Explore Big Sky - December 28 to January 10, 2024

December 28, 2023 January 10, 2024 Volume 14 // Issue #26

SPECIAL SECTION: TOP NEWS STORIES OF THE YEAR NEW TRAM SHOWS BIG SKY’S FUTURE

OUTLAW PARTNERS PLANS FOR BIGGEST SUMMER EVENTS SEASON EVER BIG SKY RESORT TO HOST BARRIER-BREAKING EVENTS ‘BIG SKY BUDDY’ PROGRAM HELPS SEASONAL STAFF LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER: 2024 WILL TAKE A VILLAGE

December 28, 2023 January 10, 2024 Volume 14, Issue No. 26 Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana

PUBLISHER Eric Ladd | eric@theoutlawpartners.com

OPENING SHOT On Dec. 14 and 15, local high school students performed Irving Berlin’s classic musical “White Christmas” at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. The performance was double-cast for many roles and brought long-awaited snow to Big Sky’s stage. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDITORIAL 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 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

4 OBITUARY 6 LOCAL 18 OP NEWS 21 A&E 28 DINING 32 BUSINESS 34 ENVIRONMENT 39 HEALTH 43 FUN 45 TOP STORIES

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD Patrick Mahoney | patrick@theoutlawpartners.com

CONTRIBUTORS

ON THE COVER:

Taylor Allen, Tom Attwater, Kaley Burns, Chris Darnell, Heather Hansman, Jeremy Harder, Rachel Hergett, Ian Hoyer, Rob Hunt, Benjamin Alva Polley, Paul Swenson

On. Dec. 19, the new Lone Peak Tram took its first cabins full of visitors to the top of 11,166-foot Lone Mountain, preceded by opening ceremonies with words from Stephen Kircher, president and CEO of Boyne Resorts (middle), Taylor Middleton, Big Sky Resort president and COO (right) and resort GM Troy Nedved (left). PHOTO BY ROB HUNT / CRYSTAL IMAGES

8

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER: 2024 WILL TAKE A VILLAGE With the arrival of his son Haydon, Explore Big Sky Publisher Eric Ladd reflects on 25 years living and working in the Big Sky community and the notion that “It takes a village.” A term once reserved for helping each other raise children, the term “village” has taken on new meaning as Ladd’s family, company and neighbors embark on an evolution as we enter a new year.

12 10

NEW TRAM SHOWS BIG SKY’S FUTURE On Dec. 19, Big Sky Resort cut the ribbon on a feat of engineering: the Lone Peak Tram is the first of its kind built at a North American ski resort since Jackson Hole’s tram in 2008. EBS spoke with Stephen Kircher, president and CEO of Boyne Resorts, and Troy Nedved, Big Sky Resort GM about how this tram helps the resort continue to build toward its future—including base to peak connectivity and new facilities for on-mountain dining.

12

BIG SKY RESORT TO HOST BARRIER-BREAKING EVENTS In late February, two separate-but-aligned events will support women and people of color in snowsports. Annual events held by Women of Winter and the National Brotherhood of Snowsports will attract thousands of skiers to Big Sky for networking, free skiing and PSIA-AASI certification. EBS spoke with the directors of each organization, and they each addressed the importance of fostering diversity in the ski industry.

16

‘BIG SKY BUDDY’ PROGRAM HELPS SEASONAL STAFF For the hundreds of seasonal workers who come for Big Sky’s busy summers and winters, it’s not easy to fit into this unique community. Especially for international workers on J-1 and H-2B visas, Big Sky can feel like another world. That’s why the Big Sky Rotary Club created the Big Sky Buddy program, which pairs a new seasonal employee with a volunteer community member.

18

OUTLAW PARTNERS PLANS FOR BIGGEST SUMMER EVENTS SEASON EVER Following on the heels of Foo Fighters and Lord Huron, who headlined last summer’s Wildlands Music Festival, Outlaw events looks toward 2024 as their biggest summer yet in both live music acts, bucking bulls and charitable contributions.

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SPECIAL SECTION: TOP NEWS STORIES OF THE YEAR Explore Big Sky covered many incredible stories in 2023. Based on website analytics and feedback from our readers, we narrowed down the giant list of our best local news coverage. This special section contains a dozen stories, and we’re very proud of what EBS brought to our readers in the past year. In case you missed any of them the first time around, you won’t want to miss these stories now.

EDITORIAL POLICIES

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

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 January 11th issue January 3rd, 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 © 2023 Explore Big Sky unauthorized reproduction prohibited

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4 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

OBITUARY

ROBERT G. “BOB“ KOEHLER Robert G. “Bob” Koehler passed away on Nov. 28 in the company of his wife Nancy and other close family members. While a long-time resident of Big Sky, Bob’s original roots were based in California, having been born and raised in the San Francisco area. One of eight children (in addition to being a triplet consisting of three boys), he was especially proud of his Irish Catholic heritage. Bob was able to capitalize on this connection by obtaining his Irish passport which he relished using during his many trips to Ireland and other parts of the European continent.

Bob enjoyed a long career in the irrigation industry having been associated with the leading manufacturers and distributors of irrigation products, Rainbird, Toro and Lindsey Corp. While this professional involvement provided many exciting opportunities to experience other cultures, geographies and people, Bob’s true love was Nancy and the time he spent with her in Big Sky. An active and dedicated member of the community, Bob was committed to the work of the Big Sky Food Bank, the Big Sky Housing Trust and, most

“

importantly, his involvement in St. Joseph’s Mission at the Big Sky Chapel. These organizations, together with their residency at the Spanish Peaks Mountain Club, created a wide circle of friends and neighbors that Bob valued and appreciated for their kindness, generosity and spirit During Bob’s long and valiant battle with cancer, his strong foundation of faith and belief in God were always present and upon which he relied during his many years of treatment.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Nancy in addition to an extended family of Koehlers and Bauchmans too large to count. He also leaves behind two cherished children, Rob ( Jamie) Koehler and Betsy (Bert) Harvey together with his four grandchildren, Austin, Olivia, Ben and Jack.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Jan. 19, 2024 at 2:00pm at St. Joseph’s Mission at the Big Sky Chapel. The family requests that any memorials be donated to Bigskyfoodbank.org or Stjosephbigsky.com.

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BETTER TOGETHER A District bulletin

Funding Priorities

As stewards of public funds, Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD) is committed to openly communicating funding strategies and encouraging community feedback. We are in the midst of our FY25 budgeting process.

The Resort Tax budget is broken into three main categories: Government, Nonprofit and Reserves.

Resort Tax Budget

Government

Nonprofit

Reserves

In response to the growing needs of our community and to provide additional clarity, BSRAD has updated District procedures, rules and methodologies for allocations of Government and Nonprofit funding. These updates proactively determine budgets by impact area, balancing current priorities with the use of public funds.

Months of budgeting discussions resulted in a resolution outlining these procedures.

Resolution 2023-02R is scheduled to be adopted at the January board meeting.

FY25 Impact Area Budget as proposed

Recreation 10.25% Arts & Culture 3.25% Conservation 8.25%

Public Works 34.75%

Housing 15.25%

Economic Development 5.25% Education & Childcare 9.25% Health & Safety 13.75%

Join the Conversation Input from community members has been and will continue to be an important part of our budgeting process.

To learn more about the considerations that go into the Resort Tax budget, please review the FY25 Allocation Draft Resolution found at ResortTax.org and plan to attend the board meeting on January 10 at 9:00 am in the Resort Tax Office.

Public comment can be made at the meeting, or by emailing PublicComment@ResortTax.org.

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

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

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

6 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

LOCAL

NEWS IN BRIEF

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK STARTS WINTER SEASON

RUT REGISTRATION TO OPEN JAN. 9

EBS STAFF

The Rut Mountain Runs will return to Big Sky on Sept. 13-15, 2024, following the traditional courses—in 2023, Lone Peak Tram construction re-routed some events to avoid the summit of 11,166-foot Lone Mountain.

Yellowstone National Park’s winter season begins Dec. 15. From now to mid-March, visitors can travel roads from the West, South, East and North entrances by approved vehicles: commercially guided snowmobiles and snowcoaches and non-commercially guided snowmobile access programs.

In a Dec. 13 news release, the park advised that “the type of transportation used on park roads by commercially guided snowmobile or snow coach tour companies will depend on road conditions.”

Roads will open to automobiles in mid-April, weather permitting. The release included important information about winter travel in the park: "Most park roads are closed to automobiles. The only roads open year-round are between the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana (via Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Lamar Valley). Anticipate possible road closures due to quickly changing weather and dangerous driving conditions. driving conditions. Check the road status map before you leave. Drive cautiously and watch out for snowplows. Do not stop, stand, or walk in the road. Use a pullout if you need to stop for any reason.

EBS STAFF

Registration for all events will open at 8 a.m. Mountain Time on Jan. 9.

Volunteers from 2023 will have priority registration, open from Jan. 2-6.

On Jan. 8, registration parties will give sign-up priority to the event’s three largest local communities: Bozeman (The Mountain Project, 7-9 p.m.), Big Sky (Vista Hall at Big Sky Resort, 4-6 p.m.) and Missoula. (The Runner’s Edge, 6-8 p.m.).

Each registrant must physically attend the party in order to register, with no exceptions for family and friends, according to event organizers.

PUBLIC NOTICE CALL FOR FY25 RESORT TAX FUNDING APPLICATIONS GOVERNMENT ENTITIES

COLE HAUSER OF ‘YELLOWSTONE’ INTRODUCES BOZEMAN-BOTTLED WHISKEY TO MONTANA OUTLETS EBS STAFF

Cole Hauser, star of the TV series “Yellowstone,” has partnered with a Montana rancher and beverage industry veteran to bring eight-year-old Kentucky bourbon whiskey to Montana.

According to a press release, Lazy K Bar Whiskey is bottled in Bozeman and is currently only available in Montana. It’s named after one of the state’s oldest operating cattle ranches, founded in 1887 north of Big Timber. The product “celebrates the grit and strength of the pioneers that shaped Big Sky country,” the release states.

Lazy K Bar Ranch opened to guests in 1922, making it the oldest operating dude ranch in the state, according to the release. Rancher David Leuschen stated in the release that Lazy K Bar guests are brought to an era when cowboys and ranch hands enjoyed whiskey as a hardearned reward, not as a luxury.

“There’s a story behind the brand,” Hauser stated in the release. “This is a legacy project for all partners involved. We wanted to bring something to market that we’re proud of and that people can enjoy with their friends and family for 100 years to come. Montana is an extraordinary place with a lot of character, and our goal is to make sure that is reflected in Lazy K Bar Bourbon.”

The Big Sky Resort Area District is accepting applications for a 3-year funding cycle for FY25 (7/1/24-6/30/25), FY26 (7/1/25-6/30/26), and FY27 (7/1/26-6/30/27) operations and FY25 capital requests beginning on Thursday, February 1, 2024. As required by law, an applicant must be a legal entity formed under the laws of the State of Montana. The applicant must be “an entity” that is capable of both “legally and practically” carrying out the purpose of the allocation and located within the Resort Area District. The applicant must be a governmental unit with the capability of being legally bound by an interlocal agreement.

Applications and supporting documents must be completed using the online applications portal and must be submitted by Friday, March 15, 2024, to be considered for funding. More information can be found at resorttax.org/funding or by contacting the District Office at 406-995-3234.

CALL FOR FY25 RESORT TAX FUNDING APPLICATIONS NONPROFIT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ENTITIES The Big Sky Resort Area District is accepting applications from nonprofit and other non-government entities for the FY25 (7/1/24-6/30/25) funding cycle beginning Thursday, February 15, 2024. As required by law, an applicant must be a legal entity formed under the laws of the State of Montana. The applicant must be “an entity” that is capable of both “legally and practically” carrying out the purpose of the allocation and located within the Resort Area District. The applicant must be a nonprofit or non-government entity with the capability of being legally bound by an agreement.

Applications and supporting documents must be completed using the online portal and must be submitted by Sunday, March 31, 2024, to be considered for funding.

More information can be found at resorttax.org/funding or by contacting the District Office at 406-995-3234.

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

8 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

IT TAKES A VILLAGE When my wife and I were recently blessed with the arrival of our baby, we witnessed some amazing acts of kindness. The numerous notes and gifts, offers of assistance, thoughtful advice, and amazing home-cooked dishes evoked the saying “It Takes a Village.” This African proverb means that a child’s upbringing is a communal effort involving many different people and groups interacting so those children grow in a safe and healthy environment.

Imagine applying the same principle on a larger scale to our community. What could be achieved with all citizens working together?

