FOOD REVIEW: ONE&ONLY’S NEW RESTAURANT SOUL SHINE PREVIEW Volume Issue
June 26 - July 9, 2025 Volume 16 // Issue 13
Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana
PUBLISHER
Eric Ladd | eric@theoutlawpartners.com
EDITORIAL
VP MEDIA
Mira Brody | mira@theoutlawpartners.com
SENIOR EDITOR
Jack Reaney | jack@theoutlawpartners.com
STAFF WRITER
Jen Clancey | jen@theoutlawpartners.com
LOCAL JOURNALIST
Leslie Kilgore | leslie@theoutlawpartners.com
DIGITAL MEDIA LEAD
Fischer Genau | fischer@theoutlawpartners.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Carli Johnson | carli@theoutlawpartners.com
CREATIVE
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Radley Robertson | radley@theoutlawpartners.com
SALES AND OPERATIONS
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Josh Timon | josh@theoutlawpartners.com
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Megan Paulson | megan@theoutlawpartners.com
VP DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Hiller Higman | hiller@theoutlawpartners.com
DIRECTOR OF RELATIONSHIPS
Ersin Ozer | ersin@theoutlawpartners.com
MARKETING MANAGER
Tucker Harris | tucker@theoutlawpartners.com
CONTENT MARKETING LEAD
Taylor Owens | taylor.owens@theoutlawpartners.com
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Sara Sipe | sara@theoutlawpartners.com
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD
Patrick Mahoney | patrick@theoutlawpartners.com
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
Ellie Boeschenstein | ellie@theoutlawpartners.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Katherine Berry, Bella Butler, Mel Crichton, Doug Hare, Rachel Hergett, Benjamin Alva Polley, Milosz Shipman, Ben Wickham
On June 22, cold weather culminated in a summer snowstorm with a few inches of powder in the bowl of Lone Mountain. Daring adventurers rode the Swift Current chairlift at Big Sky Resort to experience the glimpse of winter. PHOTO BY ELLIE BOESCHENSTEIN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BLACK DIAMOND AWARDS HONOR BUSINESS LEADERS
On June 12, the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Black Diamond Awards Dinner to recognize an outstanding group of nominees who bring heart, innovation and vision to the community they serve.
SOUL SHINE PREVIEW
Eight years since the creation of Big Sky Soul Shine, the event continues to evolve while supporting ALS awareness and foundations. Founder and organizer Jackie Robin discussed the history and plan for this year’s Soul Shine, scheduled for July 12 in Big Sky.
CONNECTING BIG SKY TRAILS
Local trail builders discuss what it takes to build trails in Big Sky, and the potential for two new trails to improve connectivity if property owners grant easements.
POST-COVID GROWTH OF BIG SKY’S FOOD BANK
In the five years since COVID created a surge of demand for Big Sky's food bank, operations manager Sarah Gaither reflected on how the community came together to support an instrumental resource.
NFL PLAYERS HOST SPORTS CAMPS AT MSU, BIG SKY
Current and former Montana State Bobcats, including NFL players, hosted skills camps in Big Sky and Bozeman for boys and girls aged K-8. Hundreds showed up to see stars like Tommy Mellott and Troy Andersen.
On June 22, more than 150 kids showed up to Bobcat Stadium for a sports camp led by NFL players who played football for Montana State University. The stars ran two hours of drills and answered questions about football and beyond. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
EDITORIAL POLICIES
EDITORIAL POLICY
Outlaw Partners, LLC is the sole owner of Explore Big Sky. EBS reserves the right to edit all submitted material. Printed material reflects the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of Outlaw Partners or its editors. EBS will not publish anything discriminatory or in bad taste.
EBS welcomes obituaries written by family members or from funeral homes. To place an obituary, please submit 500 words or less to media@theoutlawpartners.com.
FOOD REVIEW: ONE&ONLY’S NEW RESTAURANT
Food columnist Rachel Hergett attended a media dinner at One&Only Moonlight Basin, the new luxury hotel in Big Sky. The dinner was hosted at The Landing, One&Only’s first restaurant, now open to the public for the summer.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Letters to the editor allow EBS readers to express views and share how they would like to effect change. These are not Thank You notes. Letters should be 250 words or less, respectful, ethical, accurate, and proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters and will not publish individual grievances about specific businesses or letters that are abusive, malicious or potentially libelous. Include: full name, address, phone number and title. Submit to media@outlaw.partners.
As we prepare for a long weekend of sun, summer weather and celebrating our nation’s independence, Explore Big Sky rounded up a few local events to help you get your stars and stripes on. Have a safe and fun Fourth of July!
BIG SKY
JULY 4
Big Sky Community Organization Fourth of July 5K Fun Run
Big Sky Community Park, 10 a.m.
Prizes for age group winners and the most patriotic costume. Six and under biking options so young athletes can bike with their favorite runners.
Dirt Days: Downhill Race Series at Big Sky Resort
Big Sky Resort Basecamp, 1 p.m
The Dirt Days series takes place each Friday, providing multi-lap downhill racing at Big Sky Resort. Followed by apres in the plaza, their Fourth of July event encourages participants to don festive gear.
Music in the Mountains: The Tiny Band
Len Hill Park, 6 p.m.
Big Sky’s July 4 tradition continues with another special holiday performance from The Tiny Band.
BOZEMAN
JULY 3
Valley View Rodeo
Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.
Valley View Rodeo includes traditional events such as bull riding, bronc riding, calf roping and barrel racing that demand a combination of strength, agility, and sheer grit from contestants.
JULY 4
Valley View Rodeo
Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.
Valley View Rodeo includes traditional events such as bull riding, bronc riding, calf roping, and barrel racing that demand a combination of strength, agility, and sheer grit from contestants. Stick around for post-rode entertainment for Fourth of July.
Fireworks in Bozeman
Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 10 p.m.
The City of Bozeman presents the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show. The fireworks display will take place at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds and start at 10 p.m. running for approximately 25 minutes.
Live music: Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
The Elm, 7 p.m.
The singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett will be performing at The Elm Fourth of July evening. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m.
ENNIS
JULY 3
Ennis Rodeo
Ennis Rodeo Grounds, 7 p.m.
Watch top cowboys and cowgirls compete in rough stock and timed events. This two-day rodeo is scheduled at 7 p.m. on July 3 and July 4, and takes place at the Ennis Rodeo Grounds.
JULY 4
Ennis Fourth of July Parade
Main Street, 10 a.m.
A longstanding tradition, the Ennis Fourth of July parade fills downtown each holiday. Arrive early–visitors come from near and far.
Ennis Rodeo
Ennis Rodeo Grounds, 7 p.m.
Watch top cowboys and cowgirls compete in rough stock and timed events. This two-day rodeo is scheduled at 7 p.m. on July 3 and July 4, and takes place at the Ennis Rodeo Grounds.
WEST YELLOWSTONE
JULY 4
West Yellowstone Farmers Market Museum of the Yellowstone, 1 p.m.
Enjoy local produce and artisans at the West Yellowstone Farmers Market between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Pie on the Porch
Union Pacific Dining Lodge, 1 p.m.
Locally-baked pies form some of the best. $5 per slice, served until they’re gone.
West Yellowstone Buffalo Chip Chuck Pioneer Park Baseball field, 3 p.m.
A buffalo chip toss competition for the whole family. Three chucks for $5, proceeds go toward the West Yellowstone Public Library.
Fourth of July Parade
Downtown West Yellowstone, 6 p.m.
First, second and third place prizes for the best fourth of July themed parade float.
This rodeo sells out fast, so get tickets ahead of time.
Free Music in the Park: Bo DePena West Yellowstone Pioneer Park, 7 p.m.
Fourth of July Fireworks
Pioneer Park, 10:15 p.m.
Visible from anywhere in town, but best viewed in Pioneer Park
PUBLIC NOTICE
CALL FOR RESORT TAX FUNDING APPLICATIONS FOR GOVERNMENT ENTITIES
The Big Sky Resort Area District (District) is accepting applications from eligible government entities NOT currently in a 3-year interlocal agreement with the District. Qualified applicants may apply to enter an interlocal agreement for the remainder of the current 3-year cycle, which includes FY26 (7/1/25-6/30/26) and FY27 (7/1/26-6/30/27).
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 boundaries of the Big Sky Resort Area District. Only governmental units with the authority to enter and be legally bound by an interlocal agreement are eligible to apply.
Applications and supporting documents will be available on Monday, June 16, and must be completed using the online applications portal and must be submitted by Thursday, July 31 to be considered for funding. More information can be found at resor��ax.org/funding or by contacting the District Office at 406-995-3234.
Meet the Big Sky Resort Area District Board of Directors
The Big Sky Resort Area District Board is composed of five locally elected members who reside within the District boundaries and serve four-year terms. These dedicated community members volunteer their time and expertise to guide funding for programs, services, and infrastructure that shape Big Sky’s future.
All BSRAD board meetings are open to the public—we welcome you to listen, learn, and participate in the decisions shaping Big Sky’s future.
Thinking About Getting Involved?
Two board seats will be on the ballot in May 2026. Attending a meeting is a great way to see the board in action and learn more about what it means to serve.
BLACK DIAMOND AWARDS RECOGNIZE BIG SKY’S BRIGHTEST LOCAL
BY LESLIE KILGORE EBS CONTRIBUTOR
BIG SKY—Since 1997, the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and leading community members have gathered at the Black Diamond Awards Dinner to honor the individuals and businesses shaping this unique mountain town.
Hosted at Riverhouse BBQ and Events on June 12 with roughly 200 attendees, the chamber recognized an outstanding group of nominees who bring heart, innovation and vision to the community they serve, from local entrepreneurs and sustainability champions to longstanding leaders and newcomers making a mark.
Big Sky Chamber of Commerce CEO Brad Niva, his staff, the chamber’s board and several sponsors led the evening with meaningful anecdotes for many of the winners and their impact on the Big Sky community. Niva also recognized several accomplishments throughout the community over the past year due to support from many of the organizations and businesses that attended the event, including the new public restrooms in Town Center, the refreshed signs installed around town, additional housing projects and legislative efforts at the state level.
“This is my fourth year being a part of this event and the most meaningful so far,” Niva said. “It has become a celebration of our community and an appreciation for members in which the community was built on their shoulders.”
Award winners
Highlights of the evening included the Spirit of Big Sky award recognizing retiring teacher Jeremy Harder, who thanked the community for the opportunity to educate their children for 25 years, even naming several attendees and business owners whom he taught in elementary school.
Business Person of the Year winner Sydney Desmarais mentioned in an emotional speech that she’s lived all over the world but fell in love with Big Sky, choosing the community she’s dedicated to for her veterinary clinic and Riley’s Urgent Fund for Friends (RUFF), the assistance fund that supports underserved animals and the soon-to-be-
constructed animal shelter in Big Sky.
Finalists for Business Person of the Year were Kara and Ben Blodgett of The Rocks Tasting Room and Liquor Store, and Todd Rossier of Two Bear Construction.
Big Sky Chamber Vice President Megan Porter and board member Katie Grice shared stories of working for John and Pam Flach when first moving to Big Sky many years ago. Owners of the restaurant By Word of Mouth (BYWOM), the Flachs accepted the Business of the Year award while expressing their love for the community and raising their children in Big Sky.
