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Big Sky
Exploring life and land from the heart of the Yellowstone Region
Dec. 14 - 28, 2012
Volume 3 // Issue #25
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One the cover: Go for a sleigh ride at Lone Mountain Ranch! Find out how in the gear and gift guide on p. 49
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Business of the Year
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
Volume 3, Issue no. 25
PUBLISHER
Eric Ladd
editorial
MANAGING EDITOR
Emily Stifler
EDITOR
Joseph T. O'Connor
staff writer/distribution director
Tyler Allen
Editorial assistant
Maria Wyllie
creative
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Mike Martins
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videographer/photographer
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SALES and operations
COO & SENIOR EDITOR
Megan Paulson
Operations director
Katie Morrison
CONTRIBUTors
Jamie Balke, Evelyn Boswell, Sean Forbes, Jerry House,
Kathy House, Chris Kamman, Eric Knoff, Max Lowe,
Kaela Schommer, Ryan Day Thompson
Editorial Policy
Outlaw Partners LLC is the sole owner of the Big Sky
Weekly. No part of this publication may be reprinted
without written permission from the publisher. The Big
Sky Weekly reserves the right to edit all submitted material
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Ryan Walters grateful for deep early December turns in Cooke City. Photo by Max Lowe
I’m grateful
The holidays are a time to be grateful.
Eight years ago this time of year became, for me,
about riding lifts instead of exchanging gifts. Because I could never afford to fly home, I’ve spent
only one Christmas with my family since I left
Vermont for the West. A great day to be on the hill,
it’s never busy, and since it’s the end of December there’s usually a solid base. And some years it
dumps.
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For next issue, dec. 28
Dec. 21, 2012
CORRECTIONS
The Big Sky Weekly runs corrections to errors we’ve printed.
Please report them to [email protected]
This year starts a new chapter. I’ll be skiing in Cooke
City during Christmas weekend, with the gears in my
legs turning and churning me up the hill instead of
a lift. Cooke has the gift of bountiful snowfall, and a
remote location that keeps the crowds away. I’ll call
my family before leaving cell service and tell them
I’m grateful for the gift of life that allows me to enjoy
this magical part of the world.
Growing up, my family would sit around the tree,
my sister and I charged with distributing gifts. We
have a big family that sent packages from around
the country, and soon, my grandmother would be
the last one with presents beneath the tree. At first,
– Tyler Allen
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Letter to the Editor Parameters
The Weekly accepts letters to the editor to give readers a platform to express their views and share ways they would like to
effect change. These should not be Thank You notes. Letters
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Submit to: [email protected]
itching to play with my new toys, I was impatient
watching her open gifts. Then, gradually, I became
grateful for the smile that lit my grandmother’s face as
each one made her think of a loving family member.
Big Timber
Livingston
Dillon
Big Sky
Ennis
Gardiner
Virginia City
West Yellowstone
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Table of Contents
Community...4
Local News...8
Regional..12
Montana...13
Yellowstone...15
Real Estate...17
Sports...20
Health...23
Outlaw News...24
Business...26
Classifieds...27
Environment...29
Gallery...33
Outdoors...36
Word from the Resorts...38
Gear Review...39
Events...40
Entertainment...41
Fun...42
Column...46
Back 40...48
Gift and Gear Guide...49
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Jack Creek Grille at
Moonlight Lodge features
a special dinner menu,
followed by music, dancing,
party favors, a photo booth
and a champagne toast.
explorebigsky.com
community
Big Sky Weekly
Terrific kids of Big Sky School District
Students honored for positive attitudes in November
BIG SKY – Big Sky School District honored four
students for their positive attitudes this November as part of its Student of the Month/Terrific
Kids of the Month program.
Teachers choose two ‘terrific kids’ from kindergarten through fifth grades, and two ‘students of
the month’ in middle and high school, recognizing them based on a different theme every month.
middle and high school students chosen get pizza
from Blue Moon Bakery.
An announcement is made over the intercom,
and the students are called into the office to be
congratulated. In addition, the K-5 honorees are
rewarded with a burger from the Corral and the
Read the teachers’ praises for those honored
below.
K-2 Terrific Kid of the
Month, November 2012:
Logan Barker
3-5 Terrific Kid of the
Month, November 2012:
Charlotte Wilson
Middle School Student
of the Month, November
2012: Sam Johnson
High School Student of
the Month, November
2012: Michelle Burger
Logan was chosen as the K-2 Terrific Kid of the Month for her integrity and positive attitude. Logan
is a fun and energetic student who
chooses each day to be honest and
respectful. She consistently makes
positive choices, knows when to
make people laugh and is overall an
excellent student and role model for
her peers. Thank you, Logan!
Charlotte comes to school every day
ready to learn! She displays a positive attitude in all that she does, from
working independently, to collaboration with peers, and even participating
in class. Charlotte is a hard worker
that takes pride in her work, and she is
respectful to all her peers. Charlotte is
a model citizen! She shares her positive
attitude with all students, her classmates, and even older and younger
students. Her caring heart, respect and
positive attitude make her a great choice
for this month’s Ophir Terrific Kid of
the Month for grades three, four and
five.
Sam is the definition of positive
attitude. No matter where he is or
what he is doing, he has a smile on
his face. He is always willing to lend
a hand whether it be to a friend or a
teacher. Sam is a representative for his
6th grade class on the middle school
student council and his attitude helps
to get things done! Leadership and
positive attitude are two characteristics that have made him stand out and
have earned him the honor of student
of the month.
The staff has chosen Michelle Burger,
as she always has a positive attitude
in and outside of the classroom. This
positive attitude seems to affect others
around her as well. Recently Michelle
volunteered to be on the planning committee for the Veterans Day assembly
and true to form, her positive attitude
was witnessed by students, staff and
our community members including
the Veterans attending the assembly.
Bottom line, Michelle Burger is fun to
be around and fun to teach.
School House News
In School House News, Superintendent Jerry House shares his view on education, and on
the Big Sky School District, his favorite place for teaching and learning. This is the home
of the Ophir Miners and the mighty Big Horns.
By jerry house
big sky school district
Good schools are just that – schools in the
middle. The expectation of our community,
staff and our school board is not to be a
good school, but rather a great one; a school
unique in purpose and great in accomplishment.
One of my favorite authors, Jim Collins,
wrote a book called “Good to Great.” I look
at our school system and see that greatness is
not a function of circumstance. It’s largely a
matter of conscious choices and the discipline it takes to move forward. With such
decisions, we are moving toward becoming a
great school.
At the cornerstone of our district is quality
staff. Each instructor is required to maintain
a cutting edge with best practices for teaching our children. Without that training, the
rigors of learning are not possible. In my
4 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
short time here, I have witnessed staff acting
as a cohesive unit capable of becoming great
teachers because they yearn to educate.
Unique to our district is our ability to avoid
social promotion. Students must earn their
way through a challenging curriculum, one
calling on them to produce work that earns
respect from teachers and peers. But this
isn’t enough.
Each day of the school year, we know students need our leadership and we need their
thirst for education. Accomplishments for
both parties lie within the passion for learning. Big Sky School District is on the correct
pathway to move from good to great!
For me, the best days of week are the days I
get to wake up and go to school. The bright
minds that walk our hallways are a true
pleasure to share the day with. You never
know who will have a spark that enlightens
the world.
explorebigsky.com
Holiday hours and deadlines
at the Big Sky Post Office:
A friendly reminder from the BSPO’s Jean Palmer
that “we need to get these packages off the
shelves and into Santa’s little helpers’ hands.”
Mailing deadlines for holiday cards and
packages:
Friday, Dec. 14: Parcel Post
Monday, Dec. 17: First Class (under 13 oz.)
Thursday, Dec. 20: Priority Mail
Friday, Dec. 21: Express Mail
Holiday hours (Dec. 1 – 25):
Monday – Friday:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.
to 1 p.m.
Extended package
pick up hours:
Saturday, Dec. 22:
1-3 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 24:
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
explorebigsky.com
community
Ophir Scholastic Book Fair generates $900
FOL to host holiday open house
By kathy house
FOL will again take book donations in spring
2013, as they prepare for summer sales.
Teachers, students and community members
pitched in on Nov. 13 and 14, during the biannual
Ophir Scholastic Book Fair and Friends of the
Library used book sale.
At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16, FOL will host
their annual Holiday Open House, complete with
holiday treats and refreshments. A special guest
will appear and the event is free and open to the
public.
big sky community library
The fair grossed $3,500, while the FOL used
book sale made $275. Close to $350 worth of
books were donated off the teachers’ wish list
table, as well. The library received 25 percent of
the total profit, which amounted to $900 they’ll
use for new books and materials.
Several new audio books are currently available
for check out, including: The Time Keeper, by
Mitch Albom; Love Anthony, by Lisa Genova,
The Racketeer, by John Grisham; and NYPD Red,
by James Patterson.
Get in the holiday spirit with these Christmas classics:
Big Sky Weekly
Got miles?
Make-A-Wish Montana offers
sick kids a chance to travel
BILLINGS – This holiday season, frequent fliers can donate
unused airline miles to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
The Wishes in Flight program, through the Make-A-Wish
Foundation, enables those with air miles through Delta, US
Airways, Continental or United Airlines to grant travel opportunities to kids who might otherwise not get the chance.
Lost December, By Richard Paul Evans
After Luke Crisp graduates from business school, he refuses to take over his father's business
and takes his trust fund to live a life of reckless indulgence. But when his funds and friends
dwindle he secretly takes a lowly job at one of his father's copy centers where, after falling in
love with a struggling single mother he finally learns what is important in life.
More than 70 percent of the wishes granted by Make-AWish last year included air travel for families to reach their
wish destinations, and miles never expire once they’re
placed in a Make-A-Wish account.
The Christmas Wedding , By James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
Widow Gaby Summerhill tries to reunite her four children for Christmas when she announces her wedding to her secret fiancé.
Make-A-Wish – Montana is a nonprofit organization that
grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical
conditions. Make-A-Wish serves all 56 counties in Montana and granted its first wish in 1987. Since then, nearly
300 wishes have come true with the help of more than 50
volunteers.
Silent Night : The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce , By Stanley Weintraub
Tells the true story of the truce that spontaneously arose between German and British soldiers
manning the trenches on Christmas Eve 1914, just weeks after the start of the Great War.
For more information on donations, referring children or to volunteer, please call (800) 676-9474, or visit montana.wish.org.
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Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 5
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Big Sky Weekly
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BIG SKY – The Big Sky Community Food Bank on Nov.
29 got a boost in the form of
$100,000.
During the food bank’s open
house, Big Sky residents Dr.
George and Kymberly Rapier
donated the money to the
new facility, which has been
distributing food twice a week
since opening in early November.
photo by Kaela Schommer
More than 200 guests attended the
event, and food bank co-founder Anne
Marie Mistretta called it “a true show
of community support.”
been involved, including 10 students
from Ophir and Lone Peak High
School.
“It was awesome,” said Mistretta, appreciative and to the point.
Since the mid-October, 800 pounds
of food have been donated to the food
bank, and a total of $150,000.
The donation will help the food
bank pay for rent and purchase food
through the Gallatin Valley Food
Bank.
The facility distributed nearly 40
Thanksgiving meals, including
turkeys, and has also had shoppers at
its Tuesday and Friday distributions.
More than 50 volunteers have already
Once organizers finish remodeling the
space, which is in the Big Horn Center
below the Bugaboo, distribution will
move inside. Until then, food will be
distributed out of a refrigerated truck
Tuesdays (3 – 7 p.m.) and Fridays
(11 a.m. – 3 p.m.). Donations can be
dropped at the food bank during those
hours, or at Lone Peak Brewery.
– E.S.
explorebigsky.com
community
Morningstar launches capital campaign
Hosts holiday gift-wrapping table
by emily stifler
The board is also planning to host a fundraising event, and Jacobsen
mentioned reaching out
to every business owner
that’s ever had an employee with a child enrolled at
Morningstar.
big sky weekly managing editor
BIG SKY – Morningstar Learning Center launched a capital campaign Dec. 1
that aims to match a $100,000 donation
contingent on the nonprofit childcare
center doing just that.
The Rapier Family Foundation put the
initial $100,000 on the table in early
November, challenging the Morningstar board and the Big Sky community to match it. The Rapier’s donation
is earmarked to pay off the remaining
principal on the childcare facility’s
mortgage; the second $100,000 would
help cover operational costs, tuition decreases and increased teacher benefits.
“The Rapiers have asked Morningstar to challenge Big Sky,” said board
member Tracy Jacobsen. “They want to
see Big Sky come together and support
[this organization].”
Through this challenge, the Rapiers are
encouraging other people to help and
give, said Kym Rapier. She’s seen this
style of fundraising help build momentum for capital campaigns in the past,
she said, noting that the foundation
has done ‘challenges’ numerous times
“This is such a need.
People have to have childcare,” she said. “Not only
that, but stats show children that go to preschool
PHOTO COURTESY OF MORNINGSTAR LEARNING CENTER
are automatically higher
before in San Antonio, Texas, where
on the bar when it comes
the Rapiers lived prior to moving to
to the alphabet and numbers.”
Big Sky earlier this year.
The only licensed childcare facility
To kick off the capital campaign,
in Big Sky, Morningstar opened in
Morningstar is hosting a holiday
April 2006 and purchased its curgift-wrapping table in the Big Sky
rent building at 659 Spruce Cone
Post Office lobby on Saturdays and
Drive in September 2011.
Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
through December.
Although the center struggled
during the economic downturn,
The present wrapping – which is in ex“We’ve come a long way,” Jacobsen
change for donations – “is not an effort
said. “We have a new board, and
to make $50,000 or even $10,000,”
we’re focusing on our objectives
Jacobsen said. Instead, it’s a way to
and goals.”
draw attention to the campaign and
its branding platform: a stack of books,
In addition to paying off the morteach one symbolizing $10,000 raised.
gage completely, these goals include
Wolf Hunting
closed north of
Yellowstone
GARDINER – Montana wildlife commissioners closed the wolf hunting season in some
areas around Yellowstone National Park on
Monday, Dec. 10 after several collared animals
were killed. Many of the park’s wolves are
fitted with radio collars to track the animals’
movements. At least seven Yellowstone wolves
have been shot – including five with tracking
collars – since the gray wolf seasons opened in
Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.
The closures include areas north of the park
around Gardiner and prohibit hunting or
trapping of the animals. The first gray wolf
trapping season in Montana starts Saturday,
Dec. 15. State officials lifted quotas for wolves
this year as a reaction to attacks on livestock
and lower elk numbers in some areas, blamed
on the predators. Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Commission chairman Bob Ream indicated the
closure may not be permanent, but is a reaction
to the high number of collared animals killed.
Conservation groups have lobbied the state
unsuccessfully to put a buffer zone around the
park in hopes of protecting the Yellowstone
wolf population. While hunting and trapping are prohibited within the park, shooting
a collared animal that roams across the park
boundary is legal. This is the second gray wolf
hunting season in Montana since the animals
lost federal protection last year.
Big Sky Weekly
implementing a state food program,
decreasing tuition, providing health
and other benefits for employees,
and hiring an executive director.
The center’s capacity is 43 children,
which includes infants, toddlers and
preschoolers. Between 40 and 50
families use the facility, according to
administrator Lindsie Hurlbut, one
of 12 staff.
As a nonprofit, Morningstar is
funded largely by grants and donations. That poses a challenge when
trying to retain staff. Starting wage
for a teacher at Morningstar is $10 an
hour, with no benefits or sick leave.
“The standard of living is so high
here, because rent and food is so
expensive,” Jacobsen said.
Even with these challenges, Jacobsen says, “It’s an amazing asset for
the children of this community, [the
children] that are going to be running this community some day.”
The Rapiers have donated nearly $1
million to southwest Montana area
nonprofits this year.
Letter: RMEF on Yellowstone Park wolves
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation president David Allen
wrote the following letter to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Commission Chairman Robert Ream. The letter was edited
for brevity.
We understand that Defenders of Wildlife and the Greater
Yellowstone Coalition are running a campaign against
Montana FWP for allowing hunting and trapping of
wolves outside of Yellowstone National Park. These hunts
are legal, necessary and scientifically sustainable.
There is no science or rationale to support a special "no
hunt" zone outside YNP. Further, we are not aware of any
science or rationale to support the attempts of these groups
to create a distinction between "Yellowstone wolves" and
wolves that exist within the tri-state region of Montana,
Wyoming and Idaho.
The attempt to establish a “buffer zone” for YNP wolves
is in direct contrast to the original goal for the wolf reintroduction in the northern Rockies. Never was it planned
that "Yellowstone wolves" would be granted amnesty from
management once outside the park. These groups should
be celebrating a successful recovery of the wolf population.
A substantial number of wolves throughout the three
states have come from Yellowstone. Are they to be given
special protection status as well? Hundreds of animals
including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, black bears and mountain lions are fitted with radio collars for scientific purposes
and roam the wilds in and around the park, but they aren’t
excluded from hunting seasons outside the park. When
harvested, the collars are returned to the management
agency and the data is utilized.
During the recent lawsuits over delisting wolves in the
northern Rockies, Defenders, GYC and others pro-
claimed state borders did not matter when considering
wolf populations and management. They claimed this
so they could keep Montana, Idaho and Wyoming tied
together in the lawsuit. Now, all of sudden, the YNP
border is relevant and any wolf near it but outside of
the park should be protected.
These groups simply wish to continue to protest statebased management of wolves, thus keeping a "wolf
controversy alive" for the express purpose of soliciting
for more donations.
The reality is Montana, Wyoming and Idaho are
required to manage wolves within a specific set of mandates. If those are not adhered to, the states risk having
their wolf population placed back on the Endangered
Species List. As it stands today, wolf numbers are well
above objective and in need of reduction.
The substantial reduction of the northern Yellowstone
elk herd requires wolves to travel farther for prey. We
wish those who claim to "defend wildlife" felt empathy
for the thousands of elk lost from the northern Yellowstone elk herd, not to mention the related economic
losses.
We urge you not to alter or reduce the ability to
continue the legal and ethical management, including hunting and trapping, of wolves surrounding the
Yellowstone National Park border. Further, we urge
our members to communicate their position on this
important issue with you.
Thank you for your consideration.
-David Allen, RMEF President/CEO
explorebigsky.com
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 7
explorebigsky.com
local news
Big Sky Weekly
What happened to Big Sky Institute?
This article is part one in a series
By tyler allen
ger deal,” said BSI board member Loren
Bough. “But the community would
have to step up.” The board obtained
a donation of two acres next to Ophir
School and found local developers
interested in bidding on a new facility.
big sky weekly staff writer
BIG SKY – Montana State University
shuttered its operation of the Big Sky
Institute on June 30, 2011, after 15
years of educational partnerships and
outreach in science within the community.
The program was funded, in large part,
by grants through MSU, and also partly
through annual fundraising in Big Sky.
“We launched an effort to raise more
money, we successfully met the goal
stated by MSU, and raised more than
$100,000 for several years,” Bough
said.
The local monies – raised primarily
during summer gala events in Big Sky
– amounted to about $625,000, and
were intended for programming, staff
and ultimately a facility planned next to
Ophir School.
The Resort Tax Board in 2008 allocated
$47,000 for architectural drawings of
the planned facility, and $57,000 in
2009 to fund the initial MSU and Big
Sky Community Education Partnership, funding earmarked for BSI and
the MSU Extended University.
“It is frustrating because it was a great
idea,” said former BSI board member
Chris Wright. “It was going to be a confluence between science and research
in the ecosystem, the university and
the Big Sky community. It was a great
ambition, to have the Woods Hole of
the Rockies here in Big Sky.”
But the facility was never built, the
partnership never came to fruition, and
there has been no indication – to the
community or the board of directors –
where the university intends to spend
the remaining $75,000.