The Big Sky community has achieved some exciting milestones in 2023. A new tram was opened, 50 years at the resort was celebrated with robust media coverage, incredible events highlighted by Foo Fighters occurred, an upgraded sewage treatment that now makes snow was developed, a thriving non-profit community grew, local high school students were admitted to prestigious colleges, new businesses opened, and a bustling real estate market continued. Yet, so much more can be accomplished.

My Top Five Wishes for Big Sky in 2024: 1.

Keep it wild. We make a dominant shift to making “wilderness” a priority and work diligently on projects like clean water, animal migration corridor crossings and protection of the spaces that will not be further developed. Time is of the essence and future generations will thank us. We have an opportunity to create a legacy of preserving nature--the very thing that brought us all here.

2.

A town for all. We must make sure no one is left behind. In a community with so much wealth, we still have a food bank with long lines and a jarring affordable housing issue. Big Sky must be a community with open doors for all who want to live and work here. With a wide array of families and individuals, we will be so much more than a resort; we will be a community. Along with physical needs, it is vitally important to address mental health and substance abuse issues as well.

Sunset at Big Sky PBR. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO 3.

Get involved! Without an organized government, it is imperative that you get involved in helping shape the future of Big Sky. Contribute your time, join a board, share your opinions and ideas, or open your checkbook. All are urgently needed.

4.

Support local merchants. Labor issues, expensive rents, and inconsistent customer flow all make owning and operating a business in Big Sky difficult. Please encourage the growth of local businesses by your patronage. Our local businesses need to grow and become strong enough to remain open and create dependable services for locals and visitors alike.

Fewer Amazon deliveries in exchange for shopping local will help a local operator thrive.

5.

Determine our DNA. We are blessed to have an incredible mountain in the shadow of Yellowstone Park. But what will be the next layer we curate together? Do events like Big Sky PBR, Wildlands Music Festival, and Music in the Mountains become an incubator for more amazing events?

Do races like The Rut and The Big Sky Biggie attract more athletic events? Does our culinary and arts scene take hold and flourish? Does Friday night lights become a bigger tradition at the high school? We must all plan together to create a unique identity for our town.

Twenty-five years ago I was introduced to Big Sky via my dear friend and mentor Warren Miller. Warren was so excited to see a new ski town being born that he encouraged me to move to Montana and share in the experience of Big Sky. Warren was always a fan of the underdog, the ski bum, the entrepreneur, the artist, the musician, the lively lift op and the hard-working bus driver. Warren encouraged me to help find and tell the story of Big Sky, hence this newspaper. Warren would have worked tirelessly to find sustainable solutions to issues like affordable housing and the care of a watershed like the Gallatin. Warren valued the idea of taking care of each other and nature.

As a community, state, and country my strong hope is that we can all embrace the message of “It Takes a Village” and weave it into our daily lives. Imagine a place where the village mentality existed every day, not just saved for welcoming new babies into the world. Helping to create an amazing place to live is not someone else’s responsibility. It is the responsibility of all of us.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year. Thank you for all your support of the Outlaw companies. And cheers to us all acting like “Villagers” more.

Grateful, Eric Ladd Publisher and CEO of Outlaw Partners

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

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Providing exceptional service to buyers and sellers of Big Sky properties for 30 years. ©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.

Big Sky Build and Gallatin Alpine Sports want to ensure all kids in the Big Sky community ski and ride safely and responsibly this season.

If your child is in need of a new helmet, please call Beth or Jen at 406.995.3670

L O CA L

10 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

LONE PEAK TRAM ‘ONE HELL OF A BIRTHDAY PRESENT’ FOR RESORT’S 50TH BIG SKY RESORT CUTS THE RIBBON ON NEW TRAM, SOON TO ABUTT NEW EXPLORER GONDOLA AND EXPAND BASE-TO-PEAK SCENIC TOURISM

The Lone Peak Tram opened to the public on Dec. 19, carrying riders 2,142 vertical feet. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

BY JACK REANEY

At 9:45 a.m., resort executives spoke from atop the bottom terminal.

to cut the ribbon on a new tram while celebrating 50 years was no accident.

BIG SKY—As the new Lone Peak Tram climbs above Lone Mountain’s Alto Ridge, the Madison Range rises into southern view. The 11,166-foot summit has been served by tram for almost 30 years, but the ride now follows a different path with different views.

“You know a new tram doesn’t get built in North America but about once a generation,” Taylor Middleton, Big Sky Resort president and COO, told an eager crowd. “And I’m one of the lucky people that’s had two in my generation, and I am stoked about that. I’m stoked about all of you.”

Stephen Kircher, president and CEO of Boyne Resorts, reinforced that point—the goal was to get it done for Big Sky’s birthday. He said it was done on time, and for the most part, on budget.

On Tuesday, Dec. 19, Big Sky Resort celebrated a successful two-year construction process with the tram’s grand opening. Public riders climbed aboard the new, 75-passenger cabins and oversaw Lone Mountain from a new vantage point, inspecting the bowl and the gullies, while being hauled at a top speed above 22 miles per hour. The peak remains closed for skiing, so riders took a two-way scenic trip.

Middleton said the vibe and personality on Dec. 19, 2023 was not too different from the resort’s grand opening on Dec. 15, 1973—he segued to recognize Mark Gary and Tony Martel, who happened to purchase Big Sky Resort’s very first lift tickets on that opening day 50 years ago; both now stood near the front of the tram line for another grand opening. Middleton said the effort

Window view as the new tram rises above Alto Ridge. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

“It’s indeed a milestone for this Big Sky’s 50th anniversary birthday, and as someone told me earlier, it’s one hell of a birthday present for the resort,” Kircher told the crowd. Now marks the first days of the next 50-year chapter, he added.

“And it’s special to share it with all of you, the loyal customers,” Kircher said. “In the end, it’s your commitment to us that allows us to reinvest and pay for these things. So really, thank you.”

Kircher gives his remarks to a captive crowd. PHOTOS BY JACK REANEY

L O CA L

11 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

Resort GM Troy Nedved prompted Kircher’s eight-year-old son, Finn, to cut the ribbon.

Following Austrian tradition—the tram was constructed by an Austrian company, Doppelmayr, and Swiss gondola builder Garaventa—Nedved and Middleton rang the bell to signify a new chairlift.

“Looks like we’re ready to load the first cabin.

Welcome,” Nedved announced.

The first riders handed off their champagne glasses and prepared to enter. Among them were participants in Big Sky Resort’s auction for three local nonprofits, which raised $50,000 to be split evenly between the Gallatin River Task Force, Big Sky Community Organization and Morningstar Learning Center.

With quiet speed, the black tram accelerated up and away. Music followed, and scores of the waiting public began beeping through the gates.

“I heard it’s gonna be a whole new view,” said local skier Kenzie Goff as she prepared to board one of the first cabins. “I think everybody is excited. I think people are stoked for sure. I am.”

PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

Europe that are six, seven decades [built with] older technology. Not of this vintage.”

Twenty-winter local Shane Knowles, a former tram operator, gave his impression as his tram approached.

With a new tram, Kircher sees new possibilities.

Not only for the skiing—the new tram’s location is directly accessible from more peak descents— but for scenic adventure tourism. With the forthcoming completion of a two-stage Explorer Gondola, non-skiing guests can reach the peak in whatever footwear they desire, summer or winter, and perhaps the months between.

“Pretty stoked. Yeah, it’s pretty exciting… It looks pretty snazzy,” Knowles said.

A frequent visitor from Texas, 10-year-old Eli described the new tram.

“It looks really… agile,” he said. Upon returning, Eli gave his review: “Amazing.”

“It was amazing,” agreed Pat Milner of Massachusetts. A first-time Big Sky visitor, the experience reminded her of Europe.

Inside the new tram, energy buzzes. Passengers bounce around in the relatively large cabin, pointing out the windows. At the halfway point, someone gasps.

“Whoa,” utter a few.

“Holy **** dude,” another says, as the opposite cabin flies by at a combined 45 miles per hour.

The tram rolls smoothly over its only tower, crawls past the retired top terminal of the first tram, and docks a few feet higher in a top station that will include a glass-floored viewing platform as a finishing touch.

Resort GM Troy Nedved said the tram is the anchor point of many upgrades from the base to the summit.

Chad Wilson (left), vice president of construction and development, and Jas Raczynski, project manager, said finishing the project on time felt like a release of atmospheric pressure. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

An investment beyond skiing Kircher sees the new Lone Peak Tram surviving at least 50 more years. In an interview with EBS, he explained that with components replaced as needed, the tram’s life expectancy could approach 100 years.

“For sure it’s 50-plus,” Kircher told EBS, knocking on wood for effect. He said each iteration of track rope will last about 25 years, and some electronic upgrades will be in order, but the core mechanism is here to stay. “… There’s many installations in

“Three different food and beverage operations contemplated within that [gondola and tram] corridor… It’s really the first step, even though it’s a really big step,” Nedved said.

As for cost of the Lone Peak Tram, Kircher won’t talk numbers.

“It’s a lot,” Kircher said. “The largest investment we’ve ever made in Big Sky is this tram. And the next project, the gondola, will be bigger than this. And the restaurant infrastructure is bigger than that. I mean, we’ve got some heavy lifting to do here.”

He pointed out that isn’t a hobby; it’s a business that needs to make economic sense. Big Sky Resort’s economic model needed to transform to enable such dramatic infrastructure upgrades.

With lift connectivity from base to peak, Lone Mountain’s summit will become far more accessible to paying guests—the old tram catered largely to advanced skiers.

“Having it be something that could be beyond skiers, and transform the summer experience for southwest Montana and Big Sky is really what allowed us to get over the hump and make the commitment to do this,” Kircher said. “… If you look at the European model, it is certainly that.

It’s a much broader perspective on the mountain experience.”

While the advanced technology of Big Sky’s newer lift infrastructure gets a lot of attention, Kircher emphasized his view of the real meaning behind that: “high tech is code for comfort and reliability,” he said.

Middleton holds up two fingers—one for each tram. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

“It’s called lift ticket for a reason,” Kircher said.

“You’re paying for a lift ticket. So why shouldn’t the lift experience be the best possible for a rider?”

12 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

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Explore Big Sky

BIG SKY RESORT TO HOST BARRIERBREAKING EVENTS FOR WOMEN, PEOPLE OF COLOR IN SNOWSPORTS

IN FEBRUARY, NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN WOMEN OF WINTER AND THE NATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF SNOWSPORTS WILL EMPOWER ALL

BY JACK REANEY BIG SKY—Two separate-but-aligned organizations will hold overlapping annual events at Big Sky Resort this winter.

From Feb. 22 to 25, Women of Winter will host their 2024 program, during which scholarship recipients—36 this year, the most ever—can gain instructor certifications with PSIA-AASI. WoW is a Bozeman-based nonprofit founded in 2018

by YC instructor Chris Walch and dedicated to empowering Black, indigenous women of color in the snowsports industry to become educational leaders.

From Feb. 24 to March 2, the National Brotherhood of Snowsports, America’s largest winter sports organization for athletes of color, will host its annual summit. Founded in 1973, NBS’ mission is “to identify, develop and support athletes of color who will win international and Olympic winter sports competitions representing the United States and to increase participation in winter sports for people of color.”

COURTESY OF NBS

NBS hosted its annual summit in Big Sky once before, back in 1983. Big Sky Resort is proud to add NBS’ 2024 summit to its 50-year celebration— in a Sept. 13 press release, Troy Nedved, Big Sky Resort GM, stated that the reosrt looks forward to an event in “pursuit of a more inclusive future f or snowsports.”

NBS summit to bring nearly 3,000 attendees Henri Rivers started skiing in the late 1960s in the Catskills of New York. When he first joined NBS in 1996, he had hardly skied with more than one or two people of color.

Now national president of NBS, he’s most proud of the shared feeling NBS fosters. For him, it was eyeopening, refreshing and inspiring to ski with more Black people. He sees NBS members defying racist stereotypes.

Carolyn Stempler has been involved with NBS for 39 years, and that’s where she learned how to ski.

She now lives in Big Sky, and she’s executive director of Women of Winter, an all-volunteer organization. She’s thrilled that WoW is gaining a voice to impact change in winter sport communities and hopes the partnership with NBS—a 51-yearold organization with thousands of members— will continue.

Both organizations want to create deeper spaces for women and people of color, from the leisure-level to the Olympic-level.

“We have very similar missions, where we’re trying to break down these barriers and create this safe space in this community,” Stempler told Explore Big Sky. Unfortunately, cost of lodging and lift tickets are two significant barriers and the ski industry needs to change to survive, she said. Resorts need to meet in the middle with consumers to lower the barrier to entry.

“So, how do we break down this barrier? How do we tell them that a $300 lift ticket is not something that’s going to be sustainable,” Stempler said.

