big sky hunter nabs trophy elk
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big sky hunter nabs trophy elk
Life and land from the heart of the Yellowstone Region Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 Volume 5 // Issue #25 VOTE FOR BEST OF BIG SKY! Local chef named top 10 in Northwest Bozeman's Birdwalk Press BIG SKY HUNTER NABS TROPHY ELK Art of terrain park maintenance explorebigsky explorebigsky #explorebigsky ON THE COVER: Tal Rogers (front) and Noah Metzger, both from Bozeman, grease a rail at Big Sky Resort on Dec. 7. PHOTO BY BRIAN NILES Dec. 12 – Dec. 22, 2014 Volume 5, Issue No. 25 BELOW: The Big Sky Medical Center, currently under construction, pictured here on Dec. 10. The center is scheduled for completion in fall 2015. PHOTO BY BRIAN NILES Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana PUBLISHER Eric Ladd EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Joseph T. O’Connor SENIOR EDITOR/ DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR Tyler Allen ASSOCIATE EDITOR Maria Wyllie CREATIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kelsey Dzintars GRAPHIC DESIGNER Taylor-Ann Smith VIDEO DIRECTOR Brian Niles SALES AND OPERATIONS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Megan Paulson DIRECTOR OF SALES E.J. Daws ACCOUNT MANAGER Katie Morrison ACCOUNT COORDINATOR Maria Wyllie MEDIA AND EVENTS DIRECTOR Ersin Ozer ACCOUNTANT Alexis Deaton The gift of health With Christmas in the southwest Montana air and skiers setting edges on the slopes, Bozeman Deaconess Health Services already has its sights set on the 2015 holiday season, when its Big Sky Medical Center will be complete and accepting patients. CONTRIBUTORS Jen Bennett, Johanne Bouchard, Tyler Busby, Jackie Rainford Corcoran, Theresa Da Silva, Jeneé Daws, Sebastien Dion, Mike Donaldson, Dan Egan, Scott Hammond, Margaret Hasse, Colleen Helm, Ted Kooser, Mona Lovely, Chris McElaney, Colter Nuanez, Donnie Sexton, Pat Straub, Katie Smith, Katie Thomas, P.J. Wirchansky, Jessie Wiese The project is currently in the throes of construction in Big Sky’s meadow area behind the recently opened Roxy’s Market. Editorial Policy Outlaw Partners LLC is the sole owner of the Explore Big Sky. EBS reserves the right to edit all submitted material. Printed material reflects the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of Outlaw Partners or its editors. EBS will not publish anything discriminatory or in bad taste. While an early season cold snap and snowfall provided some challenges, the building is going up on schedule, according to Langlas Project Superintendent Daniel Dooley, who’s been in charge of the project since Langlas broke ground last May. Letters to the Editor Letters to the editor allow EBS readers to express views and share how they would like to effect change. These are not Thank You notes. Letters should be 250 words or less, respectful, ethical, accurate, and proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters. Include: full name, address, phone number and title. Submit to [email protected]. Employees with Langlas and Associates General Contractors out of Bozeman are working 10-hour days to complete the hospital, a nearly 43,000 square-foot facility slated to open in late fall 2015. “Mid-November up until yesterday was tough,” said Dooley on Dec. 9. “But we just completed the [second floor] elevated concrete slabs.” ADVERTISING DEADLINE For the Dec. 23 issue: Dec. 16, 2014 CORRECTIONS Please report errors to [email protected]. OUTLAW PARTNERS & EXPLORE BIG SKY P.O. Box 160250, Big Sky, MT 59716 (406) 995-2055 • [email protected] © 2014 Explore Big Sky Unauthorized reproduction prohibited Explore Big Sky regional distribution Hundreds of drop points surrounding Yellowstone National Park Workers have been “tenting” the structure by installing plastic to trap heat and keep the concrete above freezing, said Dooley, adding that other current project activities include finishing the steel structure and exterior wall framing. As of EBS press time on Dec. 10, Langlas planned to start roofing the building on Dec. 15. Designed by architects HGA, based in Minneapolis, Minn., the Big Sky Medical Center will operate seven days a week, 365 days a year, and offer complete emergency services including a CT scanner, mobile MRI, ultrasound, laboratory services, and a helipad for air ambulance services. While