Explore Big Sky - January 25 to February 7, 2024

January 25 - February 7, 2024 Volume 15 // Issue #2

DIERKS BENTLEY, MAREN MORRIS TO HEADLINE WILDLANDS FESTIVAL TRAFFIC: MDT CONSIDERS A ROUNDABOUT NEAR ‘THE CONOCO’ BIG SKY WELLNESS DISTRICT PETITION FAILS ARCTIC COLD SETS REGIONAL RECORDS JC KNAUB REFLECTS ON 50 YEARS IN BIG SKY BSSD TO APPLY FOR ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS GRANT

January 25 - February 7, 2024 Volume 15, Issue No. 2 Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana

PUBLISHER Eric Ladd | eric@theoutlawpartners.com

EDITORIAL

OPENING SHOT On Feb. 1, the third annual Big Sky Winter Ball will raise money and awareness for the Big Sky Community Housing Trust. The event begins at 8 p.m. at The Waypoint, including a live band and open bar. Tickets are for sale online, and organizers emphasize that local workers who may struggle to afford tickets can reach out to the housing trust—many donors and sponsors have purchased tickets to make sure local workers can attend. Pictured here: BSCHT leadership poses at the 2023 Winter Ball with event founder Matt Zaremba (third from right). PHOTO BY JED SANFORD

TABLE OF CONTENTS

VP MEDIA Mira Brody | mira@theoutlawpartners.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jack Reaney | jack@theoutlawpartners.com DIGITAL PRODUCER Jen Clancey | jen@theoutlawpartners.com EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Leslie Kilgore | leslie@theoutlawpartners.com

CREATIVE LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER ME BROWN | maryelizabeth@theoutlawpartners.com

SALES AND OPERATIONS CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Josh Timon | josh@theoutlawpartners.com CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Megan Paulson | megan@theoutlawpartners.com VP DESIGN & PRODUCTION Hiller Higman | hiller@theoutlawpartners.com DIRECTOR OF RELATIONSHIPS Ersin Ozer | ersin@theoutlawpartners.com MARKETING MANAGER Tucker Harris | tucker@theoutlawpartners.com CONTENT MARKETING LEAD Taylor Owens | taylor@theoutlawpartners.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT Sara Sipe | sara@theoutlawpartners.com BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD Patrick Mahoney | patrick@theoutlawpartners.com

4 BRIEFS 9 7 LETTERS 9 OP NEWS 10 LOCAL 12 10 23 REGIONAL 25 DINING 11 26 A&E 28 BUSINESS 32 ENVIRONMENT 14 38 HEALTH 43 FUN

DIERKS BENTLEY, MAREN MORRIS TO HEADLINE WILDLANDS FESTIVAL The 2024 Wildlands Festival in Big Sky will bring country-music stars Dierks Bentley and Maren Morris to Big Sky. Morris will headline Friday, Aug. 2, and Bentley will play the following night, Saturday, Aug. 3. The festival is hosted by Outlaw Partners, which hopes to build on the success of the 2023 Wildlands Festival—with headliners Foo Fighters and Lord Huron, this past summer’s festival raised $500,000 for river conservation.

Wildlands aims to raise awareness and funds for nonprofit organizations dedicated to saving wild and open spaces, while featuring an all-star lineup of musicians.

18

BSSD TO APPLY FOR ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS GRANT A local student-led effort earned Big Sky School District approval to apply for a federal grant to purchase electric buses. Although electric buses cost between $350,000 and $400,000, the federal Clean School Bus Program allows school districts to obtain buses and chargers for just $35,000 each. The Board of the Big Sky School District voted on Jan. 8 to apply for one electric bus, after students answered concerns that electric buses would struggle in Big Sky’s cold temperatures and high altitude.

20

JC KNAUB REFLECTS ON 50 YEARS IN BIG SKY Jonathan Clyde “JC” Knaub moved to Big Sky with his father in 1973.

Since ‘73, JC has been building parts of the Big Sky community and ski town experience, working and volunteering various jobs on the mountain and in construction. In the next installment of EBS’ series highlighting the few who have been in Big Sky for 50 years, Knaub shared memories and lessons learned from his life in Big Sky.

CONTRIBUTORS

ON THE COVER:

Allison Bradac, Scott Brown, Kaley Burns, Mario Carr, Libby Coltea, Rachel Hergett, Addy Malinowski, Benjamin Alva Polley, Barbara Rowley, Jed Sanford, Jonathan Stone, Dave Zinn

Outlaw Partners is pleased to announce the 2024 Wildlands Festival lineup taking place Aug. 2-3, 2024, in Big Sky. As the largest conservation-focused outdoor music festival in southwest Montana, Wildlands aims to raise awareness and funds for nonprofit organizations dedicated to saving wild and open spaces while featuring an allstar lineup of musicians. This summer, the two-day festival will feature country music headliners, Maren Morris on Friday, Aug. 2 and Dierks Bentley on Saturday, Aug. 3.

OUTLAW PARTNERS DESIGN

EDITORIAL POLICIES

SCAN FOR TOWN CRIER NEWSLETTER. DAILY NEWS, STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

ARCTIC COLD SETS REGIONAL RECORDS After the mid-January cold snap that brought Montana temperatures more than 30 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, EBS spoke with Gallatin County Sheriff ’s Sergeant Dan Haydon about the safety precautions to take during extreme weather. Record temperatures were set in Dillon, and many communities approached all-time records.

BIG SKY WELLNESS DISTRICT PETITION FAILS A coalition of Big Sky partners is working to withdraw part of Big Sky from the Madison Valley Hospital District and create a wellness district to serve Big Sky’s local service needs. On Jan. 18, Madison County Commissioners hosted a hearing in Virginia City regarding the Big Sky petition to withdraw—the hearing took a surprise turn when Madison County’s clerk and recorder revealed a discrepancy: the petition fell two signatures short, based on methodology that determined only 48 Big Sky residents were eligible to sign, despite more than 200 total signatures being submitted.

TRAFFIC: MDT CONSIDERS A ROUNDABOUT NEAR ‘THE CONOCO’ The Montana Department of Transportation is creating an “Optimization Plan” to address more than $300 million in recommended improvements to U.S. Highway 191 and Montana Highway 64 (Lone Mountain Trail).

As part of its Optimization Plan, MDT has engaged communities for feedback—a group of Big Sky leaders emphasized the need for trafficdecongestion at the 191/64 intersection. A preliminary draft was recently released, showing a roundabout that could decongest traffic by up to 50%.

EBS spoke with officials about the possible solution.

EDITORIAL POLICY

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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.

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.

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.

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ADVERTISING DEADLINE For the February 8th issue February 31st, 2024 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@theoutlawpartners.com © 2024 Explore Big Sky unauthorized reproduction prohibited

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4 January 25 - February 7, 2024

Explore Big Sky

BRIEFS

NEWS IN BRIEF

BSSEF NORDIC VIKING RACES KICKS OFF FIFTH YEAR

AUCTION FOR THE ARTS KICKS OFF 12TH ANNUAL EVENT

EBS STAFF

ARTS COUNCIL OF BIG SKY

The Big Sky Ski Education Foundation kicked off its 2024 Viking Race series with a Wild West community race on Tuesday, Jan. 16. The Wild West race was the first of three throughout January and February, all open to the public to participate in and spectate.

The Arts Council of Big Sky will once again be hosting its Annual Auction for the Arts on Thursday, Feb. 22 in the Grand Ballroom at the Montage Hotel in Big Sky. The event—now in its 12th year—includes a fixed price lottery sale, live and silent auctions, a quick-finish with selected artists, food, drinks and live music.

Each Viking Race starts just outside of the Bunkhouse Deck & Grill at the Big Sky Golf Course. BSSEF provides hot beverages and food for racers and supporters.

Anna Fake has coached the BSSEF Nordic team for three seasons and finds the Viking races special for their ability to host both competitive and relaxed skiers while fostering Big Sky’s Nordic skiing community.

The silent auction catalog, which features more than 100 juried items from local, regional and national artists, is now available for viewing by visiting bigskyarts.org.

This year’s silent auction features pottery, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, furniture and more from artists including Jill Zeidler, Parker Ford, Carrie French, Lorraine Lagerbloom, Betsey Hurd, Tabby Ivy, Kirsten Kainz, Rocky Hawkins, Jennifer Pulchinski, Stella Nall, Adair Peck and Sue Moncada. The artwork was selected from more than 150 submissions and curated to present a wide range of mediums, price points and styles. The silent auction bidding opens at 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 16.

For the young athletes on the BSSEF Nordic team, the event lets younger skiers try out racing for the first time. “It’s a chance for younger kiddos to put on a bib, put on a race suit and push themselves,” Fake said.

The program has prioritized fun and allowed athletes to get serious only if they want to, and grown fast in recent years. In 2021-22, 75% of fifth graders participated, according to former coach Leah Lange. Last year, the program had to cap registration.

Community involvement Fake explained that the Viking Races are great opportunities to get people out on the snow. Each race has a theme, which can be seen in spectator outfits and racer accessories—cowboy hats on top of beanies were a staple for the Wild West race.

The next race is on Feb. 13 and will be Valentine’s-Day-themed, and the season will conclude with disco-themed high energy Viking Relays on Feb. 27—all of which are open to the public for registration.

GOV. GREG GIANFORTE ANNOUNCES RUN FOR SECOND TERM

Those interested in the silent auction will have a chance to see the artwork up close and in person at the Auction Preview event, starting on Friday, Feb. 16, at 5 p.m. in the old Choppers building. The artwork will be set up for viewing through Monday, Feb. 19, and an opening reception will take place from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, featuring live music with complimentary snacks and beverages. Please visit bigskyarts.org for more details on this event.

Tickets for the in-person gala at the Montage are now on sale at bigskyarts.org. This annual fundraiser for one of Big Sky’s longest running non-profits has become one of the region’s most anticipated events of the year and is a great way to support the Arts Council’s mission of enriching the community through artistic experiences, as well as supporting working artists. Proceeds raised from artworks sales help fund the organization’s education programs, including its pioneering Contribute-WhatYou-Can art class fee structure, providing accessible and affordable options for participants of all ages. The Arts Council debuted a brand-new classroom in March of 2022, which includes pottery wheels, two kilns and space for a variety of art classes.

For more information on the Arts Council’s programs, please visit bigskyarts.org.

EBS STAFF Gov. Greg Gianforte will be running for governor in the November election according to reporting by the Associated Press.

The current Montana governor made the announcement on Jan. 16 that he would seek reelection and that he would run with Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras on the republican ticket. He will be facing Montana Democrat Ryan Busse in the gubernatorial election in November.

RECORD-SETTING YEAR FOR BOZEMAN’S AIRPORT EBS STAFF Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport had a record-setting year, according to a Jan. 17 press release. In 2023, BZN moved 2,464,325 passengers, an 8.8% increase over 2022. According to the release, July was the busiest month on record with 286,163 passengers.

“BZN is the seventh busiest airport in the seven-state Northwest Region of the country (region including Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington) and the 92nd busiest airport in the nation in terms of passengers,” the release stated. “… As BZN continues to sustain progressive growth within our market, industry, and community, we look forward to welcoming future economic opportunity for all of southwest Montana.”

United Airlines flew the most passengers in 2023 with Delta and Southwest in second and third. Scheduled passenger and cargo airline operations dropped by .2%, while business jet operations increased by 10.3% and general aviation operations increased by 23.9%.

BZN also highlighted the opening of a $23 million in-line baggage handling system which uses state-of-the-art baggage screening and explosive detection technology.

Other developments include the grand opening of the BZN Market in the B Concourse, rehabilitated general aviation ramps, opening of Taxiway G and expansion on the north side of the airport.

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SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT

CANDIDATE FILING DEADLINE February 12, 2024

Special Purpose Districts are local government entities established to address specific community needs. They play a vital role in Big Sky’s governance. Community members can run for the boards of these organizations to have a direct say in how these essential services are managed. Elections for Special Purpose Districts are held in May of each year.

For more information about available positions and candidate eligibility requirements, contact the district directly.

For more information about the election process including filing documents, contact the Gallatin County Elections Department.

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7 January 25 - February 7, 2024

Explore Big Sky

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, This is Rudy “Kissy Bear” Noorlander. You can thank Explore Big Sky’s Hoary Marmot podcast hosts Joe and Michelle for my new nickname.

Since the bear attack on Sept. 8, I have had some ups and downs but that’s just sometimes how life goes. While I was in the hospital early on my family told me of the media response to the attack and asked me if I wanted to go public with the information. It may have been the drugs I was on at the time, but I said yes.

It really wasn’t the drugs, I figured that if I can help anyone have a smile on their face, help someone gain perspective on life or help someone that may go through similar surgeries, then it would be worth it. I consider all the misinformation that was out there in the early days due to the fact that I was WUI, “writing under the influence” since I couldn’t talk and had to write everything down on a whiteboard.

After my daughter put up the GoFundMe page the support there has been incredible.

I see names on that list of people from my high school days, Navy days and people that

Dear Editor,

I haven’t heard from or seen in years. Some of the people from Big Sky I took care of their houses or condos, some I mowed their laws and some I met during one of my various jobs that I have done since I arrived in Big Sky in 1988. Even the owner of the old Mountain Lodge, my first job in Big Sky, donated.

I just want to publicly thank all of you for your support, encouragement, prayers and donations.