Emerging Entrepreneur award winners Janet (left) and Brandon Tran (right), and Business Person of the Year Sydney Desmarais (middle) pose with their Black Diamond Awards. PHOTO BY LESLIE KILGORE
John and Pam Flach, owners of BYWOM, accepted their award for Business of the Year. PHOTO BY LESLIE KILGORE
Finalists for Business of the Year were Dr. Erica Perlman of Big Sky Eyes, and Rob McRae and Todd Thesing of Highline Partners.
Founders and owners of Blue Ribbon Builders, Doug and JoDean Bing received the Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement Award. Reflecting on the
LOCAL
changes they’ve experienced since the “early years” at Big Sky Resort, their speeches reminisced about remodeling Chet Huntley’s home twice, when the Spur Road to Big Sky Resort was gravel and the Gallatin Canyon included no guardrails, and their adoration for the Big Sky community and its mountain lifestyle over the past 50 years.
Finalists for the Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement award were John Seelye of Big Sky Build, and Lynne Anderson of Country Market. Various other awards were celebrated throughout the dinner.
The Emerging Entrepreneur award celebrated Brandon and Janet Tran, of Big Sky Noodles and Scoops. Finalists were Alison Adams and Shane Hammitt of Wrap Shack, and Amy and Josh Herran of Moving Mountains.
The Leader in Sustainability award recognized Karl Johnson of YES Compost. Finalists were Adam Rutz and Johnny O’Connor of the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District, and Lindsie Feldner, food manager at the Big Sky School District.
The Master of Making it Happen award went to Daniel Bierschwale of the Big Sky Resort Area District. Finalists were Justa Adams of the Big Sky Skijoring Association, and Mariel Butan of Morningstar Learning Center.
The Steve Johnson Nonprofit Person of the Year award honored Becky Brockie of the Big Sky Community Housing Trust. Finalists were Amy Vance of Big Sky Bandage and Brit Diersch of Big Sky OUT.
The night was filled with nostalgia and appreciation for long-time community members and those who continue to make Big Sky what it is today.
“This event is a chance for us to take a minute to celebrate our wins with the people who make it all happen,” Niva said. “And to appreciate who we have here and where we live.”
Blue Ribbon Builders’ founders Doug and JoDean Bing won Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement Award. PHOTO BY LESLIE KILGORE
EIGHT YEARS IN, SOUL SHINE STILL STARTS WITH COMMUNITY
RAISING MONEY AND AWARENESS FOR ALS, 2025 EVENT SCHEDULED FOR JULY 12
BY FINLEY TIMON EDITORIAL INTERN
BIG SKY—Soul Shine has taken many forms— first a thank-you party, it transformed into a collaboration with Music in the Mountains, then a community bike ride on top of that and now a throwback to the old Big Sky Country Fair. But its purpose has remained the same.
“Support those living with ALS,” said Jackie Robin, co-founder of Big Sky Soul Shine Inc., the nonprofit created in 2024 alongside Tracy Jacobson and Lauren Jackson to honor her late husband, Mark Robin
Mark, who co-founded the Hungry Moose Market and Deli with Jackie, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in 2016. He lost his battle the following year, just months after the first Soul Shine was held in his honor. Since then, the event has grown into an annual celebration of life and a fundraiser for families affected by ALS.
This year’s event will take place Saturday, July 12, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Len Hill Park. Admission is free and open to all. Carnival games, Inflatables, dunk tank, face painting, lawn games, a mechanical bull and photo booth run from 3 to 6 p.m., swing dance lessons begin at 6 p.m., and food and beverage vendors will be available throughout. Music will feature Lauren Jackson & Brian Stumpf, Scratchin’ Gravel and Neon Rainbow. A large tent at the
center of the park will serve as the welcome and donation area, where guests can learn more and pick up a wristband for the day’s activities.
Soul Shine’s fundraising has helped several families over the years, including the Bertelsons. Eric Bertelson was a beloved community member and father who passed away from ALS in 2022. His legacy helped inspire Soul Shine’s continued mission.
“There have been kind of different phases of Soul Shine,” said Jacobson, a longtime friend of the Robin family and current board member. “It started off as a thank you and a celebration, and then turned into more of a… well, then it turned more into a celebration of life for Mark, and then of course Eric on top of that. And now it’s evolved into… just awareness and fundraising and a thank you.”
Since 2017, Soul Shine has raised more than $100,000 to support ALS-focused nonprofits. Last year alone, the event raised $26,000—split between Team Gleason and the family of Patrick Shaw, a recent Soul Shine honoree affected by ALS and resident of the nearby community of Island Park, Idaho.
“Patrick had to renovate their entire house… so that he could get in and out with his wheelchair,” Robin said. “Big Sky got to give Patrick Shaw of Island Park a Big Sky Soul Shine hug. His message is: love your friends, love your family, keep the vibe high. And enjoy every day.”
From 2017 to 2023, The Hungry Moose and the Robin family covered all event costs, allowing every dollar raised to support those with ALS. Now a nonprofit, Soul Shine relies on sponsors so that all proceeds continue going directly to families affected by ALS.
“It could’ve ended a long time ago,” Robin said. “But there’s something about this community… they just keep showing up.”
Robin said fundraising remains important, but the true focus has been, and always will be something bigger.
“The focus of our event is not really the fundraising,” she said. “It is the celebration of our community to come together, have fun, keep the vibe high while also raising awareness about and funds for those living with ALS, a disease which has now disproportionately affected our community.”
ALS, she added, places a burden on families— physically, emotionally and financially.
“Health insurance does not cover anything relating to what you actually need,” Robin said. “They don’t cover caregiving. They don’t cover any kind of vehicle ramp, changes to your home.”
Still, the atmosphere at Soul Shine is a positive one.
“It’s open. It’s free. It’s joyful,” she said. “Even if you’ve never been affected by ALS, you can still feel something here.”
That joyful spirit, Robin said, is what brings her back year after year.
“Mark would’ve loved this,” she said. “That’s all I think. He would’ve loved it.”
Jacobson agreed. “It’s not just about ALS,” she said. “It’s about being together. It’s about being joyful, even when you’ve gone through something hard.”
Voluntary donations will be accepted at the July 12 event. Wristbands will be handed out upon entry, though no contribution is required to participate. Merchandise will be available for sale and a Big Sky Resort ski pass will be raffled off— along with other items.
Soul Shine is a celebration of community first, Robin said, and a fundraiser second. But its impact continues to grow.
“Every time I think we’ve reached the end of it, someone new steps in and says, ‘What can I do?’” she said.
To learn more visit Big Sky Soul Shine’s website or to get involved, visit Volunteer Big Sky’s website.
Jackie Robin and Janie Bertelson speak onstage at Soul Shine in 2022, joined by Jackie’s kids and Janie’s sister Emily. PHOTO BY BELLA BUTLER
Jackie and Mark Robin. COURTESY OF JACKIE ROBIN
3,914±
PARTNERSHIPS DRIVE BIG SKY’S UNIQUE TRAIL-BUILDING LANDSCAPE
TRAIL STEWARDS REQUIRE BUY-IN TO FULFILL VISIONS OF CONNECTIVITY FOR RUNNERS, HIKERS, MOUNTAIN BIKERS
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—Big Sky’s mountain bike and multiuse trails are more connected than ever, and trail stewards like the Big Sky Community Organization and Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association are working to connect Big Sky’s once-fragmented trail system, sharing visions of enhanced recreation and transportation alternatives. Partnerships with local landowners and developers, however, are essential in a community where so much land is privately owned.
New trails are opening every year. This spring, Terraflow Trail Systems—which builds most of Big Sky’s multi-use and mountain bike flow trails— completed a three-year project adding a flow trail beside the popular Uplands hiking trail.
Terraflow also recently completed a jump line at the bottom of the current Mountain to Meadow Trail, designed “to give riders an exciting end to their Mountain to Meadow run as well as provide those looking to work on their bike airs easy access to some great jumps right up from the Huff's Trek Trailhead at the top of Andesite Road,” according to a SWMMBA press release. The jump line required significant help from volunteers, and was cheered immediately by local riders.
Just about every new trail requires buy-in from landowners along the route.
“We appreciate all the opportunities that local landowners and developers give us to enable Big Sky to have the trail network that it does,” said Marco Delguidice, director of parks and trails for BSCO. He noted that virtually every BSCO trail is built in partnership between multiple private entities, with philanthropic support from individuals, community foundations, HOAs and Resort Tax, and other grant funding.
Many recent trails were cut on land owned by Lone Mountain Land Company, the large-scale
developer affiliated with Big Sky’s three private mountain clubs and Town Center area. Delguidice said LMLC has been a “great steward” to Big Sky’s public trail network, praising the developer’s investment into projects including Mountain to Meadow, and the Hummocks and Uplands trails near Town Center. LMLC collaborates constantly on new projects with BSCO, SWMMBA and Terraflow.
“That partnership... is amazing,” said Terraflow owner Pete Costain. “And I guess I just feel fortunate that they appreciate our work.”
Costain recalls the “really distinct” vision of his longtime friend Bayard Dominick, director of development for LMLC, who saw how development and trail connectivity could be intertwined roughly a decade ago.
One of the first LMLC-sponsored projects was an immediate hit: in 2015, Mountain to Meadow connected Big Sky Resort’s mountain bike trails to
Town Center. LMLC and Big Sky Resort granted the public trail easement and Terraflow got to work. “[It] just seemed amazing to me that there was one landowner that could just grant that permission,” Costain recalled. Even in 2022 when LMLC’s new development encroached upon the existing Mountain to Meadow, the developer swiftly granted easements to re-route 60% of the popular trail.
Dominick stated in an email to EBS that Mountain to Meadow was the beginning of LMLC’s proud focus on developing trails in Big Sky, an effort that will soon include an “Active Transportation Plan” to elevate bike and pedestrian connectivity.
“It has been incredible to see how quickly [Mountain to Meadow] has become a mainstay for locals and visitors,” Dominick stated. “The number of people using the Skyline free shuttle with bike trailers has been awesome to see.”
In addition to trails built for recreation, Dominick said non-vehicle connectivity between
Big Sky's public trail network depends on easements across private property. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
Costain in 2017 on a project for Big Sky Resort’s downhill bike park. PHOTO BY DOUG HARE
neighborhoods, activity centers and public transportation is another critical aspect of their work. “The future of expanded trails and sidewalks is bright and we are proud to be a part of it.”
Addressing property owner concerns
When the land isn’t all owned by one trail-hungry developer, the process may be more complicated.
One example is the Ralph’s Pass Trail, completed in 2017 after three years of significant coordination between BSCO and nearly a dozen landowners to reach easement agreements. The 2.7-mile multi-use trail connects Ousel Falls to the Uplands Trail.
“That trail is definitely a poster child for community cooperation,” Costain said.
Another is Huff’s Trek, a 3.3-mile multi-use trail climbing from near Town Center to Big Sky Resort. Huff's Trek was enabled by one major donation and successful easement agreements between the Aspen Groves and Antler Ridge subdivisions.
Furthermore, Delguidice explained that many local trails were never protected by easements or stewarded by an entity such as BSCO. Some trails emerged by way of informal handshake agreements, others were created organically by foot traffic, but many are now being challenged by landowners or HOAs.
