6 February 11 - 24, 2022
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Explore Big Sky
BASE community center opens March 13
Two snowmobilers perish in separate area incidents
EBS STAFF
EBS STAFF
BIG SKY – Big Sky Community Organization has officially announced that the long-awaited BASE community center will open to the public on Sunday, March 13. BASE, Big Adventure Safe Environment, will be open to all who live, work and visit as Big Sky’s first community and recreation center, states a Feb. 9 BSCO release.
WEST YELLOWSTONE/BIG SKY – Two snowmobilers died in separate incidents the week of Feb. 6, one in an avalanche near West Yellowstone, the other resulting from a tree strike in Big Sky.
BSCO raised more than $20 million to complete the project, from purchasing 3.3 acres of parkland, building and improving the ice rink, and creating the 27,000 square foot community center. There will be something for everyone at BASE, said Whitney Montgomery, chief executive officer for BSCO in the Feb. 9 release. “We look forward to serving our community with an accessible, year-round indoor recreation and fitness facility.” BASE will feature a climbing and bouldering wall; a full gymnasium; a fully equipped fitness center; arts and culture education wing; meeting and classroom space; children’s play area; and open gathering spaces. BSCO will host open houses on March 11 and 12 at BASE for community members to stop by and preview offerings and programs available. Membership passes will also be on sale on these dates.
FOBSE presents $80,000 in scholarships for LPHS Class of 2022 EBS STAFF Friends of Big Sky Education is now accepting applications for their Community Scholarship Program for Lone Peak High School seniors. These scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors for college and other post-secondary education programs. For the Class of 2022, fundraisers Anne Marie Mistretta, Marsha McKillop and Kirsten King have raised $80,000 from 88 individual donors, 10 local organizations and agencies as well as 27 local businesses. Co-founded in 2014 by Anne Marie and her husband, Jerry Mistretta, FOBSE’s mission is to enhance and support Big Sky students and the greater Big Sky community. Since the Community Scholarship Program’s inception in 2015, FOBSE has raised over half a million dollars, awarding 111 LPHS seniors. “The Big Sky community has been incredibly supportive of this initiative,” Anne Marie wrote in a statement to EBS. “Since we started the project, contributions have nearly tripled. The community’s generosity has been amazing. It is clear that this community expects our students to continue studying after high school and will support them financially toward that goal.” Scholarship applications are due Feb. 22 and awards will be announced on April 5.
The West Yellowstone Dispatch Center on Feb. 6 received a report of an injured snowmobiler caught in an avalanche in the Dry Fork of Denny Creek, west of West Yellowstone, according to a Gallatin Media Center press release. Bradie Harold Becker, 30, of Iowa, was buried in avalanche debris and died of asphyxiation after an hour of unsuccessful CPR, the release said. Becker was wearing a helmet and an avalanche airbag that had been deployed. On Feb. 8, Gallatin County Dispatch received a call of a snowmobile accident on Buck Ridge Trail in Big Sky. The rider reportedly struck a tree and was discovered in cardiac arrest, according to a Gallatin County Sheriff ’s Office statement. The patient, 64-year-old Anthony Pace from New York City, was declared deceased at the Big Sky Medical Center after Big Sky Search and Rescue attempted lifesaving efforts.
Eighth Annual Give Big event raises funds for local nonprofits EBS STAFF GALLATIN COUNTY – One Valley Community Foundation is hosting their Eighth Annual Give Big Gallatin Valley to help raise funds for local Gallatin Valley nonprofits. The 24-hour long initiative will take place from 6 p.m. on May 5 to 6 p.m. on May 6. Over the past eight years, the community has raised over $8.5 million for more than 210 nonprofits. “[Give Big is] a great way for your organization to connect with new and existing donors to raise critical funding for your work and to gain exposure for your nonprofit,” said Bridget Wilkinson, president and CEO of the One Valley Community With a focus on equity, all participating nonprofits are eligible for prizes when they share how their organization focuses on equity. Additionally, there will be registration fee discounts for organizations who face economic barriers. The deadline for nonprofits located in or serving Gallatin Valley to participate is March 15. Register your nonprofit at www.GiveBigGV.org.
One&Only Moonlight Basin announces summer 2024 opening EBS STAFF
BIG SKY – Kernzer International Holdings Limited and Lone Mountain Land Company on Feb. 2 announced the introduction to One&Only Moonlight Basin in Big Sky. The ultra-luxury resort and exclusive private homes community will be designed by renowned architect firm Olsen Kundig. This will be the first One&Only resort and residential community in the U.S. and the brand’s first alpine resort.
One&Only Moonlight Basin will include 73 guest rooms and suites in the main lodge, 19 secluded villas scattered throughout the resort, a ski lodge and a Chenot Spa. One&Only will offer 62 free-standing private residences. “At Moonlight Basin, Lone Mountain Land Company has built a mountain destination that showcases the natural beauty of Montana’s extensive, dramatic landscapes, and I am delighted to introduce One&Only in this unrivalled destination,” said Philippe Zuber, chief executive officer of Kerzner International in a Feb. 2 press release.