I think the aftermath of not knowing when or if I can get back to work, how I am going to pay bills and whether my business will survive this is scarier than the actual bear attack. The bear attack was like any kind of accident, it was over in an instant but felt like it took forever.

I have been back at my house in Bozeman for a while now and as soon as snow gets here, I hope to get back to work. I still have a couple of surgeries to go which will be in April and June hopefully. After those surgeries, if all goes well, I will be able to start eating from my mouth again. After my last visit to Utah in December I passed my swallow test, which clears me to be able to finally drink things down my throat. Granted without much of a bottom lip, I have to use a syringe to get it far

Partway down the mountain road, Amy called me to say she got hold of the eye doctor, Erica Perlman and to The Big Sky medical community go directly to her Office. Seriously? is outstanding—they go the I was so grateful that Amy was extra mile. persistent to reach Dr. Perlman and It was New Year’s Eve day when I thankful and appreciative that Erica discovered that I scratched my eye. would come in on Sunday, New Year’s Eve to see me. These are both I thought it would get better but extreme examples of going the extra as the day progressed, so did the pain and discomfort. My husband mile and really caring for the people in their community. drove me to the B2 Urgent Care center at the base of the mountain We met Dr. Perlman at her office, as we live nearby.

Big Sky Eyes. She was incredibly professional. A quick look into my This is when the outstanding eye and she said, I am indeed lucky service began. Upon check-in, that she was around. She put drops they first checked with the nurse if in and put a healing contact lens they had ophthalmology medicine over the tear to help it heal. She at this location so as to not waste checked, the pharmacy at Big Sky my time. They confirmed they Medical Center was closed, so she did so I waited to be seen by the gave me some antibiotic eye drops nurse. Amy, the nurse was very and moisturizing drops from her professional and recommended cupboard. She booked a follow-up based on my poor vision and appointment to remove the contact intense pain, that I should ideally lens and check how my eye see theeye doctor in the village. was healing.

Amy went out of her way to call the eye doctor but did not get The Big Sky medical community an answer—no surprise, it was is truly outstanding. Professional a Sunday and it was New Year’s in every way. They care about their Eve. Amy advised best to go to the patients and their community.

Big Sky Medical Center where They go the extra mile and I am they would have more equipment truly grateful. Thank you, Amy than the B2 Urgent Care center and Erica. has and that she would call ahead Sincerely, to them so they were aware I was coming and possibly avoid the Karen Chisholm wait in ER. Big Sky, Montana

enough back in my throat so it doesn’t just all run out. You take for granted all the easy things in life until they are gone. Just the other day I was watching someone drinking out of a bottle and it’s hard that I can’t do that yet. The simple things we all take for granted.

In April they will do another skin graft on my lower lip to try to tighten everything up there. If all goes well there then in June, once swelling has gone down enough, they will work on finishing teeth for my lower jaw.

The main reason that I wanted to reach out and write this letter is to give a BIG Thank You to all those involved in my rescue. From the bottom of my heart “THANK YOU.” I would love to get together with all of you if possible, to thank you in person and meet everyone. I might even recognize a voice or two, who knows.

Sincere Thanks, Rudy “Kissy Bear” Noorlander Bozeman, Montana

9 January 25 - February 7, 2024

Explore Big Sky

OP NEWS

OUTLAW PARTNERS ANNOUNCES 2024 WILDLANDS FESTIVAL LINEUP

DIERKS BENTLEY AND MAREN MORRIS TO PERFORM IN BIG SKY, MONTANA ALONG WITH UNPARALLELED FUNDRAISING EFFORTS TO SAVE WILD AND OPEN SPACES OUTLAW PARTNERS

Wildlands Festival is produced by Outlaw Partners, publisher of Explore Big Sky. Outlaw Partners is pleased to announce the 2024 Wildlands Festival lineup taking place Aug. 2-3, 2024, in Big Sky. As the largest conservationfocused outdoor music festival in southwest Montana, Wildlands aims to raise awareness and funds for non-profit organizations dedicated to saving wild and open spaces while featuring an all-star lineup of musicians. This summer, the twoday festival will feature country music headliners, Maren Morris on Friday, Aug. 2 and Dierks Bentley on Saturday, Aug. 3. Lukas Nelson, famed rock n' roller, will be joining Morris on Friday, and Wyatt Flores, troubadour of the gritty American West, will accompany Bentley on Saturday. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. MST on Monday, Jan. 29 at wildlandsfestival.com.

Bentley, whose 21st-century career has had a rare consistency fueled by longevity, released his tenth studio album “Gravel & Gold” last February. Since releasing his debut album in 2003, Bentley has achieved success with eight more albums that reached the top of the Country sales charts, resulting in 22 number one songs, eight billion streams, three CMA Awards, 15 Grammy nominations and membership into the Grand Ole Opry. Morris will bring a high energy performance to Montana with her blend of country and pop hits that include "The Middle," "My Church," "The Bones," and her recent EP, “The Bridge.” Coming off a tour with The Chicks in 2023, the Nashville artist continues to create music with her own unique sound.

“The 2024 lineup for Wildlands will be one of our best yet,” said Eric Ladd, founder and chairman of Outlaw Partners. “Having our community gather on summer nights to experience incredible musicians while raising money for a great cause is what Wildlands is all about.”

In its fourth year, Wildlands Festival will continue its commitment to celebrate and support wild and scenic lands through musical performances, fundraising, and education in the intimate Big Sky Events Arena with Lone Peak as the backdrop. Last year, over $500,000 was raised for river conservation, an unprecedented amount for such fundraising efforts. The goal is to continue that momentum this year through sponsorships, ticket sales, donations, musical performances and personal connections with those who share a love for wild places.

PRESENTED BY

FRIDAY 8/2

SATURDAY 8/3

TICKETS ON SALE JAN. 29 10AM MT • WILDLANDSFESTIVAL.COM This year’s Wildlands Festival will feature world-class country musicians Dierks Bentley and Maren Morris. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO

them for future generations,” said Josh Timon, chief operating officer of Outlaw Partners. “The caliber of musicians that we are able to bring to such a small and intimate venue would not be possible without the support of partners such as Lone Mountain Land Company, which we are grateful to have supporting such an important cause.”

Timon added, “We are proud that Wildlands Festival supports places that are worth preserving in Big Sky’s backyard, in southwest Montana, and beyond.”

Stay tuned to wildlandsfestival.com for tickets, updates and details.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAREN MORRIS

Also new to this year’s fundraising efforts, Outlaw Partners is accepting applications for nonprofit beneficiaries committed to conservation in wild spaces. Organizations can now apply for support on the festival’s website.

“As we begin to plan for another year as one of the biggest conservation fundraising events in southwest Montana, we look forward to hosting artists, organizations and visitors who love open spaces and know the importance of preserving

Last summer brought Foo Fighters and Lord Huron to the Big Sky Events Arena. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO/TOM ATTWATER

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIERKS BENTLEY

10 January 25 - February 7, 2024

LOCAL

Explore Big Sky

SHERIFF’S SERGEANT DAN HAYDON ADDRESSES FRIGID TEMPS IN MID-JANUARY SOME MONTANA TOWNS HIT ALL-TIME RECORD COLD TEMPS

BY JEN CLANCEY AND MIRA BRODY Over the weekend of Jan. 13, Big Sky saw temps plummet to 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit nightly, with wind chills of minus 40 in some areas.

The weather event brought arctic conditions to Gallatin County and northern U.S. states. Gallatin County Sheriff ’s Sergeant Dan Haydon explained that the extreme weather didn’t harbor unusual calls for Montana winter, but that because of the dangerous cold, those calls required more urgency due to the potential consequences.

“Ordinary calls become extraordinary during severe weather,” Haydon said on the phone with EBS. “When we have this bad of weather, the consequences of sliding off or getting in a minor fender bender can be hugely higher, because the exposure you have when you get out of your car can be a lot more dangerous.”

If drivers find themselves in accidents or slide-offs, it’s important that they are “proactively staying warm,” according to Haydon. “It’s much more difficult to rewarm yourself if you’ve gotten cold,” he said. This means having extra coats, gloves and hats for cold temps on top of supplies like safety vests or road flares, food and water and a charged cell phone.

He emphasized that immediately working to stay warm in severe weather “can be the difference between maybe just having an uncomfortable time and having a dangerous event that turns into a medical event.”

Safe driving practices such as driving slower and looking further ahead for hazards is important too.

“It’s all about that reactionary gap of being able to see a potential issue, understand what’s going on, and then make the decision to be able to safely control your vehicle,” Haydon said, referring to advice that drivers need to simplify their next move.

“You can either turn or you can stop, but you can’t turn and stop at the same time.”

How Big Sky and Gallatin Valley can support neighbors, the community during extreme weather “During these extreme weather events, we really need to all look out for each other,” Haydon said.

He advised that if a driver sees a slide-off or accident, they should contact the sheriff ’s office when it is safe to do so, this way the sheriff ’s office can attend to the incident as soon as possible.

But beside the more obvious signs of risk on the road, Haydon emphasized looking out for more vulnerable populations. “You also need to be thinking about your neighbors. Do you have an elderly neighbor who might need help with groceries, [or has] enough heaters to make sure that they can stay warm in their house?”

He recommends checking in to make sure that they are comfortable and safe at home.

Cold weather encouraged southwest Montanans to get creative with their outdoor activities. Here, local Big Sky residents toss boiling water into the chilly air. PHOTO COURTESY OF RUTHI SOLARI

Preparing for extreme cold in the future Vehicle and home maintenance is important to address before extreme weather, such as replacing ineffective car batteries and making sure home heating systems work efficiently. In the meantime, Haydon described the Gallatin County Sheriff ’s Office staff dressed in layers, even inside, so they can respond as quickly as possible to calls. “If we do have to go out on the side of the road, we got plenty of layers on so that we can be effective in helping the public.”

Some Montana towns hit records A few communities in southwest Montana saw all-time record cold temps on Jan. 13, including Dillon, which dipped to -42F. Belgrade clocked it’s second coldest temperature at -46F, one degree warmer than the all-time of -45F, and the coldest confirmed windchill in the state was recorded at Judith Peak, at a chilly -74F. The town of Chester, west of Havre, claimed the coldest temperature in the contiguous U.S. at -54F.

Although we survived a cold snap, Montana as a whole has seen much lower in its history, when on Jan. 20, 1954, the mercury dropped to -70F at the 4 K’s mining camp near Rogers Pass along the Continental Divide. This sub-zero temp also marks the lowest temperature in history in the lower 48. The Rogers Pass weather station where this event was recorded was established the spring prior, installed at 5,470 feet. This reading beat out the previous record of -66F, recorded in West Yellowstone on Feb. 9, 1933.

A University of Montana article attributes this extreme to the right time and the right place—4 K’s Mine was located in a small valley at the top of a large mountain pass in five feet of freshly fallen snow. It also occurred around 2 a.m.; early morning hours are often when the temps hit their lowest. While -30F and even an occasional -40F is common in southwest Montana winters today, it has yet to reach the extreme that mining camp did that morning.

11 January 25 - February 7, 2024

L O CA L

Explore Big Sky

WELLNESS DISTRICT PETITION FAILS

HEARING ADJOURNED AFTER BIG SKY MISSES 51% MAJORITY REQUIRED; 219 OF 242 SIGNATURES DID NOT COUNT

BY JEN CLANCEY AND JACK REANEY VIRGINIA CITY—An overflowing crowd attended a hearing conducted by the Madison County Commissioners on Jan. 18 to determine whether a recent Big Sky petition was sufficient for withdrawal from the Madison Valley Hospital District.

The Virginia City hearing was over before it started; lacking the statutory requirement that 51% of qualified residents in the Madison County portion of Big Sky sign the petition, Commissioner Dan Allhands moved to adjourn after 12 minutes.

Madison County Attorney David Buchler suggested that the 10 a.m. meeting begin with a count of signatures. “Because if there is not that 51% number met, then there is no petition before the commissioners… From our position, that’s the threshold,” Buchler said.

Paula McKenzie, clerk and recorder, and election administrator, announced the results:

Cars lined the quiet Wallace Street of Virginia City, and the boardroom was full by 9:30 a.m., a half-hour before the hearing began. A few Big Sky residents drove Jack Creek Road, opened for those attending the hearing. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

“There were 48 qualifying names,” McKenzie said, loud and clear so the crowd displaced outside the main boardroom could hear.

on completing the petition under the current legal framework,” they wrote.

After her office received the petition on Dec. 20, discussion with the county attorney’s office “to determine the method to qualify the signatures” resulted in a total count of 48 qualifying names, McKenzie explained. Of those, 23 verified signatures brought the petition to 48%.

Although the Madison County Clerk and Recorder’s office received a total of 242 signatures, less than 10% counted.

Two more qualified and verified signatures were needed to break 51%—and for the hearing to take place.

Who was qualified to sign?

Commissioner Dan Allhands set basic ground rules before the hearing, but those rules wouldn’t be necessary. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

“So therefore we cannot legally hold this hearing,” Allhands concluded at 10:05 a.m., and after seven minutes of informal public comment, he moved to adjourn.

A partner coalition consisting of Wellness in Action, Big Sky Owners Association, Big Sky Fire Department, Big Sky Resort Area District, Big Sky Community Food Bank and Resource Center and local health care providers have worked on withdrawal and formation processes since last year. After potential withdrawal from the Madison Valley Hospital District, Big Sky would form its own wellness district and redirect existing tax dollars toward the Big Sky service area, meeting the needs of the community.