“Subsequently, we are trying to re-establish some of these trails into official easements and that way we can better maintain them and have them become official,” Delguidice said.
Easement propositions often face pushback from property owners and HOAs, including fears of legal liability. Costain said it's a misconception, as most states—including Montana—have laws that waive legal liability for public recreation on private land accessed via trail easement.
“If the activity is free to the public... there simply is no precedent to be sued,” Costain said.
Another hangup is the notion that public use will compromise privacy and dent property values— Delguidice emphasizes that trail access creates the opposite effect.
Communities become attractive as they gain “epic trail hub” status, Costain explained, and real estate values follow. “It has 100% been proven... The closer to trails you are, similar to ski-in, ski-out— ride-in, ride-out, it really has the same effect.” Costain added that Terraflow prioritizes efficiency when crossing a property or subdivision, plotting trails through the least useful or otherwise developable land.
While developer and landowner buy-in is typically the biggest obstacle, Costain said he's seen “amazing” cooperation during his 10 years of trail work in Big Sky.
More work lies ahead.
Leaders seek buy-in for two new trails
Pending collaboration with property owners and HOAs to secure trail easements, two new trails could create leaps for Big Sky’s connectivity.
In a project Delguidice says could be “a huge asset” to improve connectivity, a new connector trail would link the Hummocks Trail near Town Center to the Mud Creek Trail in the Gallatin Canyon, connecting via the Cold Smoke Trail—partially built in 2023 as dead-end above the Quarry subdivision, awaiting its connection.
“The plan is to connect the canyon to the meadow via trails—single-track trails that aren’t paved, so that people can hike and bike down to the canyon, and essentially now, get all the way up to the resort without getting on pavement,” Delguidice said.
Costain said the trail would be a crucial step toward Big Sky's connectivity goals.
“There is an incredible amount of pending excitement around trails, and ongoing negotiations,” Costain said.
He added that developers representing the Quarry and Gallatin Foothills developments in the canyon have been “huge proponents... incredibly generous and supportive of trails” as BSCO works to expand its trails to the canyon. For a connector trail between Big Sky’s meadow and canyon areas to be possible, however, properties in between will need to get on board.
Another project, much further along, aims to add a family-friendly detour for Mountain to Meadow, a blue-rated trail which became slightly more intimidating with its 2023 re-route.
The Big Sky chapter of SWMMBA—known informally as the “Trail Dogs”—is raising money for a 3.5-mile, green-rated Mountain to Meadow option.
The project is estimated to cost $212,000, and since February SWMMBA has secured contributions including $37,500 from both LMLC and the Spanish Peaks Community Foundation, $15,000 from the Moonlight Community Foundation, and roughly $4,500 from the Give Big fundraiser event. The project also received a $25,000 grant from the Big Sky Resort Area District on June 12.
Costain explained that the primary goal is to allow families and less skilled mountain bikers to take advantage of the Big Sky bike shuttle system and have an enjoyable experience riding from Big Sky Resort to Town Center without fear of exposure or advanced riders crowding them off the trail.
The new section will be wider, averaging six feet wide, with “minimal” switchback corners and exposure, creating a “true beginner flow trail,” according to the project website.
BSCO is working to secure an easement as the proposed trail would cross private land held by LMLC, Big Sky Resort and Middle Fork Partners—the developer of the proposed Flatiron subdivision. If successful, Costain believes the trail could be built by the end of August.
When Costain began building trails in Big Sky 10 years ago, he said there was a large gap between proponents’ visions and overall community buy-in. Now, he’s impressed to see more organized planning and thoughtful collaboration with developers to improve recreation and transportation, making it more appealing for property owners to give the green light.
SWMMBA “Trail Dogs” volunteers and Terraflow staff recently completed a jump line at the end of Mountain to Meadow. COURTESY OF PETE COSTAIN
Ralph’s Pass connects the Ousel Falls area to the Uplands Trail. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY COMMUNITY LIBRARY BRINGS LIFE TO LOCAL TRAILS AND SUMMER PROGRAMMING
STORYBOOK TRAIL CONTINUES TO ENGAGE FAMILIES
BY FINLEY TIMON EDITORIAL INTERN
BIG SKY—This summer, the Big Sky Community Library isn’t just checking out books. It’s on trails, in classrooms and in events across town.
One three-year-old project is the immersive Storybook Trail, which begins at the South Fork Loop trailhead, guiding hikers along a one-mile path where they can read a children’s book one page at a time. Checkpoints throughout the trail feature the next page of the story.
The idea for the Storybook Trail came from a library board member who saw a similar project while traveling and brought the concept back to Big Sky in June of 2023. With support from the Big Sky Community Organization, which manages local trails, the library adapted the program to suit Big Sky’s environment.
“We definitely have to take the seasons into consideration,” said Pam Butterworth, lead librarian.
Families can sponsor and choose a book for $250, which covers the cost of materials. Each sponsor also receives a custom social media post featuring their family photo and a note about their chosen book.
As the natural terrain changes throughout the year, so do the books. Sponsors have their book on the trail for about 3 months, making it fun to follow the trail several times a year.
“People are always excited about it,” said Laine Hegness, children’s librarian. “I work with a lot of families, and I get a lot of questions like, ‘What’s the next book? When’s it going in?’ They want to take their kids out there.”
Reading programs for all ages
The library’s adult book club features titles that range from artificial intelligence to community-
based themes. This summer’s series is designed to engage a slightly younger audience—particularly those in the 20- to 40-year-old range—while still welcoming returning readers.
Children’s summer reading program sign-ups open June 23, with a family hike scheduled for June 30 on the Storybook Trail, in partnership with Hike Big Sky and BSCO.
Hegness said the initiative continues to evolve.
“I love the summer reading program. This is my third summer with the library as a children’s librarian, and I feel like we get a little better each summer.”
The “Color Our World” theme will guide this year’s activities; Hegness noted this year’s balance between the “educational and fun” elements.
“The purpose behind summer reading programs across the nation is to help prevent that summer
slide, so kids don’t lose the creative thinking they had throughout the school year,” Hegness said.
The library encourages children to read for 20 minutes each day and track their progress. Those who meet their goals can earn weekly rewards and participate in additional incentive-based activities.
Community support remains key for the library. Butterworth reflected on local donors who contribute to enable the library’s programs.
“It’s generally patrons that want to represent themselves or something that they feel close to their heart to sponsor,” she said.
The library will host its used book sale booth again this year at the Big Sky Farmers Market. Community members can support the effort by volunteering through the Volunteer Big Sky website or by purchasing books at the library.
The Ophir District Big Sky Community Library is a public library located near the Big Sky School District campus. PHOTO BY FINLEY TIMON
Storybook Trail welcome marker at the South Fork Loop trailhead. PHOTO BY FINLEY TIMON
WHERE THE RIDE STARTS
LUCCHESE BOZEMAN
JULY 14 | 4 PM – 7 PM
Join us as we celebrate the start of Big Sky PBR week with an evening of Western tradition and Lucchese style. Enjoy complimentary sips and light bites, take in live local music, and enter to win an exclusive Big Sky PBR giveaway — available only during the event. Come early, stay awhile, and kick off the week the Lucchese way.
BSRAD INVESTS IN ONGOING COMMUNITY PROJECTS, MICROGRANTS
REPORTING RECORD-HIGH COLLECTIONS, BSRAD SAYS YES TO NONPROFIT PROJECTS, WELCOMES UPDATES FROM HRDC
BY JEN CLANCEY
BIG SKY—The Big Sky Resort Area District is preparing for a busy summer season. On June 12, the board moved to approve their budget for the upcoming year, affirmed the benefits of two community projects, and discussed updates on the voter-approved park and housing bonds.
Board Secretary and Treasurer Grace Young shared data from spring season resort tax collections. In March 2025, resort tax collections rose 11% over March 2024, and hit $4 million for the first month in BSRAD history. April saw a 14% increase over 2024, but collections did not surpass 2023.
Young also described operation costs going over budget this year as expected, due to legislative efforts, legal costs and voter education events and programming—all a reflection of BSRAD’s involvement in the Montana Legislature, district boundary conversations and education about the May 2025 election.
BSRAD also discussed how to move ahead with voter-approved bond projects for Cold Smoke workforce housing and the Big Sky Community Park renovation.
Daniel Bierschwale, BSRAD executive director, explained why subcommittees are needed to sort through the bonds, which vary widely in their dollar totals.
“Big picture here, the BSCO park renovation bond is likely to be a much shorter process and handled differently than how the Cold Smoke bond would be moving forward,” Bierschwale said.
Board continues investing in ongoing community projects
The board then moved to discuss contract extension with three Big Sky projects: Wellness in Action’s mental health services, the Big Sky Community Library’s operating expenses, the Big Sky
Community Housing Trust’s community housing conversion and preservation, and Riley’s Urgent Fund for Friends’ (RUFF) animal shelter. The board passed the structure to support the projects through the summer unanimously.
The Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association and the Arts Council of Big Sky also applied for microgrants to support portions of their work. SWMMBA asked $25,000 to assist in completing a 3.5-mile trail called the Mountain to Meadow Green Trail, connecting Big Sky Resort to Big Sky Town Center.
“Running parallel to the existing Mountain to Meadow trail, this new route offers a safer, more inclusive alternative—especially for beginners and families,” the grant proposal by SWMMBA stated. “It will be constructed by Terraflow Trails over 8 to 10 weeks, with completion targeted for August 2025. The trail improves uphill travel and addresses safety concerns caused by speed differences between riders on current trails.”
BSRAD approved the microgrant request unanimously. Next, the arts council asked for $10,000 for chairs for events and programming in its new space in Big Sky Town Center. Addressing the need for a microgrant, arts council Executive Director Brian Hurlbut described upcoming programming.
“I think this is more of an immediate need … the space is ready for events, it’s cleared out. We’re having the Spanish Peaks singer songwriter event in July … just trying to plan ahead,” Hurlbut said. Brad Niva, CEO of Big Sky Chamber of Commerce noted that the arts space fills a gap in Big Sky’s options, describing a “huge deficiency” in public meeting spaces.
“This is a huge asset that this community needs,” Niva said. In a final vote on community projects, the board said yes again and moved to fulfill the $10,000 ask from the arts council. HRDC thanks BSRAD and community for support
Heather Grenier, executive director of the Human Resource Development Council, shared her organization’s gratitude for the support of projects in Big Sky.
“As you all know, Big Sky [Community] Housing Trust MeadowView development and the Big Sky Community Food Bank wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for support from BSRAD and the rest of the community,” Grenier said. She provided updates on resources and changes coming up, including a food and needs assessment to quantify community need in 2025, and changes coming soon to the Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District, pointing out that Skyline Bus may benefit from more streamlined funding and options.
Sarah Gaither, Big Sky Community Food Bank operations manager, shared numbers about the food bank and community members in need. She confirmed that customers are largely members of Big Sky’s seasonal workforce, with 25% being permanent residents in Big Sky. Although customers are mostly single, she explained, there is a growing number of seniors and families who use the food bank’s services.
