte held a press conference on Jan. 5 announcing a shift in the state’s approach to COVID-19.

“We will issue new directives and guidance to replace the existing ones,” he said.

“There will be changes. Some guidance and directives will be revised.”

Montana voters also decided to send Republican Sen. Steve Daines back to Washington, D.C. for another term to join Democratic Sen. Jon Tester. Montana’s sole Representative seat was won by Republican Rep. Matt Rosendale.

Following President Donald Trump’s accusations of an unfair election, Sen. Steve Daines announced on Jan. 2 that if an election commission did not audit the Nov. 3, 2020 election that he would join 12 other Republican senators in opposing Electoral

“Today is a sad day for our country,” Daines wrote.

“The destruction and violence we saw at our Capitol today is an assault on our democracy, our Constitution and the rule of law, and must not be tolerated … We will not let today’s violence deter Congress from certifying the election. We must restore confidence in our electoral process.

We must, and we will, have a peaceful and orderly transition of power.”

A spokesperson later released another statement saying that Daines’ goal in opposing votes was never to overturn the election but rather to raise concerns for Americans lacking confidence in elections.

Sen. Tester also released a statement following the disruption at the Capitol.

“I join my Republican and Democratic colleagues in condemning this despicable and dangerous attack on our democracy.

The election is over—and the time for the baseless objections that do nothing but undermine our Constitution is over too. Now is the time for both sides to come together to solve the pressing problems facing our nation, not rip it apart.”

JANUARY 15

The New West: Is Gallatin County sacrificing its elk to rural sprawl?

APRIL 8

BY TODD WILKINSON

EBS ENVIRONMENTAL COLUMNIST Were Holly Pippel not a nature photographer, real estate associate and manager of a small business here in the valley, her perspective could easily be dismissed by those who deny that what’s happening in the southern Gallatin Valley is steadily progressing toward a point where habitat for migratory elk is permanently lost, as sprawl replaces old farms and ranches.

She and a growing number of residents don’t want that to happen.

TODD WILKINSON: Your images of elk in the Gallatin Valley are both stunning and eye-opening. When did you first start taking photographs of wapiti?

HOLLY PIPPEL: When I first moved to the Gallatin Valley in 1995, elk and other wildlife soon became a passion of mine. Spending time in the mountains and valley horseback or on foot with my camera became my quiet place to soak up the sounds, smells and behavior of the wildlife here. My hope is that this specialness will not be lost to sprawl.

Elk cross the road in Gallatin Gateway. PHOTO BY HOLLY PIPPEL

T.W.: Your photos are going to be important as historic visual touchstones— hopefully not eulogies. What are some of the changes you’ve witnessed in terms of development and elk behavior over time?

H.P.: Over time there have been big changes in the valley, as to be expected. All of these areas need to be given the respect they deserve. The “Gateway Elk,” as I call them, have had trials and tribulations, as well as the “salad days” when the herds had more space. Add COVID-19 into this equation and that brought the masses to the outdoors and closer to the hidey holes on public lands where wildlife get recharged for another day.

T.W.: You are based in Gallatin Gateway where … traffic loads on Highway 191 have swelled, often dominated by construction worker commuters heading south to work at Big Sky. What are conservation-minded people in Gateway talking about these days?

H.P.: One of the looming hurdles and stresses they currently face on a daily basis is traffic and growth with no zoning or thoughtfulness for our wildlife. This and growth are the main topics most of us who have lived years or lifetimes in the valley speak about. I live off of Highway 191 and it sometimes takes me 10 minutes to pull out and often it is a Hail Mary move.

T.W.: And how is the traffic manifesting itself with regard to wildlife?

H.P.: The lack of care our valley drivers show for the elk, turkeys, deer or whatever species, as those animals try to cross roads to water, grazing, calving grounds and sheltered nap areas is mind boggling to me. If the people wanting to drive fast to go to work in Big Sky, a more suitable route is Huffine to 191.

2021 TOP STORIES

40 December 31 - January 13, 2021

Explore Big Sky

Big Sky Ski Patrol votes to unionize

BY JOSEPH T. O’CONNOR

unofficially outside of work to discuss the direction the ski patrol was headed, according to a BSSP Organizing Committee email obtained by EBS.

BIG SKY – After a monthslong process following years of internal negotiations between workers, directors and management, the Big Sky Resort Professional Ski Patrol last spring voted to unionize.