locals and visitors are gearing up for Christmas this year, part of Big Sky’s wish list for next winter is already being built along Lone Mountain Drive, one piece at a time. Happy holidays to you and yours. – Joseph T. O’Connor 4 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky FEATURES: TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1: News 13 Local News...................................................5 Montana................................15 Local chef named top 10 in Northwest Section 2: Business, Sports, and Health Business Profile.............................................17 Business............................................20 Sports..............................................22 Health...........................................29 Outdoors and Entertainment Outdoors.................................33 The Eddy Line............................................35 40 WORD FROM THE RESORTS 33 BIG SKY HUNTER NABS TROPHY ELK C a l e n d a r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 8 Word from the Resorts................................40 Gear Reviews.............................................43 35 Reviews........................................44 Fun...................................................47 Back 40........................................................48 17 The Eddy Line: An angler's wish list Bozeman's Birdwalk Press Explore Big Sky is the local paper for Big Sky, Montana, and a news and lifestyle journal for the Greater Yellowstone Region. Our content explores everything from community news to global stories relevant to our lives in the Mountain West. Frequency: 26x/year every 2 weeks Our 2 week shelf-life allows for in-depth journalism and extensive exposure for our advertisers. EBS features award-winning editorial content, design and photography. Best page layout and design Montana Newspaper Awards Best niche publication Montana Newspaper Awards General advertising excellence Montana Newspaper Awards 1st place, Government Issues EBS is published by the Outlaw Partners, a creative agency in Big Sky, Montana Montana Newspaper Awards Outlaw Partners Distribution 250 DROP POINTS around Yellowstone Park MAILED TO SUBSCRIBERS in all 50 states CONTRACTED PLACEMENT Strategic partnerships with top-tier hotels, private mountain clubs, luxury transport companies, art galleries, preferred rack placement in airports like Bozeman/Yellowstone International, and bedside at luxury lodging and recreation properties also produce and publish Mountain Social media Outlaw magazine, a biannual # explorebigsky publication facebook.com/explorebigsky explorebigsky Available everywhere at explorebigsky.com described as “Powder Magazine meets Rolling Stone.” [email protected] • (406) 995-2055 • explorebigsky.com • Big Sky, Montana explorebigsky.com LOCAL Explore Big Sky Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 5 News from our publisher, Outlaw Partners Show your love for the 'Best of Big Sky' BY TYLER ALLEN EXPLORE BIG SKY SENIOR EDITOR It’s that time of year again, dear readers: The chairlifts are spinning, the holidays are in full swing, and ballots are being stuffed for the Best of Big Sky competition. Explore Big Sky’s annual tradition is a chance for you to recognize the businesses, events and people that make this community great. winning businesses will receive a $500 Outlaw marketing credit. Outlaw will also donate a digital file to each winner with the Best of Big Sky logo to use in all future advertisements in the paper. “It’s good to know that within the community we’re still the best, I love it,” said Alex Hoeksema, owner of the Lotus Pad. “I’m a competitive person, and it makes me feel really good that we’re doing something right.” Despite having a stranglehold on the Best Restaurant category the past three years, the Lotus Pad isn’t resting on its laurels. The restaurant offered its $10 entrée night on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout November and recently moved to all-paper containers for their booming takeout business. We’ve made a few changes to this year’s ballot, including the addition of “Best Bartender,” as well as bringing the “Best Pizza” category back after a year hiatus. We’ve also added Bozeman to three categories to involve readers in the broader region, and allow Big Sky residents to show some love for the places they frequent