In a follow-up email to EBS, Buchler clarified the status of the petition moving forward: “At this point, there is no petition relating to the Madison Valley Hospital District for [the] Board to consider.”

Asked about the next steps for Big Sky’s wellness district coalition should they wish to pursue the efforts further, Buchler wrote, “the Petitioners will need to comply with the relevant statutes relating to efforts to withdraw from a hospital district.”

Buchler could not comment on the timeline for another attempt. However, Montana Code Annotated states that “No petition for withdrawal

McKenzie said the office cross-referenced with the Montana State Library (cadastral), removed any signee who was not a resident of Montana, removed any signee who did not have buildings on their property as a sign of occupancy, and removed any trusts or LLCs not registered within the boundary of concern. “Most of the LLCs are not, unfortunately,” McKenzie clarified.

Although a period for public comment never began, attendees began asking questions to the panel.

On Thursday, a hearing in Virginia City was held to decide whether the Madison County portion of Big Sky could withdraw from the Madison Valley Hospital District. Big Sky property taxes currently fund $1.7 million to Madison Valley Medical Center. PHOTO BY JOHN ZIRKLE

shall be entertained or acted upon by the board unless the same is filed before Dec. 31 of the preceding year.”

Daniel Bierschwale and Sarah Blechta—executive director and board chair, respectively, of the Big Sky Resort Area District which outlined a process for how the community could pursue changes to the hospital district among other potential actions in its Big Sky Roadmap—wrote comments to EBS after the hearing.

“We look forward to continuing the process and supplementing the signature count to meet the threshold, as necessary,” they wrote in response to the question of whether this permanently ends the effort toward the wellness district.

“The coalition believes the statute is clear and allows for this withdrawal, we are presently focused

“I just want to clarify that I’m understanding: taxpayers in Big Sky have been disqualified from this petition because they aren’t registered LLCs in Montana,” asked Big Sky resident Kris Corzine.

McKenzie confirmed.

She later clarified the requirements: “To qualify, you have to be a taxpayer residing in, and owning property within the area desired to be withdrawn,” McKenzie said.

Commissioner Bill Todd, who represents Madison County’s District 3 including Big Sky, chose not to respond to follow-up questions from EBS. Commenting from BSRAD, Bierschwale and Blechta wrote that Madison County did not provide any notice before the hearing that 48 was the eligible number of signees, or any pre-hearing count of those 23 eligible who had signed.

“The coalition looks forward to learning more about the decision-making process used by the County Clerk and Recorder to validate signatures,” they wrote to EBS.

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14 January 25 - February 7, 2024

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COULD A ROUNDABOUT DECONGEST BIG SKY TRAFFIC?

AS MDT PURSUES PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITS OPTIMIZATION PLAN, OFFICIALS EXPLORE ALTERNATIVES TO THE CONGESTED TRAFFIC LIGHT NEAR ‘THE CONOCO’

In Big Sky, the intersection of U.S. Highway 191 and Montana Highway 64 is known for long delays during morning and evening commutes. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO

BY JACK REANEY BIG SKY—With hundreds of millions of dollars in recommended highway upgrades between Big Sky and Bozeman, one piece of “low hanging fruit” could help reduce traffic congestion: rethinking the intersection between U.S. Highway 191 and Montana Highway 64 (Lone Mountain Trail).

The fruit analogy came from Daniel Bierschwale, executive director of Big Sky Resort Area District, as he introduced the topic of improving Big Sky’s “one way in, one way out” intersection, at BSRAD’s Jan. 10 board meeting. Heeding calls from Big Sky stakeholders including a BSRAD subcommittee led by board member Kevin Germain, the Montana Department of Transportation is now focused on that intersection and considering a roundabout that could potentially reduce intersection delays by up to 50%.

Simulation models are in production and will provide more details specific to the 191/64 intersection, according to MDT. Officials are confident, and Germain summarized a roundabout as “a great tool and a great solution to the problem that we have.”

Crucial to this topic are the physical limitations: the Gallatin River constrains the intersection to the east; private land pinches Highway 64 to the west. Complicated alternatives including cloverleaf bypass renderings likely aren’t feasible or desirable. Even for a relatively simple design like a roundabout, cooperation with adjacent landowners might make or break any potential project.

“In order for us to really make a meaningful change down there, we’re going to need to acquire—or at least get access to—some additional land,” Bierschwale told the BSRAD board. He added that BSRAD has engaged the property owner on the northwest parcel to discuss providing or selling some land for community benefit. An appraisal is being conducted.

Bierschwale sees the 191/64 intersection as “the life blood and our Achilles heel as a community.”

MDT’s 191 corridor study from 2020 was “really well done,” he said, but did not offer prioritized direction to fund the more than $300 million in recommended improvements between Four Corners and Big Sky. It also did not include Montana Highway 64.

To determine the best course of action on that corridor study, MDT and engineering firm HDR began forming an “Optimization Plan” in 2023, drawing heavily on a “context sensitive solutions” process informed by community feedback.

With CSS in mind, a team of Big Sky leaders— assembled for the optimization plan—is asking MDT to prioritize solutions to that highway intersection.

“It’s important to note that a roundabout is being discussed, but that’s just one of several alternatives,” Spencer Dodge, HDR strategic project manager, told EBS. “There’s no final decision made yet, or construction dates set, or anything like that. We’re still going through the stakeholder engagement process and taking comments.”

Dave Gates, MDT district preconstruction engineer, told EBS this is a good concept.

“It appears to work… And one of the key opportunities with this alternative is it minimizes and avoids impacts to the adjacent landscape.

Specifically, our focus is to not make any impacts to the Gallatin River.”

Regardless of the exact outcome, the intersection is on a fast track thanks to relationships developed in the CSS process between MDT and HDR, and Big Sky community leaders.

‘Light years’ faster With priority on the 191/64 intersection, other improvements between Four Corners and Big Sky are in sight.

“This Optimization Plan, the way we’ve rolled it out is a completely different approach than what we’ve done at the department,” Gates said. To get this far took diplomacy, he added.

Bierschwale told EBS the working group of Big Sky stakeholders is “a tactical measure” to streamline communication with MDT. Hearing strong feedback, MDT Director Malcom “Mack” Long came to Big Sky in 2023 and witnessed the reality of local traffic after COVID. “We had their C-suite of executives and people on the ground here trying to listen to us… I’ve seen some really good response out of this group,” Germain said. Bierschwale and Germain both credit MDT leadership including Director Long.

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The 2020 corridor study did not account for Highway 64—technically an MDT auxiliary route that has funding limitations—but MDT recently adjusted the Optimization Plan to include Big Sky’s main road. Germain said MDT acknowledged that Highway 64 is “much more important” than just an auxiliary road.

Dodge said the community engagement process is going well. MDT is fielding an increasing amount of public comment but more public engagement won’t hurt, he said.

“MDT has been a really good partner in this,” Germain said. “But it really does take locals working with MDT to get results… I think this recipe is going to result in improvements to 191 and 64, long term. The reality of where we live, 191 and 64 is our lifeline.”

“Phase one [of the CSS process] has gone really well,” Dodge said. “… As we move into phase two towards the end of 2024, that’s when we’ll start evaluating those alternatives, establishing cost estimates and funding opportunities—the more engineering-focused [work].”

He recognizes the 191/64 corridor has a variety of different users and associated concerns, including wildlife, recreation and safety. HDR has set up issue-based task forces to consider the Optimization Plan through “a really good range of perspectives,” Dodge said.

Accounting for diverse interests can complicate even an easy project, he added, but “we should all take encouragement by the really positive progress that we’ve made in a short amount of time.”

MDT isn’t starting from scratch; with the 191 corridor study already complete, fewer hurdles

to action remain. Gates said this allows MDT to focus more on solutions.

“All those projects that were outlined in that corridor study were vetted through a process of public involvement,” Gates said. Now, the Optimization Plan can enact the study, being flexible to changes since 2020—including the surge of drivers using the 191/64 intersection. Since the COVID growth spurt, Bierschwale said traffic and transportation have become a top-five community challenge for Big Sky. “To have the freedom to think big, think outside of the box and vulnerably say… This is something that could work with the partnership of MDT, Big Sky and adjacent landowners,” Gates said. “Here’s the picture. Now let’s come together and find a way to fund it. Let’s find a way to make it happen.

And that’s what’s super exciting about this Optimization Plan.”

Gates said under normal circumstances for MDT, it would take significantly longer to release any conceptual rendering for a new project like the 191/64 intersection. MDT is “light years ahead” of its typical messaging, he said.

“The stars are aligning for us to be able to pull these things together to demonstrate innovation.”

Who pays? Who benefits?

Gates and Dodge can’t provide a reasonable cost estimate for a roundabout, being an early and incomplete concept. To pay for any potential project, Dodge noted the billions of dollars of federal infrastructure funding available—it’s too early for MDT to zero in on any specific funding process.

Preliminary draft of a possible roundabout. COURTESY OF MDT AND HDR

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“This community is really important to the state of Montana,” Dodge said. “… We’re going to explore all the opportunities that are out there.”

By coincidence, the Gallatin Canyon County Water and Sewer District may need to construct septic-pipe infrastructure through the same intersection. Bierschwale suggested that resort tax mechanisms—like the “1% for infrastructure” tax supporting Big Sky’s new wastewater treatment facility—might help fund the transportation side of Big Sky’s “critical” intersection.

With any reconstruction of Big Sky’s main entrance lies an opportunity to improve its sense of place. When Big Sky Chamber of Commerce CEO Brad Niva began his role in 2021, he encountered a file of proposed entryways, he said at the BSRAD board meeting. Others had noticed a lacking sense of arrival to Big Sky. “We have some of the most expensive real estate in the state of Montana,” Niva said, but turning into Big Sky, that intersection doesn’t show it. He imagines a welcoming and promising installment that matches Lone Mountain’s distant reveal.

If current progress toward a roundabout—or some traffic decongestion project—fails, drivers might be stuck with the current situation. Alternatives include doing nothing, or doing something small like adding a turn lane, and Gates said neither option translates to a meaningful improvement.

Bierschwale is not confident that Big Sky will get another chance.

“There’s a pivotal moment for us to determine whether we’re going to be able to make something happen down at that intersection,” he told the BSRAD board. “Or nothing will happen, ever.”

16 January 25 - February 7, 2024

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BIG SKY SKIJORING PREPARES FOR SIXTH BEST IN THE WEST SHOWDOWN

LONE MOUNTAIN LAND COMPANY COLLABORATES TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR EVENT IN EARLY FEBRUARY

BY JACK REANEY BIG SKY—Big Sky Skijoring will host its sixth annual Best in the West Showdown on Feb. 3 and 4, with schedule changes to improve the flow of daily action.

The Western sport combines horses, skiers and snowboarders in a physical test across an obstacle course—in Big Sky, the course is built south of Town Center. Big Sky’s skijoring event began seven years ago and continues to bring a unique challenge and cowboy crowd to Big Sky. Although BSSJ faced insecurity after last year’s event regarding access to a large plot of land, Lone Mountain Land Company agreed to donate the typical event space for 2024 while BSSJ pursues a longterm location. LMLC owns and plans to develop the vacant land in the future.

BSSJ Director Justa Adams said the Best in the West Showdown is held in a dream location— surrounded by forest and walking distance from Town Center.

The Best in the West Showdown returns to Big Sky on Feb. 3 and 4. PHOTO BY JED SANFORD

“I’m so grateful for [LMLC] for allowing us to do it one more year,” Adams said. “I’m grateful to the Simkins family… The community collaboration of the support in every avenue with so many moving parts… It’s great. It’s wonderful.”

Another spectacle at the event continues last year’s partnership with the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation. BSSEF and BSSJ are bringing Montana-native pro snowmobiler Keith Sayers to perform an FMX freestyle snowmobiling exhibition. During last year’s Showdown, FMX snowmobiler Willie Elam backflipped over skier Colin Cook and rider Richard Webber III as they crossed the finish line. The stunt went viral online and led to a 2024 partnership with Wrangler, according to a BSSJ press release.

“We are pleased to support Big Sky Skijoring,” Bayard Dominick, vice president of planning and development at LMLC, wrote in an email to EBS. “It is an exciting event for locals and visitors. We wish all of the competitors luck.”

For 2024, daily competition will begin at 10 a.m., significantly earlier than past years. By starting earlier, the pro-level open division will begin earlier in the day, ideally starting as early as 2:30 p.m., Adams said.

Throughout the various skill levels, the event has registered 154 teams.

“We were sold out within like three days.

Registration is full,” Adams said. Spectator tickets are still available however, and Adams said prices did not increase over 2023. BSSJ will provide a discount to local workers.

Also new for 2024, social events including registration, the calcutta auction and awards will be moved to Tips Up in Town Center. Adams sees Tips Up as very compatible for the crowd of cowboys and skiers—she also wants to support Lone Mountain Land Company’s businesses as much as possible in gratitude for the land access.

Nashville country artist Matthew Wayne will perform at Tips Up on Friday, Feb. 2 and at The Montage on Satuday, Feb. 3 for the event.

Last winter’s deep snowpack almost caused problems, Adams said. “So much snow it took up a fraction of our parking. We never thought that too much snow would be a problem, but it was.”