In a 69-21 vote tallied on April 29, patrollers at Big Sky Resort chose to be represented by the United Professional Ski Patrols of America, a labor union organized under the Communications Workers of America, in an effort to gain better working conditions along with more competitive wages and benefits, patrol representatives said.

The vote has been a long time coming, according to 15-year patrol veteran Noah Ronczkowski.

“It was unanimous that the working conditions, wages, and benefits were not sustainable to make this job a career,” the email read. “It was decided that unionization would be a last resort.”

Big Sky Resort Professional Ski Patrol on April 29 voted to unionize by a tally of 69-21. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO

“I can’t necessarily speak for everyone on the ski patrol,” said Ronczkowski, 39, who has been part of the group pushing for better conditions since 2014, “but I do feel like I understand what a lot of [patrollers] are saying and feel like I can speak fairly well on behalf of the majority of the 77 percent of people who voted yes to unionize the ski patrol.”

Big Sky’s patrol joined Crested Butte, Steamboat and Telluride in Colorado, as well as Utah’s Park City and Stevens Pass in Washington, all represented by CWA. On May 3, Breckenridge ski patrollers in Colorado voted to unionize under CWA by a vote of 43-42. Last month, Keystone patrol voted against organizing a union.

While discussions have been underway since the 1980s, the most recent negotiations at Big Sky Resort began in 2014 when a group of nine ski patrollers began meeting

Over the next six years, the group sought to negotiate with resort directors and management without forming a union, and in 2019 proposed three requests to resort management: healthcare, paid time off and annual cost of living adjustments, or COLA, to keep wages consistent with the increasing cost of living and working in a resort town like Big Sky.

“We respect and appreciate the thoughtful discussions our Ski Patrol team has had while in the union organization process,” said Troy Nedved, general manager for Big Sky Resort, in a statement to EBS. “Ultimately, we are one team who share a common passion for skiing in Big Sky, and we are committed to moving forward and working together to provide the best workplace possible.”

The summer and offseason hold negotiations for both sides: the patrollers and the resort. But no guarantees exist for unionizing at this point, according to Ronczkowski.

“It doesn’t guarantee anything at all,” he said. “The only thing it guarantees is a seat at the table.”

Mira Brody contributed reporting to this story.

MAY 5

Extreme drought fans wildfires in Big Sky, American West EBS STAFF

A newly installed artificial intelligence camera detected the Shedhorn Fire 13 miles from its perch atop Lone Mountain. The cause remains unknown, according to the Forest Service.

BIG SKY – Montana’s wildfire season started early in 2021, burned late and colored the Treasure State’s skies with smoke from June through October. Scorching nearly 940,000 acres across the state, fires this year burned the most acreage since 2017.

“We use artificial intelligence to detect smoke as quickly as we can see it,” said Arvind Satyam, Pano AI’s chief commercial officer at a Sept. 29 press event. “Over the course of Monday and the last two days, we were able to demonstrate this technology.”

As much of the West—and most of Montana— experienced extreme to exceptional drought conditions this past year, Big Sky was no exception.

Once the AI camera picks up smoke, it sends an alert back to a 24/7 Pano AI intelligence center, where experts analyze the data, determine if it’s a fire incident, and notify the fire department.

The South Fork Loop Fire, which started on June 17 at the trailhead just west of Hummocks and Uplands trails in Big Sky, was contained following a rapid response by the Big Sky Fire Department and partnering agencies.

Aircraft were critical in containing the Shedhorn Fire, but for the first two days crews were on scene, officials were forced to call off flights providing water drops and mapping due to drones flying in the area.

“We have to be diligent to minimize unnecessary ignitions this year because this is just a sneak peek into how volatile of a fire season this could be for us,” BSFD stated in a June 18 press release.

“When they fly, we can’t,” said Shedhorn Incident Commander Jay Fassett. “Everything goes away, in the middle of whatever they’re doing. The helicopters went back to Ennis, the air attack went back to Bozeman.

Drones pose a serious threat to air operations and can take aircraft out “like a bird strike,” he said.

At the time—considered early for Montana’s wildfire season to begin—three active fires were burning near Townsend, in Red Lodge and in the Pryor Mountains.

“Be super careful out there,” said Big Sky Fire Department Deputy Chief Seth Barker. “We’re in a very dangerous season.”