on trips to the big city. These categories include “Best Restaurant,” “Best Pizza,” and “Best Business.” Outlaw Partners is sweetening the deal for this year’s winners as a way to encourage more of the friendly competition that defines Best of Big Sky. In addition to announcing the winners in the Jan. 9 issue of EBS and awarding the framed wall certificates we’ve given in the past, Big Sky Pro Bull Riders event; “Best Breakfast,” which went to the Bugaboo Café; and “Best Restaurant,” won by the Lotus Pad three years in a row. There are three categories our readers have consistently agreed upon over the first three years of this contest: “Event of the Year,” won by the Welcome to the world ANDERS JOSEPH PAULSON 11.25.14 Tell us what you think makes Big Sky/ Bozeman great! Vote on the Best of Big Sky by midnight on Dec. 31 at explorebigsky.com/bestof, or fill out a paper ballot in the Outlaw Partners office at 11 Lone Peak Drive, Unit #104 (next to Grizzly Outfitters). Businesses are encouraged to grab a stack of ballots to hand out to their supporters. This is how Big Sky gets into hot water. Nordic Hot Tub We service what we sell! Spa sales to fit your budget Pool and spa care after the sale Custom maintenance plans Spa covers and custom lifts Lots of accessories for your spa Special orders available www.BigSkyHotTubs.com Congratulations Megan and Troy! (406) 995-4892 • [email protected] 47520 Gallatin Rd. • Big Sky, MT 59716 6 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 LOCAL explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky BSSEF Turkey Trot sees nearly 100 participants in year five Nearly 100 runners came out on Thanksgiving morning to this year’s BSSEF Turkey Trot in Big Sky Town Center. The fifth annual 5K and Kid’s Fun Run is a fundraiser for the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation and raised $3,085 this year. “The funds benefit all of the BSSEF ski programs – alpine, freeride and Nordic for expenses related to coach enrichment, scholarships for skiers, putting on events, etcetera,” said event organizer Jackie Robin, who also owns the Hungry Moose Market and Deli, which sponsors the event along with 20 other local businesses. Here, prizes are being thrown into the crowd at Town Center after the race. PHOTOS BY MONA LOVELY • • • • • • • • Top three women runners in the 5K race are all smiles after a strong finish. Pictured (L-R): Megan Keenan (3rd place), Chelsea Frank (1st place), and Meredith Christie (3rd place). explorebigsky.com LOCAL Explore Big Sky Local fitness studio hosting food and coat drive through December Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 7 What skill or slope do you want to master this ski season? BIG SKY – Big Sky Fitness Fusion is now accepting food items and winter jackets through Dec. 31, and all donations will go to the Big Sky Community Food Bank. Kevin Pillsbury, Big Sky, Mont. Seasonal Services at Hammond Property Management The food bank, now in its third year and under the umbrella of the Gallatin Valley Food Bank located in Bozeman, has always had a coatroom to benefit seasonal employees arriving in Big Sky unprepared for the harsh winters. Now it’s able to help permanent residents as well, says Diane Bartzick, a volunteer who also sits on the food bank advisory board. “Straight lining down steep slopes – I’d like to do more of that.” “Anything that brings community together and promotes needs of others is [an] important factor,” Bartzick said. “It does take community dedication and support to help the food bank continue to operate.” – J.T.O. Jed Hooper, Bozeman, Mont. Beer delivery driver for Bronken’s Distributing “I’m a skier, so I want to master snowboarding.” The food bank is in need of the following items for the holidays: Canned food: Fruit, chunky soups, spaghetti sauces, tomato products, beans (except black beans), vegetables (except green beans or corn), tuna and other canned meats Dry goods: Anything unopened, especially peanut butter and jelly Produce: Eggs, milk, butter, cheese Frozen food: Frozen fruits and vegetables, meat and game (processed at a certified processor) hours. Sunday 1-5p.m. Monday 10a.m.