Beyond those tall hurdles, other barriers can damage winter athletes’ sense of belonging. As a Black woman, she’s been asked insulting questions.

For example, in line alone for the chairlift, someone asked, “Why are you here?”

Participants in the 2023 Women of Winter program at Big Sky Resort.

PHOTO BY SHANNON CORSI

“I had decent gear... I looked like I skied, I didn’t look like I didn’t belong there,” Stempler recalled.

“And I still would get comments like that.”

Stempler mentioned Nia Brinkley, a PSIA-AASI Level-3 certified snowboard instructor in Colorado.

“In the 32,000 members of PSIA, she is the only Black female... Since 2012, when she got her Level 3, there has not been another Black female to follow in her path,” Stempler said.

She’s unsure of the exact numbers, but for ski instructors, Stempler thinks there might be two Black women and two Black men certified

by PSIA. “Whether it’s two, one, 10, five, four—out of 32,000 [PSIA-AASI] members, the numbers are embarrassing,” Stempler said. She does credit PSIA-AASI for taking steps to address the issue and for supporting WoW’s purpose.

This winter might help move the needle; Stempler hopes WoW will help 12 Black women earn their Level 1 in partnership with the National Brotherhood of Snowsports.

Team NBS trains youth athletes from U12 to U18 in a variety of snowsports. This winter’s team includes 29 “extremely competitive” young athletes, Rivers told EBS. “We have one that was competing in the big air competition at Copper [Mountain] a couple weeks ago. A couple going to Youth Olympic Games in Korea in two weeks,” he said. Of several strong mogul skiers, Rivers hopes at least one will make a run at this year’s World Cup. Aside from seeing elite Team NBS athletes, Rivers offered reasons for Big Sky locals to be excited for the NBS summit.

“We not only bring such a loyal following, our membership’s passion about skiing, they bring so much positive energy to the mountain and the community. And they bring a lot of money. Last year, we spent more than $10 million in one week at Vail... It’s a staggering number, and more resorts should appreciate that and negotiate better with us,” Rivers said.

That number includes on-mountain expenses, lodging, food and beverage and retail spend, across upwards of 3,000 NBS summit attendees from 58 clubs spread across more than 45 cities in the U.S. and U.K.

L O CA L

13 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024 The NBS members will spend time exploring Big Sky Resort and engaging in friendly competitions like downhill races—Rivers said the clubs love to run gates and some rivalries have endured 50 years.

“It is so enlightening. It just lifts your spirit to watch them compete against each other,” Rivers said.

He highlighted the happy hour at the end of each ski day, and emphasized that the public is invited to join all festivities.

“We’re coming to have a great time, we’re coming to embrace the community, and we want the community to embrace us,” Rivers said. “Once they go to an NBS summit, they’ll always seek to go to another. I guarantee that.”

Explore Big Sky

"We not only bring such a loyal following, our membership’s passion about skiing, they bring so much positive energy to the mountain and the community.

And they bring a lot of money.

Last year, we spent more than $10 million in one week at Vail."

-Henri Rivers, NBS national president

WoW looks to keep 100% success in Big Sky Stempler has two granddaughters. The four-yearold just started skiing last year in Big Sky, and the two-year-old will start this winter. Stempler emphasized her desire to introduce kids to skiing— she just began instructing kids at Big Sky Resort.

“It has nothing to do with the snow,” she said. “It has to do with the psychology of a child who wants to eat snow and do snow angels.”

As of now, WoW helps certify instructors aged 22 to 62, and she said it’s awesome to see young adults determined to break down barriers and build the industry’s future. This year, WoW will host its largest-ever class of women.

Scholarship recipients will arrive on Wednesday, Feb. 21. They’ll train Thursday and Friday, and face exams Saturday and Sunday. Normally, WoW

offers 12 scholarships: six ski instructors and six snowboard instructors. Last year, WoW added 12 for alumni pursuing further certification—six for freestyle skiing and six for children specialty. For 2024, WoW is also offering 12 scholarships for NBS women to earn their Level 1 certification.

“We do this massive ski down, and you can imagine from a drone perspective how cool that’s going to be,” she hinted.

Women of Winter’s overall success rate is 99%, but 100% at Big Sky. “There’s something about that mountain that’s magical,” Stempler said. She also commended the resort’s management.

“Big Sky [Resort] has really stepped up to be a partner for us, with the things that they’re offering, such as the lift tickets, the discounted lodging, the events space... Just having Christine Baker who is vice president of snowsports [at the resort] be a true mentor and also a partner with us, has really helped our organization to grow,” she said.

Stempler is grateful she can volunteer her time for such an important organization. She hopes WoW can secure more grants and funding to be able to hire paid staff.

Having 36 scholarship recipients at one time is “phenomenal,” Stempler said. Scholarship winners receive bindings and skis or snowboard from Rossignol, a helmet and goggles from Giro, Hestra mittens, Leki poles, and clothing from Phunkshun, The North Face and Terramar.

Alums of WoW can return for advanced instructor training toward Level 2 or 3—Stempler said 15 are returning—and this year’s program will feature more than 50 women.

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Stempler in Big Sky. COURTESY OF CAROLYN STEMPLER

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15 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

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BIG SKY BUDDY PROGRAM AIMS TO WELCOME SEASONAL WORKERS

Big Sky community members mingle with international workers at an annual welcome dinner with the Big Sky Rotary Club. PHOTO BY LAURA SEYFANG

BY JEN CLANCEY BIG SKY—Gissel Gutierrez remembers her first Christmas in Big Sky in 2015.

“We tried to make a Christmas dinner in our housing,” Gutierrez said. She was living in the Whitewater Inn at the time. Without a proper kitchen, her friends relied on a crockpot to share mashed potatoes with the people in the room.

Gutierrez finished the evening by calling her family in Lima, Peru.

She also describes the time she ventured with friends to the Exxon gas station along U.S. Highway 191 to grab some last minute snacks for New Years. “And it was closed,” she laments, laughing—they were used to gas stations being open at all hours, among the many lifestyle changes she experienced in her first season living in Big Sky. Hundreds of international and seasonal workers come to work in Big Sky every year to meet the seasonal demand of visitors. This year, the Big Sky Rotary Club is working to make J-1, H-2B and other seasonal workers feel welcome. Laura Seyfang mentioned that she’s enjoyed connecting with these young workers. “I think we always left feeling like we’d like to do more,” Seyfang said. So, she and other community members started the Big Sky Buddy Program three weeks ago.

The Big Sky Buddy program allows Big Sky community members to connect with a new seasonal employee and make them “feel welcome in Big Sky” through organized meetings, as well as accompanying them to local social events.

The Wilson Hotel and Montage have provided space for Rotary Club of Big Sky’s free seasonal workforce events. Events like a bowling night, ice skating and free tubing are open for registration.

Community members can offer their homes and cooking skills to host small in-home dinners throughout the winter.

‘I don’t want them to feel alone’

Gutierrez worked three more winter seasons at Big Sky Resort on a seasonal schedule before she stayed in Big Sky full time in 2018. Still, she remembers arriving here from her home country as “coming to a different planet.”

“I feel like, [the program] will give guidance or [be] like a big brother for them,” Gutierrez said. On top of the logistics of proper winter wear, social security, bank accounts and transportation, she explains that local knowledge about where to get the best groceries, where people can hang out in town and what options are available for fun activities are important in the transition to Big Sky. Michelle Nierling, culinary department administrator at the Yellowstone Club, is a part of the Big Sky Buddy effort as well. She said that the work that human resources does to welcome seasonal workers is substantial, but still just a starting point.

“The companies’ HR do well—they provide some things—but I feel like it’s good to get an outside perspective, besides everything being through your employer, so that you can [also] depend … on the community,” Nierling said.

She explained that living in the area, and getting involved in Big Sky are “two different things.”

“It’s one thing to be here, but it’s another thing to be involved and in-the-know with the community,” Nierling said. She explained how the young seasonal workers remind her of her own young kids.

“I don’t want them to feel alone.”

Learning from each other Laura Seyfang has been in Big Sky for six years, including serving as executive director of the

Big Sky Housing Trust, and through her work has

seen the community’s desire to meet and connect with new people.

“I think there’s always been an appreciation in this town for the seasonal workers that come.

It just sometimes takes a coordinating body to pull it all together,” Seyfang said. She hopes that the community gets involved in the program’s first season and that seasonal workers can take advantage of the events, emphasizing that they go beyond just partaking in night life.

“I think it has to help,” Seyfang said. “We want to create other healthy ways to feel welcome, feel appreciated, because all humans want that … [We’d like people] to go back home thinking, ‘Wow, Big Sky was such a friendly and welcoming place.’ Isn’t that what we would love our community to be known as?”

Nierling said she didn’t know just how welcoming and supportive the community was until she learned about opportunities for involvement.

She’s concerned that seasonal workers don’t know about these opportunities for reasons like language barriers and not being in direct contact with locals, and hopes that alongside free events and Big Sky Buddies that she can incorporate volunteering sign ups. Upcoming events include a bowling night on Jan. 9 at Montage, a welcome dinner at The Wilson on Jan. 16 and a tubing night at The Montage on Jan. 30.

Seasonal workers are a critical part of Big Sky’s economy. But aside from staffing the resort, and other businesses, they also contribute to the local culture.

“They bring diversity, they bring their cultures, new traditions,” Gutierrez said, thinking about what seasonal workers bring to Big Sky. “This is a cliche, but I think [they bring] lots of love. Latinos show love and affection. And I think that is what the world needs."

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17 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

FIRST SECURITY BANK BRANCH PRESIDENT TIM KENT RETIRES

KENT LOOKS TO SPEND MORE TIME FLY-FISHING AND SKIING; CONFIDENT PASSING THE TORCH TO NEW LEADER, SHANNON SEARS Still, he’ll miss the camaraderie and support of his team. They held a going-away party in midDecember, and Kent was overwhelmed by the turnout and everything attendees had to say.

BY JACK REANEY BIG SKY—After almost four decades in the financial sector, the man on the other side of interest rates is off to pursue other interests.

“Very proud of the work we’ve done over the years.

Current employees and past employees as well,” Kent said.

Before leading First Security Bank for eight years, Tim Kent’s path to Big Sky was not linear: he graduated from Colorado State University in 1982 and served almost three years with the Peace Corps in North Africa working with the Agricultural Ministry of Tunisia. He returned to earn a masters in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and began his career in lending and banking before he pivoted into a CFO role with an international golf course design and construction firm. He spent more than two decades in golf before switching to real estate development finance in his home state of Colorado.

He enjoyed his entire career, but he called his final chapter “a capstone.”

Confidence in the hand-off Kent added his gratitude that Shannon Sears will fill the role of branch president.

“She brings a lot of energy, a lot of great existing relationships in the business community of Big Sky,” Kent said. “I think she’ll be a fantastic person for the organization going forward.”

Kent reels one on Hebgen Lake. COURTESY OF TIM KENT

Kent took a job as branch manager for Big Sky Western Bank after visiting and interviewing in June 2015. Although Big Sky Western Bank merged with First Security Bank in 2018, Kent’s role remained relatively unchanged.

“Very proud that we were able to accomplish that,” Kent said of BSCHT. “It took a lot of people— took the entire community—to come together to do that. But in a very short time, it’s been a very impactful organization.”

“It’s been just a great ride,” Kent said. “The growth and the quantity and quality of development in Big Sky... It’s pretty amazing how many of the projects that we’ve been able to be part of.”

He was drawn to Big Sky by the fishing.

“That will always be No. 1,” he said. “I love to fly fish, and I’m looking forward to getting more time to do that.”

The most rewarding part of his work: building relationships with Big Sky businesses.

Downhill skiing is a close second. In reality, Kent isn’t retired—he already took a volunteer position as a mountain host for Big Sky Resort.

“There are just some tremendous talents in Big Sky,” Kent said.

“You’ll see me on the mountain wearing one of the bright green jackets... I’m looking forward to spending more time up there this winter,” Kent said.

His widespread work experience enabled him “to understand and participate in what was happening in Big Sky in terms of real estate development and the financing thereof,” Kent added.

The bank supported all opportunities to participate in community events, Kent said. He served on the board of the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and was a founding member of the Big Sky Community Housing Trust, serving on its first board.

Tim Kent (left), retiring branch president, shakes hands with Jim Ness, president and CEO of First Security Bank, also retiring. PHOTO BY JED SANFORD

He made the decision to retire about a year ago and began the transition. He sensed it was time to bring a younger person into the role, and he also wanted to be able to enjoy an active lifestyle before he got “too old” for Big Sky’s adventures.

COURTESY OF SHANNON SEARS

Kent and Sears have held some hand-off meetings with clients, but Kent said for the most part, she’s already acquainted with the local business community.