She emphasized a missing middle, where Big Sky residents can’t access programs like SNAP or Medicaid, but are still out of reach of accessible food and medical care. Board Chair Kevin Germain recommended HRDC’s continued involvement in the creation of Big Sky’s wellness district to address not just medical needs, but what Big Sky needs to help community members thrive.
“It’s not just the hospital. It’s the food bank. It’s shelter. It’s mental health,” Germain said.
The next scheduled BSRAD meeting is July 9. A couple weeks later, community members can attend the Big Sky Governance Study’s third public meeting at the Wilson Hotel on July 22 at 5:30 p.m., where the study team will present three scenarios for Big Sky governance and hear further public comment on what possibilities the community might like to see.
The inside of the Arts Council of Big Sky's new community space at 77 Lone Peak Drive in Big Sky Town Center. BSRAD
PHOTO BY FINLEY TIMON
SCAN ME!
JACK CREEK PRESERVE TEACHES BIG SKY KIDS TO EXPLORE, LEARN IN NATURE
BY LESLIE KILGORE EBS CONTRIBUTOR
BIG SKY—In late May, the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation welcomed Ophir Elementary School’s fourth-graders for a day of immersive, hands-on learning at the nature preserve between Big Sky and the Madison Valley.
The visit, funded by the Moonlight Community Foundation, marked the possibility of an ongoing collaboration between JCPF, the Big Sky School District and MCF. JCPF leaders hope it can become an annual opportunity for local Big Sky kids to experience the unique, experiential curriculum that the preserve can offer.
“I first connected with Ophir's teachers in 2020 during one of our teacher workshops. But it wasn't until 2022 that we finally welcomed the first group of Ophir's 4th graders,” said Abigail King, executive director of JCPF. “I would love to see more support from Big Sky Resort Tax and organizations like the Moonlight Community Foundation to help us bring groups and schools to the preserve for programming on an annual basis. We are the perfect venue for field trips, including overnights.”
The partnership came together through joint planning between JCPF and Ophir Elementary teachers, with MCF providing key support. With the shared goal of teaching students to appreciate the outdoors while connecting to the landscape they live in, King said she plans on applying for grants again to accomplish similar efforts next year.
The choice to host fourth graders was strategic, due to JCPF’s educational opportunities that align with the academic goals and state-level initiatives to teach fourth grade students about state history and ecosystems. Plus, every fourth grader in the country can access national parks for free through the Every Kid Outdoors program. This experience aims to allow Big Sky kids to have a greater appreciation for the ecosystem they are surrounded by.
Fourth grade teachers Amanda Baker and Jackson Ballard wrote a letter of support to accompany MCF’s grant proposal, and JPCF Education
Director Addison Perryman collaborated to develop the curriculum.
Baker and Ballard were already teaching about wildlife habitat conservation, Yellowstone National Park and wildlife in general, so Perryman incorporated those themes into the curriculum that she developed for the May 28 field day.
“For us, getting kids out and about on the preserve is always the goal,” King said. “For the Ophir kids, the preserve is pretty much part of their backyard. If they learn to understand and appreciate places like the preserve, wilderness and national parks, they will care about them. If we can reach youth and inspire them to appreciate wildlife, wildlife habitat and their conservation, we are creating the next generation of conservationists.”
King witnessed inspiring lessons throughout the day as students explored forest habitats, learned how to identify animal tracks and discussed various conservation topics. She enjoyed seeing the kids' curiosity and enjoyment for learning while being outdoors.
Looking ahead, JCPF will also host counselors from the Big Sky Community Organization’s summer kids day camp, Camp Big Sky, for an overnight training session and team building designed to deepen their environmental education skills. The BSCO staff will join the preserve team in July for extensive outdoor learning to equip them with tools and knowledge for their summer camp programs.
There is also a special event planned for Camp Big Sky participants that mirrors the fourth grade field day, which will include hands-on science lessons, wildlife observations and a chance to explore the land.
“The fact that Moonlight Basin is providing the transportation for these kids is huge,” King said.
“And we’re excited that Moonlight Community Foundation is covering the cost for BSCO. Grant funding like this ensures that our programs remain accessible and affordable for all, and we can serve as a leading resource for conservation education in southwest Montana to anyone and everyone.”
King said JCPF is excited to continue welcoming the Big Sky community to participate in its growing slate of educational programming for all ages year-round, helping kids and adults build a deeper relationship with the natural world.
“What is most rewarding is to see the spectrum of impact we can have,” King said. “From a little girl picking up her first earthworm with a huge smile on her face, to an adult who saw their first bear cub on the preserve, or a summer camper who is now an avid fly fisherman. They're all huge wins.”
PHOTO BY LESLIE KILGORE
Ophir Elementary School students spent a field trip learning at the Jack Creek Preserve. PHOTO BY LESLIE KILGORE
Live Your Montana Dream
GROW WILD TO HOST THIRD ANNUAL WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL
EBS STAFF
Local nonprofit Grow Wild announced in a press release the return of their annual Big Sky Wildflower Festival from July 8 through 12. The press release encourages anyone from nature lovers to artists to check out the festival for inspiration and education.
The free schedule of events includes guided hikes, expert-led workshops, educational talks, yoga in the garden, flower arranging workshops, watercolor
workshops and more. In partnership with local organizations, offerings include high country birding with the Sacajawea Audubon Society, a nature journaling workshop with the Gallatin Valley Nature Society and a forest-focused guided hike led by a retired U.S. Forest Service forester.
Workshops and educational talks will be held at Crail Gardens, located within Historic Crail Ranch at 2100 Spotted Elk Rd. in Big Sky at different times throughout the weekend. Guided hikes will be held at various locations
within Gallatin Canyon and Big Sky. “I really want to highlight that this is a great opportunity to learn about the importance of conservation for native species,” Conservation Program Coordinator Abby Butler said in an interview with EBS.
Certain activities do require registration and participants can register online. Readers can visit Grow Wild’s Wildflower Festival’s event page for a full list of events.
The Wildflower Festival is an opportunity for people to learn about the native plant species in the Big Sky area. PHOTO COURTESY OF GROW WILD
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BIG SKY OUT’S SUMMER PRIDE MARCH DRAWS SUPPORT ACROSS BIG SKY
BY FINLEY TIMON EDITORIAL INTERN
BIG SKY—“This is what Pride looks like!” marchers chanted throughout Big Sky Town Center on Saturday, June 14, as community members gathered for Big Sky OUT’s third annual Summer Pride March. The event was part of a five-day Summer Pride Weekend organized by the nonprofit Big Sky OUT.
The organization described the weekend as “a special celebration,” and said its purpose was “to be seen, to be heard, to spread queer joy as [they] do all year round.”
The march included full-time residents, seasonal employees and visiting supporters.
“I identify as gay and it’s my first-ever Pride,” said CJ Ruggiero, a seasonal employee from Arizona. “Our pride doesn’t really happen in June because it’s
so hot. We had three days off, so I thought I’d come out here and hang out.”
Ruggiero attended with coworker Ally Fuentes, also from Arizona.
“I’m here as an ally,” Fuentes said. “But it’s been awesome to see what it’s all about.”
Others traveled to Big Sky specifically for the weekend events.
“I flew in from Seattle just for this,” said Morgan Ellis, who first heard about Big Sky OUT through a friend living in the area. “It’s a small town, but they’re doing something big. I wanted to be here and show up for that.”
Ellis said they plan to return in 2025 for Winter Pride, which debuted this past March at Big Sky Resort.
“It’s easy to feel disconnected in a rural place,” they said. “But this weekend felt intentional. It reminded me that even in smaller pockets, people are doing the work.”
Other events during the week included a drag makeup workshop, a group bike ride, queer trivia night, a vendor market, roller derby and a free outdoor screening of “Big Eden.” The weekend concluded with a hike to Ousel Falls and a Drag and Variety Show.
Aries, a Big Sky OUT board member and volunteer coordinator, said this was their first summer living in Big Sky and their second season overall.
“This has been a great way to get involved in a community I wasn’t sure had a place for me,” Aries said. “Having my first winter here was such a pleasant surprise. The community welcomed me with open arms—and even put me on the board.”
Aries said they helped plan several events over the weekend and saw Big Sky’s positive community participation.
“Expectations were exceeded at every single event,” they said. “Even if there wasn’t a big turnout, it was still a good experience to see other people want to plan events like this. If we stay consistent, we’ll continue to see people show up. We’re a young organization, but there’s already been a lot of success.”
Big Sky OUT launched its first Summer Pride event in 2023 and hosted its first Winter Pride Week earlier this year. The organization also offers year-round community programming and partnerships with local businesses.
“The goal is letting people know the queer community is active and thriving in Big Sky and that Pride is a huge celebration, a huge way to gain visibility and exposure,” said Brit Diersch, founder of Big Sky OUT. “Just letting people know we’re here, we are queer and we are welcoming everybody.”
Copper City Queens versus the Gallatin Roller Derby team. PHOTO BY FINLEY TIMON
Marchers gather at Len Hill Park ahead of the annual Pride March. PHOTO BY FINLEY TIMON
BIG SKY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK LOOKS AHEAD TO SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES, REFLECTS ON PANDEMIC CHALLENGES
BY JEN CLANCEY
BIG SKY—Five years after the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Big Sky, shuttering businesses and social spaces, Sarah Gaither, operations manager for the Big Sky Community Food Bank, took some time to reflect on that time of transition.
“I felt like overnight I’m now responsible for feeding the entire Big Sky workforce who have just been laid off, and I was pretty terrified of that,” Gaither recalled in a March 13 Big Sky Resort Area District board meeting.
Within 24 hours of the pandemic shutdown in March 2020, Gaither picked up her phone to see Daniel Bierschwale, executive director of BSRAD, calling. Their conversation promised an urgent response plan and a partnership for serving struggling community members that continues today. In 2024, the food bank had served more than double the number of customers it had in 2020, meeting increasing demands through partnerships in Big Sky and the region.
“[Bierschwale] assured me that … the food bank would have what it needed. Resort Tax or the Big Sky community would make sure that that would happen,” Gaither said. “It made me realize that I wasn't facing that responsibility alone.”
In 2023-24, the food bank served 1,938 customers, distributed 68,627 pounds of food and helped 664 new households.
Each location in the Human Resource
Development Council’s trio of food banks— BSCFB, Gallatin Valley Food Bank and the Headwaters Area Food Bank—share a challenge in meeting the needs of customers, a group of community members that seem to keep growing under high costs of living.
Leading HRDC, President and CEO Heather Grenier noted that resources like federal and state government funding were helpful during the onset of the pandemic, but in post-pandemic times the need for food access remains. She commended Big Sky’s commitment to supporting its community food bank.
“It feels like everyone understands the external pressures in the community and knows they have to be aligned on solutions for anything to be successful and be implemented,” Grenier said.
In HRDC’s half-century birthday, Grenier also discussed how the organization adjusts to changes in economy, policy and funding dollars. Facing announcements of funding cuts from the Trump administration and possible changes as the federal government adopts a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, Grenier noted plans for HRDC to remain nimble and balanced in funding.
“We've done a lot over the last several decades to reduce our reliance on federal funding and diversify our funding sources,” Grenier said. Over the last 20 years, HRDC has tapped into other funding sources through fundraising, revenue and social activities, reducing federal funds portion in the budget from about 70% to less than 50%.