Until early fall, the Big Sky area escaped additional wildland fires. Then, on Sept. 27, a blaze ignited in the Taylor Fork drainage south of Big Sky sending a plume of gray smoke into the air and eventually burning 75 acres.

JUNE,SEPT.

Smoke from the Shedhorn Fire in the Taylor Fork drainage was visible for up to 20 miles. The blaze, one of two in the Big Sky area over a lengthy 2021 fire season, burned 75 acres.

PHOTO BY JOSEPH T. O’CONNOR

With air operations on hold, 41 firefighters were left to work the fire from the ground before two 20-person hand crews arrived to support suppression efforts.

“The first day it started, the fire would have been out if it wasn’t for that drone,” Barker said at the Sept. 29 press event.

2021 TOP STORIES

41 December 31 - January 13, 2021

Explore Big Sky

Workforce housing remains top Big Sky concern State awards nearly $7M to local efforts

BY BELLA BUTLER

rate is 0 percent in Big Sky, and 80 percent of the local workforce commutes from Gallatin Valley each day.

Workforce housing issues in Big Sky are nothing new. In 2013, EBS ran a threepart series on the local housing crisis.

Ron Edwards, general manager of the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District, remembers the challenges being prevalent nearly 30 years ago.

After the board of housing voted against allocating the project LIHTC funding in October, it later approved $6.49 million to RiverView.

“It just allows this total project to move forward, which will add up to 400 beds for local workers,” said Laura Seyfang, executive director of the housing trust.

“It was the same in ’95,” Edwards told EBS in 2013. “I remember going to a realtor, trying to find somewhere [to live] back then. Same deal.”

So, Edwards moved to Four Corners and has lived there ever since, commuting 45 minutes four days a week to his office in the Big Sky Meadow Village.

The Big Sky Housing Trust was awarded $6.49 million in November for the RiverView workforce housing project. Here, crews work across Highway 64 from the RiverView site, on the modular Powder Light workforce housing in late December. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO

Since the pandemic rattled Big Sky, the housing problem has grown to a tipping point. In the first quarter of 2021, according to data from the Gallatin Association of Realtors, the average listing price for a singlefamily home in Big Sky was $2.4 million. The area median income for a family of four was $88,900.

The Big Sky Housing Trust became a nonprofit in 2020 and aims to address these issues head on. The efforts paid off on Nov. 15 when the Montana Board of Housing on Nov. 15 awarded $6.49 million to a workforce housing project in Big Sky known as the RiverView Apartments.

The housing trust currently reports that the average monthly rental price in Big Sky is $1,200 per bedroom. Affordability aside, the trust says the long-term rental vacancy

The RiverView project was announced in January 2021 as a collaborative project between the housing trust and local developer Lone Mountain Land Company.

The housing trust will develop 25 of the project’s units, and LMLC will develop the remaining 75.

With the LIHTC award and $1.9 million in resort tax funding from the Big Sky Resort Area District, the housing trust still remains between $2 million and $3 million short of its budget, Seyfang said. To close the gap, the housing trust will take out a loan and seek support from the community.

RiverView is scheduled to open its doors to occupants in August of 2023, a timeline coinciding with the completion of the forthcoming water resource recovery facility expansion.

LMLC is also developing the first phase of Powder Light, a $17 million workforce housing project that will house 228 workers. Phase 1 of the modular building project is slated for completion in early summer 202.

NOVEMBER 19

Rock Legends Foo Fighters to play in Big Sky, Montana

DECEMBER 3

Headline concert set for Aug. 10, 2022 as part of Outlaw Partners’ Peak to Sky event BIG SKY– Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Foo Fighters are set to take the stage at the Big Sky Events Arena in Big Sky Town Center on Aug. 10, 2022 as part of their LIVE IN NORTH AMERICA 2022 tour. The band will open with a headline show for the 2022 Peak to Sky concert series, co-executive produced by Outlaw Partners and Laura Glass / Cocolittle Media.

The Big Sky Events Arena is an intimate, 5,000-capacity venue in Big Sky, Montana, and home to Outlaw Partners’ 8X award-winning Big Sky PBR among other events. With 11,166-foot Lone Mountain as the backdrop, this Foo Fighters show will offer one of the most unique and iconic live music experiences on the tour which spans major U.S. cities.