“Big Sky is filled with exceptional people, and I am thrilled about the opportunity to serve my community from this new public-facing role,” Sears wrote in an email to EBS. “I am most excited about having meaningful interactions inside and outside of the bank. I have also thoroughly enjoyed learning about new industries from a commercial lender perspective, and I find excitement in problem solving with the smart, creative people that drive this town.”

Sears brings experience from her prior role as vice president for Montana Title and Escrow. She’s also confident in the skills and local experience accrued by joining public service roles and engaging with community forums and events since arriving to Big Sky in 2015.

“I can’t thank the town enough for the warm welcome I’ve received these last two months,” Sears wrote. “It is an honor to get to meet every one of you, and I look forward to serving you for years to come. I certainly have Tim Kent and Jim Ness to thank for giving me the chance to take my passion for community to the next level—I won’t let you down!”

Big Sky’s First Security Bank team. COURTESY OF TIM KENT

18 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

OP NEWS

OUTLAW PARTNERS PLANS FOR BIGGEST SUMMER EVENTS SEASON EVER

BIG SKY’S PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDING EVENT, WILDLANDS FESTIVAL AND MORE TOP MUSIC TALENT WILL PERFORM AT THE BIG SKY EVENTS ARENA IN SUMMER, 2024

Foo Fighters headlined night two of last summer's Wildlands Festival, taking the stage at the Big Sky Events Arena by storm. PHOTO BY TOM ATTWATER/OUTLAW PARTNERS

OUTLAW PARTNERS

Outlaw Partners and Lone Mountain Land Company are thrilled to announce an array of world-class events for the upcoming summer season, featuring Wildlands Music Festival, Big Sky’s Biggest Week with Professional Bull Riding and rodeo events, as well as additional top-touring musicians performing at the Big Sky Events Arena.

Outlaw events have become a tradition in Big Sky, taking the stage last summer with Foo Fighters, 9x award-winning Big Sky PBR and raising over $805,000 for area nonprofits.

“We are really looking forward to another summer of exciting events and activities happening in Big Sky,” said Matt Kidd, managing director of Lone Mountain Land Company. “We’re proud to help bring new experiences to the Town Center, and it’s fantastic to see local families and visitors enjoying themselves.”

The summer events season will kick off with live music on July 9, followed closely by Big Sky’s Biggest Week, a lineup of memorable activities for all ages leading up to the 13th annual and ninetime Event of the Year winner, Big Sky PBR. This

The 9x award-winning Big Sky PBR is in its 13th year at the Big Sky Events Arena. PHOTO BY TAYLOR ALLEN/OUTLAW PARTNERS

celebrated event will be revived in 2024 with an unparalleled western rodeo experience, commencing the moment attendees step through the gates.

“Big Sky is a unicorn,” Andy Watson of Freestone Productions, co-producer of Big Sky PBR said. “I have traveled to more than 1,000 events throughout my PBR career and there is no PBR event that can hold a candle to this show,” Watson added.

“The uniqueness of the arena setting. The fans are electric, the cowboys and bulls feel it, and it all comes together for a memorable show year after year. If you are lucky enough to see it once, you will know what I mean.”

Featuring some of the best bull riders in the world as part of the Challenger Series, Big Sky’s PBR will unfold for three consecutive nights on July 18, 19 and 20. Mark your calendars, as tickets for the renowned Big Sky PBR go on sale March 4 at 10 a.m. MST, exclusively online at bigskypbr.com.

Tickets are in high demand and will sell out quickly.

Big Sky’s Biggest Week, July 12-20, 2024, will proceed the event’s three-days of bull riding and live music performances with a series of unique

Wildlands Festival raised over $500,000 for river conservation last summer. PHOTO BY TOM ATTWATER/OUTLAW PARTNERS

Lord Huron headlined night one of Wildlands Festival. PHOTO BY TOM ATTWATER/OUTLAW PARTNERS

festivities for all ages, including the Big Sky Community Rodeo, Big Sky Community Day, the Dick Allgood Community Bingo night, the PBR Golf Tournament, and the highly anticipated Mutton Bustin’ for children ages seven and under.

Following all three nights of PBR is the celebrated afterparty. Internationally touring, country singersongwriter from Alberta Canada, Corb Lund will grace the stage on Friday, July 19, and the American Red Dirt/Texas country band, Jason Boland & The Stragglers will take the stage on Saturday, July 20.

Admission to the music after parties is included with PBR tickets; music-only tickets will be available for purchase.

“We are looking forward to another spectacular summer of events with bull riding, rodeos and incredible musicians,” said Ennion Williams, VP of Events at Outlaw Partners. “Once again, we will bring exciting bands and athletes to entertain locals and visitors for some of the biggest events of the season that make Big Sky summers so special and memorable.”

Rounding out the 2024 summer of Outlaw Partners events is a headline concert on July 9, and the highly anticipated Wildlands Music Festival on Aug. 2 and 3. In its third year, Wildlands will follow the unprecedented success of the 2023 event, in which Foo Fighters and Lord Huron headlined. Last summer raised over $500,000 in charitable proceeds, which benefited the efforts of the Gallatin River Task Force and American Rivers. This summer’s event aims to exceed those contributions alongside conservation nonprofits.

Musician lineup announcements are coming soon, stay informed at wildlandsfestival.com.

“Last summer was one of the most successful years in our tenure of producing and implementing incredible events in Big Sky,” said Eric Ladd, Founder and CEO of Outlaw Partners. “Our goal is to exceed expectations even more so in 2024.

Our entire team is busy planning what will truly be a year to remember for Big Sky and southwest Montana.”

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21 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

A&E ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

HOOP DANCING PROVIDES CONNECTION, PERSEVERANCE, TRADITION ARTIST IN RESIDENCE JASMINE PICKNER BELL TAKES THE STAGE AT WMPAC

BY LESLIE KILGORE EBS CONTRIBUTOR

Jasmine Pickner Bell (or, Cunku Was’te Win’ meaning “Good Road Woman” in Dakota) is a member of the Crow Creek Sioux tribe (or, Hunkpati Oyate). She grew up watching her brothers and father practice the traditional hoop dance highly respected by her family and community. Once a male-dominated dance, it is sacred amongst many tribes in the U.S. and Canada with each tribe having its own origin story for their particular dance.

This winter, the Arts Council of Big Sky invited Bell and her husband for the annual Artist in Residence program, a multi-day workshop in collaboration with the Big Sky School District.

Each year, the program hosts a culturally rich artist who works with teachers and students to build a deeper and authentic understanding of diverse cultures through the arts.

Bell and her husband, Luke Bell, worked with Lone Peak High School teacher Jeremy Harder and high school sophomores to teach them about her heritage, her art through dance and poetry, and her journey as the first woman and two-time world champion of traditional hoop dancing.

“I love this event every year as it exposes our learning community to regional cultural practices that we can’t always observe in Big Sky,” said Harder. “The program always offers different perspectives and preserves the arts creatively and innovatively.”

Harder said the students experience hands-on learning through performance and making art.

This year, the students learned how Bell dances and moves with her hoops and the symbolism in her movements; they made small hoop key chains and Bell performed for the community at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center with Luke, who is an accomplished drummer.

At Bell’s WMPAC performance and lecture, she shared with the audience that it took her more than 15 years to perfect her hoop dancing. She started with one hoop and can now move with more than 48 hoops at a time.

“Being one of the first female hoop dancers ever, I faced a lot of hardships,” Bell said. I also grew up in a family of hoop dancers. Our Saturday chores as children would be to make hundreds of hoops for my father and brothers to dance with, and then my father taught me.”

Bell explained to the WMPAC audience that each hoop design has a special meaning within each dance.

“My culture has our manmade world and we have our spiritual world. We learn how to incorporate our traditional life with the manmade world and at the same time we still honor ceremonies that our grandparents taught us to pass down through traditions, such as hoop dancing,” Bell said.

Bell’s father has been hoop dancing for over 50 years and she recalls traveling as a family of performers throughout her childhood with the goal of connecting people and telling stories. She has performed at the Library of Congress, on “Good Morning America,” for Mohammed Ali and other influential people around the world.

Now, she is teaching her daughters to be up-and-

Bell performs at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center as a part of the Art Council's Artist in Residence program. PHOTO BY LESLIE KILGORE

coming champion hoop dancers—she danced and competed through all five of her pregnancies.

“In our way of life, children are sacred,” Bell said.

“They are gifts from the creator, and my children will be instilled with this gift that our family was given. As a Dakota mother, I need to always share with my children who they are and where they come from. And as a female dancer, I want to continue to build a legacy for more female hoop dancers.”

Bell mentioned that there are more than 575 native tribes in the U.S. with their own interpretation of hoop dancing and stories that correlate with each dance. The Hoop Dance World Championships take place annually during February in Phoenix, Arizona and draws more than 10,000 spectators.

Each dancer competes in several rounds of elimination.

“It was beautiful to see her culture from her perspective and her story told through hoop dancing,” said LPHS student, Piper Carrico.

LPHS sophomore, Dylan Manka, added: “It was really cool to understand her story better when she talked about the memories of her brother and how she incorporated that into her dance.”

While Bell said teaching children is central to her purpose and mission so that native traditions are not lost in today’s changing society, she also sees hoop dancing as a way of life and a metaphor to keep going when life gets hard.

“I dance to the heartbeat of our nation, and that is very sacred to us,” Bell said. “The drumbeat represents all of our nations. It’s a way for connection with all people. Sharing my energy and love for who I am and where I come from is sacred to me.”

A&E

22 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

BIG SKY EVENTS CALENDAR Thursday, December 28 - Wednesday, January 10

If your next event falls between Jan. 11 - Jan. 24, please submit it to media@theoutlawpartners.com by Jan. 17

THURSDAY, DEC. 28 Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

Peer Support Drop-in Hours at Big Sky Food Bank Big Sky Community Food Bank, 4:30 p.m.

Adult Craft Cocktail Night at The Wilson Hotel The Wilson Hotel, 6 p.m.

Love Actually Ellen Theatre (Bozeman), 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 29 Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

All Levels Pickup Volleyball BASE, 6 p.m.

Karaoke The Waypoint, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 30 Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

Joyce from the Future and Tony Iota The Rialto (Bozeman), 7 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 31 Hyalite Canyon Ski Tour by Bridger Ski Foundation Hyalite Pavilion, 10 a.m.

Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

Winter Wonderland Sleigh Ride Gallatin River Lodge, 4 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Big Sky Mountain Village Plaza, 9 p.m.

Fool’s Gold Country, Blues & Classics The Jump, 9 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Party Kimpton Armory Hotel (Bozeman), 9 p.m.

24 Karat New Year’s Eve Party The Elm, 9 p.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 1 Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 3 Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

Adult Pickup Basketball BASE, 9 p.m.

Trivia The Waypoint, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, JAN. 4 Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 5 Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

All Levels Pickup Volleyball BASE, 6 p.m.

John Parvin Scissorbills Saloon, 3:30 p.m.

Kevin Fabozzi Solo The Summit at Big Sky Resort, 4 p.m.

Big Sky Artists' Studio Gallery Big Sky Town Center, 5-7 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 6 Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

Mike Birbiglia: Please Stop the Ride WMPAC, 5:30 p.m.

Mike Birbiglia: Please Stop the Ride WMPAC, 8 p.m.

SUNDAY, JAN. 7 Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 8 Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

Holistic Emotional First Aid Santosha Wellness Center, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, JAN. 9 Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

Seasonal Workforce Events: Bowling Night (Signup needed) The Montage, 3 p.m.

The Land Of Giants – A Matchstick Production The Waypoint, 7 p.m.

Pickup Futsal BASE, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10 Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

Adult Pickup Basketball BASE, 9 p.m.

OPEN SKATE BIG SKY ICE RINK, SCHEDULE VARIES Big Sky's Marty Pavelich Ice Rink" in Len Hill Park is open for skating and sport programs as well as open skate hours.

On weekdays and Sundays, the rink will have open skate hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturdays are open skates all day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Nighttime open skates are from 8 to 10 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday.

TUESDAY, JAN. 2 Open Skate Big Sky Ice Rink, 11 a.m.

Pickup Futsal BASE, 8 p.m.

Do you sometimes wish you could spend a holiday sober?

Can't stop drinking? We get it. Contact AA today Call 1-833-800-8553 to talk to an AA member or go to a meeting in-person or online For a full list of meetings visit the website, aa-montana.org or download the MEETING GUIDE® APP

Over the holiday, AA has 24 hours of continuous meetings from 5:30 PM on Christmas Eve to 5:30 PM Christmas Day If you have a problem with alcohol, contact A.A. We can help.