While this winter brings the opposite extreme, it won’t take much more snow to build a proper course. Adams does not expect to postpone the event.

PHOTO BY JONATHAN STONE

She recently flagged down a dump truck full of snow from Town Center. A phone call or two later, the truck was delivering a truckload of sidewalk snow to the event space with LMLC’s quick approval. Adams reiterated her gratitude.

“We’re working on some snowmaking right now,” she added.

Lone Mountain Ranch GM Patrick McVey will be managing the course setup. John Delzer, owner of Delzer Diversified Incorporated and RentBiz is donating heavy equipment and operators to build out McVey’s design.

“Patrick McVey’s dedication to this—he and I are the only ones still standing after seven years,” Adams said. “I am forever grateful to him and his knowledge and his commitment to [skijoring] and this community… Without John Delzer providing all the heavy equipment that we need to create this and do this… it would be much more difficult.”

“Our brand is grounded in the spirit of people who work hard, have fun, and showcase courageous individuality,” Clay Hanback, a Wrangler representative, stated in the release. “After seeing the coverage of The Showdown, meeting with their team, and hearing their vision for the future, we clearly found that spirit. We are very excited to be part of the event this year and can’t wait to get out to Big Sky.” Families will be able to meet the snowmobilers and see the sleds up close at the event, Adams added.

On the skijoring track, BSSJ is taking feedback from prior years—riders said Big Sky’s course was challenging. For 2024, it will be more forgiving.

“That doesn’t mean that the open [riders] are not going to have a very hard race to run. They’re going to have a very hard time hitting the gates,” Adams said.

Last year’s open division course included a stunt jump over a hot tub. That element will be back, but for hot-tubbers, Adams will enforce a stricter dress and conduct code to make sure the event remains family-friendly.

Adams looks forward to revealing this year’s design for posters and merchandise to be sold at the event.

Adams is unsure if this year’s event will include any collaboration with Montana State University’s rodeo team—last year’s event included an opening parade with MSU Bobcat Rodeo.

“I have an incredible design this year. I’m so stoked about swag it’s insane,” Adams said. She’s excited about hand-dyed sweatshirts featuring the unique 2024 design.

Title sponsors are LMLC, Lone Mountain Ranch, Delzer Diversified Incorporated and RentBiz. Adams said BSSJ is still accepting sponsorship opportunities.

Merch, sled jumps and hot tub

17 January 25 - February 7, 2024

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BIG SKY ROTARY CLUB TO HOLD GOLD AUCTION FUNDRAISER ON JAN. 26

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHARON DAVISON

BY JEN CLANCEY The Big Sky Rotary Club will hold its annual Gold Auction at The Waypoint on Jan. 26 from 7 to 10 p.m. The auction will raise money for the Big Sky Rotary Club which, according to former president of Big Sky Rotary Sharon Davison, completes enriching and life-saving community projects and collaborates with other Big Sky nonprofits.

Tickets for this year’s event are $100 for prepurchased VIP tickets which include food, drink tickets, raffle tickets, grand prize raffle tickets and a trivia game. At the door, tickets will be $50 and include food and entry into the trivia game. The grand raffle prizes include $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place and $500 for third place. The Rotary aims to raise $40,000 for upcoming projects at the event this year.

“A lot of things we do are used and seen,” Davison said. She explained that the little library structures in town and electrical box covers are thanks to the Rotary and their work with other Big Sky nonprofits.

Beyond community enrichment work, the Rotary also provided the call boxes in the Gallatin Canyon,

which the fire department maintains, and AEDs in different locations throughout town.

Davison said Big Sky Rotary Club is 21 years old and explained that each year, a committee decides how to improve the community through money raised during the auction event.

Davison detailed current work orchestrated by The Rotary, including eye testing for West Yellowstone school students, mapping out places for bike racks and a shaded picnic area. All of these projects are made possible through the auction, which raised $35,000 last year, according to Davison.

A yearly program that Davison highlighted is the Giving Tree, which annually helps between 30 to 40 families and between 55 to 60 kids in need during the holiday season. With the help of people all over the community, Big Sky Rotary Club is able to deliver presents to families before Christmas, usually on Dec. 20.

Davison describes The Rotary as “hands-on” in the way they contribute—often they will fix, maintain and upkeep facilities and public spaces in Big Sky. “Rotary is known for getting in there and helping out around Big Sky,” Davison said.

The Rotary has devoted time to conduct eye testing for West Yellowstone students for the past three years.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHARON DAVISON

18 January 25 - February 7, 2024

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ENVIRONMENT: GO BUS, GO!

LOCAL STUDENTS RECEIVE APPROVAL TO GET BIG SKY’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUS

Lone Peak High School juniors Libby Coltea, Frieda Fabozzi and Addy Malinowski, founders of Big Sky Students for SNO, have championed the e-bus idea and the grant, and presented to the board information documenting the health impacts, climate benefits and economic viability of converting to e-buses.

Malinowski first detailed the health impacts of diesel exhaust for the board, including “causing asthma in kids and adults, and creating lung and heart problems.” Electric buses have no exhaust, and can even be operated on solar-powered chargers, eliminating their carbon emissions, a fundamental goal of the EPA grant.

School buses are the nation’s largest public transportation fleet—nearly three times bigger than all other forms of mass transportation combined—

Because school buses have limited daily range, they are particularly well-suited for electric operation.

But their cost—$350,000 to $400,000—is a significant downside. Coltea said the grant would allow Big Sky to purchase a bus and charger for $35,000, removing this obstacle. In addition, the buses offer a significant expense reduction, including the reduced cost of fuel—electricity is about a quarter as costly—to less than half the annual cost in maintenance. As a result, she said, a $35,000 electric bus would “pay for itself in four years.” These savings increase over the life of a bus, Coltea added, which she said is typically about 16 years.

Malinowski then addressed two concerns from Board Chair Loren Bough and Superintendent Dustin Shipman about the use of the buses in higher altitude and lower temperatures.

Malinowski explained that some of Big Sky’s peer communities—Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs—which are often much higher in altitude and can be equally cold, have growing fleets of both electric community public transit

The students also addressed battery life, another common concern about electric vehicles.

Malinowski said e-buses can travel 135 miles on a single eight-hour charge. With Big Sky’s daily bus routes spanning less than 40 miles, the buses could be charged every two to three days. They could also easily make it to Bozeman or West Yellowstone and back. “If we chose to buy an extra battery for an additional $40,000, they could go twice as far—all the way to Choteau,” Malinowski said.

The school board then voted to approve adding the district to a multi-school grant. Although the school has two daily bus routes, the board chose to request only one bus and charger.

The district will find out if the grant is approved in early May. If approved, an electric bus could be carrying up to 78 students in quiet, clean-air and climate-friendly comfort as early as December 2024.

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BIG SKY—The Board of the Big Sky School District held a special meeting on Monday, Jan. 8, in order to consider applying for a federal Environmental Protection Agency grant that would allow the district to purchase Big Sky’s first electric buses at a 90% discount.

buses and electric school buses. In Montana, Libby, Choteau, Fairfield and Havre are all operating electric school buses; Havre is adding more this year, having reported success running the buses in temperatures as low as 30 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, and pleased with their quiet and reliable operation.

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and account for emitting nearly five million tons of carbon into the atmosphere annually, which is why the federal government allocated $5 billion for the Clean School Bus Program.

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19 January 25 - February 7, 2024

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MORNINGSTAR TO HOST BLACK TIE TRIVIA FOR WINTER GALA

LAST YEAR’S INAUGURAL GALA, A MASQUERADE BALL, RAISED $100K FOR BIG SKY’S ONLY LICENSED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROVIDER “That financial hill that we have to climb still remains,” she said, although she noted that it’s much more productive to inspire people than to dwell on the negatives. Morningstar’s Winter Gala is intended to inspire.

BY JACK REANEY On Feb. 9, Morningstar Learning Center will host a black tie trivia event to raise funds and awareness for quality, affordable child care in Big Sky.

Trivia night to include prizes, auctions

The event begins at 5:45 p.m. at the Montage hotel, where MLC hosted its Inaugural Winter Gala last year. Executive Director Mariel Butan told EBS that last year’s Masquerade Ball was an “incredible success,” raising $100,000 and building connections around awareness of the cause. This year, Butan said the fourround trivia game will add a “ridiculously fun” element. Tickets are on sale, and 55 seats remain as of Jan. 17.

“The major aim of the event is similar to last year: to build general awareness and support from our community for early childhood education,” Butan said. She said the first five years of a child’s life are the most critical for cognitive development, and also require the most intensive supervision and teaching.

Through continued efforts to build awareness, Butan hopes people will recognize the need for quality education in pre-kindergarten years.

“All of these children need an enriching and safe place to learn and grow and make friends and develop... You don’t have to be doing algebra and calculus for your brain to be learning at the fastest pace it ever will be during your entire life,” she said.

As important as child care may be, financial feasibility is a challenge.

Butan said Black Tie Trivia will provide a great time playing trivia while also supporting an impactful cause. And while last year’s Masquerade Ball served great food, Butan said she’s even more excited for this year’s menu.

“The Montage, their whole culinary team is just fabulous. I’m excited for people to come and taste what we have on deck for them,” Butan said.

Smiling faces at the 2023 Masquerade Ball. COURTESY OF MLC

“Like all licensed centers across the state and country, we’re facing a very challenging funding cliff. ARPA funding is running out and the clock is ticking for all of us to figure out how we can remain both a high-quality program and affordable for working families,” she said.

The proceeds from last year’s event directly supported efforts to keep tuition affordable, she said. In the past year, Morningstar has also been able to provide housing for teachers who need it, and Butan is proud of that effort.

One item up for bidding during the event’s live and silent auctions is a pastry class with Montage Executive Pastry Chef Jeremy Vitou.

Butan previewed some other prizes, including early-ups on the new Lone Peak Tram with Big Sky Ski Patrol, a hot air balloon ride for two donated by Big Sky Build, a week-long stay at a property donated by Two Pines Properties, and a pair of skis and bindings from the Yellowstone Club.

MLC has 26 kids on its waiting list at the moment, fairly typical for recent years, Butan said. Only two of those children are over the age of 3.

Butan said MLC is keen on getting a larger facility to better fit the learning center’s purpose and the community’s needs—the current building’s configuration limits the number and age of kids enrolled. While the current facility has done the trick for the past 15 years, a dedicated child care facility could increase capacity.

While the long term need for facility continues to loom, money raised at the February trivia event will be used for immediate purposes to keep Morningstar up and running at the high level of quality Butan insists on. Whether attendees have children in the early childhood age group, or children at all, quality child care is essential for society and the Big Sky community to thrive, Butan said.

“There’s just a lot of need in our community right now. I do feel strongly that Morningstar and child care is kind of at the crux of some other needs we have,” she said.

Morningstar Learning Center’s Second Annual Winter Gala will be hosted at the Montage, as was last year’s Masquerade Ball. COURTESY OF MLC

20 January 25 - February 7, 2024

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SINCE ‘73: JC KNAUB “In the spring it really was slow here and boring, cold and rainy… There’s nothing to do. So I would go back to Billings and play golf with my buddies… and I met her in a bar playing pool.” They were like many other couples who worked at the resort in their 20s and got married at Soldiers Chapel, with a reception at Buck’s T-4. “We were like a classic Big Sky Resort ‘70s couple,” Knaub said.

JC and Marjorie spent their early years in a trailer in Big Sky, and Marjorie worked at the ski school front desk. In the first 10 years, Knaub said the resort was “still putzing along” and didn’t make much money. Early on, this slower development enabled young locals to purchase property and settle in Big Sky, Knaub explained.

In 1980, the couple purchased a four-acre parcel in the meadow from realtor Jerry Pape for $40,000.

Pape would later be a godfather to their children.

At that time there was nothing on the property other than a little summer cabin. With some friends, Knaub built his house and a shop for his new business, Andesite Construction. For his first seven years in Big Sky, Knaub dreamt of owning his own plot of land, and he described buying their property as wonderful and life-changing.

Knaub was determined to raise his family in Big Sky. The great opportunity for outdoor living was too special to let any challenge prevent him from staying. For 23 years, Marjorie commuted to Bozeman as an accountant before getting an office in Big Sky. The couple had their two kids, Jeff and Kristi, in 1985 and 1988.

Knaub worked for Big Sky Resort until about 1982.

He enjoyed taking many guests, celebrities and journalists on hikes from the top of the old triple chair in the bowl, to the peak. Knaub sharpened his skiing ability and was part of an elite few that would ski from the summit before the Lone Peak Tram.

With Andesite Construction, JC, like his father, found a way to provide for his family by operating heavy equipment. The company has been excavating in Big Sky since the mid-1980s. Knaub started off with just one backhoe, but the company grew rapidly with the advent of huge custom homes around Big Sky, especially in the Yellowstone Club.

The greatest challenge in the business of excavation is Big Sky’s short summers, but for a family that loves to ski all winter long, that was almost a convenience. JC’s son Jeff recently took over the company.

JC poses with his kids, Jeff and Krista, in 1994. COURTESY OF JC KNAUB

BY MARIO CARR EBS CONTRIBUTOR

When Jonathan Clyde “JC” Knaub strolls into Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village, he walks by the old Explorer lift and the Huntley Lodge. He looks at the trees planted around the hotel and remembers his father who helped plant those trees 50 years ago.