Many community members have since
wondered what became of the organization, why it so suddenly closed, and
where the remaining funds ended up.
More than $75,000 of the locally raised
money remains, and is held by the
MSU Alumni Foundation. It can only
be used for a “like” purpose within
the community, said Michael Stevenson, President and CEO of the MSU
Alumni Foundation.
“MSU came to us [in 2006] and said
they wanted to make [BSI] a much big-
“Any balance will be held by the foundation until [MSU] decides whether to
dissolve the program, since there is no
outreach going on right now,” Stevenson said. The university considers
BSI an operating institution, although
no programming or staff is currently
active.
In 2011, the same year MSU closed
BSI, the university began the Montana
Institute on Ecosystems in partnership
with the Montana University System,
resulting in a $20 million National Science Foundation grant. The IoE, according to its website, is a group of scholars
and partners with a shared vision to
advance integrated environmental sciences and related fields.
“The university was using its resources
. . . to partner statewide for the creation
of the federally funded IoE,” said Tracy
Ellig, Director of the MSU News Service. “The IoE’s work will benefit the
state as a whole and is one of the first
such state-wide enterprises of its kind
nationally.”
Although the privately raised funds
from BSI didn’t go to the IoE, MSU essentially decided to spend its own time,
research efforts and state and federal
grant money there instead.
“The BSI was a great experiment,” said
Todd Kipfer, former BSI staff member
and current IoE Assistant Director. “It
linked a university and a community,
but it was meant to be much larger and
link the Greater Yellowstone, to create
something world-class.”
BSI lacked the statewide funding appeal
that grant applicants like IoE have,
and the faculty and staff of university
departments and colleges. It did not,
however, lack a community of scholars. MSU professors Ed Adams, Jordy
Hendricks, Wyatt Cross and Mark
Skidmore all still have active research
projects in the area. BSI’s closure hasn’t
changed this ongoing work, Kipfer said.
None of this has been communicated to
the BSI board, Bough said.
munication in writing with the board
by MSU.”
The MSU Alumni Foundation also
holds the land once slated for the BSI
headquarters, which abuts the Big
Sky School District property line.
The school district, one of the fastest
growing in the state, is currently in
the process of facilities planning for a
second building, which would house
elementary students.
“Myself and [BSI] board member
Taylor Middleton have approached the
foundation about getting that land,”
Bough said. “We’re not clear why they
refuse to commit to putting the land
back into community use.”
“Use of the land falls under our strategic plan for the colleges and institutes
like BSI,” Ellig said. The first phase
of MSU’s strategic plan was recently
finished, he added. “How that land
gets used will be part of the second-tier
process. I don’t have a timeline [for that
process] right now.”
While MSU has no plans to build a BSI
facility on that property, this may not
be the end of the institute in Big Sky,
according to Ellig.
“The Big Sky region is important to
the university and we want to move
forward in a deliberate, thoughtful and
strategic manner with the institute,” he
said. “The next chapter on the institute
has not been written, but we don’t
anticipate it being the last.”
“The board members are equally in the
dark about BSI as the community is.
There has never been any official com-
CVB, BSIA to merge into Visit Big Sky
By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR
big sky weekly editor
BIG SKY – The Big Sky Convention and Visitors
Bureau and the Biggest Skiing in America community
marketing campaign have joined forces. The new marketing entity will be called Visit Big Sky.
During the Big Sky Resort Tax Board’s monthly meeting on Dec. 5, Kitty Clemens, Big Sky Chamber of
Commerce Director, announced the collaboration in a
briefing to the five-member board.
“We feel the time will be better used this way,” Clemens said in the update. “It will be a more efficient use
of volunteer efforts.”
The Chamber plans to iron out the details of the
merger in a Dec. 19 meeting.
The CVB, a summer marketing arm of the Chamber,
was historically funded by Montana bed tax and BSIA
and was put in place four years ago as a Chamber marketing sub-committee with funds through the RTB.
8 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
The Chamber created BSIA in 2008 as a winter marketing department and had an agreement with RTB
through the end of 2012 for funding, based on the
number of skier days logged by Big Sky Resort and
Moonlight Basin.
With crossover in both the groups efforts and in their
boards of directors, a merger made sense.
“We kind of looked around and said, ‘this is ridiculous,’” said David O’Connor, president of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “It seemed really inefficient
to us, and there was a lot of duplication. [Combining
CVB and BSIA] will allow us to serve the community
better.”
The CVB receives on average, according to O’Connor,
a total of $110,000 per year from the state. BSIA receives $200,000 annually through resort tax, and also
$40,000 through private partner contributions.
Through Visit Big Sky, the funding requests will be
streamlined, Clemens told the resort tax board. The
explorebigsky.com
new marketing entity will remain eligible for
state bed tax dollars and can also apply for funding
through RTB.
“The state doesn’t care whether we call ourselves
the CVB, BSIA or Visit Big Sky,” Clemons said.
They just need to account for state funding.
Montana requires the group keep state money
separate from all other funding and Clemons says
Visit Big Sky will comply, while simultaneously
placing efforts where they belong.
“The Chamber needs to be in the business of
helping people grow and start businesses,” she
said. “Visit Big Sky will be selling business to the
outside world.”
Clemens said the new collaboration allows one
unified group to provide year-round service, with
marketing as the primary focus.
local news
Big Sky Resort honors Epic
Passes for second year
big sky weekly staff writer
BIG SKY – Yet again, the Northern
Rockies have been blessed with snow,
snow and more snow.
In an attempt to draw skiers from other
parts of the country not faring so well,
Big Sky Resort for the second year in a
row opened its doors to skiers with Epic
Passes and any unlimited pass holder at
any resort in the world, for that matter,
to ski for free, through Christmas Day.
Epic Passes allow skiing at all Vail
Resorts – Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin,
Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood.
“It was Epically successful last year,”
wrote Big Sky Resort Public Relations
Director Chad Jones in an email. “We
got coverage in the Wall Street Journal,
CO Public Radio, The Vail Daily, the
San Francisco Chronicle and a whole lot
more.”
To take advantage of this deal, pass
holders must book lodging with Big
Sky Central Reservations and ask for
the Gift Package. The resort is also
extending its Bring a Buddy Coupon,
allowing friends in their reservation
without unlimited passes to ski at a
discounted rate.
Initially, the idea was “as much about
getting people to change their plans
and come to Big Sky in January as it
was to get them to come in February or
March,” Jones said. “So many people
look to Colorado as a bellwether to
indicate snowfall. The assumption is if
Colorado doesn’t have it then no one
does, and we all know that’s not the
case.”
Buying or selling
a property?
We want to help you.
At press time, Big Sky was 43 percent
open, with 1,661 acres, and opening
more each day. This weekend, they
expect to be near 100 percent open,
with the Lone Peak tram, Shedhorn and
Dakata chairs running.
“It is about sharing the love, no snow
any place is not good for anyone in the
industry. Let’s show folks that skiing
and riding are still fun and there are
places with snow.”
Consistent snow drew skiers to hit
Big Sky in record numbers last season,
and while most resorts in the Rockies
struggled, Big Sky and Moonlight both
did well.
Tell us your dream
We’ll show you where
it lives.
liveTHEDREAM.
Craig Smit, Broker
406.581.5751
[email protected]
Kevin Butler, Broker
406.570.3890
[email protected]
Real local knowledge that works for you.
Almost 20 years serving the Big Sky market.
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
HELMS
JEFF HELMS
JAMISON
KULESZA
Big Sky Real Estate – A New
Margin of Safety
The Big Sky market is up across the board,
and clearly on the mend. One segment
showing noticeable signs of improvement
is residential vacant land sales. There is no
question of the direct correlation between
the health of the vacant residential land
sales and that of the overall real estate
market. We have been patiently waiting
four (4) years to see the land component
shift and recover in order to determine
true replacement value of the structures
whether condo or home.
Without referencing our previous
reports, it goes without saying that the
distressed properties are still controlling
some segments of our local market and
cash is still king in all segments. Both
issues or factors continue to create
challenges for our Sellers and remind all
that it is a bid/ask process. It is evident
the listing prices must be perceived
as aggressive in order to sell in short
order. Over fifty (50%) percent of the
transactions thus far in 2012 have been
cash deals.
Inventory absorption rates have increased
dramatically in first three quarters of 2012.
Inventory has decreased by thirty (30%)
percent from third (3rd) quarter of 2010
to third (3rd) quarter of 2012. Inventory
by units has been depleted from 644 to
455 respectively. There will no doubt be a
shortage of inventory for 2013, specifically
in Moonlight Basin. If you want a list of
sold properties over the last six (6) months
in any specific development, please e-mail
or call me directly at 406-539-0121.
Looking Ahead
We are predicting a steady recovery
through 2013. Based on the current
number of listings, we are predicting a
twenty five percent (25%) depletion of
inventory by the mid-2013. If you are one
of the seller’s in the market, be sure to price
your property to compete. Remember, to
be a successful seller in this market you
need to think like a buyer. The #1 desire of
all buyers in today’s market is to find great
value. Call us to create both an effective
marketing plan and pricing strategy to help
demonstrate the value of your property.
“
“
Inventory is down 29%
from 3rd Quarter of 2010
When you are pricing your property to sell
in this competitive market, or deciding when
the right time to buy is; rest assured that
when you are our client, you will have current
market statistics, an impeccable level of
service and personal attention that will give
you the upper hand.
We hope this report will give you a snapshot
of the market trends. We pride ourselves
on creating the most accurate market report
in Big Sky. Our ability to track every single
transaction and then turn the data into
historical knowledge has made us the most
sought after real estate experts in Big Sky. As
always, I would be glad to discuss details of
our local market with you. If you plan to list
your property this ski season and would like
a more in depth analysis of specific areas,
please call me directly at 406-539-0121.
Jeff Helms
Jeff Helms, Broker
Big Sky Sotheby’s International Realty
[email protected]
bigskysir.com
F O R A C O MP LE TE
LO O K AT THE 2 0 1 2
MARKE T RE P O RT C ALL ME D I RE C TLY
AT 4 0 6 . 5 3 9 . 0 1 2 1
NEXT WEEK:
Profile and status updates
for local resorts
V I EW MORE PHOTOS A ND V IDEOS
at bigskysir.com
Jeff Helms
Big Sky Town Center Office
M: 406.539.0121
E: [email protected]
All information is derived from MLS sources and deemed reliable, however, is not guaranteed. Data is subject to error, omissions, prior sales, price change or withdrawal without notice and
approval of purchase by Seller. We urge independent verification of each and every item submitted, to the satisfaction of any prospective purchaser.
10 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
explorebigsky.com
local news
Spanish Peaks set to go
on sales block
By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR
big sky weekly editor
BIG SKY – The Club at Spanish
Peaks may finally be up for sale,
after more than a year of gridlocked
debate and fears of continued
delays or foreclosure by secured
lenders.
Entities owning the club filed for
Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October
2011, and the resort closed at that
time, laying off more than 100
employees. On Dec. 4 of this year,
a lawyer representing some 140
members of a Spanish Peaks ad hoc
group sent an email explaining the
news of the sale.
The secured lenders, consisting
mainly of a consortium of banks,
filed on Dec. 3 documents with
Montana’s bankruptcy court, according to the email by attorney J.
Thomas Beckett. The filing included a plan to sell The Club at Spanish Peaks to the highest bidder.
“The car is out of the garage,” said
a member of the ad hoc group’s
12-member steering committee,
who wished to remain anonymous.
“After a year, we finally have a
process outlined.”
This process, described in court
documents attached to the email,
highlighted agreements between
Ross Richardson, the Chapter 7
trustee, and the secured lenders. It
included an estimated timeline that
set June 1, 2013 as a closing sale
date.
The lenders recommended appointing Eastdil Secured, an international real estate investment company
based out of New York City, to market for and represent the property
moving forward. The bankruptcy
court approved Eastdil on Dec. 6,
and interested parties have two
weeks to file an objection, according to court documents.
Eastdil will begin sending out teasers to potential buyers in January.
This list, or pitch book, will include
between 100 and 200 interested
parties.
“We don’t know who is going to
bid on this,” the steering committee member said, adding that hedge
funds and some wealthy individuals will be listed in the pitch book.
pick your pearls.
Individuals in the Spanish Peaks ad
hoc group, who each paid $1,000
to fund legal council and to keep
abreast of developments, want to
have a say in who walks with the
final purchase.
“We want a viable club,” the source
said. “That’s what people bought
into.”
Ad hoc members anticipate fewer
than five serious bidders by the
proposed bid deadline in mid-February. Richardson, the trustee, is
expected to select the best offer in
early March.
The face value on the Spanish Peaks
debt is more than $122,000,000,
and the club will go to the highest
bidder, but if a potential client approaches lenders with $20 million,
cash in hand, they will accept it,
according to the source.
Because of longstanding issues
surrounding the bankruptcy, “[the
secured lenders] are willing to take
their lumps.”
The $20 million was set as a floor
price and, according to court documents, Richardson will receive a
$750,000 “carve out” from the
secured lenders once a sale is finalized. The carve out will come out of
the total sale of the property, and
will pay court and lawyer expenses
and administrative costs, as well as
Eastdil for its work initiating a sale.
If the property sells for more than
$20 million, secured lenders will
add 2 percent to any additional sale
money to go toward the carve out.
If no one bids at least that much,
the lenders can accept the lower bid
or retain the property.
News of the potential Spanish
Peaks sale is a relief to many involved in the process.
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“This [sale] could have been three
or five years [out],” the source said.
“It’s nice there is a resolution [coming]. It may not happen until next
October, but at least there’s light at
the end of the tunnel.”
This is an ongoing story in the
Weekly, which will feature subsequent installments as information
becomes available.
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Big Sky Weekly
MSU team publishes brain research, receives $300,000 to continue work
By evelyn boswell
msu news service
BOZEMAN – Montana State
University researchers who study
short-term memory say their findings may someday help people
whose brains are not functioning as
they should.
The scientists recently published
their latest discoveries in Science, a
leading journal for original scientific research, global news and
commentary.
About the same time, Charles Gray,
professor in MSU’s Department
of Cell Biology and Neuroscience,
learned that he was one of four
U.S. scientists to receive a prestigious award that will help fund his
research for three more years.
The McKnight Endowment Fund
for Neuroscience awarded Gray a
$300,000 Memory and Cognitive
Disorders Award, which will give
him $100,000 each year from 2013
through 2015. The other awards
went to researchers at Stanford University, Columbia University and
Carnegie Mellon University.
“It was a good week,” Gray said.
For his paper, published Nov. 23 in
Science, Gray was principal investigator of a five-year research project,
funded by the National Institute
of Mental Health (NIMH) and the
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS),
where researchers studied how
visual objects were held in shortterm memory.
Focusing on two key regions in the
cerebral cortex – the prefrontal and
posterior parietal areas that are critically involved in cognition, attention and short-term memory – the
scientists discovered that signals in
both regions synchronized with one
another when objects were held in
short-term memory.
“The discovery demonstrates that
the two regions closely coordinate
their activities in a manner that
depends on what is being held in
memory,” Gray said.
This process occurs even when
the cortical regions are widely
separated from each other and their
connections are relatively weak, he
added. Each region contains billions
of nerve cells, but the number of
nerves connecting them amounts to
a tiny fraction of the population.
“The Holy Grail of neuroscience
has been to understand how and
where information is encoded in the
brain. This study provided more
evidence that large-scale electrical oscillations across distant brain
regions may carry information for
visual memories,” said NIMH Director Thomas R. Insel, M.D.
Gray, referring to the possible
communication between the two regions of the brain, said, “We don’t
fully understand the communication.”
The new study provides key insights into the details of the process, however.
“The brain is extraordinarily
complex, and the signals that move
between regions are very sophisticated,” Gray said. “Historically,
it has been very difficult to make
sense out of them.”
The cerebral cortex alone has approximately 100 regions for which
researchers are beginning to determine their function, Gray said. The
regions sometimes act alone and
other times cooperate and function together. They are responsible
for nearly all cognitive and mental
functions, ranging from perception
and voluntary movement to attention, reasoning and memory.
“When we pay attention, remember, make decisions or feel certain
emotions, our cortex is critically
involved,” Gray said.
As a result of the brain’s complexity, studying it is a long, slow
process, Gray continued. But
understanding the communication
process could help scientists develop strategies for treating people
where communication within the
brain is believed to be disrupted.
Those conditions include Parkinson’s disease, autism, depression
and schizophrenia, among others.
he helped measure brain activity
in patients being treated for Parkinson’s disease, co-authored the
paper that was published in Science.
The work was produced together
with lead author Rodrigo Salazar
and Nick Dotson, both in MSU’s
Department of Cell Biology and
Neuroscience; and Steve Bressler,
a neuroscientist at Florida Atlantic
University and long-time collaborator of Gray’s.
Science is published weekly by
the American Association for the
Advancement of Science (AAAS),
the largest general scientific society
in the world.
The Memory and Cognitive Disorders Awards support innovative
research by U.S. scientists who are
exploring new ways to diagnose,
prevent and treat neurological
and psychiatric diseases, especially those related to memory and
cognition. The awards encourage
projects that link basic and clinical
neuroscience, with the long-term
goal of helping to translate laboratory discoveries into diagnoses and
therapies for brain disorders.
In Gray’s case, he is seeking a deeper understanding of the physiology
of short-term memory, attention
and decision-making. During the
three years of his McKnight Award,
Gray plans to measure neural activity from large areas of the brain to
obtain a broad perspective on how
and where information is encoded
when something is held in shortterm memory.
“Understanding just how the brain
creates and retrieves memories, and
how brain systems can go awry, is
the foundation for development of
therapies for human brain diseases,” said Eric Nestler, chairman
of the McKnight awards committee. “These research efforts seek to
advance understanding of the brain
and bring new insights to bear on
this important quest.”
This piece was adapted from one
originally written by Evelyn Boswell.
Gray, who has worked with neurosurgical teams in California where
Gallatin Canyon billboard
hearing postponed
BOZEMAN – Due to the resignation of a board member, the Gallatin
County Consolidated Board of Adjustment no longer has a sufficient number of members and can no longer meet to hear the Saunders matter regarding
Saunders Outdoor Advertising’s appeal to relight the billboard in Gallatin
Canyon. The hearing was scheduled for Dec. 18. The County was informed
of the resignation on Dec. 10.
12 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
explorebigsky.com
montana
New film “Nebraska” good for
Montana’s economy and tourism
By maria wyllie
big sky weekly editorial assistant
BILLINGS – Academy-award winning
director Alexander Payne (The Descendants, Sideways) is pouring money into
Montana with the filming of "Nebraska," a lighthearted comedy telling
the story of a father and son (played by
Bruce Dern and Will Forte) travelling
from Billings to Lincoln, Neb. to collect
a $1 million sweepstakes prize.
Filming for the opening scene of "Nebraska," which took place in Billings in
late November, brought business to the
community’s hotels, restaurants, and
shops during the winter months, a time
when tourism is slow.
Production groups such as Payne’s
typically spend about $25,000 a day,
according to research from the Montana
Film Office, which works to secure
film projects across the state.
“It’s really critical and great to have
that kind of economic impact on the
community,” said MFO Film Commissioner Deny Staggs. “We look at it like
a mobile manufacturing company that
comes in and builds its product, drops
off money, and packs up its stuff and
goes. It’s pure money with a strong,
direct, economic impact.”
The "Nebraska" crew spent roughly
$250,000 over the course of production, said John Brewer, president of the
Billings CVB and Chamber of Commerce.
While the economic impact of a
production is felt most directly where
it’s filmed – in this case Billings – the
money trickles down in the form of
taxes, helping the state run and do
business.