23 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

DON’T MISS B I G S KY ’ S BEST SUMMER EVENTS PR E S E NTE D BY

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245 Quail Run Road Bozeman, MT 59718

(406)-577-8328 peakskis.com

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2 2 3 TOW N C E N T E R A- 5 B I G S K Y, MT L I S T E D AT $ 6 5 0 , 0 0 0 This multi-use commercial unit offers over approximately 600± sq/ft in Big Sky’s bustling Town Center.

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The unit fully utilizes the square footage with a front reception area, designated office, private conference room, storage room, and shared restroom

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28 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

A LA CARTE

Explore Big Sky

DINING

CHARCUTERIE IS PERSONAL

BY RACHEL HERGETT EBS COLUMNIST

Sometimes, cooking is not on the menu. On days when whipping up dinner feels like too much of a chore and going out to eat requires pants I do not want to put on, I often turn to charcuterie.

I can usually muster the energy to put salami and prosciutto on a plate with some olives and cheese.

Plus, eating it makes me feel a little fancy.

Charcuterie is a French term for cold cured, smoked or otherwise processed meats (usually pork) and the shop that sells them. Its origin, “chair cuit” translates to the slightly haunting phrase “cooked flesh” in English. Though the idea of preserving meats was born of necessity thousands of years ago, the French refined and expanded the practice at the end of the Middle Ages, enveloping charcuterie into its culinary tradition.

the latest trend is to use a ski or snowboard, a “charcuteski,” if you will.

“A flat patch of snow is preferable,” Lentine Alexis advises in a how-to Backcountry article. “If the snow is hard-packed, you can serve directly on the topside of your skis or board. If the snow is deeper, you may choose to flip your skis over (binding side down) and serve on the bottom of the skis.”

Charcuteski is pronounced “shar-ku-tuh-ski,” according to charcuteski.com, whose founders popularized the term. They also considered “charcuterski,” which seemed to make more sense in my head until I learned charcuteski’s foursyllable pronunciation.

Like any other charcuterie board, a charcuteski’s ingredients are open to interpretation. That’s the

beauty of this whole style. Inspiration is everywhere.

Use what you have. Go crazy at the deli or in the processed meats and cheeses aisle of your local market.

While it seems I often write about definitions of words, I’m not a stickler for following the rules, so I won’t judge if you forgo the meat altogether and make your charcuterie vegetarian. You do you, and then put it on a platter—or your skis.

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.

And charcuterie has expanded. Today, charcuterie has gone well beyond the meats. We’re talking big platters piled with meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, olives, breads, crackers and various jams, mustards and sauces. We see charcuterie boards on fine dining menus. We see giant charcuterie spreads sometimes known as grazing tables at weddings. We even meet its bastardized cousin, the sausage and cheese platter at grocery stores. This last one will do in a pinch, but I can’t say it’s recommended.

In Big Sky, charcuterie boards are on the menu at The Rocks, Alpenglow at Montage, Chet’s, Everett’s 8800 and probably more. Michelangelo’s antipasti, the small bites that start a traditional Italian meal, is certainly in the family (Antipasti is possibly closer to what we consider charcuterie today, with more reliance on ingredients other than meat). Graze Craze in Four Corners is entirely dedicated to boards of various sizes and ingredients, even offering a “char-cutie-cup” for an easy snack.

Maven’s Market and Fink’s Deli in Bozeman, as well as countless caterers will also create their own versions for events. I’m sure I’m missing some here.

Charcuterie is that popular.

While I love when someone places a beautiful charcuterie board in front of me, there is still something to be said for the power of choice when you do it yourself. It can be as simple as my dinner plates, with their Costco cured meats and brie or Boursin soft cheese paired with grapes and olives.

It can also be incredibly tedious, depending on one’s level of commitment and love for charcuterie.

I watched a video last week of a woman making a “charcutree,” a tree-shaped centerpiece with a variety of meats, cheeses, tomatoes and rosemary sprigs (to make it look more tree-like). Her guests, she said, sadly didn’t eat the creation, choosing to graze from the less towering options.

The “board” in “charcuterie board” is also open to interpretation. Normal choices are wood or slate boards, or simple serving platters. In the mountains,

“Charcuteski” is a new take on classic charcuterie boards. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIBERTY SKIS VIA CHARCUTESKI.COM / PHOTO BY CHRIS FOOTE

•Serving Big Sky Since 1974•

MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE GALLATIN

“The Gallatin River is a big part of why we live here. It’s part of our daily lives, our business, and our example to a younger generation on the importance of conservation and stewarding our natural world.”

- Rick Donaldson

GIVE A GIFT #FORTHERIVER We invite you to join the Donaldson family and others, making your own investment to help us protect the Gallatin River for future generations.

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This turn-key, fully furnished Black Eagle Lodge is located just steps away from all of the vibrancy of Big Sky Resort Mountain Village, with ski access via the Poma

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32 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

BUSINESS

Explore Big Sky

MAKING IT IN BIG SKY: BIG SKY EYES as ocular disease management for conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

I also provide emergency medical care for ocular injuries and acute conditions and pre- and postoperative care.

EBS STAFF

On Nov. 5, 2019, Dr. Erica Perlman celebrated the opening of Big Sky Eyes, her optometry and eyewear medical and retail business located at 99 Town Center Avenue. Today, Dr. Perlman-Henson looks back on the last four years and her passion for bringing attainable healthcare to the Big Sky community.

My office carries a wide variety of eyewear. We carry lines that fit all budgets so that everyone in the community can benefit from vision correction.

We also carry retail designer and sport sunglasses for locals and visitors and more specialized eyewear for safety and sports.

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: Let’s start with you—when did you come to Big Sky and what brought you here?

Dr. Erica Perlman: I spent my childhood summers in the Bozeman area and fell in love with this remarkable place. I have always had a deep reverence for nature and the mountains and although I have lived in many parts of the country—from Maine to California—no place has resonated with me as deeply as southwest Montana. When my husband and I were given the opportunity to move here in 2018, we jumped at the offer.

EBS: Tell me about the beginning of Big Sky Eyes— when did it first open and what was the inspiration?

EP: I always wanted to be a doctor and have skills to tangibly help people. Owning and managing my own small business, where I could provide patients the time and medical expertise that they deserve, has enabled me to fulfill my dreams. Witnessing the increasing commercialization of health care, I want to contribute to quality, compassionate healthcare, where profits and efficiency are not placed above patient care.

I opened Big Sky Eyes in 2019, sincerely hoping that Big Sky and the surrounding communities would support a small local medical office that valued personal connection and quality medical care. I have been so thankful for all the support and kindness that I have received.

EBS: Did you feel there was a need in the community?

EP: There was, and is, a need in our community for quality healthcare. When I first opened, many community members expressed that they hadn’t been to the eye doctor in many years, if ever. Many individuals who don’t seek regular medical care, will nonetheless have annual eye exams, as good vision is essential to our daily lives. My practice is not only a place where ocular conditions are diagnosed,

Dr. Erica Perlman opened Big Sky Eyes in 2019. PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG SKY EYES

but many systemic diseases are also diagnosed as well, such as diabetes and hypertension. This makes my office a gateway into other forms of medical care and I work closely with the other amazing practitioners in our community.

I am also an emergency medical provider. During off-hours, I often perform procedures such as removing lodged ocular debris or treating other acute medical conditions such as corneal abrasions—scratch—or ulcers—infection. Helping people in their greatest time of need drives my passion for my profession and allows me to give back to the community that is my home.

I’ve also conducted many vision screenings for the students at the local schools; something that hadn’t been done for over a decade.

EBS: What’s the best thing about being a business owner in Big Sky? EP: The greatest part about being a business owner in Big Sky is the community. I love that over the years many of my patients have become friends and many of my friends have become patients. Big Sky is made up of an amazing network of people with different specialties and skills that allows this community to thrive. I hope that I can make a small contribution to this remarkable community.

EBS: Tell us what services you offer the community: EP: I provide annual comprehensive eye and contact lens exams to adults and children, as well

EBS: When we initially interviewed you four years ago when you opened, you said you had planned to open in Bozeman but chose Big Sky instead. Why was that, and is it a decision you’d still make today?

EP: I couldn’t be happier that I decided to open in Big Sky. At the time I was concerned that the population wasn’t large enough to support an optometric practice. But I have found overwhelming support within the community; caring for my patients keeps me quite busy! Big Sky is where I live. It’s where my friends live. It is my community. I couldn’t imagine having my business anywhere else!

EBS: What can we find you doing when you’re not working?

EP: I enjoy most of the activities that bring people to Big Sky. In the summer, backpacking, rafting and outdoor concerts take up most of my time. In the winter, I enjoy cross country skiing, curling on Friday nights, and enjoying the beautiful solitude of our snowy landscape on long walks with my dogs.

I also enjoy being a very active member of the Big Sky Rotary Club, organizing the Big Sky Giving Tree, hosting foreign exchange students, being an elected director of my HOA, and a member of a Big Sky Book Club.

EBS: What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

EP: Both of my parents are optometrists and owned their own practice for many years. When I was considering going into optometry and owning my own practice, I asked my father for his advice.

He explained that practicing medicine with your patients’ health and well-being as top priority, will make every day of “work” feel more like catching up with old friends. That was what made me go into this field and that is what made me move to and open my practice in Big Sky. And now I get to spend every day catching up with old friends.

33 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

BUSINESS

Explore Big Sky

THE BIG SKY WAY: ON BOARD WITH PUBLIC SERVICE

BY DANIEL BIERSCHWALE EBS COLUMNIST

Serving on a board of a special purpose district helps shape the future of our community. Special purpose districts are local government entities that provide essential services like fire protection and water management. For the vitality and well-being of Big Sky, it is important to have a diverse and qualified set of candidates to fill these positions.

There are several open seats that will appear on the May 2024 ballot. If you are planning to run for one of these important positions, thank you for your decision and dedication to contribute to our community. Your commitment will have a direct effect on the lives of your neighbors and make an impact on all.

Here is some information to help guide you through the candidacy process.

Eligibility and commitment Before you make the decision to run for the board of an organization that aligns with your personal interests and goals, make sure you’re eligible to hold that position. Understand what is required of you, such as term requirements or length of time a person serves in office, and be able to commit to them. Generally, candidates must be residents and registered voters within the district boundaries they seek to represent. Since election departments cannot advise candidates on their eligibility, check out Montana statute or work with the districts directly.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

Where to file

Candidate filing process

If the district you’re running for lies solely in one county, you file at the elections office of that county.

However, many local districts span two counties.

Montana law says that if the district lies in more than one county, the election administrator in the county with the largest percentage of qualified electors in the district shall conduct the election.

For districts such as Big Sky Fire, Big Sky County Water and Sewer, and Big Sky Resort Area (Resort Tax), that would be Gallatin County.

To officially run for a position on a special purpose district board, the candidate filing process is relatively simple. Here are the key steps:

You can file in person or by mail by submitting original, ‘wet-ink signature’ documents to the addresses below.

Obtain Filing Documents: Get the one-page form titled ‘Declaration for Nomination and Oath of Candidacy’ from the county elections office. If you miss the regular candidate filing period, you can still run on a write-in basis and would use the form ‘Write-In Candidate Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy.’

Gallatin County

Verify Eligibility: Ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria, including residency and voter registration requirements. Any discrepancies could jeopardize your candidacy.

Complete Filing Documents: After you’ve filled in the form, wait to sign it. Your signature must be in the presence of a notary public or an officer where the form is filed.

Submit Filing Documents: Submit the completed filing documents within the specified filing period (see below). Missing the deadline could result in disqualification. Since the special purpose district boards are unpaid positions, there is no filing fee.

Gallatin County Elections Department Gallatin County Courthouse 311 W. Main St., Room 210 Bozeman, MT 59715 Questions? Call (406) 582-3060 or email gallatin. elections@gallatin.mt.gov Madison County To file in person: 103 W Wallace St First Floor Virginia City, MT 59755 To file via mail: PO Box 366 Virginia City, MT 59755 Questions? Call (406) 843-4270 or email clerkandrecorder@madisoncountymt.gov Know your dates Special purpose districts, school districts, primary and general elections all work on their own

schedules. Though there are some overlapping dates, make sure you are working with the correct calendar. Special purpose district key dates are: Candidate filing opens: Dec. 14, 2023 Candidate filing closes: Feb. 12, 2024 Deadline to file as a write-in candidate: March 4, 2024 Election date: May 7, 2024 All calendars may be found on the Montana Secretary of State website at sosmt.gov/elections/ Acclamation—not on the ballot In some instances, the candidate filing process may result in acclamation, meaning that the number of candidates equals, or is less than, the number of open positions. When this occurs, the candidates are automatically elected, or acclaimed, to the respective positions on the board. For efficiency and practicality, the county will cancel the election since no competitive vote is needed.