“Dreams will come true for music fans in August,” said Outlaw Partners Founder & Chairman Eric Ladd. “History will be made with Foo Fighters in Big Sky— imagine one of the finest rock bands playing an intimate Montana setting; not much more can be said other than get ready to be part of the most amazing concert of 2022.”

Foo Fighters are a staple of American rock. Since their conception in 1994, Dave Grohl and bandmates Nate Mendel (bass guitar), Pat Smear (guitar), Taylor Hawkins (drums), Chris Shiflett (lead guitar) and Rami Jaffee (keyboards) have spanned the spectrum of classic alternative to adrenaline-pumping hard rock that sells out arenas across the globe.

Foo Fighters will rock the Big Sky Events Arena this summer during their American tour. PHOTO COURTESY OF FOO FIGHTERS

Over their decades-long career, Foo Fighters have won 12 Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album four times, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year. Their 10th and latest album, Medicine at Midnight, is out now.

fans among rodeo-style bleachers surrounding a dirt arena in the spacious mountains of Big Sky. Peak to Sky was an idea that McCready and Ladd hatched on the chairlifts at Big Sky while skiing a few winters ago. The goal was to bring amazing music to Big Sky and curate some of the most memorable concerts.

The inaugural Peak to Sky event in 2019 was curated by Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready and came to life offering two days of world class music to an assembly of

“Peak to Sky is back in 2022 and I’m stoked Foo Fighters will headline Aug. 10th,” says McCready.

2021 TOP STORIES

42 December 31 - January 13, 2021

Explore Big Sky

Montage Big Sky opens doors to Montana’s biggest building

BY BELLA BUTLER

booked out across the board—restaurants, spas, and lodging—until mid-January.

BIG SKY – A new luxury resort opened its doors in Big Sky this month. Now the largest building in Montana, Montage Big Sky’s more than half-a-million square feet reflect the enormity of the mountains surrounding the structure.

Montage, a self-proclaimed ultra-luxury hotel management company headquartered in Irvine, California, adds the Big Sky property, located in the heart of the Spanish Peaks Mountain Club, to its eight other destinations, now covering ground from the Northern Rockies to as far as the Bahamas.

Rick Riess, vice president of operations of Montage International and managing director of Montage Big Sky, says the $400-million Big Sky property is particularly special.

Montage broke ground in fall of 2018 and opened to guests on Dec. 15. Lone Mountain Land Company, the development affiliate of Boston-based firm and Yellowstone Club owner CrossHarbor Capital Partners, owns Montage Big Sky, and Montage will serve as the resort’s managing partner.

Montage has already become acquainted with many of the same difficulties that other Big Sky businesses face, according to Riess. (left to right) CrossHarbor Capital Partners Co-Founder and Managing Partner Sam Byrne, Montage International Founder, Chairman and CEO Alan Fuerstman and Montage Big Sky Managing Director Rick Riess cut the ribbon to Montage Big Sky in early December.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTAGE

“Without a doubt our two biggest challenges are housing and staffing,” he said. As of Dec. 10, Riess said the resort was staffed at about 75 percent of its optimum workforce of 350. He added that they have near a dozen people “in queue ready to come work” when Montage and LMLC find them housing.

“It’s like where all the stars have aligned,” Riess told EBS in a Dec. 10 interview. “It’s got this spectacular setting where we’re looking out at the Spanish Peaks and the mountains all around us.”

In addition to the natural amenities, Riess said, the building is a wonder all its own: finishes include regional wood and stone, and high-end local art adorns the interior.

The resort, which is open to the public, features indoor and outdoor pools, six restaurants, a spa and fitness center, ice skating rink, and bowling alley along with ski-in/ski-out access to Big Sky Resort slopes and the Spanish Peaks Golf Course for lodging guests.

The resort includes 150 guestrooms and suites that start at $1,500 per night, starting at $750 in shoulder seasons as well as 39 private residences. Riess said the resort is already

“Every day we get new applicants,” he said. “Now is the challenge of trying to find a place for them to live.”

Montage Big Sky is currently being supported in part by approximately 50 managers from other Montage properties that will remain on site in Big Sky through the start of the season.

For Riess, who’s been with Montage for seven years, this will be his 24th hotel opening.

And, as “the guy that’s responsible for running the operation,” as he says, he will oversee the property until it’s stabilized, perhaps longer.