-6p.m. (Toddlers Storytime 10:30 a.m.) bigskylibrary.org Announcements Holiday Open House Sunday 12/14, 2 pm Special guest for the little ones! Tuesday 4-8p.m. Wednesday 4-8p.m. Closed Thursday-Saturday Public Computers available here. All are welcome. Located at the north end of Ophir School David Bird, Big Sky, Mont. Manager of The Cave “My true objective is to hunt on my skis as much as possible this winter and not ski at the resort.” for our clients... past and present Come visit us in our Town Center location 406.995.4009 | www.BigSkyLuxuryRealEstate.com | Big Sky, Montana Exclusive listing agents for Big Sky Resort Photo Credit: Dylan Hall Sandy Revisky Broker 406-539-6316 Michael Thomas Broker 406-581-2400 Mary Wheeler Broker 406-539-1745 NEW Mountain Mall LOCATION www.BigSkyLuxuryRealEstate.com | Big Sky, Montana 10 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 LOCAL explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky Terrific Kids/Students of the Month November: Empathy BIG SKY – As part of its Student of the Month/Terrific Kids of the Month program, the Big Sky School District honored four students in November for their ability to show empathy to classmates and teachers. 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 chosen middle and high school students get pizza from Blue Moon Bakery. 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. K-2 Terrific Kid of the Month – Kindergarten student Sabine Hurlbut Sabine Hurlbut is a very sweet and empathetic girl. As a kindergartner her awareness and ability to understand how others are feeling is amazing. Her care, concern, and the way she reaches out to others in need, in words and in actions, touches our heart. Nice work Sabine! 3-5 Terrific Kid of the Month – Fifth grade student Luke Kirchmayr Luke would be a candidate for any award based on character, whether it be empathy, integrity, responsibility, perseverance – the list goes on and on. Luke is always setting an example and is a fantastic student. Good job Luke, and keep it up. Ophir Middle School Student of the Month – Seventh grade student Isaac Gilmore Isaac is a compassionate and caring young man who is continually sensitive to other students’ feelings. He has the ability to feel their thoughts and share his own. Often he is remiss in readily accepting compliments from students and teachers, as he would rather give compliments to others. Isaac is a nonviolent, non-aggressive person who would rather be a peacekeeper. In class, Isaac picks up after himself and protects the rights of others. Thanks Isaac for being our empathetic student of the month. Lone Peak High School Student of the Month – 10th grade student Dasha Bough Dasha Bough is the Lone Peak High School student of the month for empathy. Beyond her awesome, optimistic, and compassionate attitude is a person who is there for her friends. She is always ready to offer a helping hand, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to high five. The best part is that Dasha is not shy about being an empathetic person. Thank you, Dasha, for being an outstanding person who is willing to be there for others. Brett Evertz Real Estate Loan Officer 55 Lone Peak Drive | Big Sky, Montana O: 406.556.3214 | C: 406.629.0132 [email protected] NMLS #523473 Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender explorebigsky.com LOCAL Explore Big Sky Tickets on sale now for first three WMPAC events WARREN MILLER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Tickets for the first three events of the second season at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center in Big Sky are now available online. Organizers at the theater are predicting sell-out attendances. “The first show, ‘Loon,’ is just perfect family entertainment,” said WMPAC spokesperson Barbara Rowley, about the opening show on Dec. 27. “Everything about it – the masks, the music, the ability for all ages to follow a story that is acted rather than told – makes it a great opener.” After the holidays, cheer continues with the Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company. “Think Second City, but from New York,” Rowley said, referring to the hit improve performance from WMPAC’s inaugural season. “This improv and sketch-comedy group has the same sort of famous alums – like Amy Poehler – that you hear associated with Second City.” Because of its popularity, Upright Citizens will appear for two nights, Jan. 9 and 10 at the theater. With skits that may tend toward a PG-13 audience, these two performances offer a great girls’ night out or an even better date opportunity. Finishing out the first third of the season will be Take Six, the 10-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella group. “It’s vocal magic, pure and simple,” Rowley said. “This is an amazing evening for all ages.” Tickets are available in three price ranges at warrenmillerpac.org. Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 11 WMPAC Art Gallery seeks ideas, participation A new committee of artists is in the process of scheduling exhibitions in the WMPAC galleries. These exhibits will be thematically linked to the events appearing on stage during the 2014-2015 season. Like any arts venture, the committee is searching for creative ideas and submissions, as well as innovative and energetic members to help curate the exhibits. The proposed exhibits are currently: December - January: “Masks and the People who Create Them,” to open concurrently with the Wonderheads performance on Dec. 27. January - February: “Place-Based Arts and Montana,” to open in conjunction with the Big Sky Commission performance on Feb. 8. February - March: “Contemporary Poverty” – Art that explores the meaning and causes of poverty, opening with the Sojourn Theater’s three-day civic engagement theater, Feb. 26–28. March - April: “The Future of A Digital World,” to accompany composer and radio star Jad Abumrad’s appearance, Gut Churn, on March 7. Ideas and submissions for any of these gallery events are welcome, as are ideas for additional exhibitions. Contact committee chair Jill Bough at [email protected]. “Moose Marsh” “Hoof Beats” Represented by Paula Pearl Capturing the Spirit of Life paulapearl.com Creighton Block Gallery 33 Lone Peak Drive Creighton Block406.586.6850 Gallery Big Sky, MT 33 Lone Peak Drive, Big Sky, MT 406.993.9400 406.993.9400 paulapearl.com The AGENCY Insurance Division BIG SKY’S ONLY FULL-SERVICE WORKOUT FACILITY OPEN 5 A.M.-10 P.M. 7 DAYS A WEEK DAY, WEEK AND YEAR-LONG MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE VISIT OZSSAGE.COM/GYM.PHP FOR DETAILS 32 MARKET PLACE, MEADOW VILLAGE, BIG SKY (406) 995 4522 INSURING YOUR ASSETS • auto • business • home www.AgencyInsDiv.com Licensed in AZ, CA, IA, ID, FL, MT, NY, NV PH: 406 993 9242 12 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 As your life unfolds, change is waiting around every corner. That’s why Greg Woodard, “Ghost Rider,” Bronze, Edition of 21 it’s comforting to know, for nearly 75 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana has been with you every step of the way. So when life calls, and you need us most, we’re here for you…through it all. Creighton Block GREG WOODARD SHOW, DEC. 15 - JAN. 4 Through it All ARTIST RECEPTION SUNDAY DEC. 28TH, 4 - 7 PM. CREIGHTONBLOCKGALLERY.COM | (406) 993-9400 L o c a t e d i n Bi g S k y Tow n C e n t e r 3 3 L o n e Pe a k D r i ve A division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. LEARN MORE OR ENROLL TODAY at BCBSMT.COM I 855.765.1222 explorebigsky.com LOCAL Explore Big Sky Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 13 Local chef named ‘Top 10 in Northwest’ BY JOSEPH T. O’CONNOR EXPLORE BIG SKY MANAGING EDITOR BIG SKY – Lone Mountain Ranch is at it again, showcasing its staff’s culinary acumen. LMR’s Executive Chef Nick Steen was recently named one of the top 10 chefs in the Northwest by online juggernaut “The Culture Trip,” a website that explores food, culture, art and travel in every country in the world. The site referenced Steen’s quality meat choices and ability to present delectable dishes to larger crowds. “His laidback personality shines through his craft, with unassuming food that marries quality with carefully considered flavours,” the site says. “It’s a bit surreal, to be honest,” Steen said. “I still don’t believe it. Maybe it hasn’t sunk in yet.” What has sunk in since August 2013, when Steen accepted the position as LMR’s head chef, is the creative approach he takes with a menu. When he hosts wine and food pairings, Steen lets the featured vineyard take much of the credit, and builds his cuisine around the specific vintage. “I let the wine be the guide,” he says. “It’s easier to let the wine shine and pair the food with it.” Lone Mountain Ranch Executive Chef Nick Steen was recently named among the top 10 chefs in the Northwest by culture website, “The Culture Trip.” PHOTO BY DONNIE SEXTON For the final course of a wine and