Get involved Running for the board of a special purpose district is a vital part of the democratic process. It encourages healthy competition and ensures that diverse voices and perspectives are included in decisions that directly impact Big Sky. The filing process is simple. So, hop on board and let your passion for public service make a difference in our community.

Daniel Bierschwale is the Executive Director of the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD). As a dedicated public servant, he is committed to increasing civic engagement and voter education. Many ballot issues impact government services and public funding including subsequent property tax impacts. BSRAD is the local government agency that administers Resort Tax, which offsets property taxes while also funding numerous community-wide nonprofit programs.

34 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

ENVIRONMENT

DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AT 50

BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY EBS COLUMNIST The Endangered Species Act was one of the first times we as a nation aspired to extend rights to other living beings in the United States and thought of their well-being.

The Endangered Species Act was overwhelmingly passed with bipartisan support on Dec. 28, 1973. This year heralds the 50th anniversary of this vital support system that aspires to save threatened and endangered arthropods, amphibians, birds, crustaceans, fish, insects, mammals, mollusks, plants and reptiles for future generations. It was signed into law by Richard Nixon after it had passed unanimously, 92-0, in the U.S. Senate, and 390-12 in the House.

Five decades ago, conserving the planet was apolitical.

The ESA relied on the best available science, and it didn’t matter the economic cost. That former has now changed as economics continue to rule the day. It may take 10-12 years or a quarter century for a species to

gain a listing, like the wolverines that were just placed on it last month or sage grouse, for which conservation groups have been fighting for protection—but without ultimate success, because sage grouse inhabit areas where oil and gas leases remain. In the meantime, the species’ populations have crashed.

Regardless of politics, the ESA has been extraordinarily successful and has helped bring numerous species back from the brink of extinction, including American alligators, bald eagles, California condors, Chinook salmon, humpback whales, grizzly bears, peregrine falcons, sea otters, and wolves to name just a few. The ESA has helped recover 54 of America’s native species.

Currently, 1,618 U.S. species (including plants) are listed on the ESA and protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (another Nixon creation) defends 65 global species.

The most famous recovery is America’s national symbol, the bald eagle, also one of the first species listed under the 1967 precursor to today’s ESA. The declining bald eagle population mainly inspired the first form of protection ever for its kind. Eagles were perceived as a threat to livestock and salmon populations and were shot on-site. When the United States first adopted bald eagles as the national symbol in 1782, there were an

estimated 100,000 nesting bald eagles in the continental United States. By 1963, their numbers drastically declined from the insecticide DDT, down to 417 breeding pairs in 48 states, and now their numbers have increased to 316,700 individuals, which includes 71,467 occupied nests. This recovery is thriving because people came together.

People, agencies, and organizations are working to recover species the Act protects. Conservation methods to save species include seed-banking and out-planting, protecting migration corridors, creating buffer zones around protected areas, translocating species, limiting hunting and trapping, removing dams and restoring habitat and wetlands. These are just some methods used to help species return to healthy numbers. The ESA is an excellent example of what can happen when people put aside political beliefs and come together to work for the common good of other life forms.

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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35 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

ENVIRONMENT

Explore Big Sky

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: LIVING ON THE EDGE FORCES AT WORK ON THE SKI SLOPE

BY PAUL SWENSON EBS COLUMNIST

Now that we are a couple weeks into the ski season, hopefully your legs are not hurting as much as they did at first. I always know that I should work out before the season starts, but usually I’m not in good enough shape. I suppose the silver lining in a slow opening like this year is that it gives me the chance to ski lots of groomers to build up the endurance before powder days in January and beyond.

Of course, that’s about the only good thing. Let’s look at the forces that skiers have to endure just on a groomer and why all these early season runs are good workouts.

To understand the forces involved in skiing, we need a few definitions. In middle school, force is defined as a “push or pull” acting on an object. In high school, it is defined as a quantity that causes an object to accelerate. Acceleration is a time-based rate of change in velocity, and velocity is a speed with an associated direction. So, if a skier changes direction they must experience a force, even if their speed does not change. I will get back to that in a second.

The one force that is always acting on us is the force due to gravity, your weight. This force is directed toward the center of the Earth. If there are no other forces acting on you, you would be in freefall, accelerating toward the Earth at 9.8 meters per second per second (32 ft/s/s for old school learners). Of course, as you are sitting here reading this article you are not hurtling downward because another force is acting on your feet or derrière: the normal force. It is applied to you perpendicular to the surface you are standing or sitting on and is applied upward to you with a size equivalent to your weight force. These two forces add to zero, so there is no acceleration experienced and you stay put.

Lines showing the horizontal centripetal and slanted “normal” forces acting on a skier or boarder. PHOTO BY PAUL SWENSON

So, let’s put on a pair a skis and just stand there. You apply your weight to the skis, and the skis in return apply a normal force to you. Your legs experience a force equal to your weight. Now suppose we are gently gliding down the beginners’ slope at a constant velocity. Your legs still experience your weight since there is no acceleration. Move up to Mr. K. at a faster constant velocity, no turns yet, still the same force.

But as soon as you start to turn, your direction— therefore your velocity—changes. An acceleration occurs. By definition, there must be a new unbalanced force causing this turn. To navigate a turn there is a force called the centripetal force that is directed toward the center of the curve. If you are driving the canyon, the friction between the tires and road is responsible for this force going around a

curve, but when you are skiing this force is provided by the angle of the skis carving the turn. The snow pushes on the ski which, in turn, pushes on your legs to make your turn possible. It is the normal force applied by the ski that has a component equal to your weight and another toward the center of the turn. This force is felt by your legs and increases with your speed and the sharpness of the turn.

In these photographs, the normal force applied to the skier’s or boarder’s legs is indicated by the diagonal red line directed from the boots through the person’s center of mass. This force can be calculated by the angle the skier leaning into the turn. Here are a few examples: in the image of the skier there is a 60-degree angle. To achieve this, they need to be able to support 115% of their body weight. The border displays an angle of 30 degrees, so their legs must be able to support 200% of their weight. As the angle gets smaller and smaller, the force increases drastically.

Pictures of Olympic skiers display angles of 10 degrees or less, and these athletes must be able to support 600% of their weight. Luckily it is for short bursts, but much of this force must be transferred through knees and hips. Add compressions, ruts and bumps, and technique, and it’s a wonder how these racers can do it year after year.

So back to us regular skiers. Carving your way down Ambush, you might be experiencing forces of 200% to 300% of your weight on each turn. As the day progresses and your legs fatigue, please be careful—call it a day when you know that your legs cannot support 300, 400 or 500 pounds of force.

Lines showing the horizontal centripetal and slanted “normal” forces acting on a skier or boarder. PHOTO BY PAUL SWENSON

Paul Swenson has been living in and around the Big Sky area since 1966. He is a retired science teacher, fishing guide, Yellowstone guide and naturalist. Also an artist and photographer, Swenson focuses on the intricacies found in nature.

36 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

ENVIRONMENT

NEW AVALANCHE FORECAST IN ISLAND PARK, IDAHO IAN HOYER EBS CONTRIBUTOR

The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center is excited to announce that this year the mountains near Island Park, Idaho will have daily avalanche forecasts with avalanche Danger Ratings. This is exciting news for Montana visitors and resident backcountry skiers, snowmobilers and winter recreators of all stripes, as Island Park is right on the Idaho-Montana border, less than a half hour drive south of West Yellowstone (around an hour and half south of Big Sky).

Snowmobile, snow bike and backcountry ski use in the Centennial Mountain Range near Island Park area is growing. The need for more avalanche information was driven home in 2018 when there were two avalanche deaths only ten days apart when the GNFAC had issued avalanche warnings for the Lionhead area (only around 15 miles away).

These deaths galvanized the local riding community to reach out for help and the GNFAC began working to bring more avalanche awareness to the area. The following season the GNFAC began issuing avalanche warnings for the Island Park area and added a dedicated page to its website to collect and share observations specific to Island Park.

Expanding into a new forecast region is a big task and developing partnerships has been crucial to its success. GNFAC forecasters are visiting the area regularly to gather snowpack data. Building

relationships with local riders and guide services to get more field observation has been a huge help. An Avalanche Alliance grant funded two new remote weather stations (one measuring wind speed and one measuring snow depth). The Fugowee Snowmobile Club has put out seven avalanche beacon checking stations. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Idaho State Parks, Idaho State Snowmobile Association, the Anderson Avalanche Project, Klim Technologies and a number of local businesses have also been key supporters of these efforts.

Avalanche forecasts are a collaborative effort between forecasters and the riding public. Whether getting out in Island Park or anywhere across the GNFAC advisory area, you can help improve the forecast by submitting observations at mtavalanche. com. Simply telling us that it snowed more than we are reporting or letting us know that winds are blowing hard and resulting in large drifts is very helpful. You could say, “We rode around all day with good visibility and didn’t see any avalanches,” or, “We were riding and triggered an avalanche.” Your observations, both simple and complex, will help us provide lifesaving information to the community.

Check mtavalanche.com/forecast for the most upto-date snowpack, weather and avalanche conditions in Island Park (as well as across southwest Montana).

Avalanche forecasts are published by 7:30 a.m. each morning during the winter recreation season.

Ian Hoyer is a staff member of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. Learn more at mtavalanche.com.

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Explore Big Sky

HEALTH

LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH: HOLIDAZE HEALTH

THREE TOOLS TO HELP YOU SLIDE INTO THE BUTTERY ZONE OF RESILIENCE DURING A STRESSFUL TIME OF YEAR

BY JEREMY HARDER GUEST COLUMNIST

Ski town facts—the hustle, bustle and diverse social dynamics that often amplify mental health and substance use challenges, have arrived. For most of us, the motion has been set in force. Out-of-town drivers in mental lapses of wonderment of Big Sky poorly navigating 5,000-pound vehicles, frantic food shoppers filing through local markets with unattended carts blind to people around them or lacking peripheral vision, and the youth running wild after being released from school for 12 and a half days, only to run amuck with visions of powdery ski days in the terrain park and neverending bags of Nerds Gummy Clusters.

Welcome to what I call “The Holidaze Season” in Big Sky. For the next four months, we attempt to accommodate the needs, desires, wishes and often unrealistic goals of our vacationing, wellintentioned friends while managing our own needs and emotions. In the midst of it all, imagine being equipped with quick, tangible, and practical tools to regulate our central nervous system, cultivating a sense of steadiness amongst the chaos.

The central system is the hub for our fight, flight, and freeze response and includes our limbic system.

According to the National Institute of Health, our limbic system is “composed of the piriform cortex, hippocampus, septal nuclei, amygdala, nucleus accumbens, hypothalamus, and anterior nuclei of the thalamus. The fornix and fiber tracts connect the limbic system parts, allowing them to control emotion, memory, and motivation.” Got all that?

According to my own ‘National Institute of JJ,’ the central nervous system determines whether we want to run into the middle of Ousel Falls Road and scream at the top of our lungs or burrow ourselves into our couch, lock the door and doom scroll on Instagram for three days. It’s the place that allows us to learn, process feelings, and wake up motivated to go through the day or not. A.k.a. fight or flight… a.k.a. run away or face the day.

The holiday/ski/winter season, often associated with joy and celebration, can also bring about stress and overwhelming feelings, quickly becoming “The Holidaze Season.” The increased demands on our time, coupled with societal expectations—holiday parties, Christmas strolls, gift-giving, etc.—and busier work schedules, take a toll on our central nervous system and, eventually, the overall health of our minds and bodies.

Maintaining a healthy balance of our system and finding that buttery zone of resilience is crucial for overall well-being. Fortunately, we have access to simple tools, readily available at any moment, to

December alpenglow in Big Sky—short days and busy weeks can make for a stressful holiday season in a ski town. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

“We need to see our community for the beautiful, flawed, fragile group that it is” - Heather Morris help regulate and access a more buttery state during the holiday hustle or any time of year. For these simple yet effective tools to work, it requires practice—you can’t just read about them. So, I invite you to try on a few.

Three mindfulness exercises One of the most accessible and powerful tools for regulating the central nervous system is mindful breathing. Mindful breathing techniques help ground us and move us out of the hyperactive, frantic, anxiety-induced zone and into that “frosting-on-the-cupcake” resilient zone.

Amidst the chaos, listen to yourself by taking a few moments each day to practice deep, intentional breathing. This practice can make a significant difference in your presence. You can do these while standing in line at The Country Market, waiting for the tram and driving or walking to work.

First, try tactical or square breathing: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breathe out for 4 seconds, and hold for 4 seconds.

And repeat. Notice how you feel.

Another grounding tool is starfish or five-finger breathing.

Choose a hand to be your starfish and a finger to be your breath pointer. Start below your thumb, down at your wrist, and wait for your next inhale.