The MFO’s Big Sky on the Big Screen
Act, which was established in 2005,
has helped Montana compete in the
industry by giving tax incentives to
production firms shooting in Montana.
The tax cuts incentivize the firms to
bring projects to Montana and consequently to hire locals and spend more
money in the state.
When it comes to deciding where to
shoot a film, companies are typically
concerned with startup costs, Staggs
said. “The number one question
productions firms ask is what the tax
incentives are and what the crew base
is.”
Without a tax incentive, he added,
there would be no film production in
Montana, unless a specific location was
needed.
According to Staggs, the value of film
production is threefold: It has a strong
economic impact; it allows people all
over the world to see how beautiful
Montana is; and it can create and spark
more tourism, which brings money
into the state.
However, it is difficult to measure how
many people visit Montana after seeing
films shot across the state, and most of
what the state'S Department of Tourism knows is anecdotal.
Big Sky Weekly
Welch withdraws application for recount
Juneau officially reelected as Supt. of
Public Instruction
HELENA – Republican Sandy Welch officially withdrew her application for a
recount of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction race on Dec. 12, unable to pay the $115,000 to cover the cost of the recount.
Welch trailed incumbent Denise Juneau by 2,231 votes after the official statewide canvass. Montana statute allows candidates to request a recount when
their margin of victory is one-half of 1 percent or less, and Juneau won by approximately 0.48 percent.
Welch’s attorneys argued voting machine errors and improper voting procedures affected the tally, and a Flathead County judge on Dec. 7 ordered the
statewide recount.
Secretary of State and Chief Elections Officer Linda McCulloch expressed
disappointment that there would not be a recount in her official statement
released Dec. 12.
“We are confident that a recount would not have changed the race results, but
we were ready to do one. A lot of public time and resources has been spent
preparing for the huge task of conducting a statewide recount of more than
468,000 ballots cast in the race."
McCulloch agreed with the court's finding that no harm to the state could
result from recounting the ballots in the race when Welch was paying for it.
"Montana voters can be confident that their vote counts."
Welch was required by the court to post cash to cover the costs as estimated by
the counties of the statewide manual recount by 5 p.m. on Dec. 12.
“Montana is a state of such impactful
visuals that any numbers would underestimate the amount of people traveling to Montana to see these places for
themselves,” said Sarah Lawlor, public
information officer for the Montana
Department of Tourism.
Even so, having a film shot by an
award-winning director that is locationspecific is an invaluable public relations
tool in the long run, Brewer said, noting that it will help keep Billings and
Montana in the forefront of a very large
audience. “It’s nice to be represented as
we truly are.”
State launches mt.gov redesign
New site has responsive web design for multiple platforms
HELENA – The state on Nov. 29
launched a major redesign of its official
website, mt.gov. The new site uses
responsive web-design technology, allowing it to adjust the content layout for
varying sizes of digital screens, including mobile devices.
Industry experts have predicted that
mobile devices will overtake desktop
devices for Internet usage as soon as
2014. Site statistics for mt.gov show that
mobile device usage has increased from
3 percent in March 2011 to nearly 20
percent in October 2012.
The new site also has an increased emphasis on searching capabilities, which
will make it easier to navigate with a mobile device like a Smartphone or tablet.
The latest in web technology detects
the kind of device being used (such as a
Smartphone, tablet, traditional laptop
or desktop computer) and presents that
device with a suitable content layout.
“This will enable the state website to
have greater functionality for more
people,” said Gov. Brian Schweitzer in
a press release. “We’ve seen how the industry is changing and knew we needed
to adapt to all new platforms available to
Montanans.”
explorebigsky.com
THANK YOU
TO OUR CLIENTS
FOR 15 YEARS
OF SERVICE IN
BIG SKY!
We sincerely appreciate
your business.
The state is encouraging visitors to give
feedback on the new site using the “Contact Us” link at the bottom of the mt.gov
page.
explorebigsky.com
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 13
montana
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
O’Leary appointed Director of Commerce for Montana
Leaves Big Sky Resort after 23 years
By emily stifler
big sky weekly managing editor
BIG SKY, HELENA – Meg O’Leary
spent the last two decades telling the
Big Sky story to the nation and the
world. Now she gets to tell Montana’s
story.
Governor-elect Steve Bullock on
Nov. 30 appointed O’Leary, Big Sky
Resort’s Sales and Marketing Director
for the past 12 years, as Director of the
Montana Department of Commerce. In
that role, which will start Jan. 7, 2013
with the legislative session, O’Leary
will be a key player in developing jobs
statewide.
“[Bullock] ran on three priorities: job
creation, the economy and education.
The first two are something I’ll have
whole lot of involvement with,” she
said.
A large agency with broad impact, the
Montana Department of Commerce
acts as an information broker for businesses and communities in the economic and community development areas.
A Helena native, O’Leary graduated
from the University of Montana with a
degree in business administration and
management. She started at Big Sky in
1989, handling group logistics through
the reservations department. In 1991,
she moved into group sales, and in
2000 assumed the director role.
“It’s a natural progression for Meg to
be asked to head Montana’s important
Department of Commerce,” said Big
Sky Resort General Manager Taylor
Middleton. “She understands how to
listen, how to lead, and how to hold
herself and others accountable to big
goals.”
If O’Leary brings her drive and enthusiasm to Helena, she’s bound to make
an impact. In Big Sky, she has also
served on the Big Sky Convention and
Visitors Bureau, the Big Sky Transportation District, and the Big Sky Lodging Association, and was a key leader
in securing new direct flights into the
Bozeman Yellowstone International
Airport, including the non-stop flight
from New Jersey. She was named the
Tourism Person of the Year by the State
of Montana in 2012.
This is how Big Sky gets
into hot water.
Meg O'Leary in the North Summit Snowfield
“What we’re excited about is that Meg
has experience not just in tourism but
in growing business,” said Bullock’s
deputy chief of staff Kevin O’Brien,
calling both O’Leary and Big Sky Resort “Montana success stories."
“She’ll be able to help business there
grow and expand and help attract other
businesses to the state – everything
from manufacturing to energy development – both traditional and renewable –
tourism, to the incredible opportunities
we have in high tech fields… I think
every city in our state has businesses
that have room to grow… Meg will be
at the forefront of making that happen.”
O’Leary knows she has a lot to learn
in the new role, but said her networks
will serve her well. Growing up in Helena, she’s connected to many people in
state government – she ran high school
cross country with Bullock. Through
her work with the resort, particularly
the professional conferences, she’s met
people from many Montana industries.
“It will be a challenge and really fun,
and I’m going to be able to bring a lot of
value because of that network.”
Tourism, her area of expertise, will also
inform her new role.
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14 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
explorebigsky.com
“Bullock really wants to do this tourism thing right,” O’Leary said. “He
respects the industry and he gets it. He
believes there’s going to be some good
interaction between the No. 1 industry
of [agriculture] and No. 2, tourism.
These two top industries – what can we
do to collaborate further?”
In O’Leary’s mind, this spells sustainable jobs.
“I am looking forward to taking what
I know about telling the Big Sky story
and applying it across the state, bringing in the right kind of jobs for the right
kind of areas so we have sustainability.”
But it’s a change for a woman who’s
skied on lunch break for 23 years – one
O’Leary and her husband Blaire Heinke
didn’t take lightly.
“I’m going to Helena, and I’m all in for
four years – for my professional life. I
will still be skiing and riding bikes [in
Big Sky] and drinking coffee at the bakery… It’s taken us a lot of really careful
soul searching.”
Other members of Bullock’s cabinet
include Mike Batista as the Director of
the Department of Corrections, Pam
Bucy as the Director of the Department
of Labor, Tim Burton as Chief of Staff,
Dan Villa as Budget Director, and
Ali Bovingdon and Kevin O'Brien as
Deputy Chiefs of Staff.
Said Bullock of these appointments:
“I’m excited to hit the ground running
with some of the best and brightest our
state has to offer and I look forward to
working with them to put Montanans
first.”
The Department of Commerce helps
maintain and improve community
infrastructure in Montana; finances
homeownership and rental assistance;
provides technical assistance and
training for entrepreneurs, businesses,
communities and development groups;
promotes Montana as a place to visit, locate business, and film motion pictures;
and finances businesses that generate
financial and economic return for the
state.
Tim Fox Announces First Appointments to New Administration
HELENA – Montana Attorney General-elect Tim Fox on Friday Dec. 7, announced the first round of appointments to his upcoming administration at
the Department of Justice. All appointees are Montana natives.
Chief of Staff: Scott Darkenwald
Chief Deputy Attorney General: Mark Mattioli
Solicitor General: Lawrence VanDyke
Deputy Attorney General: Jon Bennion
Executive Assistant: Julie James
YELLOWSTONE
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
Yellowstone winter season begins Dec. 15
Yellowstone National Park will open
to the public for the winter season as
scheduled on Dec. 15.
Beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday morning, visitors will be able to travel to the
park’s interior roads on commercially
guided snowmobiles or snowcoaches
from the North, West and South Entrances. Travel through the park’s East
Entrance over Sylvan Pass is scheduled
to begin Dec. 22.
The road from the park’s North Entrance at Gardiner through Mammoth
Hot Springs and on to Cooke City, outside the park’s Northeast Entrance, is
open to wheeled vehicle travel all year.
At Old Faithful, the Geyser Grill, the
Bear Den Gift Shop, and the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center open for
the season on Dec. 15. The Old Faithful
Snow Lodge and Cabins and the Obsidian Dining Room open on Dec. 18.
The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel,
dining room and gift shop will open
for the season on Dec. 20. The Yellowstone General Store, the medical
clinic, campground, post office and the
Albright Visitor Center at Mammoth
Hot Springs are open all year, as are the
24-hour gasoline pumps at Mammoth
and Tower Junction.
All communities around and on the
way to Yellowstone are open year-
round, with local businesses offering a
range of winter recreation opportunities. Extensive information and assistance for planning a visit to Yellowstone
during the winter is available at nps.
gov/yell.
Park staff members will continue to
closely monitor road conditions and
weather forecasts that can have an impact on roadways and guided oversnow
travel operations. Weather during the
winter season is extremely unpredictable in Yellowstone and road closures or
delays can occur with little or no warning. The NPS reminds visitors to come
prepared with personal emergency
survival equipment in their vehicles
and dressing appropriately for outside
activities in extremely cold weather.
Winter Use in Yellowstone this season
is being managed under an operating
plan much in the same manner as has
been permitted the last three winters.
Under the rule, up to 318 commercially
guided, Best Available Technology
snowmobiles and up to 78 commercially guided snowcoaches will be allowed
into the park daily.
In early 2013, the National Park Service
intends to issue a Final Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement and
a proposed rule to guide long-term
winter use in Yellowstone, which will
take effect in time for the 2013-2014
winter season.
• Pe di at ri c s • C h roni c C on d it i ons
• Wom en’s He a lt h • Pren at a l C are
• Oste op at h i c Man ipu l at i on
Prescheduled and same-day appointments available
Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays
Taking most local insurance carriers including
Medicare and Medicaid
Maren Dunn D.O.
Board Certified in Family Medicine
18 Meadow Village Drive, Big Sky, MT (across from the post office)
Phone: 406-995-3111 | After hours: 406-599-5848
gallatinfamilymedicine.com
explorebigsky.com
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 15
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This property is listed for sale by RPRT Real Estate, Inc. (D145538) dba Winter and Company Real Estate (A169316), PO Box 161794, Big Sky, MT 59716, (406) 995-2093. Concierge Auctions, LLC is the provider of auction marketing services, is not a brokerage, and is not directly involved in selling real property. The services referred to herein are not available to residents of any state where prohibited by applicable state law. Concierge Auctions, LLC, its agents
and affiliates, broker partners, Auctioneer, and the Sellers do not warrant or guaranty the accuracy or completeness of any information and shall have no liability for errors or omissions or inaccuracies under any circumstances in this or any other property listings or advertising, promotional or publicity statements and materials. This is not meant as a solicitation for listings. Brokers are protected and encouraged to participate. See Auction Terms & Conditions for full details.
explorebigsky.com
Section 2:
Big Sky Weekly
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
Volume 3 // Issue No. 25
business, health and environment
real estate
Housing market beginning to turn the corner
Sales up in Big Sky, Gallatin Valley
By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR
big sky weekly editor
BIG SKY, BOZEMAN – Reports of
growth on the national housing market are reflecting a local trend in Big
Sky and the greater Gallatin Valley.
While overall gains are modest, some
local real estate authorities are feeling
optimistic.
Single Family Residences - Gallatin County
Sales through Oct. 31, 2012
Big Sky local Jamie Daugaard, the
principal architect for Centre Sky Architecture since 1998, has witnessed
the housing rollercoaster “from the
front seat” in the last decade, he said,
watching the real estate world go
from 60 to zero.
“It was like [the market] ran a marathon from 2002 to 2008,” Daugaard
said. “Then in 2009 [in Big Sky], it
just stopped running.”
Much of the country felt the recession’s effects a year earlier, in 2008,
after sub-prime mortgages crippled
the U.S. market, putting homeowners, real estate agents, builders and
supply companies on their collective
ear.
Subsequent federal bailouts failed
to right the economy, forcing widespread foreclosures and leading the
country, indeed the world, into the
Great Recession and the greatest economic downturn since the Depression of the 1930s.
“Now, in 2012, water is flowing
again,” said Daugaard, who moved
to Big Sky from Denver 10 years ago.
“I’m feeling good about the market.”
Beginning this spring, more people
called Daugaard to move forward
with building on recently purchased
land. Compared to 2010, when only
10 percent of inquiring clients actually hired Centre Sky to design their
future home, a recent upswing in
contracts has him looking forward.
“Since April or May, 50 to 60 percent
[of potential clients] are committed.”
The architect sees a number of reasons for this positive trend, including
a change in family dynamics. People
are tired of waiting for the market to
show them it’s okay to invest again.
They want to own a house, he says,
even if that means cutting a few
corners.
Courtesy of Gallatin Association of Realtors
“The majority of people [we’re seeing] want quality spaces,” Daugaard
said. “But are thinking, ‘how can we
make it smaller.:
“Maybe they’re not asking for [us
to design] an 8,000 or even 6,000
square-foot house,” he added. “They
might not need a media room or a
second dining room. They’re trying
to be more frugal with their construction dollars.”
Others in the industry are seeing
similar trends in the low to middlecost housing market, as well. Peter
Lee, president and owner of Teton
Heritage, a custom home construction company with offices in
Jackson, Wyo., as well as Gallatin
Gateway, has watched the area market fluctuate based on differences in
housing costs.
“The high end of the Gallatin Valley
is still looking pretty soft,” said Lee,
referring to the excess of supply over
demand. “But the low end (under
$700,000) is doing okay.”
In Bozeman, Tom Simkins, part
owner of Simkins-Hallin, one of the
largest building supply companies
in the state, took note of a slightly
improved market over the last year.
“It’s getting better,” said Simkins.
“The rental market is saturated,
and there is a noticeable increase
in middle income and starter-type
homes.”
put, many roofing homes after a string
of strong hailstorms in 2010 damaged
houses around the Gallatin Valley.
Some of this success, Simkins said, is
due to the Bakken oil boom in the Williston basin, N.D., part of which spills
into Montana. Bozeman construction
workers, out once plentiful work,
joined the boom in droves, driving
seven hours to Williston for work.
These storms also allowed SimkinsHallin, which opened its doors in
1946, to weather the housing squall,
Simkins said. Other construction
supply companies incurred massive
losses.
Every boomtown undergoes a transformation requiring services from contractors and workers, and Williston
was no different. In 2000, its population was 12,512. By the 2010 census,
the number had risen to 14,716;
however, estimates including workers living in temporary housing put
the population closer to 30,000. Some
claim it’s now as high as 50,000.
“It kept a lot of people alive during the
Recession,” Simkins said, indicating
Montana construction workers could
drive to the Bakken, work two weeks
straight, then return home to their
families, and increasingly their new
homes. “They can make $100,000 a
year driving a truck.”
Simkins contends that the uptick he
sees in Bozeman’s low to mid-range
housing market is due mainly to
this export of Montana carpenters,
laborers and contractors to fulfill the
surging need for apartments and commercial buildings around Williston.
Eric Ossorio, a broker for Prudential/
Ossorio Real Estate in Big Sky thinks
this demographic may be pulling up
Bozeman’s housing market.
Ossorio, who has lived in Big Sky for
30 years, says the real estate market
in the area reflects the national trend
in a less convincing manner – people
are buying smaller homes in generally busier hubs, closer to essential
needs such as groceries.
Oil and natural gas extraction account for 35 percent of the town’s job
market.
“People are coming back to the center
of the market,” he said. “If you live
Those who found work in the Gallatin
Valley during the recession stayed
Continued on p. 18
explorebigsky.com
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 17
explorebigsky.com
real estate
called the current scenario “a buyers’ market. We could potentially see
more than 1,000 single-family homes
sold by the end of the year.”
GAR statistics show 896 homes sold
by Oct. 31 of this year.
Continued from p. 17
out in Beaver Creek, you’re a half
hour away from butter. You have to
change the recipe.”
“The good news in Big Sky, is there
are sales,” he added. “We had 10
Firelight condos on the market this
summer, and now there are four. But
the national trend is people are still
nervous.”
The numbers reflect this consumer
apprehension, but the market appears
to have turned a corner – one for the
better.
Statistics from the Gallatin Association of Realtors for Gallatin County
indicate by the third quarter of 2011,
262 units sold, whereas by the 2012
third quarter, 345 units were gone.
These statistics show only the numbers through October 2012.
GAR’s annual report for the county
since 2004 shows housing numbers
trending positive in the last two
years. In 2009, 688 units sold, as
compared to 1,224 in 2005. But since
that low year, it’s looking better.
“There’s a bit of a bell curve from
2005 until now,” said Mike Lake,
technology coordinator at GAR, who
“Buyer confidence in Big Sky is between 8 and 10,” said Ryan Kulesza.
He pointed to low interest rates, a
saturated rental market, and property
prices below replacement costs, as
incentives.
“It’s a perfect storm to buy in,” he
said. “If you haven't found the perfect
deal by now, you might have missed
the boat.”
Many agents believe Big Sky has an
edge over other parts of the country.
Even The Yellowstone Club, which
has seen financial squalor in recent
years and filed for bankruptcy protection in 2008 when the market was at
its worst, has seen a light turn on.
“We see a firming up of the market,”
said Bill Collins, vice president of
sales at the Club. “There’s more
velocity [now] than we’ve seen in the
last five years.”
Big Sky Weekly
“It’s a perfect storm to buy in. If you
haven't found the perfect deal by now,
you might have missed the boat."
Sales are up 30 percent at The
Yellowstone Club, according to
Collins, and there are currently 25
homes under construction.
“Smart guys like buying stuff on
sale,” he said. “I’m excited [about
the positive housing trend]. As we
are successful, so is the community.”
ogy, people can live wherever they
want.
“It’s a quality of life [issue], as opposed to a proximity to trading partners,” said Lee, who moved from
Jackson to Bozeman in 2003. “All
these rich guys don’t have to live in
California anymore.”
Kulesza understands this train of
thought.
Ossorio sees Big Sky as an isolated
pocket, one that can bring in buyers
from the outside market.
“Big Sky is like Starbucks coffee,”
he said. “Nobody needs it, but it’s
nice to have.”
“We have a bit of a refuge community,” Ossorio said. “From LA
to Houston … people are sitting
in traffic for three hours a day.
[They’re thinking], ‘why not live in
Big Sky and visit Houston?’”
Although things are beginning to
look up, consumers shouldn’t expect to see recovery in the economy
or the housing market overnight
– consumer confidence has not yet
fully recovered.
Lee delved deeper, saying we’re
living the “third industrial revolution,” a convergence of the Internet
with renewable energy systems.