“One of our values and goals in our business is to be a positive member of the community,” Riess said, adding that the resort intends to be involved with local charities.

DECEMBER 17 TOP SOCIAL POSTS

Big Sky Town Hall Series: Living in Bear Country A discussion about bears in Greater Yellowstone, including famous Grizzly 399.

An Explore Big Sky collaboration with Mountain Journal.

It worked! Just in time for Opening Day at @bigskyresort Mother Nature came through after a successful pray for snow party at @bigskytowncenter #prayforsnow #dumping #openingdayeve #thanksgiving

Powerhouse rock band Foo Fighters, 2021 inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will take the stage at the Big Sky Events Arena in Big Sky Town Center on Aug. 10, 2022 as part of their LIVE IN NORTH AMERICA 2022 tour.

portion of the Planned Unit Development moves Flatiron developer Middle Fork Properties one step closer to breaking ground on the 2,635-unit development at the northeast base of Andesite Mountain.

Flatiron development reporting The Gallatin County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously advanced the Flatiron development project at a Dec. 10 meeting, hoisting the large project over the first of many regulatory hurdles it’s likely to face.

At an inflection point in an uphill battle against public scrutiny, the commission’s approval of the Gallatin County

MIDDLE FORK PROPERTIES over the flatiron photo

Middle Fork representatives first proposed the development to the Big Sky Zoning Advisory Committee at a six-hour Aug. 2 meeting.

At a subsequent meeting, the committee recommended the county deny the PUD, though members of the county commission later said the public comment that informed much of the committee’s decision did not directly address the zoning issues at hand.

CELEBRATE WINTER IN THE HEART OF BIG SKY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3 5 pm | Viking XC Ski Race | Big Sky Resort Nordic Center FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 3 pm | Frozen Foot Fun Run | BASE Community Center 4 pm | Ice Sculpting Demonstration | Town Center Plaza 6-7:30 pm | Retro Movie Night | Lone Peak Cinema The Independent, Featuring Scot Schmidt and Dan Egan and Warren Miller Movie Clips 7-9 pm | Silent Disco | Town Center Plaza | Music provided by Daniel Kern and Beacon Collective

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 9 am - 4 pm | Winter Fest Ice Sculpting Competition | Town Center Plaza 12 pm - 4 pm | Best of the West Skijoring Competition | Town Center 6 pm | Skijoring Calcutta, 406 Agave Ice Bar | Town Center Plaza 7 pm - 9 pm | Winter Street Dance, featuring FORESTER | Town Center Plaza SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6 11 am - 4 pm | Best of the West Skijoring Championship | Town Center 5 pm | Closing Ceremony and Awards | Town Center Plaza

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PARCEL TBD HWY S-278

BIG SANDY 26,000± ACRES | PRODUCTION RANCH | $17,450,000 DON PILOTTE 406.580.0155

DILLON 350± ACRES | UNDEVELOPED LAND | $2,275,000 JAMIE ROBERTS 406.209.3069

TBD BEAVER CREEK WEST LOTS 23 & 24

21 SITTING BULL ROAD, UNIT #1313

GALLATIN CANYON 40± ACRES | FORESTED LAND | $1,950,000 DON PILOTTE 406.580.0155

MOUNTAIN VILLAGE HILL CONDO GROUND FLOOR UNIT | 1 BD + 1 BA | $425,000 JAMIE ROBERTS 406.209.3069

BHHSMT.COM | 406.995.4060 55 LONE PEAK DRIVE, STE. 3 BIG SKY TOWN CENTER

©2021 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

At First Security Bank, Totally Free Checking really is FREE! Free of minimum balances and hidden weekly, monthly, or annual fees. We also have three great interest-bearing accounts to fit your every need.

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2022 Big sky T E D x B i g S k y Ideas Festival S P E A K E R L I N E U P 1/27

Round Table Discussion

1/28

Live Musical Performance

Senters-McDermott Red Thunder 1/29 Lisa 1/30 Marcus Ken Scott Julie Ryan McGue Rev. Briana Lynn Saul Martinez Nick & Mike Fiorito Todd Dittmann Monique Benabou

Jan Winburn Tom Spruance Ben & Azrya Bequer Tim Tate Bruce Anfinson

Warren Miller Performing Arts Center

Peter Mathieson

TEDxBigSky.com