“He was a legend, they called him the coach,” Knaub told EBS in a December interview. “Because a lot of people that moved here then had no father, and he was like a father figure… Some people still call me ‘Junior’ that were here in the ‘70s because they knew my dad.”

In 1973, JC’s father took a job running heavy equipment for Big Sky Resort. They moved from Laurel, near Billings, to start a new life working for the ski resort that was in the making. JC recalls his first “unbelievable” view of the great Lone Mountain, surrounded by giant blue skies and massive wild forests on all sides.

Building Big Sky JC and his wife, Marjorie, in the 1990s. COURTESY OF JC KNAUB

Knaub said that the trailer was “cold as hell” in the winter—they would run out of propane and their toilets would freeze. Their neighbor’s trailer burned down and the fire almost took the Knaubs’ home as well. The father and son duo lived paycheck to paycheck in the early years, both helping the new resort get off of the ground.

“I got here with my dad, he was a construction guy, heavy equipment… He got a job running a dozer and he ended up cutting Mr. K, Ambush, Tippy’s,” Knaub said.

“I taught kids,” JC recalled. “I rope-towed for like three years, because the ski school back then was only like 12 people. Everything you can think of back in the ‘70s was smaller.” Knaub also worked on ski patrol in those early years.

Knaub and his father lived in a 14- by 70-foot mobile home in the Pine Grove trailer park.

He met his wife, Marjorie, in Billings in the late ‘70s.

Knaub loves to write and has scribed many stories about the old days of Big Sky, and plans on writing even more. He reminisced in a Bomb Snow magazine article about the biggest ski party of the season, Big Sky Oly Days, that lasted from 1974 to 1984. He made many contributions to Lone Peak Lookout—a now-defunct Big Sky newspaper—and also wrote highlights in the paper about the many ski races he helped organize over the years. “People love reading about themselves, no matter how silly it is,” he said.

Knaub is still a certified race official and helps officiate races at Big Sky Resort. He recalls stumbling across a NASTAR race on White Wing when he was 19 years old, sparking his love of ski racing. Joe Junker was running a one-man operation on White Wing, but had enlisted the help of his blue heeler, Frankie, at the bottom of the run. Junker and his dog were on opposite ends

21 January 25 - February 7, 2024

JC celebrates Oly Days in 1976. COURTESY OF JC KNAUB

of the race course, and could communicate through a transceiver that was connected by a very long wire. Knaub said the equipment was reminiscent of Korean war radio equipment, and that Frankie would bark to his owner through the transceiver to help with timing.

Maybe out of pity for the man and his dog, or desire to learn more about ski racing, Knaub started helping Junker on his days off. Knaub learned all about ski racing and eventually managed the race course himself in the early years.

JC and Marjorie got involved with the Mad Wolf program—which provided a race course for kids off of Explorer—and the Ophir School’s “ski Fridays.”

In 1993, while their kids were in grade school, JC and Marjorie joined a group of parents in starting the Big Sky Ski Team—the precursor to the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation. Throughout the years, JC would volunteer as a coach, board member and even president of the program. He spent more than 30 years as a USSA technical delegate for the Rocky Mountain Northern Division. Marjorie also helped as an administrator, race timer and accountant for BSSEF. The family helped develop the races being held today on Bighorn, Tippy’s and Hangman’s.

The Knaub kids both loved ski racing and big mountain skiing—Jeff and Kristi competed in many competitions like the Headwaters Spring Runoff here in Big Sky and the Freeride World Tour. As much as JC and Marjorie enjoyed skiing with the family, JC admits that it got hard to keep up with their kids after the Lone Peak Tram opened. He was proud, but always recognized the danger as they skied faster and faster through increasingly challenging terrain.

L O CA L

JC and Marjorie married on May 10, 1980 at Soldiers Chapel.

COURTESY OF JC KNAUB

“I didn’t realize I was in really good shape…

Because in those days you only had like 10 or 12 people that skied the same lines everyday.” Knaub said. He said many of the early residents of Big Sky were “broke” but living a life rich in experience, stoked to be making $5 an hour. He credits his current health to years of skiing, hunting and cutting firewood.

“I’m one of the healthiest living guys left,” Knaub said. “…And it’s very sobering thinking about 50 years of your life and not getting killed. Not getting killed in a car wreck. Wrong place, wrong time in an avalanche, or whatever reason… I know a lot of people that have died in avalanches.”

After 50 years, he’s certain that life in Big Sky has unique challenges.

“Big Sky destroys people because they can’t handle the parties and everybody’s on vacation all the time,” he said. He’s grateful that his family was always his priority, and that helped him never get too carried away. He emphasized the sacrifices that it takes to be a husband and a father, especially in Big Sky. “It’s a lifestyle and it gets people… but not the ones that are clear headed about it,” Knaub said. He

Knaub was content to learn how to ski from the peak by hiking up it. And before the Challenger lift was installed in 1988, he loved hiking that terrain as well. He had to put in a lot more work than his kids to reach Big Sky’s extreme terrain, and the then-seldom-skied peak and its thrilling avalanche terrain were a force to be reckoned with.

“You don’t ever want to have to be in a rescue situation, because it changes your psyche,” Knaub explained. He was involved in several avalanche rescues during his time with ski patrol.

The Knaub family at Big Sky Resort in 2013. COURTESY OF JC KNAUB

Explore Big Sky

Scott Foster and JC at Lone Mountain Sports, where JC tuned skis for the winter of 1985-86. COURTESY OF JC KNAUB

himself was the Dirtbag King of ‘94—a royal status that is often earned by people who live to ski and party.

Knaub is very proud of his children, and is glad to have them both nearby. Kristi and her husband now own Maverick Mountain in Polaris, and JC is very grateful to help contribute to another growing ski resort.

The Knaub’s home feels like an oasis in Big Sky. Sheltered low near the South Fork, driving down Knaub’s Hole Road feels like driving back in time, and in the best way.

“I’ve learned a lot, and I still love this place… I think it’s the greatest skiing and I’ve skied a lot of places,” Knaub said.

Listening to JC and Marjorie talk about the old days of Big Sky is like watching a trailer for a movie you’ll never get to see. Words can only attempt to describe the last half century here in Big Sky for the Knaubs, and the foundation of the community that they have helped lay.

“Throughout your life, you try to make the world a better place. What else can you do?” Knaub said.

ASK: LONE MOUNTAIN LAND COMPANY What is happening with the development of the North 40/Cummings Lane property behind Buck’s T-4?

The primary goal for this property is to create future community housing. This 42-acre project is in the early stages of planning but we could imagine a single family community housing project on the east half of the property that has similar lot sizes as Ramshorn with substantial open space and parks. Development plans will not likely move forward in full until additional sewer solutions are in place for the Canyon.

The current application with Gallatin County relates to the already approved three small accessory dwellings around the existing singlefamily home. We are asking the County for the right to rent them out on an annual basis to provide for additional housing options. LMLC is committed to increasing community housing for people working in Big Sky to be able to live in Big Sky.

What new events have been created for the Winter 2023-2024 season in Town Center?

•

Winter Lights and Delights - Every Friday evening 4-7pm through March local retailers and restaurants will be open and offering specials, as well as local musicians, regional acts, and a few from the national music scene.

• Line Dancing with Western Roots Country Dancing – Every Tuesday this season at Tips Up with FREE lessons at 7:30pm and open dance from 8:30-10:30pm – come try something new or get out with friends to experience an authentic Montana tradition!

• Live Music at Tips Up and Block 3 - We’ve added a stage, lighting, and sound system at Block 3 with live music Sunday-Friday nights and Whiskey Wednesdays at The Wilson with free tasting and specials available.

Be sure to follow @bigskytowncenter, @tipsupbigsky and @block3bigsky or check out the Town Center Events Calendar at www.bigskytowncenter.com/events/ to stay up to date with current events!

I saw online recently that the Yellowstone Club was named as a Whitebark Pine certified property, what does that mean?

How did the new grant cycle for Big Sky Thrift turn out?

Yes, the Yellowstone Club has recently earned certification as a Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area from the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation, based in Missoula. Five other ski areas in North America are certified, including one Montana peer, Whitefish Mountain Resort. Whitebark pine survives at high elevations and plays a key role in ecosystems across the Mountain West, including the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It protects snowpack, regulates streamflow and stabilizes soils. Its seeds provide a highcalorie food source for wildlife including grizzly bears, red squirrels, and Clark’s Nutcrackers. In January 2023, whitebark pine was listed as “Threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. As part of YC’s restoration management plan, the club has transplanted more than 500 Whitebark pines to areas with limited regeneration and established 18 permanent monitoring plots for tracking.

In December 2023, Big Sky Thrift was able to award $75,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofits. Grants ranged from $2,500 to $20,000. In its next grant cycle, May 2024, the thrift will award another $82,500 in grants to nonprofits not included in the first award cycle. The first-year grant total of $157,500 comes directly from secondhand goods sales. Lone Mountain Land Company donates the commercial space—waiving the rent—which allows store revenue to feed almost completely back to the community.

Grant recipients included Big Sky SNO, Arts Council of Big Sky, Eagle Mount, Morningstar Learning Center, Big Sky Futbol Club, Gallatin River Task Force, Big Sky Bravery, Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, Big Sky Community Food Bank, and Big Sky Christian Fellowship. Big Sky Thrift is open this winter season Wednesday through Saturday 12-6pm with a short “May away” break for volunteers.

WANT TO ENGAGE? PLEASE SUBMIT QUESTIONS TO INFO@LONEMOUNTAINLAND.COM Edition 5 | January 2024

23 January 25 - February 7, 2024

Explore Big Sky

REGIONAL

THE RISE OF GIRL, GET AFTER IT FROM LOCAL ROOTS TO NATIONAL IMPACT

BY TAYLOR OWENS Girl, Get After It has taken the Gallatin Valley by storm by providing a space for women in the Bozeman and Big Sky areas to gather and connect as a part of an IRL (in real life) community. Based in Bozeman, GGAI was founded by Cassidy Wendell in 2017 as a community for women to gather for monthly meetups and events, ranging from hikes to happy hours, to getting outside, to workouts at fitness studios.

“Girl, Get After It is a community helping women meet new friends and try new things in the health, fitness and outdoor space,” Wendell said. “That is my tagline.”

Since its inception seven years ago, GGAI has held over 450 events in Bozeman. Recently, members have gathered for events like a group cycle class at Cyclebar; a coffee hang and book exchange at Treeline Coffee Roasters; an intro to crosscut saws workshop with the Montana Conservation Corps; a barre class with Barre Anomaly; and a ski meetup at Big Sky Resort.

The community has grown since its first event at the Baxter Hotel in downtown Bozeman. The organization’s first-ever event was a free yoga class and a small group discussion on what work-life balance means to you.

Yoga and hiking retreat. PHOTO BY NICOLE WILD

“Everyone walked away with stickers that actually said, #girlgetafterit, that I had made specifically for that event, because I wanted people to walk away with something,” Wendell said. “That tagline is something that I used to say to my personal training clients, and it just always stuck with me.”

Today, GGAI partners with local businesses, fitness studios and wellness-focused brands to bring new experiences to members.

“I don’t even really label it as a fitness community anymore,” Wendell said. “I put it under this umbrella of wellness, because to me, wellness is all encompassing. It’s the workouts that you’re doing, it’s who you surround yourself with, it’s being creative, it’s your finances, it’s all of it.”

Originally from Cardwell, Montana, Wendell began GGAI as a way to combine her passions for health, wellness and being outside, while also making new friends and forming connections with women in this area.

“I kind of started it selfishly,” Wendell said. “I wanted new friends. I wanted a new community. I wanted to find a purpose. And then it grew to just so much more than that.”

Events and meetups with GGAI occur each month and can include learning new skills, trying new workouts, going on outdoor excursions, gathering for group walks, casual hang outs or happy hours.

The intention of each event is to create a nonintimidating space for women to meet new friends and try new things.

“I think one of my greatest achievements we’ve been able to accomplish is creating a really safe

GGAI founder, Cassidy Wendell. PHOTO BY KIMBERLY GEER

Ski conditioning class at The Mountain Project. PHOTO BY KIMBERLY GEER

and welcoming space for women to be a little vulnerable,” Wendell said. “One of my greatest achievements is leaning on why we started this in the first place was to create these real in person connections for women.”

While the movement began in Bozeman, there are now 18 GGAI chapters throughout the U.S. in cities like Boston, Massachusetts; Cody, Wyoming; Bend, Oregon; and New York City, New York.

“I just put a call out to the digital universe and said, ‘Okay, who’s interested in bringing to life a Girl, Get After It chapter near them?’ And I got so many applications, so many women who are interested in doing this,” Wendell said. “That was two years ago.

Since then, we have expanded these IRL chapters in 18 cities nationwide.”

A testament to its impact, brands like Red Bull, Garmin, and Senita Athletics have begun to partner with GGAI for events and collaborations.

“These are worldwide, huge brands that you would think would never care about a little old Girl, Get After It community,” Wendell said.

Sunset hike and clay molding up Sacagawea Peak. PHOTO BY DANIELLE LOPEZ

These partnerships reflect the undeniable effect of this once-local initiative, proving that the national stage recognizes and values the profound community spirit that Girl, Get After It chapters foster.