With this advanced form of communication through online technol-
“People are still nervous about the
economy,” Ossorio said. “And they
need confidence. If people can get
comfortable again, and hold and
maintain a job, we will continue on
an upward trend.”
BIG SKY ’S FULL SERVICE GROCERY STORE
Hand- cut meats • Fresh baked goods • Gourmet items • Beer & wine
LOCAL
F R E SH
Delivery available - have your rental unit
stocked upon your arrival! 406-995-4636
Open 7 days a week, 6:30am to 8pm
Extended hours 6:30am to 10pm December 15-April 15 and July 1- Labor Day
Located in the Meadow Village Center next to Lone Peak Brewery
18 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
explorebigsky.com
Mar tha Johnson, Broker
406.580.5891
Mar tha@BigSkyRealEstate .com
Acreage - Call for Pricing
LAND
Land is the last segment of the market to recover from the economic downturn.
Time is your friend in getting the best price on your property if you’re a seller
- but if you’re a buyer, NOW is the time to close as I don’t think this will last
much longer - the basic laws of supply and demand are changing and the A grade
properties are getting swooped up. Contact me directly to discuss options and
strategy on buying or selling.
$4,995,000
HOMES
The distressed inventory is being cleared out and prices are starting to both
stabilize and grow in the home segment of the community. Homes that are
amenitized by ski in/ski out, golf course, hiking trails and water as well as in the
Club communities of Yellowstone Club and Spanish Peaks are quickly stabilizing as
even the most sophisticated and luxurious homes have reacted to the economy
and are priced to align with the current market. Call me directly for an update on
Spanish Peaks bankruptcy status and to review home opportunities.
Martha Johnson, Founder, Broker & Owner of Montana
Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate, is a life long entrepreneur and
die hard, passionate fan of Big Sky, Montana. Since 1995 she
has been a highly successful real estate professional known
throughout Big Sky and Southwest, Montana who, even
throughout the real estate downturn, has consistantly been
a top producer. Martha’s deep roots and longevity in the
community, along with her real estate success and proven
launch experience in all facets of real estate, strategically
create a winning combination for both buyers and sellers –
there’s no substition for Martha’s extensive experience and
knowledge of Big Sky.
Scott and I would like to thank you for your dedication and
loyalty through the building of our new business: Montana
Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate. We have a better and stronger
SEO, Social Media and Marketing strategy than ever and our
team has remained the leader in the industry through the
transition - we’re very proud!
CONDOMINIUMS
Condo’s are the fastest moving segment of the
community. Distressed, Bank owned and short sales
have driven the prices down to a level of which have
attracted buyers back to the market. The value and ease
of owning a condo where the association takes care of
everything combined with a great sales price are bringing
2nd property owner’s back to our community and
weeding out the spec inventory.
THE BIG SKY COMMUNITY
$1,599,000
The Big Sky community is an emerging world class
destination supported by world class ski mountains,
world class rivers and great non stop air service into
Bozeman/Yellowstone International Airport. I first
moved to Big Sky in 1988 and worked on a dude
ranch - I fell in love with Big Sky because there’s still a
cowboy influence. The Gallatin River corridor known
by locals as the “canyon” still has cowboys and sheep
herders that frequent the local canyon bars/watering
holes while their herds of cattle and flocks of sheep
summer in the neighboring mountains. That combined
with, in my opinion, the greatest skiing in the West ~ Big
Sky/Moonlight make Big Sky the perfect place to hang
your hat. My experience and longevity in the Big Sky
community are your key to a successful experience in
purchasing or selling real estate.
This information is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change, withdrawal and approval of purchase by owner. All information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed by
Montana Living - Big Sky Real Estate, independent investigation is recommended. For properties being purchased at The Club at Spanish Peaks approval for membership is required prior to
closing. If you are currently working with another real estate agent, this is not intended as a solicitation.
explorebigsky.com
sports
Lone Peak High School varsity basketball
teams prepare for winter season
Big Sky Weekly
Lone Peak High School
Boys and Girls Basketball Schedule 2012-13
Two games played per date: Game No. 1 – LPHS Girls’ Game No. 2 – LPHS Boys’
story and photos
By maria wyllie
big sky weekly editorial assistant
BIG SKY – The Lone Peak High
School boys’ and girls’ varsity
basketball teams have been preparing for this winter’s season and
continuing to build the relatively
new programs.
This is the fourth year for the
LPHS boys’ varsity team, and
Coach Al Malinowski has high
expectations. With nine returning players, Malinowski says the
team’s experience and depth will
be their biggest assets. Having
good team chemistry and 16 players to choose from will also be an
advantage for the Big Horns this
year.
The girls’ varsity team, in its
second season, has seven players, with six sophomores and one
freshman. It is a very young team.
Coach Adam Olson, also assistant
coach for the boys’ team, will use
this season as a building year and
focus on improvement.
“Basketball is very new to them, so
I just want to teach them about the
sport and get them going,” Olson
said.
Dec. 14
Home
vs Harrison/Willow Creek
5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Dec. 15
Home
vs Ennis
4 p.m./5:30 p.m.
Dec. 18
Away
@ Shields Valley
4:30 p.m./6 p.m.
Jan. 4
Home
vs Gardiner
5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Jan. 5
Away
@ Twin Bridges
5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Jan. 10
Home
vs Sheridan
5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Jan. 11
Away
@ West Yellowstone
5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Jan. 12
Home
vs Lima
3 p.m./4:30 p.m.
Jan. 17
Away
@ Ennis
6 p.m./7:30 p.m.
Jan. 19
Away
@Harrison/Willow Creek
5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Jan. 25
Away
@ Gardiner
5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Jan. 26
Home
vs Shields Valley
2 p.m./3:30 p.m.
Feb. 1
Away
@ White Sulphur Springs
5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Feb. 2
Home
vs Manhattan Christian
4 p.m./5:30 p.m.
Feb. 7
Home
vs West Yellowstone
5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Feb. 9
Away
@ Lima (BOYS’ PLAY FIRST)
5:30 p.m./7 p.m.
Basketball District Tournament MAC Center, Butte, MT, February 13-16, 2013
Basketball Divisional Tournament, Hamilton, MT, February 20-23, 2013
Basketball State Tournament Girls’ –Belgrade, MT, February 28-March 2, 2013
Basketball State Tournament Boys’ – MSU-Bozeman, MT, March 7-9, 2013
Basketball Awards Banquet – week of March 11-15 – day & time TBD
Bobcat season ends
with loss to Bearkats
story and photo
By mike coil
big sky weekly contributor
BOZEMAN – The
MSU Bobcat football season came to
an end Friday night,
Dec. 7, with a 34-16
loss to the Bearkats
of Sam Houston
State, at Bobcat stadium. It was a bitter
defeat for the Cats
(11-2), who were
also eliminated
from the tournament last year by
the Bearkats.
MSU never led.
While the halftime
score was 20-3, the
Cats rallied at the start of the third with a defensive stop and then marched
the length of the field to make the score 20-9. But the Cats couldn’t manage
to get any closer as Sam Houston made big plays and played great defense.
MSU was held to just 72 rushing yards. DeNarius McGhee was the leading
rusher with 36 yards.
Sam Houston had 458 yards of total offense while the Bobcats had 292. The
remaining teams in the tournament are Sam Houston State, Georgia Southern, North Dakota State and Eastern Washington.
20 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
sports
Big Sky Weekly
The essence of an extraordinary LIFE
is about living your PASSION.
Photo by Torsten Bolten (CC)
The End of Kickoffs
However, the rule change has led
many to question the purpose of even
having kickoffs, with such a dramatic
change in the number of returns.
Goodell seems to agree and likely
believes that getting rid of kickoffs
entirely will increase player safety.
By Brandon Niles
Big sky weekly sports columnist
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
recently floated the idea of ending
kickoffs in pro football. Many of the
gruesome injuries in the sport occur
during kickoffs, as players run full
speed down the field towards each
other causing violent collisions. With
Goodell’s pledge to make the game
safer, this is being touted as the next
step in reducing injuries, specifically
concussions suffered by the players.
This is not the first time Goodell
has recommended a change to the
NFL rulebook in regard to kickoffs.
Only a year ago the league voted to
have teams kickoff from the 35-yard
line rather than the 30-yard line, to
encourage more touchbacks. This
followed a history of the league trying
to increase kickoff returns, beginning
with the movement from the 40-yard
line to the 35-yard line in 1973, then
to the 30-yard line twenty years later.
However, last year the league brought
kickoffs back to the 35-yard line and
predictably, there were more touchbacks. So many in fact, commentators
have opined this has further softened
the sport.
The rule change in 2011 also limited
the wedge formation (a popular blocking scheme on kickoff returns) and
reducing the head start players on the
kickoff team can obtain prior to sprinting downfield to make a tackle. Players
known as wedge-busters, who hurl
themselves into the wedge to break up
the initial blockers, are also limited in
how they can break the wedge.
These rule changes have been very effective at limiting the number of kick
returns. In 2011, the first year of the
new rules, touchback percentage increased from 16.4 percent the previous
year, to a startling 43.5 percent.
Goodell has mentioned considering
a plan such as the one brought up by
Bucs Head Coach Greg Schiano. Teams
would start with the ball on the 30yard line and could choose to either
punt the ball or go for it with a fourth
down and 15 yards to gain a first.
I like this plan. I love kickoffs. I think
they produce some of the most exciting plays in the game of football. However, it is hard to argue with anything
that reduces the number of violent
collisions. While kickoffs would
certainly be missed, and losing such a
traditional aspect of the game would
draw heavy criticism, times change
and the sport needs to evolve with the
size and athletic ability of the athletes
who participate in it.
The idea is not yet fully fleshed out. I
don’t like the potential for a blocked
punt in one of these situations, and
this could certainly put a team with a
great defense at a significant advantage
if they can dominate the other team
by converting on these 4th and 15 opportunities consistently.
However, I do think player safety is
arguably the most important factor
to consider in sports, and if this can
prevent some of the countless injuries that occur each year, particularly
concussions, I think the plan is at least
worth considering. While I would
miss kickoffs, I would rather see a
healthy 53-man roster punting from
the 30-yard line than another player
on the ground with a head injury.
Brandon Niles has done online freelance
writing about the NFL since 2007. His
articles range from NFL news to teamspecific commentary. A Communication
Studies graduate student at the University of North Carolina Greensboro,
Niles is also an avid Miami Dolphins
fan, which has led to his becoming an
avid Scotch whisky fan over the past
decade.
LIFE ENTHUSIASTS FIND
YOUR PASSIONS AT:
bigskysothebysrealty.com | skipropertySIR.com
PruMT.com
406.995.4060
55 Lone Peak Drive | Big Sky Town Center
1 Real Estate Company in Montana
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idealforanewhome,wellisdrilled
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spanish peak CLuB - #22 e
$495,000. • #186079 • Call stacy or eric
•
•
•
•
3bd,3ba,2495+/-sf
gourmetkitchen,dwnstrsbonusroom
privateclubhousew/pool,workoutfacility
$595,000furnished
$950,000 • #180527 • Call stacy or eric
20acresTripleTriangleRanch
crosscountryskitrailstolot
desirable,privateenclave
contiguoustotract2tocreate40acres
CraiL ranCh townhome
$949,500 • #186436 • Call stacy or eric
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1.01acre+/-buildinglot
oneofthemostbeautifulsublots
greatmountainviewsandprivacy
excellentski-in/ski-outlot
•
•
•
•
20parcelscomprising20+/-acres
bothparcelscanbesubdivided
locatedbetweenMeadowandMountain
closetoBigSkyandMoonlightResorts
430 spruCe Cone drive
•
•
•
•
$598,000 • #186619 • Call marc
2bd,3ba,3,200+/-sloft,additionalrooms
rockfireplace,clerestorywindows,largedeck
vaultedceilings,woodfloors,customlighting
.32+/-acrelot,2cargarage,Agentowned
spanish peaks CLuB 17e
skyCrest Condo #1704
•
•
•
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•
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•
•
$479,000 • #187401 • Call stacy or eric
3bd,3ba,2,495+/-sf,endunit
customkitchen,granitecounters
lovelyfurnishings,popularEfloorplan
2carheatedgarage,privateclubhouse
•
•
•
•
10 rising Bear road
$825,000 • #186462 • Call stacy or eric
diamond hitCh, Lot 31
$599,000 • #186861 • Call don
Unit#90,4bd,4ba,3500+/-sf
2carheatedgarage,hottub,wetbars
designerfurnishings,plusartwork
creeksidewithspectacularviews
84 Lazy t-4 road
$995,000 • #186193 • Call stacy or eric
$320,000 • #184925 • Call don
2bd,2ba,1604+/-sf
remodeledlikenew
furnished,lowerlevelunit
fireplace,indoorhottub
9bd,8ba,3500+/-sf
5.5+/-acrelot
Det.barn,47’RVstoragew/11.5’door
fullyfittedapartmentabove3cargarage
Lost traiLs Lot #8
•
•
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$780,000 • # 178440 • Call don
20+/-acressunny,south-facingbuildingsites
betweenMountainandMeadowVillages
viewsofYellowstoneMtnandSpanishPeaks
communitywatersystemwithfireflow
33 arrow head Condo
•
•
•
•
$589,000 • #181216 • Call tim
condounit#1659,3bd,4ba,1950+/-sf
ski-in/ski-outupgradedfreestandingcondo
greatfurniturepackage,indoorhottub
SpanishPeakviews,agentowned
71 eagLe head drive
•
•
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•
$243,000 • #186875 • Call toni
4bd,2.5ba1700+/-sf
newerflooring,bathroomcountertops
privatesauna,complexpool/hottub
completelyfurnishedunit
PRiCEREDUCTion
gaLLatin river front
$250,000 • # 184841 • Call Brooms 580-4290
•
•
•
•
.6+/-acres,backtotheGallatinRiver
4bdsepticinstalled,25GPMwelldrilled
betweenBozemanandBigSkyoffHwy191
arareopportunity,builddreamhomehere
CasCade Lot 69B
$225,000 • #183317 • Call stacy or eric
•
•
•
•
.86acrelot
unique,woodedparcel,cornerlot
crosscountryskiaccessiblew/views
couldbecombinedwithadjacentlot
Don Pilotte, Broker, GRI, RRS, SFR, 406.580.0155
Eric Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.9553
Stacy Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.8553
gaLLatin CaBin
•
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$190,000 • #183761 • Call Lynn 581-4268
406+/-sfdrycabin,outhouse
1+/-acres,picnicarea,firepit
150’Gallatinriverfrontage
bordersUSFS,greataccess
BLaCk moon road
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$119,000 • #186042 • Call marc
1.86Cascadesubdivisionlot
outstandingSpanishPeaksviews
skiBigSky/Moonlight-shortdrive
greatpricedlotforCascadeSub.
Toni Delzer, Sales Associate, 406.570.3195
Marc Lauermann, Sales Associate, 406.581.8242
explorebigsky.com
health & wellness
Big Sky Weekly
Ask Dr. Dunn
By maren dunn
big sky weekly health writer
How do you prevent and treat frostbite during Montana’s frigid winters?
- Margerie, from Texas
It’s wintertime in Russia, 1812. Napoleon’s army
is retreating from Moscow, crossing frigid rivers
and snowy valleys. The troops survive by building fires at night and marching by day in subzero
temperatures. Enter Baron Dominique Jean Larrey, Napoleon’s military surgeon.
He noted that troops suffered injuries due to
cold that worsened with each episode of refreezing. While historically known as the pioneer of
battlefield first aid, Jean Larrey was also the first
to described frostbite.
When body tissues are exposed to below-freezing
air, water or metal for a prolonged period of
time, the fluid between the cells of those tissues
freezes. As this takes place, the blood vessels in
the area constrict reducing the blood flow to the
area. Ultimately, these cells die.
The dying cells set off an immune system reaction causing inflammation and further damage.
If a frostbite injury thaws but undergoes another
'When it comes to frostbite, the
best management is prevention.
When planning a cold weather
outing, watch weather reports,
dress appropriately and have an
emergency plan in case you become detained."
episode of freezing, the wound becomes more
severe.
Frostbite, like burns, can be divided into two
categories: superficial and deep. As with burns, a
frostbite injury can worsen quickly if not treated
properly. Rewarming is the primary method of
treatment and outside the hospital setting, this
can be accomplished with warm water or body
heat. Do not rub frostbitten areas and try not to
move them. Also, do not rewarm if the affected
body part will undergo refreezing before receiving permanent rewarming, as this will worsen the
injury.
In the hospital, rewarming is done quickly while
other methods are used to restore blood flow.
Like burns, dressing changes and frequent cleaning of the wounds are performed. Sometimes
amputation is necessary.
DPHHS reports increase in influenza activity
Officials say it's not too late to vaccinate
HELENA – Local and state public
health officials are reporting an
increase in influenza activity and
reminding Montanans that it’s not
too late to vaccinate.
complications. These can include
pneumonia, hospitalization and
even death. Getting the flu vaccine
is especially important for those at
greater risk for complications.
Influenza season typically peaks
in February and can last as late as
May, according to Montana Department of Public Health and Human
Services Director Anna Whiting
Sorrell. "We are encouraging people
who have not yet been vaccinated to
get vaccinated now."
People at greater risk include:
Each year, millions of people are
infected with influenza, more than
200,000 people are hospitalized,
and thousands die from its complications.
Public health officials stress that
every Montanan aged 6 months and
older should receive the influenza
vaccine each year. Getting vaccinated protects the person getting
the vaccine and the community.
The influenza vaccine is available in
two forms: a shot and a nasal spray.
The nasal spray is for use in healthy
people ages 2 to 49 years who aren’t
pregnant.
Anyone can get influenza, but
some are at greater risk for serious
•
Children younger than 5 years
old, especially those younger
than 2
•
Pregnant women
•
People with certain medical
conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease
•
People 65 years and older
It's also important to get the vaccine
if you care for or live with anyone at
greater risk. It is especially important for those caring for infants
younger than 6 months to get vaccinated because infants less than 6
months old cannot be vaccinated.
Vaccines are available from your
doctor, local health department,
and at many retail pharmacies. For
more information about influenza
or the vaccine, talk to your doctor
or nurse, visit cdc.gov/flu or call
the CDC at (800) CDC-INFO.
When it comes to frostbite, the best management
is prevention. When planning a cold weather outing, watch weather reports, dress appropriately
and have an emergency plan in case you become
detained. Always dress in layers so wet ones can
be removed. When traveling in remote areas, let
someone else know your plans and make sure to
eat enough calories to sustain your energy. If you
think you’ve suffered frostbite, see your doctor to
make sure you heal properly.
Maren Dunn, D.O., is owner of Gallatin Family
Medicine, a medical clinic in the Big Sky Meadow
Village. Gallatin Family Medical offers reduced cost
and free mammogram screening. Have a question?
Email her at [email protected].
gallatinfamilymedicine.com
Seasonal Affective Disorder
By megan obert
big sky counseling clinic
This time of year our exposure to
daylight decreases until Dec. 21, the
winter solstice, when daylight starts to
increase again.
Research indicates sunlight exposure
levels can negatively impact a person’s
mood, because sunlight affects serotonin levels. Serotonin, a chemical in
the brain that helps regulate mood, is
found to be lower in people who suffer
from depression. People show higher
serotonin levels on sunny days than on
darker days, indicating that decreased
light can increase chances of depression.
If you find yourself feeling moody or
depressed during winter months and
happier in spring, you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder,
or SAD. Almost half a million people
experience this each winter between
September and April. SAD occurs more
frequently in women than men, and
people typically start to show symptoms between ages 18 and 30.
Symptoms of SAD usually build up in
the late autumn and early winter and
are similar to other forms of depression.