“You know, in 50 years we've weathered a lot of different federal administrations and federal priorities,” Grenier said. “And we're typically able to adapt pretty well. Even for a large organization, we're pretty nimble.”
Looking ahead, HRDC hopes to continue fundraising and increase earned revenue to reduce reliance on federal funding to about one third of their operating budget, Grenier said.
Gaither highlighted issues like assisting the “missing middle” of residents in Big Sky, who earn too much to tap into SNAP or Medicaid benefits, but who still need to use services like the food bank to live or work in the area. But she’s also excited about upgrades coming to the food bank this summer.
Passersby at the Big Sky Farmers Market can drop off produce donations in a food bank cooler. Gaither encouraged market customers to buy one item for themselves and another for the food bank. She also hopes a new community garden plot donated by the Historic Crail Ranch will yield fresh fruits and veggies for food bank customers. Lastly, the food bank space will also be touched up by Revitalized Restoration, a home and building restoration business in Big Sky, breathing new life into the interior of the food bank.
As visitors stream in and out of Big Sky this summer, the food bank will continue greeting customers and connecting them with resources at their location at the U.S. Highway 191 and Montana Highway 64 junction.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH GAITHER
SPORTS
DOZENS OF KIDS SHOW UP FOR SPORTS CAMP WITH NFL, MSU BOBCAT FOOTBALL PLAYERS
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—On Saturday, June 21 in Big Sky and Sunday, June 22 in Bozeman, local and regional kids laced up their cleats for a skills camp with current and former Montana State Bobcats, including a handful of NFL players. More than 100 kids attended the camps.
The second annual Bobcat Legacy Combine Camp gave kids the opportunity to meet stars like Tommy Mellott and Troy Andersen, including photo and autograph opportunities, while testing their skills. The program was open to boys and girls aged K-8, regardless of participants’ skills in any specific sport.
The Montana State players and alums shared what it means to play like a Bobcat, hoping they’ll grow up to play at Bobcat Stadium one day.
PHOTOS BY FINLEY TIMON (BIG SKY) AND JACK REANEY (BOZEMAN)
BIG SKY ARTS COUNCIL’S SUMMER IN A SPACE OF ITS OWN
BY FINLEY TIMON EDITORIAL INTERN
BIG SKY—For nearly four years, the former Choppers bar in Big Sky Town Center sat as a quiet, empty building. Now, it’s anything but.
The Arts Council of Big Sky has opened its new home at 77 Lone Peak Drive, bringing life to the former Choppers building months after announcing plans for a major remodel into a public-access arts hub. Alongside a new summer camp for kids, music concerts and arts programming, progress on the building is fulfilling a decade-long goal.
“It just seemed like an amazing opportunity that we could not pass up,” said Brian Hurlbut, executive director of the arts council. “We’ve been planning for this for 10 years.”
For the first time in its history, the nonprofit has a permanent home—and room to grow.
“We knew kind of right away when we moved into BASE that the space was gonna be insufficient for what we really wanted to do,” Hurlbut said. “We thought we would have to build our own space because there’s typically not a lot of space available in Big Sky.”
The new location isn’t just for arts council programming. Since opening its doors, the building has already hosted more than a dozen partner organizations, including the Big Sky School District, Big Sky OUT and the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation. In April, Lone Peak High School held its prom in the space. In June, Big Sky OUT hosted Pride Story Hour for families. The calendar also features two classical concerts, a plein air painting class for kids and an Indigenous culinary workshop with chef Mariah Gladstone.
“It’s just a really cool mix of different events that are put on by the arts council and put on by other members of the community,” Hurlbut said.
Julie Edwards, education director for the arts council, said the space is also being used for afterschool and teen programming, with plans to continue expanding those offerings in the fall.
She emphasized that the council’s commitment to accessibility includes a “contribute what you can” pricing model for camps and classes. Families can opt to pay the full rate or choose a discounted amount—no paperwork required.
Summer camps underway
The arts council is holding its new kids’ summer art camps in the new building, made possible by a temporary classroom setup and future plans for a dedicated youth space inside the new building.
“For the first time ever, we’ve been able to offer 10 weeks of kids’ summer art camps because we have our own space,” Hurlbut said. “We’ve always wanted to do it, and we know there’s a demand for more summertime child care and activities for kids.”
Edwards said the opportunity came sooner than expected.
“Being able to offer 10 weeks of summer art camp is beyond anything I thought we were ever going to attain in the next five to 10 years,” Edwards said.
She added that staffing has grown alongside programming, with a team that includes local middle and high school students, volunteers and
returning educators. Feedback from families, she said, has highlighted how valuable it is simply to have more options for summer learning in Big Sky.
“We just wanted to activate the space. We just wanted to bring life into it,” Edwards said. “To activate this space that was an old locals’ bar and restaurant scene in a totally different way—from the art education and programming perspective—is beyond anything I ever thought I would be given the opportunity to do in this community.”
Welcoming the public
Starting June 25, the arts council will host open houses every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m., aligned with the Big Sky Farmers Market. While a full educational campaign is still ahead, Hurlbut said the feedback has already exceeded expectations.
“The buzz and the excitement around the community has been really amazing to see,” he said. “People come in and their jaw kind of drops when they come in because it’s just a completely different space.”
With a small but committed staff, the arts council is working to meet the moment.
Edwards echoed that spirit, saying the team is ready to grow while staying connected to the community.
“It’s all about everyone feeling welcome and having a really quality, creative, safe space to come to,” she said.
Looking ahead
The organization plans to add five classrooms in the renovated space, including dedicated areas for youth programming, pottery, multimedia work and visiting artists. While construction timelines remain flexible, the goal is to continue expanding access and programming as the building evolves into a full-scale community arts hub.
“This isn’t just our space—it’s Big Sky’s,” Hurlbut said. “And we’re just getting started.”
Arts Council of Big Sky's new space at 77 Lone Peak Drive. PHOTO BY FINLEY TIMON
Lunchtime coloring project at kids’ summer art camp. PHOTO BY FINLEY TIMON
TO THE TUNE OF HOPE
Q&A: MOLLY TUTTLE
BY BELLA BUTLER
This article was originally published by Mountain Outlaw. Read more at mtoutlaw.com.
If hope is the thing with feathers, then Molly Tuttle’s music is an eagle soaring over the vast wild lands of an Earth in peril, each wingbeat a promise to recall our intrinsic human connection to them. Take her song “Into the Wild,” the title track to the EP released by the Grammy-winning bluegrass artist in 2024. Co-written with Ketch Secor of the Old Crow Medicine Show after a week spent in the redwoods, Tuttle’s song is draped in the melancholy of the loss of wild places, and the longing that comes with remembering them as they were:
Childhood melodies echo in the backwoods of my mind
Free as the wind, the sun upon my skin
Fairy dust falling from the sky
But times ain’t like they used to be
The wilderness is hard to find at all
The magic slipped way and the fires start in May
Making way for another shopping mall
Still we want it all
Yet eulogistic as it is, Tuttle’s words feel backdropped by a whispered beckoning to return ourselves to a relationship with these lands, that it’s not too late. It’s a tone matched by the Wildlands live music event, where she’ll perform in Big Sky this August: an honest reckoning of the danger our wild lands face, but even more so a soulful reminder of why we must unite around efforts to protect them. This year’s show, featuring headliner Dave Matthews as well as Lukas Nelson and Tuttle, will raise funds for American Rivers and the Center for Large Landscape Conservation. Since its first year, Wildlands has raised nearly $1 million for conservation organizations in the Greater Yellowstone area.
In preparation for her Wildlands performance, Mountain Outlaw spoke with Tuttle about her sense of home, her connection to wild lands, and how music can be a force for change.
The following interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Mountain Outlaw: This issue of Mountain Outlaw is about home. Where or what do you consider home, and how has that concept changed for you throughout your life?
Molly Tuttle: As a touring musician, I’m constantly away from home, so I really value being home. I kind of feel like where I grew up is home, California. I grew up in the Bay Area. That’s where all my family is still so I go back out there pretty often because I feel like, if I stay away for too long, I do feel really homesick for where I grew up. But I’ve made my home in Nashville now for 10 years, so that’s kind of my other home … I think [home to me is] a relaxed feeling. Like [when] you’re with your people who you don’t have to try to be someone else around.
MO: Is there a kind of music you associate with the idea of home?
MT: I grew up listening to bluegrass music around the house. My dad plays bluegrass, so it was just always on around the house … And other than that, I don’t know, kind of rootsy music, like I love going to jam sessions, and that was a big part of my family life growing up was playing music with brothers and my dad, and then I’ll go to a bluegrass
jam and meet friends there. I guess Bluegrass or American roots music for me builds community.
MO: Although your career has shown that your work expands beyond any one genre, I’d like to talk about bluegrass. It’s a kind of music originally associated with Appalachia, but it found you at a young age growing up in California. Can you tell me about your relationship to bluegrass?
MT: I grew up playing bluegrass, because that’s what my dad was into. He’d take me to bluegrass festivals. There’s actually a really big bluegrass scene in California. They have a whole California bluegrass association that puts on lots of festivals and shows, and a lot of the most kind of, you know, iconic bluegrass records were recorded in California: Tony Rice records, David Chrisman records, Peter Rowan, the list kind of goes on and on. And, of course, Jerry Garcia played bluegrass, and that brought a lot of people into the genre through the Grateful Dead, especially in Northern California. So that’s kind of the scene I grew up in. It’s a really big, big scene in California, sort of like it here in Colorado, where I am today. Even though you don’t associate this state with where bluegrass began, it’s kind of taken on a new life here. And then in Montana, I feel like bluegrass is really big, too. So I don’t think it’s still really a genre that is in a specific region. It’s kind of like a music no matter where you are. It’s sort of like folk music in a way, where you can find a bluegrass jam all over the world.
MO: What is bluegrass to you? What defines it in the way that you embrace it?
MT: I think, to me, it’s really just like the music that Bill Monroe sort of started the genre and so his original band, the Bluegrass Boys, that’s kind of what I think of as bluegrass. And then people can take it in so many different directions. I think probably the instrumentation is a big part of it, like having banjo and mandolin and fiddle and guitar and bass, that’s like the core; you can add in the Dobro if you want, [and] some bluegrass bands have drums. But to me, it just comes down to where it began with the first couple bluegrass bands, Bill Monroe and then Flatt and Scruggs, and then anything past that is sort of like people taking it and making their own which is awesome, and it’s gone in so many different cool directions over the years.
MO: Obviously, you have such deep roots within the genre, but is there something about the sound or the history of it that really draws you to it?
MT: I think to me, it’s like the community aspect
of it, that you can go to a festival and like, find a lot of the people who are on stage, are out in the campgrounds late at night, jamming and then vice versa, people in the crowd are also usually bluegrass musicians themselves. So, it’s a really community oriented music, and that’s kind of what initially drew me to it as a kid. It was a way to make friends, and it was a fun activity to do on the weekends and during the summer. I always look forward to going to those shows and festivals.
MO: What is your relationship to wild places and to nature, and how have those places shaped you?