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25 January 25 - February 7, 2024

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Explore Big Sky

DINING

PROVECHO IS ‘RI-GOD-DAMN-DICULOUS’

BY RACHEL HERGETT EBS COLUMNIST

Little Star Diner in Bozeman was packed on Sunday night for the latest appearance of chef Kenan Anderson’s popup restaurant, Provecho.

Every table and every bar stool was filled, and open seats were claimed almost before they were vacated.

People milled around the entrance, drinks in hand, or found spots on the staircase to wait on pick-up meals. A line snaked toward the open kitchen where a hostess took orders.

This is the second time I’ve eaten Anderson’s rustic Mexican cuisine and certainly not the last.

While waiting for things to wind down so I can beg for a moment of the chef ’s time, I’m stopped by diner Graham Austin. She and her dining partner are finishing the birria de chivo, described on the menu as “goat shank braised with garlic and guajillo chili.” The dish gave her goosebumps.

We then start discussing the memela, an “Oxacan market tortilla with asiento, black beans and quesillo.” I ordered one of everything on the menu except for the birria, and this dish was a standout. To make it Oxacan in style, a thick tortilla is smeared with asiento as it’s cooked. Asiento—which means “seat”—is a sort of pork-fat ghee, rendered fat with crispy pork bits that settle to the bottom as it cooks.

Its addition gives the tortilla added texture—crispier on the outside, softer in the middle. Memelas are greasy, so I don’t recommend a whole meal of them.

However, I definitely wouldn’t skip one on the menu.

Try the salsa macha over lightly pickled root veggies for a lighter complement. I’m also in love with the salsa macha over lightly pickled root veggies that are on the Sunday menu.

Little Star Diner will host chef Kenan Anderson’s pop-up restaurant, Provecho, on Sunday in February. PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT

travels. For his tortillas, he mills his own masa using heirloom corn imported from Mexico, blended with corn from Montana growers.

“Buen provecho,” Kenan tells me—after the pop-up sells out and the staff scrambles to feed the last of the diners with what they have left—is akin to saying “bon appetit,” a French phrase adopted into the English language that means “good eating.” But saying it can seem a bit fancy, maybe even pretentious.

Drop the “buen” and “provecho” is more casual, Kenan says. It’s like the ubiquitous “cheers” to a good meal. It’s a welcome, greeting, a wish for good to come in the future. The name evokes the feeling of a warm hug—exactly how Kenan wants his restaurant to feel.

This, Graham tells me, is one of the best meals she has ever had.

“It’s ri-god-damn-diculous,” she said.

I’m inclined to agree. I love the modern, yet rustic cuisine. I love Anderson’s focus on ingredients. And I love a homemade tortilla. While he says they may not yet rival a Mexican grandmother’s tortillas, Kenan is working to meet that bar.

“I ordered one of everything on the menu except for the birria,” writes columnist Rachel Hergett. PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT

Kenan grew up on the East Coast, where he said much of the Latin American food that he loved had its roots in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic. Mexican cuisine came later as he got the opportunity to travel and experience the vast variety of flavors the country has to offer.

A website is in the works. In the meantime, Kenan said, upcoming pop-ups are posted on the Instagram page, @provecho_bzn. And he has a longer, twoweek stint in Izakaya’s kitchen planned in the coming months. All of it, he said, is working toward the goal of opening Provecho as a brick-and-mortar restaurant for people to enjoy any day. And enjoy, I am sure, they will. Provecho!

“I don’t claim this is authentic,” Kenan said. “It’s my homage.”

It is Montana in January, he reminds me. Sometimes we just can’t get ingredients authentic to certain regions. And sometimes it is best to rely on local producers, in the spirit of Mexican cooking, Kenan said.

Kenan used to be the chef at Italian restaurant Blackbird Kitchen, but fell in love with corn on his

Provecho will take over Little Star Diner (548 E. Babcock St. in Bozeman) on Sundays, Feb. 4 and 18, and at Izakaya Three Fish (321 E. Main St. in Bozeman) on Mondays, Feb. 5 and 19. Dinner service runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Credit cards are not accepted, so be prepared to pay with cash or Venmo.

Memelas are an Oxacan market tortilla with asiento, black beans and quesillo. PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT

Rachel Hergett is a foodie and cook from Montana. She is arts editor emeritus at the Bozeman Daily Chronicle and has written for publications such as Food Network Magazine and Montana Quarterly. Rachel is also the host of the Magic Monday Show on KGLT-FM and teaches at Montana State University.

26 January 25 - February 7, 2024

Explore Big Sky

A&E ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SKY EVENTS CALENDAR Thursday, January 25 - Wednesday, Febuary 7

If your next event falls between Feb. 8 - Feb. 21, please submit it to media@theoutlawpartners.com by Jan. 31.

THURSDAY, JAN. 25 Open Hockey Marty Pavelich Ice Rink, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 26 Kids Craft Night The Wilson Hotel, 5 p.m.

Rotary Club Annual Gold Auction The Waypoint, 7 p.m.

Live Music: Trout Basket Tips Up, 9:40 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 27 Free Board Game Night The Wilson Hotel Bar, 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, JAN. 28 St. Joseph’s Mass Big Sky Chapel, 8 a.m.

Bozeman Men’s Meetup Mazevo Coffee, 8:30 a.m.

All Saints Big Sky Service Big Sky Chapel, 10 a.m.

Big Sky Christian Fellowship Big Sky Chapel, 4:30 p.m.

Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience WMPAC, 7:30 p.m.

Trivia The Waypoint, 7 p.m.

MONDAY, FEB. 5 Stitch Thrift BASE, 4:15 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEB. 1

Queer Climbing BASE, 7 p.m.

Third Annual Winter Ball The Waypoint, 8 p.m.

Broomball Marty Pavelich Ice Rink, 8 p.m.

Open Hockey Marty Pavelich Ice Rink, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEB. 6

SATURDAY, FEB. 3

American Legion hosted Winter Bingo The Waypoint, 5:30 p.m.

Big Sky Skijoring: Best in the West Showdown Town Center, All day

Western Roots Dance Lesson Tips Up, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEB. 4

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7

St. Joseph’s Mass Big Sky Chapel, 8 a.m.

Knitting, Sewing, & Craft Group BASE, 1:30 p.m.

Big Sky Skijoring: Best in the West Showdown Town Center, All day

Train Like A Girl: New Year New Outlook BASE, 4 p.m.

All Saints Big Sky Service Big Sky Chapel, 10 a.m.

Live Music Block 3, 5 p.m.

Big Sky Christian Fellowship Big Sky Chapel, 4:30 p.m.

Trivia The Waypoint, 7 p.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 29 Broomball Marty Pavelich Ice Rink, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, JAN. 30 Advice for Girls: An All-Women Ski Film The Waypoint, 7 p.m.

Western Roots Dance Lesson Tips Up, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 31 Knitting, Sewing, & Craft Group BASE, 1:30 p.m.

Train Like A Girl: Kickboxing BASE, 4 p.m.

FEATURED EVENT: TRAIN LIKE A GIRL SERIES AT BASE Until Feb. 21, BASE will hold free activities for middle school and high school girls on Wednesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. The unique activities will focus on inspiring inner strength in girls with opportunities like kickboxing, mindfulness and lifting.

The next session, Kickboxing and Confidence with Natasha, is on Jan. 31. These events are free and open to any middle and high school girls.

Live Music Block 3, 5 p.m.

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28 January 25 - February 7, 2024

Explore Big Sky

BUSINESS MAKING IT IN BIG SKY: KALI QUICK & THE FRANKLIN RESIDENCES EBS STAFF Kali Quick has a close relationship with Big Sky Town Center’s newest and largest residential building, The Franklin Residences. As VP of sales on the project and VP of operations at Haas Builders, she’s been a part of the The Franklin since the beginning from the initial design, to interior finishes, all the way down to welcoming new residents call the place home. John Haas, owner and operator of Haas Builders calls Quick the "full operating motor" behind Haas and MJ Development. Explore Big Sky talked to Quick about this exciting new project and building out the “main street” of Big Sky. This series is part of a paid partnership with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. The following answers have been edited for brevity.

Explore Big Sky: To start, tell me a little bit about yourself—when did you come to Big Sky and what brought you here?

Kali Quick: I moved to Big Sky in the spring of 2019 for a career at Spanish Peaks. Prior to moving, I would travel to Big Sky every fall to play golf and explore Montana. When the opportunity came up to move to the community, I jumped at it.

EBS: Tell me about your background with Haas Builders?

KQ: I’ve been with Haas Builders for three years as the VP of Operations. Included in that structure I oversee and manage residential custom home construction, The Big Sky Recycling Center, 10 residential condos housing Big Sky's local workforce, LS&T Storage, and The Franklin Building. We have a lot of things going on in the community, which is very exciting and keeps everyday eventful.

The breaking ground shovel ceremony kicked off production on The Franklin Residences. PHOTO COURTESY OF KALI QUICK

EBS: Tell me about you joining the Outlaw Realty team and the work you’ve been doing with them?

KQ: I absolutely love being on the Outlaw Realty team.

As a sales agent, I've been able to help my clients pursue their real estate goals in the Big Sky community. In addition, our brokerage has many years of experience that I'm able to utilize and bounce ideas off of to grow as a newer agent. What I've really enjoyed thus far is Outlaw is not just real estate, we are active members of the community, and we get to participate in events, communications and giving back to Big Sky. I look forward to many years with Outlaw.

EBS: Tell us about The Franklin—a background of the project, highlights of what it includes?

As the VP of Sales for MJ Development and The Franklin Building, I've been a part of the project since the beginning. I've worked with the Bechtle Architects on design, modifications and any changes throughout the construction process. I was awarded the freedom to design all 18 residences and make all of the selections on finishes and fixtures. Which was a really fun process.

Lastly, as the VP of Sales, I've been helping our new neighbors call The Franklin home.

The Franklin Building is along the “main street” of Big Sky Town Center and offers a home base in the heart of Big Sky. PHOTO COURTESY OF KALI QUICK

EBS: What are the latest developments at The Franklin?

Who are the existing tenants and how many vacancies are left?

KQ: We currently have seven residences under contract and 11 available for sale. Of the seven, four families will call Big Sky home on a year-round basis. The building does allow short-term rentals, which will be great for our community and local businesses, creating a vibrant and active home base to explore Montana.

EBS: What does a development like this bring to the Big Sky community?

KQ: The Franklin allows commercial ownership on Town Center Ave.The location and conveniences are superb on their own, adding a luxury penthouse on top of that is even better.

EBS: Are you working to pay homage to the existing community?

KQ: With Big Sky being in such an “infancy stage” of growth, compared to all of the other major ski resorts in North America, it is exciting to get to watch our little town grow responsibly into the complete major destination resort it is becoming.

EBS: What else should we know about The Franklin the the exciting developments to come that you’re working on?

KQ: All of the commercial spaces will add more of the Main Street element which Big Sky has been lacking, and the residences will create more people shopping, dining and enjoying main street, Big Sky.

BUSINESS

29 January 25 - February 7, 2024

Explore Big Sky

ENJOYING THE RIDE FORCED INTO SUCCESS!

BY SCOTT BROWN EBS CONTRIBUTOR As the Beastie Boys famously said, “You’ve got to fight for your right to party,” this mantra has guided me through life as a balance between working hard and playing hard. Creating a well-lived life requires finding that equilibrium, and for me, budgets don’t feel like a party. Instead, forced savings plans have been the recommended solution rather than solely focusing on controlling spending or sticking to a budget. Forced savings plans serve as a mechanism to ensure that you pay yourself first, by setting aside money in a savings or investment account as soon as you receive your paycheck.

By doing this, you’re free to spend the remaining funds without guilt or worry.

There are various forms of forced savings programs that can help you in this endeavor. For example, making mortgage payments can be considered a form of forced savings, as it builds equity in your home. Additionally, contributing to a 401(k) or IRA each month or adding to a brokerage or savings account can also be effective ways to save. Even certain types of permanent life insurance policies that accumulate cash value can be seen as a form of forced savings. The key is that these savings programs fund not only your present needs but also your future aspirations.

Through a forced savings plan, you can allocate funds towards important aspects of your life, such as

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owning a home, planning for retirement, purchasing an engagement ring, going on vacations, buying cars, covering higher education costs, pursuing hobbies, and even paying off debt. By prioritizing these areas, you are essentially paying yourself first and investing in your future self.

If you’re new to this approach and have little to no cash reserves, it’s advisable to aim for at least three months of expenses in a cash reserve if you’re married or in a partnership, and six months if you’re single. This safety net ensures that you have a buffer to cover your shared or individual expenses in case of unexpected financial challenges.

In terms of retirement planning, it’s generally recommended to contribute roughly 10% of your earnings to a retirement plan. This consistent saving over time can help secure a comfortable future. When it comes to mortgage payments, my opinion leans towards continuing with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage instead of making prepayments. However, if you do choose to make prepayments, making one extra payment per year can reduce your mortgage term to 21 years, providing a quicker path to debt freedom.

Implementing forced savings programs can be made easier through pre-authorized monthly contributions from your paycheck to your 401(k) or IRA. You can also automate transfers to a savings or brokerage account of your choice, promoting consistent investing, and removing the need for constant manual efforts. This hands-off approach ensures that you save at regular intervals, regardless of market highs or lows. It also maximizes the power of compounding growth by investing as soon as money becomes available, rather than trying to time the market.