They may include feelings of sadness,
hopelessness, loss of energy, oversleeping, irritability, restlessness, social
withdrawal and increased appetite.
These symptoms can range in intensity
depending on a person’s susceptibility
to depression and where he or she lives.
If you experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, you don’t
have to tough it out until spring – there
are options to help elevate your mood.
First, spend time outdoors in the sunlight. Participating in outdoor physical
exercise will also help increase your
energy and manage other symptoms of
depression. In addition, making sure
you’re eating nutritiously and getting
enough sleep is recommended, both of
which are often overlooked in terms of
their importance.
Another option is to purchase a phototherapy box, or light box. A light box
mimics natural light from the sun and
can produce the same chemical changes
in your brain as sunlight. Phototherapy
boxes are generally used 30 minutes a
day and require you to sit near the light
with your eyes open.
Light therapy may be effective on its
own, but in more serious cases, is most
effective when combined with antidepressant medication and counseling. If
you or someone you know experiences
symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder and are interested in counseling, or
if you have questions or concerns about
SAD, the MSU Human Development
Clinic is available to help. Call
(406) 570-3907.
explorebigsky.com
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 23
explorebigsky.com
outlaw news
Big Sky Weekly
Congratulations
By tyler allen
big sky weekly distribution director
Here at Outlaw’s publications, we explore life, land
and culture in the Greater Yellowstone region. The
stories, photographs and people we’ve found are
intriguing and inspiring.
You’ll find that inspiration, too, in the pages of
the Winter 2013 Mountain Outlaw magazine. We
have the fortune to work with talented writers,
photographers, mountain enthusiasts, politicians,
artists and businesses that love this part of the
world. Their hard work and devotion to this community proves it.
On Dec. 1, 2012 Mountain Outlaw’s parent company, Outlaw Partners (also the publisher of this
newspaper), threw a party at Choppers in Big Sky,
Mont. to celebrate that hard work. Grizzly Outfitters gave away piles of merchandise, Bad Betty
rocked their high-tempo blend of jazz and funk for
three hours, and Outlaw provided free beer until
the keg ran dry. That’s how it’s done in Big Sky.
“Congratulations,” is the most common response
I’ve heard from those who’ve touched this magazine. From the three college students on the stoop
of Pub 317 in Bozeman, to the countless readers in
our Big Sky home, to the skiers hungrily waiting for
the first tram of the season at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming.
“Thank you,” is my feeble and humble response,
followed by, “we worked hard on this one.”
We are grateful to every person who opens this fifth
rendition of Mountain Outlaw. They gaze at the
photo gallery with a stunning landscape of Paradise Valley in the fall, at Taylor Lyman flying over
pristine powder in Cooke City, and at the portrait of
local jazz artist Jeni Fleming.
They smile at Kelsey Dzintars’ info graphic about
the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, bemused by the caricature of GNFAC Director Doug
Chabot and caption, “30: Gallons of coffee downed
by Doug.”
They salivate over the Outdoor Athlete’s Guide to
Office Survival and the new products we’ve had the
opportunity to use and review.
Mountain Outlaw magazine is on stands now throught the Greater Yellowstone Region. Photo by Tyler Allen
If they’ve had time to read the stories, they convey
to me how strong our editorial staff and the gifted
group of contributing freelance writers are. I hear
about which stories struck them, from “Under the
spell of Lone Peak: 40 years down the road” by Marcie Hahn-Knoff, to “A postcard from Chilkoot Pass”
by Corrie Parks, or “Brian Schweitzer: A Governor
and his plan to change the world” by Editor Joseph
T. O’Connor.
Amber Wiatt, employee at Big Sky Exxon told me
her favorite is “Man and Beast: How a grizzly bear
attack in Big Sky reflects the health of a species” by
Managing Editor Emily Stifler.
“I tell people they should grab a copy of the magazine to read that story if for no other reason,” Wiatt
said.
Some people leaf through it and immediately say,
“this is really well produced.” Others hesitate before
they open the pages and stare at Paul O’Connor’s
cover shot of architect Michael Reynolds. Depicting
him in front of one of his Earthship homes in Taos,
N.M., O’Connor captured Reynolds’ flowing gray
hair, scruffy beard and sunglasses reflecting a peak
that looks eerily like
Lone Mountain.
This lauding feedback about Mountain Outlaw from
people throughout
the Yellowstone region encourages our
staff to keep striving for high-quality
content. It seems to
be what the people
want.
Tyler Allen gets the crowd going at the Mountain Outlaw release party at Choppers
Photo by Mike Coil
24 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
explorebigsky.com
The praise hasn’t
only come from
readers. It’s come
from our advertisers, clients and associates around the
region and world.
And also from one
right next door.
Jackson Hole get their mitts on the new Mountain
Outlaw photo by Tyler Allen
“Thank you for all you do for the arts,” said Colin
Mathews, owner of Creighton Block Gallery in Big
Sky Town Center, in his speech during the magazine release party. Mathews has been an Outlaw client since 2011, and his gallery is across the parking
lot from our office.
Mathews then presented an original oil painting
by Gary Lynn Roberts to Outlaw CEO Eric Ladd.
Roberts is a classical Western oil painter who lives
in Hamilton, Mont. and some of his work hangs
at Creighton Block. He was also the subject of a
feature story by Ryan Dorn, and a depiction of his
painting, “Go With Pride,” graces the back cover.
Mountain Outlaw magazine can be found throughout southwest Montana, in all of the gateway communities surrounding Yellowstone National Park
including Jackson and Cody, Wyo., and is mailed to
subscribers around the world.
We appreciate the kind words of congratulations.
We worked hard on this one.
business
THOMAS LEE PHOTOGRAPHY
Winter means
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On Dec. 5, local jewelry maker Arianne Coleman opened the doors to her
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explorebigsky.com
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 25
explorebigsky.com
business
Big Sky Weekly
Creighton Block adds third gallery room
“Private Collection” upstairs
By emily stifler
big sky weekly managing editor
BIG SKY – Colin Mathews is on a mission to
help make Big Sky an art cultural center and
destination.
Mathews and his spouse and business partner
Paula Craver moved their Creighton Block
Gallery from Virginia City to Town Center in
2010; now two years later, Creighton Block
is expanding, leasing the Charsam Room (for
display of large canvases) in the neighboring
RJS Building, and opening a new private gallery
upstairs from its main space in the Market Place
Building.
The gallery represents distinguished Western
masters including Tom Gilleon, Frank Hagel,
Todd Connor, John DeMott, Gary Lynn Roberts
and Laurie Stevens – all of whom command five
figure prices for their work at the annual C.M.
Russell Auction in Great Falls.
On Dec. 15, Creighton Block will open its
third space, an upstairs private gallery with
works starting at $10,000. For the opening, the
Altamira Gallery in Jackson, Wyo. is sending
three oils by R. Tom Gilleon, including two of
the Cascade, Mont.-based artist’s iconic teepees
(offered at $24,000 and $60,000), as well as
bronzes from Utah sculptor Greg Woodard.
“The idea is a room that’s top shelf exclusive,”
Mathews said. “It’s a model that works for many
art galleries and should work well here.”
"Mother Moon" by R. Tom Gilleon
R. Tom Gilleon and several other artists represented by the gallery are expected at the opening.
In addition, Creighton Block aims to continue
bringing work by new artists, selling both the
“Dom Perignon or the Prosecco,” as Mathews
described it.
The main gallery will be a bridge between the
private gallery and Charsam – a space to show
mid-range work by artists who typically command top dollar, and also an anchor for Creighton Block’s mission to foster the development of
new artists, and offer art education throughout
the community.
Kevin Redstar
Creighton Block will also show four Kevin Redstar originals at the
Dec. 15 opening. The works, originals from the late 1980s and early
1990s, include one of the Crow Indian artist’s abstract teepees –
“a genre that’s both artistically fabulous and also very collected,”
Mathews says.
Redstar’s art career began when his grandfather gave him crayons
and made him draw, continued through a residency at the Institute
of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe and a stint in San Francisco in
the ’60s. His work now hangs in the Smithsonian.
“He was one of the handful of Native American painters who revolutionized Western art,” Mathews said. “With his work, and the influence of Fritz Scholder and his students at the IAIA, Native American
paintings became a real force in Western art, not just something
sold to tourists.”
Redstar’s paintings tell his people’s history, Mathews said – how a
nation of only 5,000 controlled the heart of buffalo country. To their
west, the Sioux were 25,000, and the Blackfeet to the east were
30,000, but the Crow were the great tacticians and horse warriors
of the plains.
"Ricochet" bronze by Greg Woodward
26 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
explorebigsky.com
“He’s is the greatest interpreter for Anglo culture about the Crow
Indian people.”
explorebigsky.com
Classifieds/business directory
help wanted
The River Rock Lodge is now taking
applications for front deskp/t positions-midnight to 8am. So work
at night and ski all day!
And, perfect for students who need study
time. Apply in person at the River Rock
Lodge, 88 Big Pine Dr, Big Sky. Call
Susie 995-4455 for an interview. Email
resumes to
[email protected]
Phonebook delivery. Experience preferred, Bozeman area. Contact [email protected] with inquiries
for sale
LIKE NEW - Burton 154 Farm
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RENTALS
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Big Sky Weekly
NEW 2012 BurtoN Barracuda
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$450/mo. Call 406-763-4361
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• [email protected]
Miscellaneous
This is a copy
of your advertisement which
will appear
in the 2009-2010 edition of the Big S
Looking to buy high end used furniDirectoryturepublished
by Statewide Publishing - Montana under the heading(s) of:
and kitchen cabinets.
Office manager/Executive Assistant
position available with local Real Estate
company. Must have great organizational
and communication skills, high proficiency in database management and excel.
Pay DOE, please send resume and cover
letter to [email protected]
Call 406-220-6124
Paving Contractors
• Lu x u ry cabin ren taL in big Sky •
1. Is spelling and ad information correct? ...................................................................................
2. Is your phone number and address correct? ..........................................................................
3. I understand that colors in my ad may vary due to differences in printer inks & pape
4. Please mark the necessary corrections directly on the ad as neatly as possible.
Email advertising and/or
advertising requests to
[email protected]
or call (406)995-2055
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Big Sky Weekly
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environment
Big Sky Weekly
Wolverine trapping halted in Montana
Court grants temporary restraining order before season opens
HELENA – Less than 24 hours
before the start of the wolverine
trapping season, a Montana District
Court in Helena put a halt to it as
the underlying case makes its way
through state courts.
Montana’s wolverine population is
estimated at 100 to 175 animals.
Since being designated a ‘candidate’
species for ESA protection, residents
have submitted extensive comments to
the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Commission asking the agency to end
the trapping of wolverines. The Commissioners did not respond or otherwise address these comments.
Environmental activists call this
an important step toward protecting the animal from extinction in
the Lower 48, because the species’
population suffers when even one
of the animals is killed.
On Oct. 11, the Western Environmental Law Center, on behalf of
eight community groups and one
local resident, filed a lawsuit to
halt wolverine trapping in Montana
until the species’ population has
recovered.
In the decision, the Court opined,
“Balancing the loss of a ‘recreational harvest opportunity’ against
the possible damage to a potentially
endangered species, the Court finds
equity lies in favor of issuing a
temporary restraining order.”
In one study spanning a three year
period, in the Pioneer Mountains, six
wolverines were killed in traps, including four adult males and two pregnant
females, killing half of the estimated
population there.
Montana’s wolverine population is estimated at 100 to 175 animals.
On Dec. 14, 2010, the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service determined
that the wolverine deserves federal
protection under the Endangered
Species Act, yet they remain a ‘candidate’ species awaiting protective
status.
PLAY VIDEOS TO
LEARN MORE AT
FLATHEADLAKETIMBER.COM
Montana is the only state in the
Lower 48 that still allows wolverine trapping, which are trapped
for their fur. The state’s current
quota allows five wolverines to be
trapped and killed each season.
The WELC is representing Helena
Hunters and Anglers Association,
Friends of the Wild Swan, Montana
Ecosystem Defense Council, Native
Ecosystems Council, the Alliance for
the Wild Rockies, the Swan View
Coalition, Wild Earth Guardians,
Footloose Montana and Mr. George
Wuerthner.
ti meles s
uni que
hist oric
FLATHEAD LAKE HISTORIC TIMBER was harvested from pristine wildlands
surrounding Flathead Lake at the turn of the 20th Century. Millions of feet of this
lumber sank to the bottom of the Flathead, where the cool water preserved and
enhanced the beauty of the wood over the last 100 years. Northwest Management Inc.
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Every aspect of these “historic timbers” is hand manufactured piece by piece by our well
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FLOORING • FURNITURE • CABINETS • TIMBER ACCENTS
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explorebigsky.com
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 29
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some do chinese food.
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explorebigsky.com
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environment
Big Sky Weekly
Comment period for elk management, brucellosis risk guidelines ends Dec. 20
montana fish, wildlife and parks
BOZEMAN – Montana wildlife officials are still seeking comment on
three overarching elk management
objectives for populations near
Yellowstone National Park, aimed
at reducing the risk of transmitting
brucellosis infections between elk
and livestock.
The focus of the objectives, developed by an agency-appointed working group, is to reduce the risk of
disease transmission through various elk redistribution techniques.
The comment deadline is 5 p.m. on
Dec. 20.
Over the past 12 months, the working group of a dozen local landowners, stockgrowers and hunters led
the effort to examine effective elk
management options and risk-prevention efforts in several southwestern Montana hunting districts.
These hunting districts generally
border, or are near Yellowstone
National Park.
The group will meet Dec. 18 from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Montana Fish,
Wildlife and Parks Bozeman office
(1400 S. 19th St.) to review comments received so far, and take additional public comment from noon
to 12:30 p.m.
Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial infection found in domestic
animals, wildlife and humans
worldwide. In Montana, brucellosis
has been detected in elk, bison and,
several years ago, in cattle in areas
surrounding the park.The disease
results in miscarriages in some
pregnant animals, including domestic cattle, bison and elk.
The proposed objectives, recently
approved for public comment by
the FWP Commission, are exclusively focused on keeping elk away
from high-risk areas where they
could commingle with cattle, or in
unusually high concentrations that
might increase transmission.
Some action items or tools that
could be considered under the
guidelines include hazing elk away
from livestock, hunting, potentially
reducing the size or density of some
wintering elk herds, and erecting
fences to keep elk out of specific
locations like small scale feed areas.
Details and specific management
actions will be developed by local
working groups and then presented
for FWP Commission approval,
which would include additional
public comment opportunities.
Officials stressed that a program to
test elk and then cull those exposed
to brucellosis is not under consideration.
"These guidelines are aimed directly
at keeping elk on the move and
away from high risk areas," said Ken
McDonald, chief of the wildlife bureau for Montana FWP in Helena.
"Test and slaughter is not going to
be considered now or in the future."
Officials are also seeking comment
on the working group's issue statement, which reads, in part:
"Tools for reducing the prevalence
of brucellosis in elk could not
only reduce the risk of transmission to cattle, but could also help
restore traditional movement and
distribution of elk. Eradication of
brucellosis in elk is not currently
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feasible; management tools need to
be endorsed by the FWP Commission that will reduce, and if possible eventually eliminate the risk
of transmission between elk and
livestock, in a manner that considers the interest of livestock owners,
landowners, wildlife enthusiasts,
recreationists and hunting groups."
The working group prepared
several additional strategic objectives and offered examples of how
FWP could carry out risk reduction
guidelines, but the FWP Commission only approved the three "fundamental objectives," "Issue Statement" and example action items for
public comment.
To comment and find more details,
visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov.
Click "Elk Management Guidelines." Send written comments
to: FWP–Wildlife Bureau, Attn:
Public Comment; P.O. Box 200701;
Helena, MT 59620-0701. For more
information, call (496) 444-2612.
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explorebigsky.com
Section 3:
Big Sky Weekly
Dec. 14-27, 2012
Volume 3 // Issue No. 25
life, land and culture
gallery
George Bumann: Gardiner sculptor, naturalist
By sean forbes
big sky weekly contributor
While many people probably imagine sculpture as
a relatively sedentary, even tame art – meticulous
hours spent molding and shaping in a studio – George
Bumann isn’t like most sculptors.
The Gardiner-based artist does spend time in his
studio, but Bumann, 36, isn’t shy about chasing his
subjects in and around Yellowstone National Park.
Even if every once in a while, those subjects end up
chasing him.
Being treed by an angry moose, for example, just added details to his work, which Bumann hopes strikes a
note of truth and captures the myriad elements that
make the natural world so remarkable.
He teaches education and art classes through the
Yellowstone Association, gives lectures for other
nonprofits and organizations around the region and
country, and has been on episodes of Animal Planet
and the Travel Channel.
Bumann’s work is on display at Astoria Fine Art in
Jackson, Wyo., Goodnight Trail Gallery in Mancos,
Colo. and Insight Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas,
as well as at various national shows and exhibitions –
the next being the Coors Art Exhibit in Denver. His
studio in Gardiner can be seen by appointment.
Recently Bumann stepped away from his clay to
answer a few questions for the Big Sky Weekly.
Q&A
BSW: Could you tell us about yourself and how you
ended up in Gardiner?
GB: [I grew up] in upstate New York on Oneida Lake,
where my mother was sculptor and dad was a computer networks specialist. I was surrounded by the
Bumann sculpting with assistance from his son. Photo by J. Golding
natural environment, art and history – my mother’s
father started a cultural history museum covering
10,000 years of human history in our area. At age
12, I began to help curate and lead tours, [which] led
to subsequent jobs in living history interpretation,
taxidermy, illustration, timber framing, commercial
fly tying.
I sought formal training at the College of Forestry in
Syracuse, New York in wildlife ecology and fisheries,
and subsequently pursued a master’s degree in the
same field at Virginia Tech.
I ended up in Gardiner and Yellowstone Park largely
through my wife (Jenny Golding) and her previous
work in Yellowstone on a coyote research project. After I finished defending my thesis, she recording her
first CD, and getting married, we sold most of what
we owned and drove out to Yellowstone for seasonal
jobs. She was managing the field school campus in
Lamar Valley for the Yellowstone Association, and I
was teaching ecology and art. She has since become
the director of education, and my work has expanded
to offering educational programs for regional organizations, the park service, Xanterra – and there is my
fine art work.
BSW: Is there a reason why you picked sculpture as a
mode of expression?
GB: Sculpture made sense to me. I grew up with it in
my mom’s studio, and creating things like armatures
was second nature. Although I have worked with
two-dimensional media for a long time, there is something very satisfying about being able to grab a hold
of the medium in three dimensions – to just get your
hands literally into it.
I also came back to art because there were just certain
things I wanted to share that did not fit into my educational programs or any other outlet of expression.
BSW: What’s your inspiration, or what are you trying
to capture?
GB: I’m inspired by a deeper sense of the natural
world. Skeletons, animal anatomy, behavior and communication have always fascinated me and although
Continued on p. 34
"Familiar Ground" grizzly bear sculpture by George Bumann
explorebigsky.com
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 33
explorebigsky.com
gallery
Big Sky Weekly
Continued from p. 33
my sculptures are quite recognizable for what they are – say a bison,
elk or wolf – what I try to do is use
the subject matter to address more
timeless ideas in our own human
nature.
BSW: How long does a sculpture
take to complete?
GB: Each sculpture is its own thing.
Some done in the field can be completed in as little as a couple hours while
What I mean by this is
using the subject matter to address the ‘true’
subject of all great art,
which is ourselves, by
way of universal ideas
like innocence, curiosity, pride, fear, sadness.
BSW: Do you have any
stories from working in
the field?