As you breathe in naturally, trace your in-breath carefully up your thumb with your finger. Complete all fingers and 5 breaths. Notice how you feel.

If you require a lift or boost of energy, lightly tapping points on your body have been suggested to increase energy. If you find yourself decimated after helping an injured snowboarder on Mr. K., or you just bussed eight tables at Tips Up, try body or gorilla tapping.

Using your fingertips, lightly tap on your forehead, temples, cheeks and chest. Add some gorilla grunts for fun! Notice how you feel.

Prioritizing the health of your central nervous system is essential, especially during “The Holidaze Season,” which, for us in Big Sky, can last through March. Incorporating mindful breathing techniques, body tapping, and finding time for the outdoors, even amidst the holiday hustle, is the greatest gift of self-care you can give to both yourself and those around you.

Consider thinking that things are happening FOR you instead of TO you. Notice how these shifts in perspective feel. Remember to feel all the feels; it’s okay to be a little bit broken—that’s part of being human.

Jeremy ‘JJ’ Harder is the Facilitator of Creativity and Innovation at the Big Sky School District, father, husband, friend, coach and advocate. He has a desire to foster vulnerability and create pathways for more candid discussions around the stigma we sit with each day around mental health, substance use and wellness.

He is a Big Sky community member and a Wellness Navigator who has struggled with mental health and substance use challenges most of his life.

To connect with local resources and explore the Be Well and the Navigator Network—dedicated volunteers linking individuals with available resources and collaborating with agencies to cultivate a thriving ecosystem—visit bewellbigsky.com.

H E A LT H

40 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

HEALTH BUZZ DEBUNKING BIOHACKING

There are some legitimate biohacks out there, particularly when prescribed by those with a healthcare specialty. These recommendations often are just a new spin on our core health principles including nutritional regimens, sleep optimization, exercise routines, and check-in’s with complete laboratory testing from your medical provider. They might not make you bulletproof, but they’re more likely to have a positive impact on your long-term health than some of the biohacks you’ll find online.

BY KALEY BURNS EBS COLUMNIST We all strive for our lives to be happier and healthier. But we also want to do so in the most convenient way possible.

In the same way our society has sought to “hack” the electronic world, many are now claiming we can “hack” our bodies to enhance physical and mental potential; referred to as “biohacking” or “biology + hacking.”

Biohacking is often used to refer to using “quick-fix” therapies or tools that make changes to your body.

While this does sound appealing, the biggest concern is that many who promote biohacking don’t have scientific backgrounds and aren’t qualified healthcare professionals.

For example, more prescription medications are being used off-label, intended to enhance cognitive function.

There is no doubt that drugs like Adderall or Provigil can help you focus; the problem is, there is very little understanding of the long-term effects of this type of drug use and its relative safety.

Beyond this, some patients can get so consumed in selfoptimization, tracking, and timing that every meal or action becomes over-thought. This is exhausting and can push the line of being unhealthy.

In true holistic practice, our goal is to encourage the body’s own ability to heal. Some of these naturopathic therapies can get confused with biohacking methods,

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as they often aim to accomplish a similar end goal.

While submerging in freezing water may be useful for some, having regular bowel movements through eating well and moving daily has a similar effect to the same neurochemicals affected by cold plunges.

There are many activities including a long walk outdoors, resistance training, nature time and dancing that make us feel good, many of which are easier, more accessible, more enjoyable, and more beneficial than some of the overpriced or unenjoyable biohacks.

Many biohacking habits and practices can also be quite hard to sustain. Yes, we should strive to be healthy, but sometimes the key to adult life is flexibility and consistency versus perfection. This is where holistic lifestyle choices that encourage your body’s innate intelligence shine. When we make health practices overly complex, it can make it hard to decipher what truly makes a difference.

Moreover, there is no single formula for a holistic approach to health. In other words, health and wellness is not one-size-fits-all. A holistic approach to life means taking care of all the aspects that make you, you. The more you adopt a more integrated outlook as your lifestyle, the more you will be able to enjoy your health and well-being.

The bottom line is that exercise, sleep and healthy food plus “hacks,” often works as well as exercise, sleep, and healthy food. We need our foundational health practices before biohacking can truly make practical clinical benefits. What really matters for health optimization is simply showing up and doing the foundational work.

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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41 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

H E A LT H

Explore Big Sky

CELEBRATING EIGHT YEARS OF EXCEPTIONAL HEALTH CARE IN THE BIG SKY COMMUNITY

BY CHRIS DARNELL GUEST COLUMNIST

During this holiday season, the hearts of your care team at Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center are filled with pride and gratitude. This month, we celebrate eight years of improving community health and quality of life in the greater Big Sky community.

Consider that since opening in December 2015, our emergency department has had more than 30,100 visits and our primary care clinic over 41,000 visits.

Our care team has conducted over 23,000 X-rays and 3,100 MRI scans. We have exceeded 100,000 lab tests and over 200,000 pharmacy prescriptions.

Though only part of the story, these numbers directly represent thousands of lives that have been improved, and in many cases, lives that have been saved, over the last eight years.

As a member of the Big Sky community, I have heard from many residents that they would not have been able to move to Big Sky if it were not for convenient access to quality medical care.

Part-time residents have also expressed that

PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

they are now able to reside in Big Sky for longer periods throughout the year thanks to BSMC services. And we care for so many visitors. There are also numerous indirect community benefits to individuals being able to receive primary and emergency medical care locally, and not having to travel elsewhere.

I am immensely proud of BSMC and our excellent care team for the important work they do every day, night, weekend and holiday. We will continue to build on our existing services and pursue additional specialty services, and we remain committed to providing convenient, quality care to every person, every time.

We also recognize that we are only as strong as our community. As such, we are grateful for the support and collaboration among individuals and our many community partners including law enforcement, firefighters and EMS, ski patrol, Big Sky Resort and Yellowstone Club, various local nonprofits, and so many more. Your local health care team at BSMC looks forward to many more years of serving the health care needs of the greater Big Sky community.

Chris Darnell is the administrator for Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center.

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H E A LT H

42 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

WRITERS ON THE RANGE SKI BUM CULTURE HITS REALITY

BY HEATHER HANSMAN Nearly two decades ago, I moved to the mountains to be a ski bum, chasing snow. I was a stereotype— an East Coast kid pulled west by the promise of bigger adventures and higher mountain ranges.

I was also part of a counterculture that rejected social norms in favor of 100-day ski seasons.

In ski towns in western Colorado in 2005, risk was everywhere, but in a way that felt exciting. I liked the brag of drinking too much, and I was too naïve to notice harder drugs. Climate change seemed theoretical, and no one I knew had died in the mountains yet.

Corporate entities were just starting to binge-buy resorts while I somehow thought that living in my car was cool and I could exist like that forever.

But myths are complicated things to keep alive, and I eventually left ski towns to work as a writer, already seeing the ski-bum dream changing. I saw friends struggling to build careers, families and community while still chasing the fragile dream that a powder day topped almost everything.

So recently, I went back to see what was going on, to try to track the evolution of what had been my own obsession. I looped through mountain towns across the West, from Aspen, Colorado to Victor, Idaho and Big Sky, Montana, to assess the current state of ski bums.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

What I found was that everyone trying to build a life in those towns was struggling, from my old colleagues who had stuck around and wished they’d bought real estate to “lifties” fresh out of school.

“A lot of people here are living a fantasy I can’t obtain,” said Malachi Artice, a 20-something skier working multiple jobs in Jackson, Wyoming.

At the most basic level, the math just didn’t work.

In most mountain towns, it’s now nearly impossible to work a single full-time service job, the kind that resort towns depend on, and afford rent. The pressure shows up in nearly everything, including abysmal mental health outcomes like anxiety and depression.

Ski towns have some of the highest suicide rates in the country, and social services haven’t expanded to meet demand. Racial gaps are also widening in an industry that often depends on undocumented immigrants to fill the poorly paid, but necessary, jobs it takes to keep a tourist town running.

On top of all that, abundant snowfall, the basis of a ski resort’s economy, is getting cooked by climate change.

And sure, you can argue skiing is superficial and unimportant, but ski towns—some of the most elite and economically unequal places in the country— are microcosms for the way our social fabric is splitting.

Ski towns face crucial, complicated questions: Can they build affordable housing and also preserve open space? What happens when healthcare workers or teachers won’t take jobs because they

can’t find a way to live in the community they serve? Will a town willingly curb growth when that’s what supports the tax base?

There are no easy answers because the problems are entrenched in both that slow-moving nostalgia that stymies change, and in the downhill rush of capitalism, which gives power to whoever pays the most: The housing market always tilts toward highend real estate instead of modestly priced homes for essential workers.

What we value shapes our lives, and so I think we must hold the ski industry to higher standards.

If these rarefied places can find ways to support working as well as leisure-based communities, they could serve as lessons for change elsewhere.

During my tour, I saw necessary workers in the ski industry facing hard economic choices, but I also saw positive, community-scale change. In Alta, Utah, for instance, the arts nonprofit Alta Community Enrichment added mental health support when its employees reported an urgent need.

If ski-resort towns are going to survive, the lives of their workers need to matter, and that means caring about them—from affordable housing to accessible mental health support.

Heather Hansman is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. She is the author of Powder Days: Ski Bums, Ski Towns and the Future of Chasing Snow, and lives in Durango, Colorado.

FUN

43 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

Explore Big Sky

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Bear cubs attend their own type of school: They are expected to follow their mother and learn how to find food or hunt.

Be especially cautious if you see a female with cubs; never place yourself between a mother and her cub!

May your year be filled with joy, health and prosperity. Thinking of building your dream home in the New Year? Give Bob a call at 406.995.2710 to bring your vision to life.

CLOSING THE GATES ON 2023

While writing the news on a daily basis can feel like a habit of looking forward to keep ahead of the cycle and stay on top of stories while they’re relevant, it’s also an important practice to meditate on what we’ve done. Zooming out on Explore Big Sky’s coverage in 2023, we can’t help but notice a common theme: community.

Whether it’s dancing in front of a stage at Music in the Mountains, a longstanding club of women in Gallatin Canyon carrying on tradition, or longtime locals reflecting on their decades of skiing Lone Mountain in the “Since ‘73” series – community has always been at the core of living in Big Sky. At EBS, we hope you enjoy taking a look back for a moment at these top stories of the year, and we look forward to telling many more to come. Happy New Year.

46 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

TOP STORIES OF 2023

BIKERS PRAISE NEW MOUNTAIN TO MEADOW BIKE TRAIL JUNE 10

Big Sky’s Mountain to Meadow single-track biking trail has been rerouted to include a public access easement for permanent community use—and some new features.

The Big Sky Community Organization and Lone Mountain Land Company collaborated to relocate two sections of trail and place the entire route under permanent easement, according to a joint press release. LMLC originally built the trail in 2015, and it has remained open to the public during summer months and does not require a lift ticket for

access. BSCO will take over maintenance on the upgraded trail.

Terraflow Trail Systems rerouted the popular public trail they built eight years ago. Owner Pete Costain spoke with EBS about the new route. He said the new trail is aimed at being 99% optimized for biking—the original was built with hiking compatibility.

Terraflow Trail Systems rerouted Mountain to Meadow in Fall 2022. COURTESY OF TERRAFLOW

Explore Big Sky

47 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

TOP STORIES OF 2023

A SMALL BUT PAINFUL BLOW TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING JUNE 13

Robert “Kenny” Alley said he’s been in Big Sky for, let’s see, 34 years now.

Semi-retired at 71 years old, he still aims for 100 ski days every winter. He’s won both of his battles with liver cancer. As the commander of Big Sky’s American Legion Post No. 99, he had the idea for the quarterly rent assistance program which raffles $2,000 every three months to a pair of eligible renters in Big Sky. Now he’s preparing to leave his home of 28 years.

Alley lives in a trailer court at 46950 Gallatin

Road, a parcel listed for sale at $5.3 million this past winter. If it sells, he won’t be able to move his trailer.

“This used to be the cheapest rent in Big Sky, and you were real lucky to get one of these, to tell you the truth,” Alley said. Alley,,” Alley said. “That threw a curveball to me.”

In the Gallatin Canyon of Big Sky, a longtime trailer park is for sale, and its residents are thinking of a backup plan. PHOTO BY MICHAEL RUEBUSCH

BIG NAMES AT THE BIG SKY PBR JULY 22

On the second night of three at the Big Sky PBR, everyone expected bucking bulls.

But fewer expected a rare congregation of neighboring governors.

On the dirt, there were plenty of qualifying rides to keep the crowd entertained. In front of a calm, glowing sky after 9 p.m., Brazilian cowboy Vitor Losnake rode Viper— Friday’s “bounty bull” with a chance to win $20,000—and succeeded in a dramatic finale.