It’s important to keep in mind that excessive credit card spending can undermine your savings efforts. If you overspend on credit cards, you may find yourself tapping into your hard-earned savings to pay down debt.

To avoid this, consider setting a monthly limit on your credit card or opting for a lower, more reasonable limit.

Alternatively, using a debit card can help you stay within your means and avoid unnecessary debt.

Forced savings is a simple yet effective way to ensure that you spend less than you earn and invest in your future.

We all have reasons to push ourselves to do things, especially when it comes to pursuing our passions.

Just as we force ourselves out of bed to go to work or engage in activities we love, like hunting, fishing, biking, golfing, skiing, or whatever pursuits pull you out of bed, sometimes forcing ourselves is the surest way to Enjoy the Ride!

Scott L. Brown is the CEO and Founding Partner of Shore to Summit Wealth Management. His wealth management career spans more than 25 years, and he currently works and lives in Bozeman, MT with his wife and two sons.

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22 LITTLE THUNDER

CASCADE SUBDIVISION 5,997± SF | 5 BD + 5 BA | $12,950,000 KATIE MORRISON 406.570.0096

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From first homes to forever homes, we’re here. Today. Tomorrow. For You. For Life

BHHSMT.COM | 406.995.4060 | 55 LONE PEAK DRIVE, STE. 3 | BIG SKY TOWN CENTER ©2024 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.

URBAN + FARM DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY Phase 1 is located within the 106± acre Urban + Farm mixed-use and master-planned community situated in Bozeman’s growing west side.

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Block 1 | 0.4± Acres - Listed at $705,000 Single-Family Home: 4 Lots - Price Per Door $176,250

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32 January 25 - February 7, 2024

Explore Big Sky

ENVIRONMENT

DON’T BE IDLE

TURN OFF THE IGNITION FOR YOUR HEALTH, CLIMATE AND POCKETBOOK

BY ADDY MALINOWSKI AND LIBBY COLTEA EBS CONTRIBUTORS

It turns out one of the simplest things an individual can do for the climate doesn’t involve washing out a single can or hauling cardboard to the dump. Refraining from idling your vehicle only takes a second—and at Big Sky Resort, if you don’t do it, people will definitely notice.

“If we see it, we will pull the keys from company vehicles left running,” says Amy Fonte, sustainability specialist at the resort. Fonte explains that Big Sky Resort has had a no-idling policy for employees for the last three years as part of its 2030 net zero carbon emissions plan, known as The Forever Project. According to Fonte, anytime that you leave a vehicle on and unmoving for more than 30 seconds you are both wasting fuel and money, and unnecessarily adding carbon and air pollutants to the atmosphere.

Fonte says that turning off cars rather than idling will reduce their carbon emissions by an extensive amount. She strongly believes that keeping cars running increases economic, health-related and environmental costs. Turning a key is also one of the easiest things you can do for your pocketbook and the air.

“Honestly, it’s just turning off your car if you are stopped for more than ten seconds,” Fonte said. But as simple as it seems, Fonte admits the initiative

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wasn’t immediately accepted by everyone. “There are a lot of myths about cars needing more time to warm up their engines, and we have done our best to educate people about how this simply is not true,” she said.

“Many people also think you use more gas and wear out the engine more by turning a car on and off,” explains Fonte, but extensive research proves this isn’t true—unless you are driving a car manufactured before 1984. Almost 30 years ago, car manufacturers switched to a more efficient engine technology that didn’t require time to warm up an engine before driving. Now, it is better for the car to start driving immediately, and it actually wears out the engine to idle for extended periods. Furthermore, those idling minutes add up: Argonne Laboratory estimates that every year, U.S. drivers waste more than 6 billion gallons of fuel by idling—this adds up to more than $20 billion to consumers every year.

There are also health costs: According to the Environmental Defense Fund, sitting inside an idling car not only harms the greater environment, but damages passengers’ health as well. When sitting in an idling car, the exhaust fumes from your car leak into the cabin concentrating in the air you are breathing inside.

Furthermore, many people idle cars while waiting to pick up kids at school, or leave kids in cars that are idling to keep them warm, exposing young lungs to air pollution, a proven cause of childhood asthma. Diesel school buses, which often idle, are proven health hazards both to kids inside and outside buses, according to extensive study by the National Institutes of Health.

The effects of air pollution are extreme for all.

It is known as “the silent killer” for a reason. Air pollution has been classified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization right alongside things we know cause cancer such as UV rays and tobacco.

Breathing in air pollution for prolonged periods of time can increase the chances of stroke, heart disease, and even cancer. Half of the nitrogen oxides in the air come from cars, and according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, vehicle exhaust has “adverse impacts on every system in the body.”

These risks are particularly elevated for people who work near idling cars such as bank and fast food drive-thru employees, and outside “quick stops” such as preschools, schools and post offices.

Advocates for turning the key on car idling point out that simply going inside to find warmth is better for your health and others’ than staying outside in an idling car, and point out that “quick trips” that people leave their car idling for are often much longer stops than drivers predict.

Finally, there’s the long-term risks of car exhaust.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, transportation is the largest source of heat-trapping emissions in the United States.

Fonte agrees, noting that transportation emissions is one of the biggest categories Big Sky Resort is targeting in its climate plan, and an important part of Big Sky SNO’s message to the community.

Addy Malinowski and Libby Coltea are local high school students, founders of Big Sky Students for SNO, and are launching a new community-wide initiative this winter called “Don’t Be Idle.” They are working on initiatives with fellow student Frieda Fabozzi to replace gas school buses with electric buses for the Big Sky School District.

33 January 25 - February 7, 2024

ENVIRONMENT

Explore Big Sky

DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD: WINTER’S PREMATURE SMOKE SIGNALS HOW SNOWPACK AFFECTS SUMMER FOREST FIRES

BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY EBS COLUMNIST

Many friends are already scheming ways to escape this summer’s possible wrath of extreme heat, excessive smoke and fire danger, and it is only midJanuary. Their rationale makes sense. This year, more than half of Montana SNOTEL sites are recording lower-than-normal snowpack. Many ski resorts in Montana aren’t fully open, and the ones that are open make a lot of snow to cover a few runs from top to bottom.

Many scientists say the rationale that Montana’s summer will be hazardous for fire is too early to predict. Yes, this year’s winter is controlled by El Niño, which generally means less water and precipitation in Montana’s mountains. Yes, there is a direct correlation between snowpack and snowwater equivalent, and fire season, but it all depends.

Andrew Larson, professor of Forest Ecology and Wilderness Institute director at the University of Montana, told me over the phone that there are well-known relationships between snowpack and forest fires, especially spring snowpack.

“How much water is stored in the snowpack at a certain point in time is often a pretty good correlate

of fire area burned or other measures of fire season activity,” Larson said. “It is an inverse relationship— where you get less snowpack often results in more active fire seasons.”

Low snow years usually mean snow melts off the hills and mountains sooner, vegetation potentially dries up sooner, and fire season potentially extends with low fuel moisture.

“But there’s a great big star you got to put next to that,” Larson said. “The weather during the spring, especially the summer, is a strong control of fire season activity.”

There is more to just winter and spring snowpack controlling fire activity. Many factors come into play when determining fire season, including the importance of April 1 snow water equivalent—a measure of how much water is stored in the spring snowpack. How fast snow melts and how fast plants and vegetation dry out are vital factors when considering the fire season. How much spring and summer rain falls and the severity of fire seasons has to do with temperatures.

Does the “mon-June” season happen or not? I have been in Montana for over two decades and worked a big chunk of those years as a seasonal worker in Glacier National Park on backcountry trail crews and fire lookouts, and I helped with many wildlife studies. The mon-June season used to be predictable: each May and June, the monsoon rains would come before Memorial Day and last well

A 2015 lightning strike on Electric Peak in Yellowstone National Park. PHOTO BY NEAL HERBERT / NPS

into mid-June. But lately, it hasn’t been as predictable.

How hot do the temperature and ground fuels get in the summer? Are there thunderstorms with lightning in addition to the hot temperatures? Is there arson activity igniting fires? Does rain happen in July and August or not? If rain comes at the right time late in summer, it can help prevent lightning ignitions from spreading.

“It was hotter than hell last year around western Montana; things were drying out, and then we had a big lightning storm that started many fires,” Larson said. “It was looking like it could be brutal all the way through August and into September.

But then we got some great shots of moisture in August, which dampened things down.”

The bottom line is that predicting this summer’s fire season severity is premature.

“It’s too early to say we’re going to have a terrible fire season this year, even though our snowpack is way behind,” he said.

Benjamin Alva Polley is a place-based storyteller with stories published in Outside, Adventure Journal, Popular Science, Field & Stream, Esquire, Sierra, Audubon, Earth Island Journal, Modern Huntsman, and other publications at his website www.benjaminpolley.com/stories. He holds a master’s in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism from the University of Montana.

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85 Crail Creek Club Condo, Big Sky Meadow Village Location 3 Beds | 3 Baths | Den | Bonus Room | +/- 2,986 Sqft.

MLS# 385044 | $2,095,000

90 Crail Ranch Condo, Big Sky Crail Ranch Condominium | Meadow Village 4 Beds | 4 Baths | Family Room | +/- 3,730 Sqft.

MLS # 383611 | $3,100,000 | Furnished

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470 BIG PINE DRIVE, BIG SKY 4 BED | 3.5 BATH | 3,737 SQ FT Beautiful custom architecturally designed home built in 2020 with above garage ADU, near Town Center! Well thought out design, exceptional craftsmanship, spectacular views, and large oversized garage. The ADU provides additional living space, a full kitchen and bath. Serene outdoor spaces, including a private patio with a hot tub and deck. The interior showcases high ceilings and an open-concept layout inviting abundant natural light. Easy access to hiking and Nordic trails. $3,199,000 #385318 MAGGIE BIGGERSTAFF 406-580-6244

2085 SPOTTED ELK ROAD, BIG SKY 4 BED | 4.5 BATH | 3,816 SQ FT Create your own legacy property with this grand home bordering recreational open space. Hop onto the Crail Ranch Trail from your front door where freshly groomed cross country ski trails beckon in Winter and biking and hiking trails await in Summer. The Crail Ranch Trail connects to the Lone Peak Trail via the new pedestrian tunnel providing convenient access to the extensive trail systems and the Town Center. $3,250,000 #384355 KIRK DIGE 406-580-5475

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Robyn Erlenbush Broker/Owner 406-586-1321

ERABigSky.com 406-995-3444 36 Center Lane, Big Sky, MT Robyn Erlenbush, CRB, Broker/Owner Each office independently owned and operated.

36 January 25 - February 7, 2024

ENVIRONMENT

Explore Big Sky

GNFAC: A SNOWPACK RIFE WITH WEAKNESS

THE SLOW START TO WINTER CREATES A DANGEROUS FOUNDATION

BY DAVE ZINN EBS CONTRIBUTOR The 2023-2024 winter season began with well-below average snowfall in Montana. The lack of snow has snowsports enthusiasts frothing at the mouth for the taste of deep powder skiing and riding. This enthusiasm will get us into trouble when it snows if we fail to remember that avalanche conditions become more dangerous during and immediately after storms. This year, the thin layer of snow on the ground is greatly weakened from weeks of mostly sunny weather in November and December. Our best tool for staying safe during dangerous avalanche conditions is accurately identifying slopes steep enough to slide.

As snow falls this winter, we must all be on top of our avalanche game. The season will be characterized by weakness within the snowpack and dangerous avalanche conditions during and after snowstorms. Continue to hope for snow, and when it comes, keep the excitement high by making safe decisions relative to the increases in avalanche danger.

Follow the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center at mtavalanche.com or your local avalanche center at avalanche.org to track the avalanche conditions as the season progresses.

Dave Zinn is an avalanche forecaster for the Gallatin National Forecast Avalanche Center.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service Montana Snow Survey reports that as of Dec. 30, 2023, the annual snowpack ranges from a meager 26% to 62% of average.

A safe generalization in avalanche forecasting is that thin, early-season snowpacks in the Rocky Mountains transform into piles of weak facets with the consistency of granular sugar. This occurs because warmer temperatures at the ground drive water vapor up through the snowpack, creating large angular ice crystals that bond poorly to one another.

This pattern of weakening has been prevalent across the region of Southwest Montana covered by the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. From Island Park, Idaho, to the Bridger Range and Cooke City in Montana, our field days reveal a snowpack rife with weakness. If you ride elsewhere in Montana, refer to your local avalanche forecast or assume things are similar.

Snow returned to the forecast area one week into January. With the new snow, granular facets and feathery surface hoar become persistent weak layers upon which avalanches occur. Instability due to persistent weak layers is slow to improve. It can result in slides that break deeply and widely across slopes and be triggered remotely from long distances away or flat meadows below steep terrain. We are watching with fascination as slabs of snow collapse, crack and tumble down the mountain when even small loads of new snow add stress to our weak snowpack, triggering avalanche warnings.

Thus, the celebration of improved riding conditions should come with added caution and conservative decision-making.

Having the fundamental skill of identifying avalanche terrain can help keep us safe. Avalanche terrain is commonly defined as any slope steeper than 30 degrees.