GB: Sure do. I’ve been "A Ton of Momentum" bison sculpture by George Bumann
chased back into the
truck by charging
buffalo, had elk chew on my
others, especially those in the studio,
sculptures, treed by moose, battled
can be months or even years – mind
frozen fingers, dodged screamyou, this is all on top of over 30 years
ing, rampaging bull elk. I’ve had
of studying my subjects and the mesculptures thrown to the ground by
dium from the inside out to make such
strong winds, and spent days pull'relatively' short completions possible.
ing works in progress in and out of
Like a surgeon, you don't get charged
the truck while trying to keep up
for the time it takes them to remove
with mobile subjects.
your wisdom teeth, but the time they
spent learning how to get it right.
While studying moose in the Tetons, Bumann climbed into a tree to get a better
view of a bedded bull, meanwhile, a cow and her calf decided to graze underneath his perch - keeping him 'suspended' for over half an hour Photo by Kyle Sims
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explorebigsky.com
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outdoors
Big Sky Weekly
Moonlight Basin clears Headwaters for hikers on Opening Day
By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR
big sky weekly editor
MOONLIGHT BASIN – This is how
opening day should be.
Moonlight Basin Ski Resort opened to
season pass holders on Friday, Dec. 7
with seven inches of new snow, and
lifted the rope for hikers shortly after
10 a.m. to boot pack up to the Headwaters.
Pass holders jammed the parking lot,
seeking powder they’ve been waiting to
ride since the end of last season.
“I was stoked for opening day!” said
Kruin Seibert, a native of West Yellowstone, booting up in the lot. “And then
we had fresh snow on top of it – this is
going to be one of the better opening
days.”
Seibert’s friend Cam Carlsley, also from
West, gave a thumbs-up.
“The first thing I did this morning was
check the snow report. Then I smiled,”
Carlsley said.
The mountain opened with Iron Horse
and the Pony lifts, and 23 terrain park
features were available to session. But
access to the Headwaters had everybody talking.
“We got lucky the way the snow fell,”
said Kevin Retchless, a ten-year veteran
of Moonlight’s ski patrol. “It’s filled in
up there.”
Work? The Author catches air between interviews Photo by Chris Davis
“We’ve had teams [in the Headwaters] for the last week doing control
routes,” he added, saying on opening
day patrollers completed full routes.
“It’s not bottomless, but it’s good.”
In Moonlight Lodge, Ryan Gosse, a
game warden in Ennis, was stretching his legs, waiting for the lifts to
spin.
Gosse said it felt early for Moonlight
to open Headwaters, the rugged,
north-facing terrain to customers,
but knew ski patrol wouldn’t open it
unless it was safe.
in line for the second lift chair. “It’s
looking good though. There’s a potential for face shots!”
“They do a hell of a job up here,” he
said. “And that’s the truth.”
For Earl and Patty Randall from
Placerville, Calif., this was there first
opening day experience at Moonlight
Basin. Each year they move to a different ski resort for the season.
Pass holders waited patiently for
Iron Horse lift operators to begin
loading chairs, and Shawn Orloff
from Bozeman was first in line. This
is his fifth year owning a pass at
Moonlight.
This early in the season, rocks
abound, but most folks weren’t worried.
“We’ve heard reports of more [than
seven inches of] snow, but we can’t
disclose where it is,” said John
Stebbins, a fourth-year pass holder
To get the goods: first chair at Moonlight Basin's opening day. Photo by Chris Davis
36 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
explorebigsky.com
“We’ve gone from Heavenly (Calif.)
to Deer Valley (Utah) and now we’re
here,” Patty Randall said. “Maybe we’ll
go to Colorado next.”
She glanced up the chair line, as lifties
loaded Orloff and his friends on the
first chair, and the crowd gave a howl.
“Or maybe we’ll stay here forever,” she
said, smiling, and poled her way up a
few spaces.
Kruin Seibert and Cam Carlsley get their stoke on. photo by joseph t. o'connor
explorebigsky.com
outdoors
Big Sky Weekly
16th Annual
Arc'teryx
Bozeman Ice
Climbing Festival
Photos by Ryan Day Thompson
rdtphotography.com
Margo Talbot instructs clinic participants in the finer points of pick placement in Hyalite Canyon.
Kyler Pallister and Aaron Montgomery face off in the
speed competition of the Bozeman Ice Festival while
commentator Conrad Anker looks on.
Clinic participants enjoy world class instruction at one of the Bozeman Ice Festival's clinics in Hyalite Canyon.
Becca Skinner takes in the astonishing Hyalite landscape near sunrise.
Will Gadd, Whit Magro, and Jason Nelson celebrate making the podium of the
North Face Invitational while Conrad Anker commentates. Gadd secured a narrow
victory over Whit Magro.
Will Gadd leaves "The Cave" on the Ice Tower during the North Face Invitational.
explorebigsky.com
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 37
explorebigsky.com
word from the resorts
Big Sky Weekly
by Maria Wyllie, Big sky weekly editorial assistant
Moonlight Basin
Moonlight Basin pass holders had an
epic opening day with 7 inches of fresh
snowfall on Friday, Dec. 7.
The opening of the Headwaters was
a highlight for many, and continued
snow since has allowed patrol to open
even more terrain.
Changes since last season include
improvements to beginner runs made
a new bag jump at the Madison Village
Base Area.The bag jump arrived on
Friday, and Moonlight terrain park and
ski patrol staff are training and preparing for a season of big airs. Once open,
standard days of operation for the jump
will be Thursday through Sunday for
the entire season. A Moonlight Basin
lift ticket or season pass is not required
for bag jump participation, but non-pass
holders must purchase jump cards or
tickets.
Moonlight is
hosting a number
of holiday events,
from skiing with
Santa on Christmas, to celebrating the New Year
with live music
and a special dinner menu at Jack
Creek Grille. Find
The bag jump will be open Thursdays - Sundays throughout
event listings on
the season. Photo courtesy of Moonlight BAsin
page 41, on the
by expanding and widening the terrain;
Big Sky Weekly’s event calendar, and
the creation of an intermediate gully
more details under the activities tab on
run called Flyrock Gully, located beMoonlight Basin’s website,
tween Cinnabar and Wagon Trail; and
moonlightbasin.com.
Big Sky Resort
Powder to the people!
Christmas has come
early in Big Sky, bringing piles of snow for skiers and snowboarders.
It’s starting off to be a
great season, and ski
patrol is working hard to
open more terrain each
day.
Photo by Chris Kamman, Big Sky Resort
Free Week for Frequent
Sky Holders took place
from Nov. 26 – Dec. 2 and was a huge
success. The resort saw higher skier
counts than last year nearly every day.
Big Sky is hosting a number of different events in the next couple of weeks.
Aside from Christmas festivities, the
resort is preparing for the first annual
Tony Horton Fitness Weekend, which
takes place Friday, Dec. 21 – Sunday,
Dec. 23.
Tony Horton, the creator of P90X, will
instruct morning workouts as well as
teach yoga and an upper body workout,
flexibility and balance training, ski
Snowfall (as of press time): Moonlight: New Snow: 14" Base Depth: 35"
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Logan Schaetzel-Hill at Big Sky Resort on Friday, Dec. 7.
technique training, and a stretching and
leg workout.
Locals and visitors can also look forward
to the Way Alt West Fest, a four-day
music festival, taking place Saturday,
Dec. 29 – Tuesday, Jan. 1. The lineup
includes special guest Rich Hall of
Saturday Night Live, the Ben Rice Band
and Keegan Smith, among others.
Stay updated with current conditions
and daily events via Big Sky’s new
smartphone app for the 2012/2013
season. The app will also track total
vertical feet, max speed, and number of
laps completed.
Big Sky: New snow: 14-20" Base Depth: 36"
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This Ranch is surrounded by three pristine wilderness areas and several worldclass fishing rivers. Includes main house, 2 guest houses, & other outbuildings to
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explorebigsky.com
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Gear reviews
The Big Sky Weekly/explorebigsky.com staff is a group of outdoor-loving men and women who play hard almost every second we’re not in
the office. Some of the gear seen here is brand new, and some of it’s
stuff we’ve had for ages—we think it’s worth the ink to tell you about
some of the gadgets, gizmos, gear and garb that make our lives even
more fun.
G3 Love Glove
They look gimmicky, but they’re cool... and they’re made of Spandex. The
Love Glove, as its name suggests, will give sweet love to your climbing skins,
your gloves, and the connective tissue in your shoulders. Never peel stuck
skins apart again! No more gluey gook on your gloves! Like flipping a t-shirt
inside out, put your arm in the glove, grab the middle of your skin, and retract.
From there, they’ll fold up in your jacket or pack, without sticking to themselves. Also good for hiding your transceiver for beacon drills. One qualm: It’s
one more thing to remember to pack. E.S.
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For more new gear from 2013, check out our Holiday Gift and Gear Guide in
section four.
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explorebigsky.com
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 39
EVENTS
The earth and sky XIII
Thomas Lee, "Big Hole River, Montana," 2012, photograph, 1/25, 24"x36"
BIG SKY – Gallatin River Gallery
will host an opening reception during
the Big Sky Christmas Stroll, Dec.14,
from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., serving up art,
refreshments and treats.
“Contemporary individual perspectives
united in theme from inspired Montana
artists and beyond reflect the spirit and
power of our natural world,” wrote GRG
owner Julie Gustafson in a press release.
This is the gallery’s annual show,
entitled “THE EARTH & SKY XIII.”
The show will feature works in diverse
mediums from select artists referencing the earth and sky, including
local favorite painters Jennifer Bessen,
Shawna Moore and Tom Thorton, plus
local photographers Michael Haring
and Thomas Lee, as well as many other
artists.
A special treat, Gustafson noted, will
be a recent Russell Chatham original oil
painting depicting the quiet solace of a
Montana winter twilight.
The gallery, which moved to a new space
in the Big Sky Town Center this year, exhibits sculpture, paintings, photography
and one of a kind jewelry in group theme
and solo shows.
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40 Nov. 30 - Dec. 13, 2012 explorebigsky.com
EVENTS
friday, dec. 14
explorebigsky.com
Planning an event? Let us know! Email [email protected], and we’ll spread the word.
sunday, dec. 16
big sky
big sky
Military Appreciation
Big Sky Resort, 9 a.m. (thru Sun.)
Advent Candle Lighting
All Saints Chapel, 9:30 a.m.
Images of America: Big Sky book signing
Creighton Block Gallery, 4 p.m.
Bozeman
CHRISTMAS STROLL
Meadow Village and Town Center,
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Bozeman
Energy Workshops
Montana Weatherization Training, noon
A Christmas Carol (thru 12/23)
Ellen Theater, 7:30 p.m.
West Coast Swing
Baxter Ballroom, 6 p.m.
Improv on the Verge
Equinox/Verge Theater, 7 p.m.
Open Mike
Haufbrau, 10 p.m.
Free Pool!
Every Mon. at the Eagles
monday, dec. 17
Bozeman
monday, dec. 24
MSU Bobcats vs. Sacramento State
Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 7 p.m.
Kenny Diamond
Ferraro’s, 7 p.m.
Livingston & paradise valley
Blues 2
Livingston Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.
friday, dec. 21
Bozeman
Archer’s Mob
Eagles, 9 p.m.
Cowboy Elvis Xmas Party
Filling Station, 9 p.m.
Bozeman
livingston & paradise valley
livingston & paradise valley
West Coast Swing
Baxter Ballroom, 6 p.m.
Prairie Windjammers
Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.
Dan Dubuque
Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.
Improv on the Verge
Equinox/Verge Theater, 7 p.m.
10 Foot Tall & 80 Proof
Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m. (and Sat.)
Montana Rose
Chico Hot Springs Saloon, 9 p.m.
(and Sat.)
Open Mike
Haufbrau, 10 p.m.
Strangeways End of World Party
Murray Bar, 9:30 p.m.
Free Pool!
Every Mon. at the Eagles
big sky
big sky
Bike Kitchen Open to the Public
BozemanBikeKitchen, 6 p.m. (every Tues!)
Pancakes with Santa
Big Sky Fire Department, 9:30 a.m.
Tango Montana
Beall Park Art Center, 7 p.m.
Barbara Pierce Trunk Show &
“Private Collection Salon”
Creighton Block Gallery, 10 a.m.
Open Bluegrass Jam
Pub 317, 7 p.m.
Bozeman
Bert & Charlie’s Unconventional
Christmas Carol
Equinox/Verge Theater, 2 p.m.
Ashley Holland
Ted’s Montana Grill, 7 p.m.
Storyhill
Gallatin Gateway Inn, 7 p.m.
Christmas Contra Dance
Eagles Uptairs, 7:30 p.m.
David Boone
Peach Street Studios, 7:30 p.m.
Kopecky Family Band
Filling Station, 9 p.m.
Livingston & paradise valley
wednesday, dec. 19
big sky
Shuffleboard Wednesday (every week)
Lone Peak Brewery, 8 p.m.
Judy Fjell
Emerson Weaver Room, 7 p.m.
Uke Group
Wild Joe’s, 7:30 p.m.
Livingston & paradise valley
Writer’s Night
Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.
thursday, dec. 20
Speakeasy Christmas
Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.
big sky
west yellowstone
Business After Hours
GAS & Santosha, 5:30 p.m.
big sky
Eucharist Worship Service
All Saints Chapel, 9:30 a.m.
Bozeman
saturday, dec. 22
2nd Annual BSSEF Fundraiser
Buck’s T-4, 5 p.m.
Bozeman
Winter Wonderland
Children’s Museum of Bozeman, 11 a.m.
Bert & Charlie’s Unconventional
Christmas Carol
Equinox/Verge Theater, 2 p.m.
MSU Bobcats vs. N. Arizona
Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 2 p.m.
LIBRARY CLOSED
livingston & paradise valley
Community Christmas Dinner
Civic Center, noon
wednesday, dec. 26
Bozeman
Bob Britten
Baxter Ballroom, 6:30 p.m.
UKE Group
Wild Joe’s, 7:30 p.m.
Vette w/ Leif Christian
Peach St. Studios, 7:30 p.m.
Sizzling Salsa
Baxter Ballroom, 7:30 p.m.
livingston & paradise valley
Writer’s Night
Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.
thursday, dec. 12
Tumbledown House
Ted’s Montana Grill, 7 p.m.
big sky
livingston & paradise valley
Shuffleboard Wednesday
Lone Peak Brewery, 8 p.m.
Dos Mayos
Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.
Bozeman
Bozeman
Bob Britten, 6:30 p.m.
Sizzling Salsa Christmas Party, 8 p.m.
Baxter Ballroom
LIBRARY CLOSED
tuesday, dec. 25
Kenny Diamond
Carabiner, 4 p.m.
saturday, dec. 15
Bozeman
Open Mike
Haufbrau, 10 p.m.
Saddle Tramps
Eagles, 9 p.m. (and Sat.)
Bozeman
Carol & Candlelight Service
All Saints Chapel, 8 p.m.
Tony Horton Weekend
Big Sky, 9 a.m.
big sky
tuesday, dec. 18
Kenny Diamond
Carabiner, 4 p.m.
Winter Wonderland
Children’s Museum of Bozeman, 11 a.m.
Sister Mary Ignatius Explains it All For You
Equinox Theater, 8 p.m. (and Sat.)
Rodeo Run Dogsled Races
Old Airport, thru 12/16
big sky
big sky
Sister Mary Ignatius explains it all for you
Equinox Theater, 8 p.m. (and Sat.)
west yellowstone
Big Sky Weekly
sunday, dec. 23
big sky
Advent Candle Lighting
All Saints Chapel, 9:30 a.m.
UKE Group
Wild Joe’s, 7:30 p.m.
Sizzling Salsa
Baxter Ballroom, 7:30 p.m.
thursday, dec. 27
Bozeman
big sky
Christmas Tea
Gallatin Gateway Inn, 2 p.m.
Eagle Mount Demo Days
Moonlight Basin, 10 a.m.
Kostas
Kountry Korner Café, 5:30 p.m.
Bozeman
Irish Music Sing
Pub 317, 7 p.m.
Winter Wonderland
Children’s Museum of Bozeman, 11 a.m.
The Stringjumpers
The Mint in Belgrade, 7 p.m.
Yellowstone’s West Entrance
Open for Oversnow Travel
explorebigsky.com
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 41
explorebigsky.com
entertainment
Big Sky Weekly
In Montana, on Men’s Journal
“Remote and Refined” filmed at Montana guests ranches
By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR
big sky weekly editor
MONTANA, NEW YORK – A new
video series on the Men’s Journal website
is showcasing some of Montana’s finest
digs, and a top talent is hosting the show.
In its first two segments, “Remote and
Refined,” a four-part series shot on location across the American West, features
Triple Creek Ranch and the Resort at
Paws Up, two working Montana guest
ranches.
The idea is to “show off these beautiful
ranches that you never knew existed,”
said Ryan Van Duzer, the show’s host
and a nationally acclaimed adventure
personality. “Each has their own charm
and beauty.”
In the latest video, released on Dec. 3,
Van Duzer visited Triple Creek Ranch,
tucked into the Bitterroot Mountains in
Darby, Mont. One of 475 worldwide
members of the exclusive Relais &
Chateaux hotel collection, Triple Creek
treated Van Duzer to the goods: fly fishing on the Bitterroot River.
He bagged a cutbow trout, and the
resort’s chef taught him how to prepare
his catch in style.
The first segment in the series, shot at
the Resort at Paws Up in Greenough,
Mont., 30 miles east of Missoula along
the Blackfoot River, introduced Van
Duzer to glamping (glamorous camping).
and National Geographic. He is currently found on the Discovery Channel, working on “Out of the Wild,” an
adventure reality show shot in Venezuela.
But Van Duzer, who has a broadcast
journalism degree from the University
of Colorado-Boulder, had to cut his
teeth like any journalist. In 2006, he
launched his first show, an adventure
program called “Out There,” on Boulder Public Access TV, Channel 54.
“Paws Up is nicer than a hotel room in
Manhattan,” Van Duzer said.
At this working cattle ranch, which sits
on 37,000 acres, glampers are treated to
heated slate floors, king-sized beds and
a camping butler, while having the opportunity to run cattle drives and dine
at barrel-racing event dinners.
“I was living in my mom’s basement and
wasn’t making any money,” Van Duzer
said. “But all I needed was money for
Doritos and a few beers.”
What stunned Van Duzer, however, was Montana’s landscape and its
sunsets. It was his first visit to Big Sky
Country.
The show, which aired three times a
day around the Flatirons, caught the local newspaper’s eye. The Boulder Daily
Camera asked Van Duzer to produce a
weekly adventure series for the paper’s
website, and it set his career in motion.
“I totally fell in love with Montana,”
the Boulder, Colo. native said. “I love
small town Americana.”
For Van Duzer, the adventure film segments are nothing new.
In 2007, after a two-year stint in the
Peace Corps in Honduras, Van Duzer
set out on a trip that marked both his
sense of adventure and his success:
He rode his bicycle from Honduras to
Boulder.
The 33-year-old video journalist and
filmmaker has hosted and produced
more than 70 videos, appearing on the
Travel Channel, the History Channel
Afterward, he sent a short video
about the 4,000-mile bike ride to the
Travel Channel, which aired on the
station’s “What’s Your Trip,” hosted
by television personality Andrew
Zimmern. The Travel Channel then
began showing Van Duzer’s work
regularly.
“I want to make people happy,” Van
Duzer said. “I don’t do this stuff to
show off, it’s so I can inspire people.”
The ‘out there guy,’ as he is affectionately known in Boulder, plans to keep
on trucking and get people off their
couches and into adventure.
As he’d say at the end of each show
on Channel 54, pointing into the
camera: “Get out there!”
The third episode of “Remote and
Refined” was filmed in Wyoming and
will air in January, while the final
segment has yet to be shot. Van Duzer
said the plan is for Colorado or Utah,
and it will hit the website in February. For more on Ryan Van Duzer and
to view “Remote and Refined,” visit
mensjournal.com/adventure/remoteand-refined.