MT: I think growing up in Northern California, there’s so many different beautiful landscapes to explore. You have the redwoods and the ocean and so many great national parks. So that was a big thing to me growing up. I sort of almost took it for granted in a way, that I went on so many camping trips, and I really developed this big appreciation for the natural world. I think that’s a gift that I’ve taken with me as an adult. Now I get to explore so many different unique parts of the country. And I do love getting out into nature. I had the day off yesterday, and I went on a 10-mile hike here in Colorado. So that’s my favorite thing, to just recharge and connect with nature.
MO: How do those places and your connection to those places find their way into your art?
MT: I think a lot of my songs that I’ve written, I have some that are about appreciating the natural world. One of the songs off our EP that came out last fall is called “Into the Wild,” and that’s a song that I wrote when I was staying in the redwoods and just feeling inspired by the natural world. So, I think it directly inspires my songwriting, especially since I do spend time staying near parks or going on hikes on tour while I’m writing songs. So, it kind of seeps in that way.
MO: You’re playing at Wildlands in Big Sky this August, which is a celebration and a fundraiser for wild lands in the Greater Yellowstone. We’ve seen in so many instances throughout history music’s ability to bring people together, especially around a cause. What are your insights on music being a powerful force in some of these efforts to galvanize people around these efforts?
MT: I think music always has the power to bring people together. Great music really gets people energized to make changes in the world that they want to see. I feel like so many great movements throughout history have had songs accompanying them that people can rally behind. And, it can be really uplifting to hear a song that makes you want to do something good for the world, or good for your community. I hope that these shows can bring people together around this cause because it’s super important.
MO: Can you elaborate on music’s capacity to inspire joy even when we’re in times of hardship or peril? In this case, we’re focusing on the loss of wild lands and threats to our natural world, and yet we can come together and feel so much joy and celebration for them with music.
MT: I think it can get kind of depressing to be reading the news and seeing that the national parks are under threat and wild lands are under threat. I think people need music and people need art in general to make sense of the world and give some hope that it can get better in the future. If you’re just constantly getting downtrodden about these issues, it can just make you not want to do anything. So having something like a music festival to uplift people around a cause is really important.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MOLLY TUTTLE
COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
Read the full events calendar, or submit your own community event by scanning the QR code.
COMMUNITY POTLUCK
SUNDAY, JUNE 29
HISTORIC CRAIL RANCH, 12 P.M.
On Sunday, June 29 from 12-3 p.m., Big Sky community members will gather at the Historic Crail Ranch for a potluck. Protein will be provided and attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish or summer treat to share at the free event. Sign up isn’t required but community members can register on EventBrite at “Historic Crail Ranch Community Potluck Picnics.” The event is a part of a summer series and the next potluck event will be on July 27.
Do You or Someone You Know Need Help Getting Sober?
Can’t stop drinking? We get it. Contact Alcoholics Anonymous 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 IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL, CONTACT AA WE CAN HELP!
500 years ago, at least 30 million bison roamed the plains. That number is now less than 30,000. The depletion of free range bison has been attributed to:
•Decades of over-exploitation
•Decline in genetic diversity
•Habitat loss
•Human Interaction
Yellowstone National Park boasts the nation's largest free range buffalo herd, but only two others remain - the Henry’s Mountains and Book Cliffs herds, both in southern Utah.
American Bison // Bison bison
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD: TICK, TICK, TICK ENVIRONMENT
BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY EBS COLUMNIST
In the vibrant spring of 1999, I checked into a clinic nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite National Park. It was there that I discovered a tick embedded deep in my thigh, a sinister harbinger of potential illness, as a telltale bullseye rash began to blossom across my leg. With relief washing over me, the tick was promptly removed, sparing me from the clutches of Lyme disease.
At that moment, the specific type of tick eludes my memory, but the experience lingered vividly in my mind.
Fast forward to the spring of 2008—I ascended a sheer buttress in the rugged wilderness surrounding Missoula. Upon reaching the summit, I was greeted by a stunning panorama where the river wound like a silver ribbon through the lush green valleys, leading toward town. However, amidst this natural beauty, I became keenly aware of 40 different wood ticks crawling over my legs and arms like unwelcome invaders. Ticks thrive on warm, sun-drenched spring days, favoring the rocky outcrops and dense cover of tall grasses, shrubs and underbrush. Realizing that I had overstayed my welcome among these tiny creatures, I quickly decided it was time to retreat.
In recent months, ticks in Montana have captured headlines as the presence of deer ticks—known carriers of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and a range of other ailments—has been confirmed in Dawson
and Sheridan Counties within the state. Once considered a threat merely in Eastern regions, these ticks are expanding their territory westward, a disturbing trend likely fueled by shorter, warmer winters and climate change.
Deer ticks are tiny, with distinctive, featuring dark, black legs adorned with a large, bib-like shape on their backs. The males are cloaked in shades of grayish-brown and sport a substantial dark-brown bib, while the females flaunt rust-colored bodies with smaller bibs. These formidable parasites are not picky hosts; they latch onto deer, elk, moose, pets and even humans. It is vital to remember that only female ticks bite and engorge themselves on blood, becoming the very agents of infection they are infamous for. After feasting, these engorged females drop off into the leaf litter, where they hibernate until the following season. In mid to late May, they lay an astounding egg mass—up to 1,500 to 2,000 eggs—before succumbing to death.
Montana's diverse habitats are home to an array of tick species, some of which harbor pathogens that pose significant risks to human health. These include diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, soft tick relapsing fever and tularemia, each capable of wreaking havoc on various body systems like the skin, eyes, throat, lungs and intestines. If deer ticks become firmly established, it’s a worrying forecast that Lyme disease and other pathogens could soon affiliate themselves with this daunting list.
Lyme disease, the most prevalent vector-borne illness in the United States, is instigated by a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, commonly known as a deer tick. Early signs often emerge as a
characteristic circular “bullseye” rash around the bite, accompanied by fever, fatigue and relentless headaches. If left untreated, the bacterial invader can escalate to compromise the joints, heart, and nervous system—an alarming progression indeed.
Once a tick is spotted, tranquility often eludes you; it’s difficult to shake the unsettling feeling that ticks may be lurking everywhere, hidden in the grass or behind every bush. Their presence can certainly evoke fear.
Yet, amidst these worries, ticks play a pivotal role in the ecosystem. They serve as sustenance for a variety of other species, fulfilling an important role in nature’s tapestry of life. Numerous animals and insects eat ticks, aiding in the natural control of their populations. Birds such as chickens, guinea fowl and wild turkeys actively seek out these bloodsuckers, while amphibians like frogs and toads indulge in a tick feast as do fish.
Small mammals, including opossums and raccoons, also hunt ticks, with the opossum standing out as a particularly effective predator. Moreover, various insects—such as ants, beetles, and spiders— occasionally snatch up ticks, while lizards, snakes, ground squirrels, chipmunks, and many small birds also partake in this unconventional banquet.
In the intricate dance of nature, even the smallest creatures play a vital role, despite the nuisance they may be to humans.
Benjamin Alva Polley is a place-based storyteller. His words have been published in Rolling Stone, Esquire, Field & Stream, The Guardian, Men’s Journal, Outside, Popular Science, Sierra, and other publications, and can be seen on his website.
A deer tick crawls across a fingertip. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
28TH ANNUAL BLACK DIAMOND AWARDS RECIPIENTS
Celebrated on June 12 , 2025 at Riverhouse BBQ & Events th
Emerging Entrepreneur
Brandon & Janet Tran, Big Sk s
Non-Profit Person of the Year
Becky Brockie, Big Sky Community Housing Trust
Business Person of the Year
Dr Sydney Desmarais, Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital
The Master of Making it Happen
Danny Bierschwale, Big Sky Resort Area District
Leader in Sustainability
Karl Johnson, YES Compost
Business of the Year
John & Pam Flach, BYWOM
Spirit of Big Sky
Jeremy Harder, Big Sk S h l Di i t
Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement
Doug & JoDean Bing, Blue Ribbon Builders
ENVIRONMENT
EVERY DROP COUNTS: WATER BILLS ON THE TABLE DURING THE 2025 MONTANA
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
BY KATHERINE BERRY AND MILOSZ SHIPMAN EBS COLUMNISTS
Water issues are technical, abstract, and very personal. They’re about the water we drink, the rivers we fish, the snow we ski and the future we’re building.
The 2025 Montana Legislative Session wrapped up on May 27, and for 90 days, senators, representatives, lobbyists, technical experts and concerned citizens engaged with proposed changes to our state’s status quo. During the session, the Gallatin Watershed Council and Gallatin River Task Force tracked bills affecting water quality and quantity in our region. Here, we’ll share some of those bills and what their failure or passage means for our visions of clean and abundant water, and healthy rivers in Gallatin County and beyond.
Senate Bill 358: Failed
One product of 18 months of collaboration in a stakeholder working group convened by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Senate Bill 358 sought to apply a science-based, place-specific approach to the issue of exempt wells by limiting them in four Montana aquifers where the water demand exceeds the available supply, including our own aquifer in the Gallatin Valley.
Here’s some background: There are no new surface water rights to allocate in the Gallatin Watershed—all of our water has been spoken for. If someone wants a small amount of water for their home, a new development or stockwater, then they can tap into groundwater through an exempt well so they can get water without going through the long permitting process with DNRC. In fastgrowing areas like the Gallatin Valley, exempt wells are a tool for securing water outside of an area served by a public water system.
Today, an estimated 9,000 exempt wells in the Gallatin Valley supply drinking water, stock water and water for landscape irrigation. Since exempt wells do not require permits, their impact on an area's overall water supply is not tracked or analyzed. Exempt wells are a difficult topic each legislative session as policymakers grapple with the tension between stakeholders who want the option to easily use a minimal amount of water and the need to manage a water supply that is vulnerable to a changing climate.
We can expect more bills next session aimed at regulating exempt wells in high-growth areas like the Gallatin to better manage ground and surface water availability.
House Bill 580: Passed
When drought hits—and it does more often now—many water users want to reduce their water use voluntarily. But under current law, if an irrigator or another user didn’t use their full water right to benefit instream flow, they could lose some of their water right due to “abandonment.”
House Bill 580 clarifies the definition of water right “abandonment” when water users reduce or cease water use during drought conditions for a purpose that is compliant with local, regional or state drought plans. It guarantees that water right holders would be able to conserve water and reduce their water consumption without the fear that their water rights would be labeled abandoned. Current efforts are underway in Gallatin County to create a local Drought and Deluge Adaptive Management Plan.
Another opportunity to address water availability is from a study bill, House Joint Resolution 74. Over the next two years, before the 2027 session, research will be conducted on water reuse in the state and will inform policy for the next session. In our region, water reuse is mainly used for irrigation, but reuse for snowmaking has become a popular innovation used in Big Sky and potentially will be used by Bridger Bowl in the future.
House Bill 664: Passed
Water quality was also a major focus this session, especially when it comes to regulating excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen—pollutants that can degrade river health and impact everything
from recreation to drinking water. Two key bills passed that will reshape how nutrient pollution is handled in Montana.
House Bill 664 repeals numeric nutrient standards and reverts back to narrative nutrient standards for the regulation of discharge permits. For example, instead of regulations requiring a numeric nutrient target, like 0.3 milligrams per liter of total nitrogen, the regulations will be based on the levels of the impacts of water quality degradation, like algae or dissolved oxygen.
If approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, the impact of HB 664 will change Montana's water quality standards. In order to be protective of river health, significant financial and staffing resources will need to be dedicated to managing and evaluating the new program.
House Bill 736: Passed
House Bill 736 provides criteria for nutrient pollutant offsets for point source discharge permits, where offsets can be made within the same watershed.
This bill could potentially enable the City of Bozeman Water Reclamation Facility to invest in projects off-site that would improve water quality within the middle segment of the East Gallatin Watershed. It is unclear how pollutant offsets will work without numeric nutrient standards.
The 2025 session showed that water is a difficult subject to reconcile, especially in areas like the Gallatin Valley, where attempting to balance the rate of growth, the protection of our natural resources, and historic industries like agriculture can seem at odds. Collaborative water stewardship is instrumental as water policy continues to evolve at the state and local levels.
The Gallatin River Task Force and the Gallatin Watershed Council will continue to track the implementation of these new policies that will impact water quality, water supply, and watershed planning.
Katherine Berry is the Water Policy Manager for the Gallatin Watershed Council, and Milosz Shipman is the Big Sky Sustainability Intern at the Gallatin River Task Force.
PHOTO BY RICH ADDICKS
ENVIRONMENT
WILDFIRE WIRE: ARE YOU READY?
BY MEL CRICHTON EBS COLUMNIST
The latest North American wildfire forecast is out, and I’d like to tell you that Big Sky can breathe easy this summer, that we don’t need to worry about wildfire. I’d like to. But I can’t.
Compared to the last few years, our wildfire outlook is for more heat and less rain. You probably know that kind of weather creates more fuel for fires. Beginning in July, we can expect more severe wildfire conditions in Montana than in the recent past. And, true to recent history, Idaho and places west are expected to be hotter and drier than before, likely leading to more wildfire smoke coming our way.
So again, like a broken record, we repeat the message: “be prepared.” It’s time to move that firewood stash away from the house, time to clean those gutters of pine needles that could ignite and burn under your roof, time to clear away the juniper bushes in your zero-to-5-foot zone that can easily burst into flame and set your siding ablaze.
Have you signed up for county emergency notifications via Everbridge? Will your go-kit be ready when it’s time to evacuate? Do you even know what goes into your go-kit? Do you have plans for your pets? Do you have neighbors needing help to evacuate?
What about airborne smoke from neighboring states? Do you know to check local air quality at AirNow? How much smoke is dangerous? How will you deal with it? Are there people in your household with respiratory issues? Do you have a room HEPA air purifier? Can you make one if you need to?
To paraphrase Saturday Night Live’s Roseanne Roseannadanna from the late 1970s, I sure ask a
lot of questions for a guy from Purdue. If you attended our Big Sky community wildfire seminars in March or on June 23, these questions were answered. Find the videos on our Fire Adapted Big Sky YouTube channel.
There’s not enough newsprint to answer all your questions here. Your family’s safety and your home’s survival are up to you. We can lead you to the information you need, but you have to act on it. We can’t force you to get a home wildfire risk assessment. We can’t drive you to safety in a wildfire. The fire department and sheriff will be busy moving people, clearing the way, and preventing chaos. You can choose to act responsibly and not add to the chaos. It’s amazing how much calmer you will feel during evacuation when you are prepared.
If you need help preparing for wildfire, contact your neighborhood ambassador. There’s a list of NAs on the Big Sky Wildfire Resources Facebook page, along with much more wildfire safety and home mitigation info. If you don’t do Facebook, check out the Fire Adapted Big Sky Wildfire Hub and the Big Sky Fire Department’s Wildland site on your web browser. If you still need answers, contact Big Sky Fire Department or me.
One day Big Sky will see a wildfire up close and personal. Let’s hope that day is a long way off, and we are ready for it.
Mel Crichton is neighborhood ambassador for Aspen Groves and coordinates the Big Sky NA program. You can reach him a kj9c@arrl.net.
Neighborhood ambassador Rob Callan with new NA recruit Cathy Gunther. PHOTO BY MEL CRICHTON
Volunteer neighborhood ambassadors with Fire Adapted Big Sky engage community members at the June 18 Big Sky Farmers Market. PHOTO BY MEL CRICHTON
ENVIRONMENT
WILDLANDS AUCTION TO BENEFIT LOCAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS
BY FINLEY TIMON EDITORIAL INTERN
Editor’s note: Outlaw Partners is the producer of Wildlands, and the publisher of Explore Big Sky.
“People come to Big Sky for the views, the rivers, the feeling that nature still has a hold here,” said Josh Timon, COO at Outlaw Partners. “This auction is about making sure that doesn’t change.”
This year, the Wildlands auction will precede the two-day live music event on July 31, and benefit two nonprofit organizations: the Center for Large Landscape Conservation and American Rivers. Organized by Outlaw Partners, publisher of Explore Big Sky, the auction is live now through the Wildlands Auction website.
“All of the money raised goes directly to the nonprofits,” said Conner Clemens, director of retail and one of the auction’s organizers. “We wanted to make sure every bid has a real impact.”
The 2025 auction includes a range of curated experiences, artwork and VIP packages. Among the most anticipated items are two custom guitars built by master luthier Ren Ferguson and signed by Dave Matthews, as well as a Champion of Conservation table, an exclusive VIP table for four at the sold-out Wildlands concert. This item will close on July 16 to allow the winning bidder to make arrangements.
Additional highlights include a large-format art piece from Courtney Collins Fine Art and a choose-your-own college football experience, giving the winning bidder a chance to attend events like Michigan versus Ohio State or Alabama versus LSU in Baton Rouge, you get to name your game.
“We’ve really turned up the volume this year,” Timon said. “These are experiences you can’t
just go out and buy. We’re excited to offer something for everyone, from art collectors to college sports fans.”
A cause in Big Sky’s backyard
Clean water and roamable land may feel like a birthright in a landscape like Big Sky, but it wouldn’t be without the work of the two nonprofits supported by this year’s Wildlands Auction. Mike
Fiebig, acting Northern Rockies regional director at American Rivers, one of the event’s beneficiaries, said that Big Sky’s geography makes the need for conservation efforts feel especially personal.
“Big Sky is a river town, whether people know it or not,” Fiebig said. “Some may see it as a ski town, but it sits at the headwaters of the Gallatin River and that river is essential to the entire ecosystem.”
American Rivers focuses on protecting and restoring free-flowing rivers. “We protect wild rivers, restore damaged rivers, and conserve clean water for people and nature,” said Fiebig.
Center for Large Landscape Conservation, the other beneficiary to Wildlands, advances ecological connectivity for climate resilience, biodiversity, and the well-being of people. Specifically at home here, they’ve been working to get a critical wildlife crossing approved along U.S. Highway 191 between Big Sky and Bozeman.
“We work on what I see as one of the most pressing conservation challenges of our time,” said Deb Kmon Davidson, chief strategy officer at the CLLC. “Our landscapes are increasingly being fragmented from human development and roads and railways. Our work ensures that wildlife and landscapes are able to be connected from protected areas so they can thrive.”
At its core, Wildlands aims to gather lovers of music, as well as these important conservation causes.
“Everyone should have access to drinkable, swimmable, fishable rivers locally to them,” Fiebig said.
Bidding is open now through July 31 through the website wildlandsmusic.com
The Gallatin River near Big Sky. PHOTO BY BEN WICKHAM
Rocky Mountain Elk Masterpiece Guitar by Ren Ferguson. PHOTO COURTESY OF REN FERGUSON CO.
Opens July 2, 2025
For the first time in over ten years, Museum of the Rockies will unveil a major new primary paleontology exhibition.
Cretaceous Crossroads will explore a time of transition in the Northern Rockies, when a vast seaway covered North America and new dinosaur species dominated the land. The exhibit is comprised of real fossil material, 3D prints, casts, reproductions, new paleoart, murals, AV interactives, an augmented reality piece, microscope stations, discovery drawers and more.
Visitors will see a mounted Maiasaura (Montana’s State Fossil) tending its nest, a 30-foot-long Daspletosaurus (a T. rex cousin), dinosaur egg clutches, Troodon (raptor-like dinosaur), a 23-foot long Mosasaurus, and many other specimens, some of which are only known from Montana.
Please Scan QR Code to Learn More.
nestled
trees with the White Otter lift right out the back door. Several upgrades, including a new roof.
Cascade Ridge Rd #18, Big Sky
BIG SKY, MONTANA
THURSDAY, JULY 10
NEW: Montana's Premier Horse Sale Preview Day 1
FRIDAY, JULY 11
NEW: Montana's Premier Horse Sale Preview Day 2
Big Sky Community Rodeo
SATURDAY, JULY 12
NEW: Montana's Premier Horse Sale Auction
SUNDAY, JULY 13
NEW: Running of the Bulls Trail Race
TUESDAY, JULY 15
Free Community Day & Mutton Bustin'
5th Annual Dick Allgood Community Bingo Night
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
Big Sky PBR Charity Golf Tournament
THURSDAY, JULY 17
Big Sky PBR Night 1
FRIDAY, JULY 18
Big Sky PBR Night 2
After Party Music feat. Stephen Wilson Jr.
SATURDAY, JULY 19
Big Sky PBR Night 3
After Party Music feat. Chancey Williams
$10 from each item purchased goes directly to the Center for Large Landscape Conservation and their Hwy 191 Wildlife Crossings Project.
GRIZZLY 399 COLLECTION
Pre-order items only
DINING
A LA CARTE: FILLING UP AT THE LANDING
BIG SKY’S ONE&ONLY HOTEL INVITES THE PUBLIC TO ITS FIRST RESTAURANT
BY RACHEL HERGETT EBS COLUMNIST
Today I learned that there is a medical term for a food coma: Postprandial somnolence. Why? Because three days after being wined and dined with a family-style service at The Landing, I still feel full. I’m that satiated.
The Landing is the first restaurant to open at One&Only Moonlight Basin, housed in the Sky Lodge that connects via gondola to Big Sky Resort's Madison base area. Like the rest of One&Only, the decor is sleek and modern, as black steel contrasts with various wood accents to make it feel more rustic and true to place. There may be no trophy over the fireplace, but if you missed that we’re in Montana, there are bison heads printed on the plates. You probably didn’t forget though— especially here. Floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides provide sweeping views of the mountains. It’s a stunning space.
I was invited for a media dinner featuring a familystyle service of eight of the courses on offer on The Landing’s regular menu. I didn’t ask questions before I arrived. I didn’t look up a menu or the incredible credentials of executive chef Matt Dahlkemper, who I now know has racked up more than 65 countries on his “culinary journey” and opened resort restaurants around the world. Sometimes, it’s nice to go into a meal with fresh eyes and taste buds.
When the first courses came, I was swayed by the promise of seafood, overlooking a slaw-like cabbage and radicchio salad. And yet, the salad was a star. It felt Thai-inspired with a heavy dose of herbaceous mint in the mix and a ginger lime dressing with a nice balance of acid and sweetness. Roasted cashews and seasoned puffed rice brought in extra crunch.