Add a slope angle measuring tool, called an inclinometer, and a digital map with slope angle overlays to your standard avalanche kit, including a transceiver, probe and shovel. Backcountry travelers can also look for physical clues such as steep slopes cleared of large trees and trees with broken branches on the uphill side. These physical clues can help us determine how far avalanches run downhill.

Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center Forecaster Doug Chabot investigates the weak snowpack. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST AVALANCHE CENTER

Cracks shot out 100 feet before circling back to a skier in Cooke City. This collapse would have resulted in an avalanche if the slope had been steeper. PHOTO BY BEAU FREDLUND

Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center forecasters triggered this avalanche in Cooke City from hundreds of feet away in flatter terrain.

Remotely triggering avalanches like this is an indicator of a highly unstable snowpack. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST AVALANCHE CENTER

The recent snow survey map across Southwest Montana.

MAP COURTESY OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

Weak, faceted snow has the consistency of granular sugar.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST AVALANCHE CENTER

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2270 Yellowtail Road | 4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | +/- 2,757 Sqft.

MLS# 384428 | Meadow Village | $1,985,000 | Furnished Listing Advisor: Stacy Ossorio, Broker | Private Office stacy.ossorio@gmail.com | 406.539.8553

90 Crail Ranch Condominium | 4 Beds | 4 Baths | Bonus Room MLS# 383611 | $3,100,000 | Furnished | +/- 3,730 Sqft.

Listing Advisor: Stacy Ossorio, Broker | Private Office stacy.ossorio@gmail.com | 406.539.8553

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40± acre alpine meadow overlooking the Gallatin Canyon, outstanding views of the Spanish Peaks and Lone Mountain. Two adjacent 40± acre properties, designated building sites, end of the road privacy easy all season access. Close to Ophir School, the West Gallatin River and the Porcupine Game range.

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©2023 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.

©2023 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.

38 January 25 - February 7, 2024

Explore Big Sky

HEALTH

HEALTH BUZZ: HOLISTIC HEALTH 2024 HABITS TO REMOVE AND HABITS TO IMPROVE

BY KALEY BURNS EBS COLUMNIST A new year is here! This is a great time for us to embrace lifestyle habits that support our well-being. Small daily habits can become rituals that support our health and our lives.

Here’s a few priorities to promote holistic health in 2024.

Don’t let stress run your life; Intend to find joy daily While stress can be very productive, chronic stress isn’t serving you and can really take a toll on your health. This can affect sleep, mood, concentration, immune function, blood pressure and other biological processes. Here’s a few ways to manage stress.

Take stock. Slow down and think about what might be causing your stress. What can you change? What do you need to accept?

It’s also helpful to take breaks and rests occasionally to reset your frame of mind. Giving your body a “time-out” can be helpful as well, such as a bodywork session like acupuncture or massage to help reduce tension.

Habits like deep breathing exercises, spending time in nature, or engaging in a hobby can significantly lower your stress levels and provide a sense of joy.

Ditch strict diets and shame; Change your menu Sometimes adding, not eliminating foods is key to creating a more health-promoting dietary regimen.

Making small changes such as trying a new food or recipe each week can go a long way to increasing the variety and keeping a healthy relationship with meals.

Garnish a salad, pasta or stir fry with toasted chopped nuts or seeds. Make extra servings of a meal and freeze in portion sizes. Try different types of noodles, rices, polenta, barley, couscous or quinoa as a side dish.

Over time, work to let go of labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” Instead, pay attention to what’s good for your body, and what makes it feel good rather than adhering to food “rules.” Mindful eating involves savoring each bite and listening to your body’s cues, understanding the impact of food choices on your body and mind.

Quit the 24-7 technology; Make a routine for the bookends of the day Fill your personal morning routine with habits that will set you up with small wins right away, instead of checking social media “likes.” Set yourself up for a productive and successful day by starting it off with good habits that center around self-care. Examples include brushing your teeth, taking a shower and eating an energizing breakfast.

Build a “power down hour” into your evening, when you turn off the electronics and do something calming like drinking a cup of chamomile tea or reading a book an

hour before bedtime. Make sure the habits you engage in during these routines align with your goals instead of work against them.

Stop the excuses; Prioritize yourself and your health Consider this two-part question: How do you want to feel in your body? What is holding you back?

Take the time to invest in yourself from the minute you wake up. Self care does not have to take a lot of time.

Even if you have a very busy day, you can likely take a couple of minutes to focus on deep breathing, take a phone call while you walk, keep a water bottle next to your work station, among other habits. You may have to think differently about how to incorporate self care into your day.

Embracing a holistic view of health encourages us to see all aspects of wellness including physical, mental, nutritional, emotional and social. When we focus on incorporating habits to support these pillars, we can optimize our wellness.

Dr. Kaley Burns is a licensed Naturopathic Physician providing a wide range of services for her clients, including: Naturopathic Medicine, IV Nutrient Therapy, Regenerative Injections, Rejuvenation Therapies, Vitamin Shots, and Nutrition Counseling. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey.

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39 January 25 - February 7, 2024

H E A LT H

Explore Big Sky

LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH: A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU—ARE WE BUYING INTO THAT?

BY ALLISON BRADAC GUEST COLUMNIST

We turn the calendar page to a new year. Once again, we see goals, resolutions and promises spike to a new all-time high. Our culture paints a picture that a new you—people often say “new year, new me”—can be our new reality.

Do you buy into that? Isn’t being you enough?

I think yes, you are enough.

I know for me, when I turn the calendar to a new year, it’s just the same old me in the mirror. There are some things I like, and some things I’d give my right arm to change. I see growth and ways that this old dog has learned some new tricks along the way, but I see more evidently the things I’ve lacked for decades that I think I can somehow reign in or declare victory over in this coming year. Most likely, next year, I will see the same things—just from the vantage point of being one year older and one year further down the journey of life, trying to master the same old thing.

Do you think we can be okay with that in 2024? An unfinished and unrefined me? A me that still shows up with some rough edges and a lot of work still to do? As trite as it sounds, it’s true—there is just one you. And there is just one me. It’s easy for me to see the beauty and uniqueness in you. It’s easy for me to see and admire all the creative ways you break the mold. It’s easy for me to see the value you inherently possess. But to see that in myself ? It can feel like a herculean task.

Maybe this year we can ease up a bit and try to see in ourselves what others see in us. Try to offer ourselves the grace that we often freely offer to others. Maybe we could take a vacation from being our own worst critic. Maybe we could go into this new year not setting a goal of reinvention but rather intention to accept ourselves and what we bring into the world.

Can we be good with last year’s model— the one on the shelf in all our unfinished, wonderful and imperfect but striving-to-bebetter glory? Yeah, that one.

As you look at what it means to just be you in 2024, we encourage you to reach out for the help you need. For some this means leaning toward those who support you and who believe in you. Lean in to your network and support circles. And try to be that for others.

If getting help requires more, please know that the work of Wellness in Action and many other organizations in this community are here to help you get through. WIA provides discounted counseling services based on income, as well as a free Community Health Worker to help you make some connections.

Big Sky nonprofit Wellness in Action won Editor’s Pick for “Best Nonprofit” in the 2023 Best of Big Sky Awards. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO

The Be Well Big Sky Navigator Network is a resource where neighbors help neighbors to find the support they need here in Big Sky. And there are trainings and education opportunities all over town to help us all understand one another better and to know the ways we can step in to support and care for each other. You can find these resources on our website www.bigskywia.org.

From the staff at WIA, we’re committed to meeting you where you’re at. We ourselves are trying to be comfortable with last year’s model and to know there’s a lot of worth in that. To us, this is what it means to live as ourselves in 2024: Kiernan, programs manager: In 2024 I will live as myself by accepting at the end of each day that I put forward my best energy and effort, knowing that will look different every day.

Hope, community health worker: For me, living as myself means being patient with myself and recognizing that progress is progress, no matter how small! I am reminding myself that small or marginal improvements, even if performed inconsistently, can result in real net improvements over a year. If by the end of January, you calculate that you only went

on four hikes instead of your monthly goal of eight, guess what: You still went on four more hikes than you went on the following month or the entire previous year. Cheers to a net gain in the New Year!

Natalie, operations manager: The start of a new year can be both invigorating and overwhelming. It’s a fresh start to work on goals and build new habits, but sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves to do everything at once. When I feel overwhelmed, I think about my favorite parable, The Tortoise and the Hare. By slowing down and focusing on taking the next step forward, it helps me take the pressure off and enjoy the journey.

Allison, executive director: In 2024 it’s important for me that I show up for other people, authentically and with understanding.

Allison Bradac is executive director of Wellness in Action. She is honored to be part of the incredible team at WIA who shows up every day to work to improve mental health in Big Sky. She brings perspective and nonprofit experience from several development and leadership positions at organizations all focusing on human services.

600 N. WA L L A C E AV E. B OZ E M A N, M T

T H E F I N E S T M O U N TA I N T O W N L I V I N G BESPOKE LIVING IN DOWNTOWN BOZEM A N Perfectly located in Bozeman’s Northeast Neighborhood, just a few blocks from Main Street, Wildlands is a truly exceptional location. Conveniently situated near multiple coffee shops, restaurants, trailheads, and within 20 minutes of Bridger Bowl Ski Area, living at Wildlands means you are never far away from world-class adventure and culture. Wildlands consists of 12 luxury residences only four blocks from downtown and 10 minutes from Yellowstone International Airport.

AMENITIES •

Spacious two & three bedroom floor plans highlight mountain views & natural light

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Private, heated garage for resident parking

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Large storage space for each owner

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Secure owner’s lobby

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Professionally managed for ease of lock & leave ownership

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Conveniently located blocks away from Downtown Bozeman

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Custom finishes boast Poliform cabinetry, quartzite countertops & engineered hardwood floors

Scan the QR code to visit the website for floor plans, virtual tours, and more.

W W W. W I L D L A N D S B O Z E M A N . C O M

WWW.OUTLAW.REALTY | 406.995.2404 | EJ@OUTLAW.REALTY

2 1 1 T O W N C E N T E R A V E . B I G S K Y, M T

THE BEST OF BOZEMAN & BIG SKY CONVENIENT MAIN STREET LIVING IN BIG SK Y Beautifully designed condos and penthouses in a highly sought-after downtown location. Footsteps away from Big Sky Town Center restaurants, shopping, farmers markets, live music, and all that Big Sky has to offer. A downtown lifestyle where rooms are filled with natural light and breathtaking views no matter the time of day or the season. Third-level penthouses come with private, 4th-level rooftop decks and hot tub. Let the stargazing begin.

AMENITIES •

Exquisite engineered hardwood floors

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Meticulously crafted cabinets

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Luxurious granite countertops

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State-of-the-art stainless steel GE Monogram appliances

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All residents have a storage unit in addition to their residence

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Secure underground parking garage with designated parking spaces

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Third-level penthouses come with private, 4th-level rooftop decks

Scan the QR code to visit the website for floor plans, virtual tours, and more.

W W W. T H E F R A N K L I N B I G S K Y. C O M

WWW.OUTLAW.REALTY | 406.995.2404 | EJ@OUTLAW.REALT Y

BOZEMAN MT, 620 E. COTTONWOOD ST. - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY DENVER CO, 2535 WALNUT STREET 303 2961495 STUDIOCOMO.COM

FUN

43 January 25 - February 7, 2024

Explore Big Sky

RANCH TO TABLE TASTE THE B O O K N O W MONTANA DIFFERENCE 42950 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730 406.995.4132 | RainbowRanchBigSky.com

BROKER/OWNERS Becky & Jerry Pape 406.995.4848 (Next to the Exxon) 406.580.5243 (Anytime)

11762 GOOCH HILL - GALL ATIN GATEWAY - Lovely 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath custom home - Completely set up for horses on 20 acres - Corrals, cross fenced, large round pen $2,650,000 | MLS 374431

1662 ARROWHEAD CONDOMINIUM - BIG SKY RESOR T - Uniquely furnished front row chalet with true ski-in/ski-out access - 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath lavish, stand-alone condominium - 2 fireplaces, sauna, indoor jacuzzi, and much more! $3,500,000 | MLS 385525

78 MEADOW VILL AGE, UNIT E - LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! - Commercial condo in the Meadow Village Center - 2,115+/- sf of office space in the heart of Big Sky $1,580,000 | MLS 388364

33 BLUE FL AX PL ACE - HIDDEN VILL AGE CONDO - Excellent 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo - Spectacular Lone Mountain views - HOA swimming pool & rec center $1,325,000 | MLS 387384

85 FRENCHMAN RD - BIG SKY RIVERFRONT - 2 acres with fish-in/out access - 4 bedroom, 3 bath fully furnished, luxury home - Enjoy serenity along the coveted Gallatin River! $2,945,000 | MLS 381935

330 DOUBLE D LN - MANHATTAN - Spacious 6 bedroom, 3.5 bath custom home - 20+/- acres, partially fenced with exceptional views - Heated swimming pool & HOA equestrian center $2,449,000 | MLS 386923

STOP IN AND VISIT US AT THE ARROWHEAD MALL OFFICE

NOW OPEN

PEAK SKIS SHOWROOM Located in Bozeman, en route to Big Sky, the Peak Skis Showroom is a place to shop our lineup of skis, browse fine goods crafted by Montana locals; or just hang out at one of our movie premieres, ski clinics, and barbecues.

245 Quail Run Road Bozeman, MT 59718

(406)-577-8328 peakskis.com