Sleigh ride dinnerS
Featuring...
Sleigh Ride Dinners
Day Sleigh Rides
Heated Sleighs
Fun for the entire family!
cache creek outfitterS
Big Sky, Montana
42 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
explorebigsky.com
•
406-995-3888
fun
By maria wyllie
big sky weekly editorial assistant
Find out what tunes we’re bumping! In “Powder Playlist,” Big Sky
Weekly staff and guests suggest a soundtrack for a day on the mountain,
and local riders have a chance to share what they listen to when they
shred. Keep in mind it’s important to be aware of your surroundings
while skiing, and listening to music too loudly can be dangerous.
Guest picks
Staff picks
Originally from Kansas City, MO, snow- This issue’s staff picks showcase a vawww.VectorOpenStock.com
boarders Derek Cummings and
Cody riety of music. Whether you’re suiting
up to shred or riding down the bowl,
and Austin Budelouich throw you
these songs will make you want to
some fresh, electronic beats and a
point your tips and charge it.
metal track for those extra long days.
New to Big Sky, Cummings and the
Budelouich brothers work as lift opera- Song, artist:
tors for Big Sky Resort and are ready to
1. Breezeblocks, Alt-J
get to know Lone Mountain.
2. Wildfire (Paper Diamond Remix), SBTRKT
Song, artist:
3. Callin’ Out, Lyrics Born
1. Buzzin’, OVERWERK
4. Lez Go, Cypress Hill & Rusko
2. Spectrum (feat. Matthew Koma), Zedd
5. Caribou Lou, Tech N9ne
3. Killin’ it, Krewella
6. Daddy’s Lambo, Yelawolf
4. Shadow in the Rose Garden, The M
Machine
7. Mondrian, Andre Legacy
5. Another Day, The Album Leaf
6. Arrive Beautiful Leave Ugly, Dada Life
7. I Never Wanted, As I Lay Dying
8. Starchaser, Coyote Kisses
9. The Sun, The Naked and Famous
10. Free (The Stratos Spaced Out Remix),
Twin Atlantic
-ELK RIDGE RANCH-
LIVINGSTON • $2,100,000
640 +/- acres (4 parcels), spectacular elk, deer and antelope hunting,
borders USFS land, Yellowstone River access, minutes to town
More Fine Ranch & Recreational Offerings:
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROAD • BELGRADE • $4,300,000
719 +/- acres, 3,622 +/- sf home, primitive cabin, borders USFS land,
Mill Creek runs through, water rights, productive hay ground
ROCK CREEK SECTION • GARDINER • $2,700,000
640 +/- acres, log cabin, meadows, creeks, springs, trees,
borders USFS land for 3.5 +/- miles, excellent recreational property
T BAR Z ROAD • WHITEHALL • $1,450,000
237 +/- acres, 6,048 +/- sf home was lodge for the historic
T Bar Z Ski Area, Locati designed addition, trees, alpine meadow
Don Pilotte
Broker, GRI, SFR
Resort & Recreation Specialist
RanchMT.com
(406) 580-0155
explorebigsky.com
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 43
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing team, family and clients for
their dedication and loyalty through the building of our new business;
ontana Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate
Warmest Wishes for a Happy & Healthy 2013!
Owners |
Martha Johnson, Broker
406.580.5891
Craig Smit, Broker
406.581.5751
[email protected]
[email protected]
Michael Schreiner, Associate
406.580.5624
Karen Davids, Associate
406.580.5700
[email protected]
Martha & Scott Johnson
ontana Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate
[email protected]
Suzanne Schreiner, Associate
406.570.4935
[email protected]
Kevin Butler, Broker
406.570.3890
[email protected]
John Bauchman, Associate
406.570.1920
[email protected]
ELKRIDGE 32
The Club at Spanish
Peaks, 5bd, 7 bath, on
the golf course/ski in/
ski out. Gorgeous
views.
$3,485,000
The Pines Condominium
4 bd, 4 bath, centrally
located, huge views of
the Spanish Peaks,
model unit.
From $429,000
240 TROPhy BuLL
3 bd + bunk room,
5 bath on 20 acres.
Borders National
Forest with top of
the world views.
$1,950,000
Snowcrest 8512
Ski-in/ski-out, heart of
the mountain village.
Best ski location in Big
Sky, solid rental history. 3
bd, 3.5 bath.
$1,399,000
Ducks Pond Estate
The Club at Spanish
Peaks, 4 bd, 4.5
bath, timber framed
construction, 20 acres.
$1,599,000
ELK RIDGE #69
The Club at Spanish
Peaks, 4bd, 5.5 bath,
5,000 sq ft. Ski-in/ski-out,
.96 acres, great views,
fabulous decking and hot
tub.
$3,050,000
This information is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change, withdrawal and approval of purchase by owner. All information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed by Montana
Living - Big Sky Real Estate, independent investigation is recommended. For properties being purchased at The Club at Spanish Peaks approval for membership is required prior to closing. If you
are currently working with another real estate agent, this is not intended as a solicitation.
BigSkyRealEstate .com | 406.995.6333 | Located in Big Sky Town Center
GREAThORN K
RANCh #3
Fabulous 20 acres
located only minutes to
Big Sky Town Center.
Resident wildlife
& gorgeous views.
$649,000
3079 TwO MOONS
Spacious home 4 Bd
& 4 Baths. Great
location w/easy walk
to Town Center and
Golf Course. Granite
counters, slate and
hardwood floors. Hot
tub. Motivated Seller.
$699,000
ESSENTIA
CONDOMINIuMS
2 units, 2 great
floorplans, central
location in Big Sky Town
Center. Strong long
or short term rental
history .
$405,000 & $480,000
BLACK EAGLE
CONDOMINIuM S
Ski-in/Ski-out. In the
Mountain Village. 3
to choose from. One
finished and furnished.
3-5 bdrm. New
construction. Great
rental history.
From $895,000
1620 ChIEF JOSEPh
Generational estate.
7,500 sq. ft. 4 Suites,
elevator, office and
workout room. 8.3
acres with amazing
views of Big Sky.
Broker owned.
Call for price.
POwDER RIDGE
CABIN #126
Ski-in/ski-out, 5 bd, 4
bath, 3,064 sq. ft. hot tub
and single car garage.
Big views from multiple
decks. Great rental
history.
$895,000
This information is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change, withdrawal and approval of purchase by owner. All information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed by Montana
Living - Big Sky Real Estate, independent investigation is recommended. For properties being purchased at The Club at Spanish Peaks approval for membership is required prior to closing. If you
are currently working with another real estate agent, this is not intended as a solicitation.
explorebigsky.com
wanderer at rest
Big Sky Weekly
How do I unlike?
By jamie balke
Friend: “Hey! Oh … I guess you
don’t know.”
Normally I write this column about misadventures,
realizations, or my love affair with the West. Today,
if you don’t mind, I would like to rant.
Me: “Know what? Is everything
okay?”
big sky weekly collumnist
In my humble opinion, Facebook may be out of
hand. I’ll admit to posting my share of moody song
lyrics and carefully selected photos on my old page,
but those days are gone.
I am happily deactivated, having decided I’m better
off if I don’t see the statements people make online.
Also, the constant need to stay ahead of new privacy
concerns creeped me out. I am not advocating this
decision is for everyone but I haven’t looked back,
except for missing the birthday reminders, which
were super-handy.
Unlike
Friend: “Everything’s fine, but
since you’re not on Facebook
anymore, you probably didn’t see
my post.”
This last part is usually accompanied by a pitying
look and mild annoyance at the inconvenience I’ve
caused by forcing my friend to repeat him/herself.
I acknowledge that Facebook is successful. It is a
remarkable way for people to share, connect, and
express themselves, and I respect that. Rock on with
your bad self.
At first, I had a “live and let live” Facebook philosophy. However, it didn’t take long before this most
pervasive of mediums infiltrated my face-to-face
conversations.
Post the pictures that help distant loved ones feel
closer; Tell people what you are thinking and what
is important to you; Receive words of support and
encouragement.
The following interaction has transpired often
enough to give me pause:
I find it disconcerting we prefer sharing information with an online audience, rather than having a
discussion, in which we gradually unravel details of
our lives in a dynamic give-and-take exchange. Call
me old-fashioned, but that wierds me out.
My intention is not to rally for a false simplicity of
times past. Being twenty-something, I recognize
this column could border on blasphemy – I appreciate the incredible opportunities of a world connected online.
Then again, I hope investment in carefully constructed online personalities doesn’t lessen our
investment in meaningful personal connections.
Or maybe I’m reading too much into this and need
to get over myself.
End rant.
I hope I have not angered The Facebook.
Me: “Hey friend, how goes it?”
Jamie Balke moved to Bozeman in the fall of 2009.
She can generally be found behind the cover of a book,
meandering down a trail or desperately trying not to
kill houseplants.
Discover the north side
of the
biggest skiing in america
®
at moonlight basin resort
New this winter!
BAGJUMP
Come check it out and get ready to
LAUNCH!
moonlightbasin.com · (406) 993-6000
@moonlightbasin · #moonlightbasin
46 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
explorebigsky.com
VOLKSWAGEN OF BOZEMAN
On all makes
and models
2013 VW TIGUAN 2.0T S
26
MPG
HWY**
329
$
PER MONTH LEASE/
42 MONTHS
12,000 MILES/YEAR
0
0
$
0
$
$
Down Payment
Security Deposit
First Month’s Payment
0
$
DUE AT
SIGNING
$329 per month lease for 42 months with $0 total* due at signing. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Payment based on MSRP of
$27,750. 12,000 miles per year, residual amount $15,540.00. On approved credit. See Dealer for details. Offer ends December 31st, 2012.
*OAC. Not All Buyers Will Qualify. ** EPA estimate www.fueleconomy.gov
D R I V I N G
T O
C O N S E R V E
(406) 586-1771
M O N T A N A
Text 579-9966 for Service
31910 Frontage Road
Same Day Service for Most Repairs
SALES Mon-Fri 9-6 • Sat 9-5
montanaimportgroup.com
SERVICE Mon-Fri 7:30-6 • Sat 9-5
explorebigsky.com
Noun: wild or rough terrain
adjacent to a developed area
Origin: shortened form of
“back 40 acres”
Big Sky Weekly
For the Big Sky Weekly, the Back 40 is a resource: a
place where we can delve into subjects and ask experts
to share their knowledge. Topics include regional
history, profiles of local artists and musicians, snow and
avalanche education, how-to pieces for traditional or
outdoor skills, and science.
Preparation and Execution:
Tips for a great season in the backcountry
By ERic Knoff
Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center
Heading out for a day in the hills is easy and
rewarding. But we must follow a few simple
preparations that if not practiced routinely can
result in drastic consequences.
1. BEFORE YOU GO
Being prepared starts at home, with making
sure your equipment is operating correctly and
knowing how to use it.
Beacon, shovel, probe
One often-overlooked detail is the lifespan of your
avalanche transceiver batteries. Replace them at
the start of every winter season, no matter how
much use they received the previous winter. Know
how to check the transceiver battery power, and
when it drops below 50 percent, change them out.
Never use rechargeable batteries in a transceiver
– they wear out quickly and do poorly in the cold.
In addition, an avalanche shovel and probe always
accompany your transceiver. Make sure these
important rescue tools assemble properly and
weren’t damaged during their hibernation in the
gear closet.
Practice
Before heading into avalanche terrain, do at least an
hour or two of avalanche transceiver practice with
your backcountry partners. Being familiar with
all your equipment before you leave the house is a
great way to ensure you make it home for dinner.
Education
Gathering valuable backcountry information only
takes a minute and is easily done at home. Know
the phone number and website address of the
local avalanche center (see footer). Stay updated on
current local avalanche and weather conditions.
48 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
Check the schedule of avalanche education classes
offered in your community, and take at least one
course geared toward avalanche education and safe
backcountry travel.
2. AT THE TRAILHEAD
Preparation continues once you reach the
trailhead.
Make a plan
Communicate with your partners and make a plan
for that specific day. This plan should be made
around each individual’s riding ability and from
the information you received at home concerning
weather and avalanche conditions. Know if the
area you are riding in has cell phone coverage and
which members of the team are carrying a cell
phone. Communication between partners is often
neglected and can play a huge role in the outcome
of the day.
Beacon check
When a plan has been made and everyone is
comfortable with the agenda, a transceiver check
on every member needs to be conducted. This
simple procedure only takes a minute. Turn all
transceivers to transmit. One member then turns
his transceiver to receive and checks for the loud
beeping and blinking lights as he gets close to each
individual. After transceivers have been turned on
and checked, they are strapped to the body under
at least one piece of clothing. They must always
be turned on at the car and should never go into
packs or on the outside of riding apparel. Other
equipment checks on probes, shovels and first aid
kits should also be done at the car.
3. HAVE A FUN, SAFE DAY OUT
Use your preparations and knowledge to make
it a safe day on the slopes. Terrain recognition
and good route finding are essential skills for
explorebigsky.com
backcountry travel. Venturing into avalanche
terrain requires clear communication and a team
mentality.
One at a time
Exposing only one skier/rider at a time on
avalanche prone slopes is imperative. Putting more
than one person on a slope dramatically increases
the chance of triggering an avalanche. With one
rider on the slope, the rest of the team must be
in a safe zone, with a clear view of the rider at all
times. This will allow a rapid response in case an
avalanche does occur.
Understanding of terrain
Recognition of potentially dangerous slopes,
terrain traps and islands of safety are also integral
to traveling in avalanche terrain.
Weather
Weather influences daily planning and
preparations. Rapid weather changes can rapidly
change the stability of the snowpack. Consistent
temperature observations, wind direction and
precipitation should be routinely noted. It doesn’t
need to be snowing for the avalanche hazard to be
increasing. Strong winds can load slopes quickly,
making them unpredictable and dangerous.
Staying focused and aware of your surroundings
will allow you to make safe decisions throughout
the day.
Applying simple preparations to a well-tuned
baseline of skills is an effective way to ensure a
safe and fun backcountry experience.
Eric Knoff is a forecaster with the Gallatin National Forest
Avalanche Center. Visit GNFAC at mtavalanche.com, or call
(406) 587-6981. This piece was adapted from one originally
written for the Montana Snowmobile Association.
Big Sky Weekly
clothing • jewelry • accessories • gadgets • skis • snowboards • baselayers • outerwear
Gifts
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
Looking to do your last minute shopping? Here are some recommendations, from Lone Mountain Ranch’s
authentic Montana sleigh ride, to the hottest touchscreen compatible gloves from Black Diamond.
Kletterwerks Kurier
If you haven’t heard of Dana Gleason, you should probably crawl out from
underneath the rock where you’ve been living and buy one of his packs.
The founder of Dana Design and Mystery Ranch cut his teeth making Kletterwerks, which went bankrupt in 1983 after Gleason sold his stake. Kletterwerks
remained Bozeman lore until 2012, when Gleason’s son D3 resurrected the
business, bringing back the timeless look and functional designs.
I use the Kletterwerks Kurier every day. It holds my computer, camera, documents and all the necessary accessories for a mountain journalist. My fly reel is
kicking around in there, too. It’s comfortable, essential and the rust orange color
turns heads all over town. Available at Schnee’s in Bozeman. – Tyler Allen
kletterwerks.com $299
Aleworks
gift certificates
Tyler Allen toting his Kletterwerks Kurier to a happy hour meeting at Aleworks
Montana Ale Works in Bozeman is forking over good deals
this holiday season, notably, its
gift cards. Buy a $25 gift card for
your loved ones, employees or
associates until Dec. 23 and get
a free $5 gift certificate thrown
in for yourself. Want a holiday
bonus? A $100 gift card purchase
will get you a $25 certificate. The
gift cards are treated like cash,
and the certificate is for one-time
use between Dec. 26 and March
31. Use it to get yourself a pint of
beer from one of their 40 taps and
toast to the giving season. - T.A.
Photo by Tim Gates of kletterwerks
Rugged urban mountain tech
Retro yet modern, the Kletterwerks Nobel Pocket should probably win the Nobel gear prize. Simple in design but ultra-functional,
the padded pouch safely holds an ipad; a padded internal divider and pockets help organize smaller items like power cords, iphones
or ipods. – Megan Paulson
$59
Black Diamond digital liner glove
Sleighride dinner
I admit, I’m one
of those people – I
constantly have
my iPhone out. I’m
either switching
my playlist, trying
to locate my ski
partner, or faking
I’m in the office by
answering emails
on the chairlift.
The Black Diamond
digital liner gloves
are perfect for
Photo by Tyler Busby
any cold weather
touch screen activity. They are light enough to comfortably fit under my snowboarding mittens, and warm enough to wear on their own every day. The touch
screen compatible finger pads are practically undetectable, so I can be a tech geek
without actually looking like one. The index finger pads work like a charm, even
through my hard shell phone case. The slightly bulkier thumb pads make composing texts a little cumbersome, but nothing that autocorrect can’t fix (just make
sure you proofread). These gloves would make a great gift for any touch screen
user in your life. – Kelsey Dzintars
blackdiamondequipment.com $49.95
Wrap a heavy wool blanket around you and breathe in the cold night air. The
sleigh moves slowly behind the team of draft horses, and spruce and fir trees
are silhouetted, dark against the night sky. Lone Mountain Ranch has hosted
sleigh ride dinners for 33 years, pulling guests to the candlelit North Fork cabin
for Montana-raised prime rib dinners cooked on a wood-fired stove, live music
and cowboy poetry, and wholesome fun. Vegetarian and kids meals available.
lonemountainranch.com $63 - $98 - Emily Stifler
50 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
explorebigsky.com
Photo by brian niles
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
Krimson Klover
Andora sweater
The Krimson Klover Andora sweater
is made from lightweight, tightly
woven, supersoft merino wool –
something not often found in such
a fashionable piece. The draping
boatneck, dolomite sleeves and
slimming waistband all add to the
allure of this sweater, which is perfect
for the winter chills. Its versatile style
makes it ideal for a casual day around
town or a dinner date in the throes of
January. There is no reason to resort to
turtlenecks to stay warm this season.
-Katie Morrison
$166 krimsonklover.com
Shelly Bermont
custom jewelry
Jeweler Shelly Bermont believes if you have a special
piece of jewelry, you should
be able to wear it every
day – even with jeans. “It
shouldn't stay in a jewelry
box because it’s too fancy to
wear,” she says.
With 25 years of experience, Bermont might transform formal pearl earrings into a custom leather lariat,
or perhaps set diamonds into a hand-hammered fine
sterling bracelet with a matte gold cap. Her signature
line specializes in raw diamonds, large South Sea and
Tahitian pearls, and 18 and 22 carat gold. She sells
wholesale in Montana, and she’ll wrap and deliver.
– E.S.
Call Bermont for a private appointment – (406) 548-4477,
or find her at shellybermont.com. Starting at $750
Sanuk Torrey boots
The Sanuk Torreys may be made by SoCal surfers, but my redneck boyfriend calls them mule skinner boots – obviously a compliment. I say they’re stylish enough to wear with a dress, grippy enough
for walking in the snow and on the SlackRack, and comfy enough to wear with jeans. The back zipper
makes on/off easy, and I’m crazy for the fluffy faux shearling lining. – E.S.
$149 sanuk.com
Vintage winter
Vintage Winter has
a large collection of
antiques, home decor and
other ski and alpine-related gifts that make great
presents for any winter
sports enthusiast. Experienced antique dealers Jeff
Hume and Nick Thomas
started the company
because they love skiing,
they love Big Sky, and
they love powder.
“We are always looking
for unique items to fit
into our alpine lifestyle and high-end resort cabins,” Hume said.