On the next salad, I want to say the chunks of perfectly cooked though rough-cut lobster were the highlight. Yet the lobster got a bit lost in the lobster salad, overcome by pickle brine. Instead, it was the reprieve from the dressing in the panko-covered fried green tomato that kept drawing me back.
Our group was served plates of the chili crab mezzaluna with the starters, though on the normal dinner menu they are included in the house made grains and pasta section. Mezzaluna is a semicircular filled pasta. Its name refers to the shape, meaning “half moon” in Italian. We may have to argue semantics here, because these “mezzaluna” were suspiciously triangular ravioli.
The pasta was al dente—perfect for Italians but maybe a bit chewy for American tastes—and stuffed with blue crab and crème fraiche. Delicious. Then the whole plate was doused in double chicken jus with a squeeze of lime and leaves of flat parsley. Like the lobster, the crab was shown up because the chicken jus was to die for. I mopped it up from the plate with some of the table bread as the group decided we would not be upset if the jus covered
everything on the plate. It was that good.
I also look to table bread to mark a restaurant’s quality and this was a tender loaf, sliced thick, oiled, seasoned and toasted to perfection.
Plates kept coming. There was a creamy farro risotto mixed with English peas and topped with wild boar prosciutto and Parmesan. A calzone, also giant sized, was filled with Mountina alpine cheese, roasted mushrooms and tender rabbit, then topped with another succulent jus—rabbit this time. It felt decadent, though I was taken out of the moment by a couple bits of cartilage. And then there was the true reason for my food coma: a wagyu New York strip steak, its marbled fat rendered to near invisibility though the inside was rare enough to make this Montanan very happy. Top the perfect sear with the bite of the red chimichurri with a slight peppery heat, and I’m in heaven.
The Landing’s service is impeccable, with what seems like a server for every diner. And if you catch their eye, any will be by your side in an instant. The young man who immediately became a favorite of our team of wait staff offered coffee and espresso martinis, nodding that I wanted the martini when I hesitated. I ordered both.
Dessert is imminent. This shouldn’t be scary, but I am contemplating how to fit the beignet and custard from our tasting menu in my stomach when a plate of yellow-tinged pistachio lemon cookies arrive, crumbs dusting the plate and inviting me to dig in. The martini arrives, and comes with another treat—a church-wafer-sized earl gray shortbread. I’m thankful for the daintiness as I dip it in the drink and savor the play of the bergamot off the espresso.
What the menu says is “The Beignet,” is a crescent shaped, powdered sugar covered doughnut so large it overflows its plate. Cut a slice—or eight—and
each retains just enough crisp outside to highlight the pillowy interior and subtle tang of the balsamic vinegar apparent in the baby saucepan of warmed strawberry basil jam. Big beignet, big fan.
The last to arrive—Willie's Bourbon Custard—was inconspicuous in its rocks glass. While the custard itself was a bit over set and could have benefited from more jiggle, each bite of the dessert was a textural exploration with bits of hazelnut praline and cocoa crumble. Flake sea salt highlighted the mellow sweetness drawn from the bourbon. Forget that I was incredibly full, I had to stop myself from licking the glass.
I asked for the restaurant’s full menu after I was too stuffed, to appreciate the variety and the global flavors Chef Dahlkemper incorporates throughout. Things I missed include a spatchcocked chicken schnitzel that was impressive in service with one leg sticking in the air, and a housemade cilantro pappardelle with a green chorizo ragú. Elements of middle eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, with the focus on simplicity and fresh regional ingredients, are especially apparent.
For space, I won’t list all the Montana producers that supply the restaurant, but Dahlkemper emphasized the difference in quality is worth the time spent sourcing ingredients.
In the end, any negatives here are me nitpicking a truly fantastic—and filling—meal at The Landing.
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.
PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT
Now more than ever, accurately setting the rates for your vacation home rental is imperative. To thrive, you need a company with a revenue management team capable of adjusting rates 24/7 based on real-time fluctuations in market demand.
Why is pricing so important? If rates are set too low, your home will book but you’ll be leaving money on the table. Set rates too high and you’ll lose bookings altogether.
Natural Retreats has made a massive investment in our Revenue Management team over the years. The result? Greater revenue for our homeowners.
BUSINESS
BY ELLIE BOESCHENSTEIN
EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Clean Bozeman began as a simple idea born from a career pivot, but quickly evolved into a full-scale housekeeping and hospitality service. Since its beginnings, the company has grown with the demand for high end, daytime housekeeping and construction cleaning services. Today, Clean Bozeman sets itself apart with its reliable, locally rooted team, deep attention to detail, and ability to consistently deliver results for private homes, luxury projects and hotels across Montana. In this Making it in Big Sky, Clean Bozeman’s Zach Leipheimer chatted with Explore Big Sky about his devotion to clients in the Bozeman and Big Sky communities.
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: What inspired the start of Clean Bozeman, and how did it all begin?
Zach Leipheimer: Is it not everyone’s dream to be a housekeeper? Well, it certainly wasn’t mine, originally … I’m from Montana, and I had been looking for a career change. I had a good few years of buying and renovating rental homes but it was tough work. I spent too much of my time dealing with bad tenants. I thought it could be a good idea to get into cleaning with a group of two to four staff. I wanted to have people cleaning at night while I worked at something else during the day. … However after getting started, it was clear the opportunity was in
daytime large format housekeeping and hospitality. I literally dropped everything and jumped in full blast. Now we average roughly 20+ full time staff at any point of the year.
EBS: What sets Clean Bozeman apart from other cleaning services in the area?
ZL: Overall horsepower and consistency would be all of our staff's answers. When we start working with a client, we take on most of the liability of having the home or project ready for the due date. … When Big Sky gets crazy each season, we have a track record of showing up and performing. It has allowed us to work with clients on a repeat basis and become part of their operations. Our whole culture is the secret sauce to us setting ourselves apart from other smaller companies. We want to be a part of the development of Big Sky.
EBS: What values or mission guides your work?
ZL: We have a huge sign in our office: “Be proud of the work you do.” At the end of the day some look at our trade as just the cleaners. However it is so much deeper than that. When we earn our clients' trust, they allow us to work in unique situations.
EBS: What types of cleaning services do you offer (residential, commercial, deep cleans, move-ins/outs)?
ZL: While we are available for most cleaning projects, our work is split into two main divisions. High end “whiteglove” housekeeping and project and construction housekeeping.
Whiteglove housekeeping is typically private residences, [such as] maid work, recurring
housekeeping and event help, like setting up for a corporate event or helping a family’s private chef in the kitchen. Our work is much more intimate than what it seems from the surface.
Our construction teams tend to focus on projects in custom homes, as well as a large portion of our work is in resort and large scale construction projects. We have projects across the state planned for 2026. In addition, we have been known to support numerous hotels when they are at peak reservations.
EBS: Do you use eco-friendly or non-toxic cleaning products?
ZL: Yes, we have a huge selection of products. Mrs. Meyer's has turned into one of our mainstay brands. It has been a great product to use across all homes. However we also have some depth to our products. We can come into a home and not only clean it, but use the products that builders, and the designers call for. For example, wood floors have lots of specific requirements depending on the home. A lot of our focus in the early stages of a project is working with the material providers to ensure our products match their care instructions.
EBS: How do you build trust and long-term relationships with your clients?
ZL: Consistency. It’s easy to say, but it’s hard to accomplish. Cleaning companies are everywhere, but they don’t typically stay around for long. The whole key to success is simply taking care of the smallest details for a client. We try to work in a “roll up our sleeves” way where our team is out performing other trades on a job site. It gets noticed by our clients and their project managers. Over the years, this level of trust has also granted us opportunities to do work for musicians, politicians, astronauts, and some of the world’s most influential that choose to live or travel in Montana.
EBS: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a local business owner?
ZL: Avoiding staff turnover in business has been so important. The challenge has been creating a fantastic opportunity for our staff to stay with us, while still growing and feeling challenged. It also continues to be a challenge sending four to five vehicles to Big Sky almost everyday. But if it was easy, everyone would do it.
EBS: Is there anything else you would like to add?
ZL: We are lucky to be able to do business in Big Sky and Bozeman. Our clients have given us an exciting opportunity that changes each week and it’s motivating.
Outlaw Realty is a boutique brokerage with offices in Bozeman and Big Sky. With over 25 years of experience and sales that exceed $2.5 billion, we have proven to be market experts in the SouthwestMontana region.
As you pursue the purchase or sale of a property, you can expect professionalism, dedication, and a trusted partner, offering you the expert representation you need. YOUR SOUTHWEST MONTANA REAL
READY TO RESPOND: THE IMPORTANCE OF CPR TRAINING HEALTH
BY CARLI JOHNSON
BOZEMAN—Regardless of where you live, what activities you do, or what your job is, medical emergencies can happen anywhere.
First Aid and CPR certification courses offer people the opportunity to learn skills that, if needed, can save lives.
In a team meeting on June 17, Outlaw Partners, the publisher of Explore Big Sky, hosted a First Aid/CPR training course for its employees. In the training, all participants received a certificate designating them with the knowledge and skills to act quickly and confidently in the event of a cardiac emergency.
The course, hosted by Inter Mountain Medical Educators Inc., was a two-hour interactive learning experience led by instructor and company owner, Katie Boyce. Her teaching style combined humor with heartfelt purpose, making the material accessible and engaging.
“Being properly prepared is essential for an emergency,” Boyce said in an interview with EBS, noting the importance of staying up to date on medical response skills. “It’s beneficial for everybody, not just people who work and play in the outdoors, but for an emergency that can come out of nowhere.”
Boyce originally came to Big Sky for the skiing. With a background as an EMT on an ambulance, she eventually found herself as the on-hill medical director for Big Sky Resort Ski Patrol. It was there that she began training fellow patrollers and discovered her passion for teaching.
In addition to First Aid and CPR training, Inter Mountain Medical also offers EMT courses that certify individuals as an Emergency Medical Technician. The accelerated five-week course combines online and in-person training.
Whether pursuing full EMT certification or refreshing basic lifesaving skills, the goal remains to be prepared. Whether it’s on the trail, in the workplace, or at home, these trainings empower individuals to act quickly and
calmly when faced with an emergency.
The main takeaways from the June 17 training: always call 911 in an emergency and stay calm. The skills learned in the course are most beneficial for the time between the start of a crisis and the arrival of medical professionals.
For more information on classes and cost, visit their website montanaemt.com.
Outlaw employees practice CPR on CPR training dolls in a June 17 certification course. PHOTO BY CARLI JOHNSON
Instructor and company owner Katie Boyce leads a First Aid and CPR training course for Outlaw employees.
PHOTO BY CARLI JOHNSON
$2,600,000 | #388104
$1,200,000 | #402593
TBD TIMBERLOFT DRIVE
Big Sky
40± acre alpine meadow overlooking the Gallatin Canyon, outstanding views of the Spanish Peaks and Lone Mountain. Two adjacent 40± acre properties, designated building sites, end of the road privacy easy all season access. Close to Ophir School and the West Gallatin River.
TBD HIGHWAY 287 McAllister
Commercial frontage with no covenants, zoning or restrictions. Virtually a blank slate to to allow a new owner a variety of options. An existing duplex is on-site and available to be converted into a variety of uses. Approximately 8.345± acres. Adjacent to McAllister post office.