But before all that action, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and North Dakota Governor—now presidential candidate— Doug Burgum showed their respect for Western tradition while stopping in Big Sky for the opening ceremonies.

“If anybody can get people together, it’s Doug Burgum,” said bull stock contractor Chad Berger.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum rode out on horseback at the Big Sky PBR on Friday night. He recently announced he’s running for president. PHOTO BY TAYLOR ALLEN

Explore Big Sky

48 December 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024

TOP STORIES OF 2023

MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS: FUNK YOU DELIVERS THE JAM JULY 28

After a two-hour downpour on Thursday, July 27, the setting sun poked through and lively funk brought some soulful heat to Len Hill Park.

The 2023 Music in the Mountains summer series brought hard-hitting funk from Atlanta-based headliner Funk You: from lead singer Datrian Johnson’s wide-ranging vocals and bass guitarist Mark Dykes’ constant smile and curly hair—he travels with a big fan to keep it blowing— to the harmony of trombone, trumpet and saxophone, the eight-man band brought Georgia’s warmth to the crisp Montana night.

warm welcome from everyone. It seemed like they needed some funk in their life, and everyone had a rowdy good time.”

“This is the most fun we’ve had on tour, so let’s keep it goin’,” Johnson told the crowd after a 10-minute mash-up cover of the Beatles’ “Come Together” which included lyrics from Wutang Clan and The Notorious B.I.G. “I mean, it was an amazing energy from the crowd,” said drummer and vocalist Will Clark. “We felt the love and had a nice

Singer Datrian Johnson and guitarist Evan Miller brought some funk to Big Sky on July 27. PHOTO BY HUDSON WILLETT

FOO FIGHTERS, LORD HURON ROCK BIG SKY AT WILDLANDS FESTIVAL AUG. 7

On Aug. 6, Dave Grohl, lead singer of Foo Fighters declared in the Big Sky Events Arena, “You didn’t think this was gonna happen, did you? Oh, it’s happening now,” to the cheers of the Wildlands Festival crowd.

“I mean that was absolutely life-changing,” Lenay told EBS after the show.

The effort to bring the world-touring rock band to Big Sky was two years in the making and stood in peril of being canceled due to thunderstorms throughout the weekend. But the live music prevailed, bringing Saturday headliner Lord Huron and Sunday headliner the Foo Fighters to support river conservation in Montana.

Among some of the highlights of the show was when Grohll— who previously drummed for Nirvana—spoke to Big Sky local Chance Lenay, asking how old he was when the album “Nevermind” came out.

Lenay held up seven fingers, holding eye contact with a rock legend.

Foo Fighters fans packed the Big Sky Events Arena on Aug. 6 for a historic concert. PHOTO BY TOM ATTWATER

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WILDLANDS FESTIVAL RAISES OVER $500,000 TO BENEFIT RIVER CONSERVATION AUG. 9

On Sunday, Aug. 6, river conservation leaders held a check in front of the Wildlands Festival crowd. The festival and its donations, live and silent auctions, merchandise sales and the annual Hooked on the Gallatin charity dinner raised $513,473 for American Rivers and the Gallatin River Task Force to support protection of Montana rivers.

The Hooked on the Gallatin dinner

kicked off Wildlands weekend with a panel including Tom Skeritt and educated the community about river conservation importance and legislation.

Left to right: Tom Kiernan of American Rivers, Eric Ladd of Outlaw Partners, Kristin Gardner of Gallatin River Task Force, Scott Bosse of American Rivers, and Ennion Williams of Outlaw Partners celebrate a win for river conservation. PHOTO BY TOM ATTWATER

TALKING 191 WITH OFFICIALS AUG. 10

Between mid-May and mid-July of this year, four people died on U.S. Highway 191. The road, which is the only path connecting Big Sky and Bozeman and West Yellowstone has more than 100 white crosses along the way in memory of people who’ve passed away on the stretch.

Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown grew up in Bozeman and remembers driving the road with his dad. He understands that the risk to drive quickly

and aggressively isn’t worth the reward and remembers his dad saying that eventually, drivers always catch up to the cars that zigzag in and out, passing through traffic.

Zach Brown added, “[Many people] moved here to get away from the big city. Driving aggressively and being in a hurry is bringing the big city to a place that is not built for that.”

U.S. Highway 191 connects Bozeman and West Yellowstone, with Big Sky in between. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

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JIM MUSCAT RETIRES AFTER 28 YEARS OF WATER SERVICE SEPT. 1

Jim Muscat, former water superintendent with the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District, retired at the end of August 2023.

The community celebrated him at the Riverhouse BBQ & Events on Aug. 30.

Muscat’s 28-year career resulted in building what is now Big Sky’s functioning and organized water infrastructure.

By day's end, Muscat could be found fishing along the Gallatin—his first evening of retired life.

As water superintendent, Muscat managed the production, treatment and distribution of Big Sky’s drinking water. He oversaw maintenance and expansion of the entire community water system since the mid1990s. In a farewell letter to the district board he wrote: “There’s just no place quite like Big Sky, Montana.”

Jim Muscat (left) and Ron Edwards have provided key leadership for decades. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY

GALLATIN CANYON WOMEN’S CLUB GATHERS FOR 96TH YEAR SEPT. 7

The Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club gathered on Aug. 23 at the 320 Guest Ranch for their annual luncheon to celebrate one of the oldest organizations in the Big Sky area. Created in 1927 as a means for women who were isolated on ranches and homesteads in Gallatin Canyon to meet, bond and socialize, meetings were initially held at members’ homes.

Their mission still stands today, almost a century later—to meet as a social, educational and philanthropic club that offers fellowship, scholarship and community outreach programs to the Gallatin Canyon community.

The Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club in the 1940s. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GALLATIN CANYON WOMEN’S CLUB

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BEAR ATTACK VICTIM IN STABLE CONDITION, HIGH SPIRITS SEPT. 15

When Ashley Noorlander saw her father’s name pop up on her phone screen the afternoon of Sept. 8 her first thought was, “That’s an odd time for him to call me.”

When she answered, a stranger’s voice told her that her dad had just been attacked by a grizzly bear.

“I always feared for that phone call, but I never thought it would ever come,” Ashley, 28, told EBS in a Sept. 13 interview.

Rudy Noorlander, 61-year-old Navy veteran and owner of Alpine Adventures, a snowmobile and ATV rental company in Big Sky, was attacked by a grizzly bear on Sept. 8 near Yellow Mule Trail just south of Big Sky. He suffered extensive injuries, according to his daughter, including having his lower jaw ripped off, a broken esophagus and trachea, a punctured lung and bite and claw marks all over his body.

Noorlander remains positive giving his family a thumbs up from his hospital bed. PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHLEY NOORLANDER

SINCE ‘73 OCT. 17

As Big Sky Resort celebrates its 50th winter season, EBS contributor Mario Carr has been sitting down with those who showed up for day one. By the end of 2023, the “Since ‘73” series has profiled Hannah Johansen, Marv and Sarah Peterson, Jerry Pape and “Queen Jean” Palmer.

In Carr’s ongoing series, he’s after two main questions: what brought them here, and what kept them here.

The answers stray far and wide. From a motorhome breakdown in the canyon to a train from St. Paul, Minnesota, Big Sky’s longest locals seem to have arrived by sheer luck.

And without doubt, the same core factor has kept them around: love for a special place.

Hannah Johansen, Marv and Sarah Peterson, Jerry Pape, and “Queen Jean” Palmer sat down with Explore Big Sky to reflect on 50 years.

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BEST OF BIG SKY BRINGS COMMUNITY LEADERS TOGETHER, CELEBRATES ANOTHER YEAR OF BIG SKY’S KEY PLAYERS DEC. 8

On Tuesday Dec. 5, community members filled The Waypoint for the 2023 Best of Big Sky awards ceremony. This year, 48 awards celebrated leaders, organizations and businesses for all they do in their sector and in Big Sky. Over the course of November, the public nominated who they think were deserving of consideration, followed by a community voting period that yielded the ultimate winners. Some highlights from the night included Deputy Dan Haydon earning Community Member of the Year for serving Big Sky, BYWOM for once again snagging first place for Best Burger, and a tie for first in the Best Bar category between The Corral and The Waypoint.

The evening ended with awarding the Editor’s Pick for Best Local Musician to the late Jim Salestrom. In memory of Salestrom who was a singer-songwriter and entertainer, Outlaw Partners CEO and founder Eric Ladd paid tribute by closing the night out with Salestrom’s song, “Grateful for the Evening,” which was filmed along the Gallatin River.

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputy Dan Haydon was recognized as “Community Member of the Year” at the 2023 Best of Big Sky awards.

Almost 50 other awards were dished out to deserving community leaders and businesses. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO

SHOWING GRATITUDE TO OUR LOCAL NONPROFITS As we move into a new year, here are some Gallatin County-based nonprofits working to meet needs in our community. Consider donating to one this holiday season!

Gallatin Valley Land Trust The Gallatin Valley Land Trust is a driving force in preserving the natural beauty of the Gallatin Valley. Through community engagement and conservation efforts, GVLT works tirelessly to protect open spaces, trails and wildlife habitats.

Their mission extends beyond land preservation; they aim to create a lasting connection between the community and the breathtaking landscapes that define the Gallatin Valley.

Visit gvlt.org Big Sky Youth Empowerment At the heart of Bozeman’s community outreach, the Big Sky Youth Empowerment is dedicated to nurturing the potential of young individuals.

BYEP achieves this through a dynamic blend of outdoor adventures, mentorship programs, and life skills development. The organization strives to instill leadership qualities, resilience and personal growth, shaping the future leaders of Bozeman.

Visit byep.org Wellness in Action Wellness In Action stands as a beacon of empowerment for wellness in Big Sky and its surrounding areas. Committed to fostering equality through education, support, and community engagement, WIA addresses mental and physical health issues by connecting community members with a vital counciling and scholarship resources network.

Visit bigskywia.org Big Sky Community Organization The Big Sky Community Organization serves as the cornerstone of community development in Big Sky. By providing recreational opportunities, maintaining parks, and organizing community events, BSCO enhances the quality of life for

residents and visitors alike. Their commitment to preserving the natural splendor of Big Sky ensures a vibrant and welcoming community atmosphere.

Visit bsco.org Gallatin River Task Force The Gallatin River Task Force is dedicated to safeguarding the health of the Gallatin River watershed. Through meticulous water quality monitoring, habitat restoration initiatives, and community education, GRTF strives to maintain the delicate balance of this vital ecosystem. Their work is instrumental in ensuring the longevity and sustainability of the Gallatin River and its surroundings.

Visit gallatinrivertaskforce.org Center for Large Landscape Conservation The Center for Large Landscape Conservation is a driving force in the conservation of expansive natural environments. Committed to preserving large landscapes and diverse ecosystems, the organization collaborates with stakeholders to promote sustainable land management practices.

Through their efforts, the Center for Large Landscapes contributes significantly to the longterm health and vitality of these critical areas.

Visit largelandscapes.org Gallatin Valley Food Bank The Gallatin Valley Food Bank addresses the fundamental need for food security in the community. Through the distribution of nutritious food, education and strategic community partnerships, the organization strives to create a hunger-free community. The Gallatin Valley Food Bank’s unwavering commitment to alleviating food insecurity makes a profound impact on the well-being of individuals and families in need.

Visit gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org Haven Haven is a dedicated organization that offers support to individuals impacted by domestic

violence, sex trafficking, and stalking. Their services are designed to meet survivors where they are, providing a safe space for healing and empowerment. With a commitment to helping survivors move towards a life free from violence, Haven plays a vital role in the community by offering essential resources, counseling, and advocacy. Through their unwavering support, Haven contributes to creating a safer and more resilient community for those affected by these traumatic experiences.

Visit havenmt.org Help Center Help Center, Inc. provides 24/7 support through Help Center 211, The Sexual Assault Counseling Center, Hearts and Homes Family Resource Center, Gallatin County Child Advocacy Center, and Sacks Thrift Store. Their services include crisis counseling, advocacy, information, outreach, and support in a safe and confidential environment.

The organization is dedicated to helping clients gain insight, clarity, empowerment, and clientcentered solutions in the wake of life’s difficulties and traumatic events.

Visit bozemanhelpcenter.org Human Resource Development Council The Human Resource Development Council is dedicated to addressing community needs and fostering human potential. Serving the Bozeman community and beyond, HRDC focuses on human resource development through various programs. These may include initiatives related to housing, education, workforce development, and community services. As a vital community partner, HRDC strives to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for individuals and families. Through collaborative efforts and a client-centered approach, HRDC plays a key role in promoting sustainable development and wellbeing in the region.

Visit thehrdc.org