Vintage Winter’s toboggan wall shelf and snowboard coat rack are two of the
company’s most popular items and are both crafted by hand, one at a time with
quality hardwoods to ensure durability and functionality.
The toboggan shelf is the perfect addition to any home needing some winter flair.
It was designed with the classic American western toboggan in mind and features
steam-bent slats combined with aged wood. The shelf comes in two different
sizes priced at $289 for the smaller shelf and $379 for the larger.
The vintage snowboard coat rack is a well-made replica of the early wooden
snowboards inspired in part by the classic Brunswick Snurfer made by Sherman
Poppen in 1967. On sale for $79, this is one coat rack that won’t disappoint.
Visit vintagewinter.com to purchase some lasting Christmas gifts. Outlaw readers get 15% off their entire order by entering promo code OUTLAW. – M.W.
explorebigsky.com
Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 51
Gifts
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition
The new GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition is a game
changer on the video front and in the action sports
arena. A trimmer size with twice the power of the
Hero 2, the new unit is equipped with resolutions
and frame rates only found in rigs 10 times its
size and price. The image of the 2.7k resolution at
30 frames per second is astonishing, and the 120
frames per second at 720p yields smooth slow-mo
playback to rival any camera. If you don’t have one
yet, get in line – the Hero 3 Black Edition sells out
quickly. Sit back and watch GoPro take over the
world. – Brian Niles
gopro.com $399
Photo by brian niles
Exotac FreeKey
Exotac nanoSTRIKER
fire starter
You dropped your lighter in the river and lost your
matches. It’s cold and damp, and you’ve got to
spend the night out. Luckily, you’ve got molten
lava in your kit: a bag of dry tinder and your Exotac Nano Striker. Be warned, throwing sparks with
this tiny tool takes a bit of practice, as does making
a backcountry fire. But when you get it, it might
save your life. – E.S.
exotac.com/nanostriker-xl $32.95
We found Batman's keychain. The
FreeKey is a traditional key ring with
a crease in it. Pinch the crease, the ring
opens, the keys slide on or off. Just like
that. No more busted fingernails. The
matte-gray stainless gives the FreeKey a
look that’s simple and refined. -E.S.
exotac.com $6.49
Bringing you closer to
Santosha (contentment) today...
yoga
massage
acupuncture
chiropractic
ayurveda
thai massage
Bringing you closer to
Santosha (contentment) today...
yoga
massage
acupuncture
chiropractic
ayurveda
thai massage
406-993-2510 • 169 Snowy Mountain Circle • Big Sky, Montana
s ant o s hab i g s ky.c o m
Joi n us - Holiday Party & Open House, Dec. 30th, 5:30-7:30pm
52 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
explorebigsky.com
Creighton Block
Rob Akey
Greg Alexander
Jim Barrett
Susan Blackwood
Diana Brady
Dot Brandt
Lynn Cain
Todd Connor
Tom Dean
John DeMott
Jerral Derr yberr y
Flavia Eckholm
Edd Enders
Thomas English
Howard Friedland
Mark Gibson
R. Tom Gilleon
Don Grant
Mimi Grant
Frank Hagel
Ott Jones
Harr y Koyama
David Lemon
Asha MacDonald
Mike Patterson
Paula Pearl
Jacqueline Rieder Hud
Gar y Lynn Rober ts
Daniel San Souci
Deb Schmit
Kevin Red Star
Laurie Stevens
Ezra Tucker
Jack Waller
Shirle Wempner
Greg Woodard
UPCOMING EVENTS
DEC E MBE R 1 4 , 4 :0 0 - 9 :0 0 PM
Ch ri s tm as Stro l l a nd Bo o k Si g ni ng in th e Ch a rsa m Room
Celebrate the season at the Galler y to include holiday food and drink and a book signing in the Charsam Room,
located across the hall from Grizzly Outfitters.
DEC E MBE R 1 5 , 1 0 :0 0 AM - 6 :0 0 PM
Ba rb a ra Pi erce Je wel r y Trunk Show
Join us for the trunk show of this amazing jewelr y and bead work by Montana resident, Barbara Pierce.
W I N E TA S T I N G S
E V E RY T H U R S DAY AT 4 : 3 0 P M
provid ed by
DEC E MBE R 1 5 , 1 2 :0 0 - 7 :0 0 PM
Gra nd o p eni ng cel e b rati o n o f “Pri v ate Collection S alon ”
the
cave
Spirits & Gifts
Ar twork also displayed at
Outlaw Par tners and Lone Mountain
Ranch Dining Room
BI G SK Y TOWN CENTER
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM // TUESDAY THRU SUNDAY
MONDAYS BY APPOINTMENT
Please visit the gallery to view our
extensive collection of fine works of art
in the Main Gallery, the Charsam Room,
and the new Private Collection Salon.
Gear
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
Here, the Weekly editorial staff has chosen some of our favorite gear for 2013.
ALPINE
Ripping powder at Baldface Lodge, Nelson, B.C. Photo by Nick Diamond
Mens: Wagner Customs
After 36 years of skiing, I was skeptical a small boutique custom ski shop in Colorado
could create a ski that really was that much better.
When I conducted my ski design phone interview with company founder Pete Wagner, I
told him I wanted boards that could handle everything from the deep BC powder to the
steeps of Big Sky – something solid on fast groomers, yet tough enough to endure collisions with Montana rocks.
The end product had an early-rise design and stiff tail that was a custom match for me,
with showstopper graphics. It blows any other ski I’ve ridden out of the water. The only
problem with Wagner skis: I’m not sure what to do with the balance of my ski quiver
gathering dust in the garage. Congrats, Pete Wagner. Bravo! – Eric Ladd
wagnerskis.com Starting at $1,750
Womens: Nordica La Niña
Like their namesake weather pattern, you can ski the Nordica La Niñas bigger than
you think.
Although these lively sticks are designed for pow, they handle chop and hard-pack
surprisingly well. At 113 mm underfoot the La Niñas are fat; however, the high rise
tip and tail combined with traditional camber underfoot makes them versatile for
tight trees or super-G turns down Marx.
Nordica’s “Women’s i-CORE,” or “Wi-CORE,” technology trims weight, so these
boards are 25 percent lighter than traditional wood core skis. Even so, the sandwich
sidewall construction is burly – go ahead, whack some andesite. This ski rips. Available in 169, 177 or 185 cm, at Chalet Sports in Bozeman. – Emily Stifler
nordica.com $749
54 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
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explorebigsky.com
nordic
Skate or classic:
Rossignol X-IUM WCS
If you want a light, fast, high-performance
setup, check out the Rossignol X-IUM WCS
(World Cup Series) skis and boots. These skis
have already racked up multiple podiums on
the World Cup Circuit and have new features
for 2012-2013.
The skate boots, 50 grams lighter than previous models, have a stiffer sole for better
power conversion to the ski. The classic boots
have a new look and are 30 grams lighter than
before. Both have a low volume option and
are Thermo-moldable to find that perfect fit
for any foot shape.
Photo courtesy of Freeheel and Wheel
Classic: Atomic Skintec Classic Ski
Old timers may remember an era when nordic skis utilized mohair strips in the
kick pocket for easy uphill travel. With the Skintec Classic, Atomic has brought
back this technology in the form of magnetic inserts. Attaching to the base, the
inserts allow for an extremely short climbing zone, which in turn allows the ski
to glide like the wind. Two different sizes allow customization of your grip for
the conditions.
These skis are ideal for performance classic skiing, with stable and secure grip.
Each of the four lengths is offered in a medium or hard flex to allow a superb fit
based on skier weight and ability. Available in 184, 191, 198 and 205 cm.
– Melissa Alder, Freeheel and Wheel
atomic.com $489
snowboard
Big Sky Weekly
Designed for competitive skiers, the X-IUM
WCS skis feature a Nomex Honeycomb core
and Control Edge ABS sidewalls. On the
skate skis, the tip is lower and shorter for better maneuverability and swing weight. The
WC1 model has stiffer flex and lower camber
height for high speed on firm snow, and the
WC2 has a higher camber height for universal
snow types.
Having the right ski and flex is crucial to
enjoying nordic skiing. Nordic Ski Source,
a Bozeman shop, does a wonderful job of
fitting you with the right gear. Now get out
there and start enjoying winter! – Andrew
Kastning, head nordic coach at University of
Alaska-Anchorage, former MSU assistant
coach
nordicskisource.com. $660
All Mountain: Venture Helix
All Mountain Twin
With its K.G. Libbrecht crystal snowflake design and poppy neon
colors, this deck might seem suited for Big Mountain Barbie or
Fisher Price: My First Snowboard. But don't be fooled. The Helix is
a predator posing as a house pet.
Park: Never Summer Evo
The Never Summer Evo is an awesome park/jib board. Unlike most
reverse camber snowboards, the Evo is super stable at high speeds,
because it’s a hybrid cambered snowboard, meaning it’s reverse camber
between the bindings, and cambered from the binding out. This gives
you four points of contact instead of two, like most other boards. The
Evo has a buttery, soft ride, which helps with pressing on park features
or schmearing down the mountain. Because Never Summer boards are
a little thicker than most other companies’, they can take some abuse,
whether rock dodging on the tram or bonking features in the park. Available at Gallatin Alpine Sports in Big Sky. – Brent Mach, Moonlight
Basin Terrain Park Manager
neversummer.com $499
E-Mo showing the method to his madness
Photo by Erik Morrison
With an aggressive flex and quadratic sidecut wrapped into a no
nonsense chassis, this twin goes where few of its kind will follow.
Stable at speed, it holds a solid edge and is at home in the steeps.
These features, combined with the subtle rocker and twin shape,
made for a poppy little jib stick that stomps landings and rides big.
It is a little heavier than its peers, but what it loses in weight it
makes up for in durability. I smoked more rocks than Tyrone Biggums last season and still couldn't break this board. In the end, this
pretty little shred machine rode her way into my heart and found a
permanent place in my quiver. – E-Mo
venturesnowboards.com $895
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Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 55
Gear
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
hats
Style: Tilley Tec-Wool Winter Hat
No one will ever question your authority while you’re wearing the
Tilley Tec-Wool Hat. This hand-sewn lid is comfortable, stylish
and sensible. Tuckaway ear warmers keep you warm; rain and snow
repellency keep you dry; and SPF 50 offers sun protection. Tilley’s
C_Change membrane lining reacts to changing body temperatures,
causing it to 'close' when exposed to cold air and 'open' in
response to warmth, allowing air to escape. Escape like Indyin-a-hurry with the crushable and packable design, and
rest well knowing Tilley products are guaranteed
for life. Available in Bozeman at Bob Ward &
Sons, R.E.I., Schnee's, The Bozeman Angler
and Wholesale Sports. – Sean Weas
tilley.com $105
Active: Wizbang
vintagewinter.com
A collection of Alpine Home Decor and Chalet Style Antiques
Vintage Ski Posters
$19
collectable ski sets
starting at $325
bindings
Being a long-time Wizbang fan, I never thought the
product could get even better. However, this fall
new owner Kim Scurry introduced a micro-fleece
lining and ponytail compatible hats, taking Wizbang to
another level of greatness. Best part: the thin micro-fleece
is on the lower hat band, so the fit is still trim and the material is highly breathable. With sizing for kids and adults and
more than 25 patterns and colors like Desert Bloom and
Meteor Shower to choose from, there is something for
everyone. I use my Wizbang year-round, but in winter they
are my go-to for ski touring, nordic, under my ski helmet on
extra cold days and of course, aprés. Made in the U.S., Wizbang hats and headbands are available locally at Grizzly
Outfitters, Schnee's, Northern Lights Trading Co. and
Free Heel and Wheel. – Megan Paulson
wizbanghats.com $28-$30
Backcountry: Dynafit Radical ST
The Goldilocks of tech backcountry bindings, the Radical ST is just
right. “They’re selling like crazy hotcakes,” said Dynafit PR guru
Eric Henderson. Like the Vertical ST – which is Dynafit’s tried and
true original model – the Radical ST is super light (2 lbs., 5 oz/pair).
And like Papa Bear, the Radical FT, Goldilocks has power towers,
which make it easier to step into the binding handsfree, and gives them more lateral strength. The
Radical ST’s are lighter, however, since they
have a slightly narrower toe footprint, and
no carbon strip underfoot or brakes.
Available at Gallatin Alpine Sports
in Big Sky. – E.S.
$500 dynafit.com
In-bounds: Marker Jesters
Ski wall sconce
$229
three pane ski frame
$359
any items at
VintageWinter.com
off
15
%
56 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
Lone Mountain has every type of terrain: open bowls, tight chutes,
bumps, groomers and trees. It also dishes out every snow condition
known to man... powder, wind-buff, chalky, carvy, rocky, slidefor-life, corn, crust, more powder. The binding I choose to keep
me attached to my sticks and tackle this terrain: the Marker Jester.
Mounted flat to my Wagner custom skis, the Jesters allow
direct energy transmission from boot to binding to
ski, something I appreciate. I've never pre-released, and the DIN is easily adjustable for
extra-sketchy conditions. The 2013
model includes a colorful white/
blue/yellow combo. – M.P.
$359 markerusa.com
use promo code:
Outlaw
explorebigsky.com
Photo by Chris Davis
Big Sky Weekly
Photo by erik morrison
Bottom: Bergans Fjellrapp Lady
3/4 Tights
A great balance of warmth without bulk, the Bergans 3/4 Tights are the
perfect base layer for alpine activities. The three-quarter length eliminates sock bunch in your boots, and the paneled flatlock seams mean
they move with you for any variety of winter pursuits. – K.M.
Photo by chris davis
Socks: Darn Tough Over-the-Calf
Cushion socks
I believe a good pair of socks is one of the best things in life.
Warm socks are the only thing I ask for every holiday season, and
I'm a self proclaimed sock connoisseur. Specifically designed for
snowboarding, the Darn Tough Over-the-Calf Cushion socks have
kept my feet warm and comfortable on the hill and on pre-season trail
runs this fall. Their construction is unmatched: They contour in exactly
the right places and they stay in place no matter what. They have usurped
all others in my dresser and earned a starting position for ski season. Available at Northern Lights Trading Co. in Bozeman. – Chris Davis
darntough.com $24
Top: Patagonia Capilene 4
expedition-weight ¼-zip hoody
The wind gusted into the 30s near the top of Swifty. That morning I considered adding
a lighter capilene base layer but opted instead for the Cap 4 and a mid-weight under my
shell. No problem. The Cap 4’s brushed fleece lining and snug fit kept my core warm,
while its breathability staved off that uncomfortable clammy feeling some capilene can
give you. When the wind picked up, I zipped up the tall collar and donned the anatomical hood beneath my helmet to block out the breeze. It worked, plus it made me look
like a ninja. Patagonia’s Cap 4 hoody just earned its place in my base layer rotation. Available in black, grey and molten lava. – Joseph T. O’Connor
patagonia.com $119
OF BIG S
ST
KY
BE
baselayers
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20
12
V
O
TE
D
BY
YO
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Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 57
406. 995. 3830
LOCATED IN THE BIG SKY TOWN CENTER
OPEN AT 11 A.M., LUNCH AND DINNER
BIG SKY, MONTANA
outerwear
Gear
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
Backcountry:
Arc’teryx Gamma SK pants
Made of burly, double weave softshell, the Gamma SK’s are
stretchy and way comfortable, waterproof, breathable, plenty
warm, and roomy enough for layering. The cuffs are ski boot
compatible, and the sleek, built-in gaiters are bomber enough for
tromping around in snow pits. Besides, they’re flattering (and
available in plum!). Look out, Gallatin Peak. Men’s and women’s
sizes and colors, available at Northern Lights in Bozeman. – E.S.
arcteryx.com $245
Warmth:
Flylow Ice Man Down Jacket
The northern Rockies can get frigid, and Flylow’s Ice Man down
jacket is made for serious mountain weather. The 700-fill goose
down is cozy, and the fully-taped, two-layer waterproof shell
doesn’t let in an ounce of water, even while I interviewed snowmakers on-scene. Tack on a removable powder skirt and massive
underarm vents, and the Ice Man is surprisingly versatile. Flylow’s
website claims the jacket is as tough as Val Kilmer in Top Gun. I
agree. It can be my wingman anytime. Available in black, navy and
tarmac. – J.T.O.
flylowgear.com $400
Headgear: Smith Gage
helmet and I/OX goggles
Smith’s new products for 2013 are proving to be high
quality and totally rad. (We’re not surprised.) Looking
for a domepiece? Check out the Gage. Designed for park
riders, it’s low profile, so it stays out of the way while
you’re riding, and vented for the hike back up. At $80,
the price matches the style. The new I/OX goggles
($174) are about bigger real estate: larger lense, larger
fit on the face and larger peripheral vision. The quick
release lens system lets you swap on the go, and the
vaporator technology adjusts air pressure and prevents
fogging. All of Smith’s helmets and googles are built to
mix and match. – E.S
smithoptics.com
In-bounds:
Dakine Throttle Jacket, RPM Pants
Remember when you had to be careful asking Ullr for endless amounts of snow? Your jeans got all
soggy and uncomfortable. But then you ditched your snowblades and decided to step up your game
and find some real outerwear. Now, if you're set up with the Dakine Throttle Jacket ($359) and
RPM Pant ($249), you'll be ready for nasty weather, as well as some kind eyes from the bunnies.
Your new setup will handle anything Mother Nature throws at it – fully insulated with Primaloft,
it keeps you plenty warm, and with Teflon DWR finish and 15k/10k laminate, you'll stay fresh and
dry, whether you're throwing down in the backcountry or you spill salsa on yourself in the lodge.
A few of my favorite features are the zip-off hood, the zippered underarm and leg vents, the stylin’
micro-check pattern, the chin-protector flap and the stretch hand gaiters on the Throttle, and the
articulated fit on the RPM’s. Some colors are even available in recycled polyester – way to think ecofriendly, Dakine. - C.D.
dakine.com
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Dec. 14 - 27, 2012 59
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Big Sky Weekly
LONE MOUNTAIN RANCH
ADVENTURES & FINE DINING
DINING ROOM & SALOON
406-995-2782
Breakfast & Lunch Open Daily
Breakfast: 7am-9am, Lunch: 11:30am-1:30pm
Saloon Open Daily
Saloon: 4pm-10pm
Dinner: Sunday-Thursday
5:30pm-9:00pm, Reservations appreciated
Live music in the Saloon several nights a week. Check out
facebook.com/LoneMountainRanch for the latest information!
SLEIGH RIDE DINNER
406-995-2783
• Big Sky’s Original Sleigh Ride Dinner for over 33 years
• Montana Raised Prime Rib Dinner and Live Entertainment
• 2,000 lb. draft horse teams
• Day Sleigh Rides available
LODGING
406-995-4644
• Sleigh & Stay packages
• Authentic Montana log cabins
• 4 to 7 night all-inclusive packages
NORDIC CENTER
406-995-4734
• 85km of groomed cross country ski trails (25km are
dog-friendly!) & 30km of snowshoe trails
• Rentals, Private & Group Lessons
• Locals Women’s Weekday Clinics
• Backcountry ski and snowshoe tours
• New! Kids Program over the Holidays
• Open daily 8am-6pm
FLY FISHING
406-995-4734
• New! Snowshoe & Fly Fishing Adventures
• New! Ice Fishing Trips
• Day trips on the Gallatin & Madison Rivers
WINTER SE ASON
December 7, 2012 - March 30, 2013
OPEN HOUSE
P H : ( 4 0 6) 995 -4 64 4 | L on eMo untai nR anch. com
Res er vat ions@ L MR an c h . c om
60 Dec. 14 - 27, 2012
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Wednesday, December 12, 5-7 p.m.
PUBLIC WELCOME