food pairing at the ranch last August, Steen poured liquid nitrogen over apricots and added microgreens, goat cheese and raspberries, then served it with a 2012 riesling from David Arthur Vineyards, based in Napa Valley, Calif. This winter, Steen is bringing his affinity for freeze-treated foods back. LMR’s winter menu will feature a gnocchi dish combining egg yolks treated with his liquid nitrogen, and include bleu cheese, brown butter and Benton’s ham from Tennessee, which Steen says is “arguably the best ham you’ll ever eat in your life.” Another winter feature is Steen’s spin on the classic chicken and dumplings dish. This completely Montana-sourced meal features buttermilk dumplings in chicken broth with baby carrots and fried onions. LMR hosts a wine dinner on Saturday, Dec. 14, featuring Paso Robles, Calif.-based JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery, but if you miss this one, Steen says he’s offering another on Valentine’s Day with Brooks Winery from Amity, Ore. These dinners are one of Steen’s specialties and a reason he was named among the Northwest’s top 10 chefs. But his achievements result from more than his own quest for the perfect dish. “It’s definitely a team effort up here,” Steen says. “I couldn’t do this without my wife, Ashley, and [chefs] Josh Cannon and George Peirce. They’ve been the driving force at Lone Mountain Ranch.” bigskytowncenter.com bigskytowncenter.com Artisanally handcrafted wreaths A uniquely deluxe Montana holiday decoration and gift Ideal gift for business clients, friends & family Offering a wide range of sizes suited for the finer home and property WHERE BIG SKY COMES TOGETHER The Big Sky Town Center is the natural gathering place in Big Sky, Montana – with restaurants, galleries, grocery stores, a movie theater and shopping, this is where Big Sky comes together. Call to reserve now Local delivery and nationwide shipping We welcome inquiries from designers, decorators, residential associations and property managers HEADER 14 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky 13 Beartooth | Big Sky, MT Offered at: $480,000 145 Karst Stage Loop | Gallatin Canyon Offered at: $497,000 1085 Looking Glass | Big Sky, MT Offered at: $559,000 Rent: $2,500 Own: $2,281 Rent: $2,500 Own: $2,331 Rent: $2,500 Own: $2,506 Own your home for the same monthly cost or less than renting! *All rental and purchase prices are estimates for qualifying buyers or renters obtained by industry sources. Monthly costs for ownership assume 20% down payment, 4% interest rates and include P&I, Escrow taxes and insurance and HOA dues. Call us today to assist you on your way to home ownership! Ladd, Kulesza & Company Real Estate Brokerage, Consulting & Development 4 0 6 - 9 9 5 - 2 4 0 4 • L K R E A L E S TAT E . C O M All information given is considered reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and should not be relied upon as such. These offerings are subject to errors, omissions, and changes including price or withdrawal without notice. All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. If you currently have a listing agreement or buyer broker agreement with another agent, this is not a solicitation to change. ©2014 LK REAL ESTATE, llc. lkrealestate.com not to be sessioned with. WILLIE’S BOURBON BARREL STOUT 1st Place Ales for Trails Beer Festival 2 years in a row and counting 48 Market Place Get a pint pass and enjoy happy hour ALL DAY, EVERYDAY NOW SERVING PITCHERS! | Big Sky, MT 59716 | 406.995.3939 | Lonepeakbrewery.com explorebigsky.com MONTANA Explore Big Sky Unemployment insurance rates decrease for many Montana employers OFFICE OF GOV. STEVE BULLOCK HELENA – Gov. Steve Bullock and Commissioner of Labor Pam Bucy announced on Dec. 4 that the Unemployment Insurance Contribution Rate Schedule will be adjusted from schedule 5 to schedule 3 in 2015. This means the unemployment insurance contribution rates for most employers in 2015 will be approximately 20 percent lower than in 2014. The current schedule 5 average tax rate is 1.92 percent and will drop to 1.52 percent in 2015. As a result, most Montana employers will see a decrease in unemployment insurance taxes due for the next year. “Montanans are on the job and businesses are thriving,” Bullock said of the rate reduction. “We’re able to reduce the unemployment insurance rate for employers, keeping thousands of dollars in the pockets of Main Street Montana businesses.” Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 15 Crow Nation code talkers awarded Congressional Gold Medals From 2010 through 2012, Montana employers’ contribution rates increased due to higher levels of unemployment claims. But since 2013 the rate schedule has been dropping due to the improved economy and rebuilding of the unemployment trust fund. This is the first year since the Great Recession that the schedule has dropped two levels. “This rate decrease, along with increases in Montana wages and employment is strong evidence that Montana’s economy is rebounding well,” Bucy said. Unemployment insurance benefits lighten the burden of being out of work, maintain purchasing power in the community, and allow laid-off employees to stay in Montana so they’ll be available for re-employment. The program stabilizes the local and state economy by preventing a sharp drop in consumer spending during periods of unemployment. These benefits are paid with Montana employers’ unemployment insurance contributions. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Four Crow Nation code talkers were honored on Dec. 4 with Congressional Gold Medals given to their descendants. Montana soldiers Barney Old Coyote, Henry Old Coyote, Samson Birdinground and Cyril Notafraid used the Crow language during military intelligence operations in World War II to save countless lives. Conceived in 1918, the code talker program used unique Native American languages for communications, and was comprised of more than 400 Native Americans who volunteered to defend the country. Montana Sens. Jon Tester and John Walsh, along with U.S. Treasurer Rosa Gumataotao Rios, presented the descendants with the awards. “The Crow Tribe has a long and proud history of serving in the Armed Forces,” said Tester, Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. “These young men transmitted secret coded messages using their language, which was so unique that the code could not be broken by enemy forces. That unbreakable code and the spirit of the code talkers lives on today in the language and culture of the Crow Nation.” Walsh echoed those sentiments and explained that the honor was long overdue. “These four American heroes represent the best of Montana and our nation,” Walsh said. “And I’m proud that these men and their families are finally receiving the proper recognition for helping free our world of tyranny.” House of the Crow Nation Chairman Darrin Old Coyote and Speaker Knute Old Crow accepted the medals on behalf of relatives and their families. “Today was a historic day for our tribe,” Old Coyote said. “Two of my grandfathers were honored today, and this recognition means a lot to us. All of the code talkers sacrificed a lot for this country, utilizing our language to protect and serve this nation. We wouldn’t be here today without their service.” A collection of Alpine Home Decor & Chalet Style Antiques Standing ski coat rack off 25 ile let mob g isin advert ness usi drive b u! to yo % USE PROMO CODE: OUTLAW MANY MORE ITEMS AND MUSEUM AT VintageWinter.com bus wraPs available - Target thousands of local consumers including Resort employees, permanent residents, MSU Students and 300,000 seasonal tourists contact outlaw Partners (406) 995-2055 or [email protected] SHOW YOUR SUPPORT by displaying a special BSSEF license plate on your vehicles registered in Montana. A portion of your annual registration fee goes directly to the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation. s e t la -p e s n e ic -l f e s s b t a LEARN MORE TRY A BENNY FOR BREAKFAST WE DELIVER 406.995.2305 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 7AM-10PM CHECK OUT OUR MENU: BIGSKYBLUEMOONBAKERY.COM LOCATED IN WESTFORK PLAZA MALL BIG SKY, MONTANA explorebigsky.com BUSINESS PROFILE Explore Big Sky Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 17 Big Sky Broomball kicks off p.22 Section 2: BUSINESS, SPORTS AND OUTDOORS Holiday sales spikes p.20 Witness the Fitness p.29 Birdwalk Press Traditional printing meets new design BY TAYLOR-ANN SMITH EXPLORE BIG SKY STAFF WRITER BOZEMAN –Producing everything from retail thank-you cards to exquisite product tags, Birdwalk Press is Bozeman’s new boutique letterpress printing shop, specializing in customized printing for events. At the heart of Birdwalk Press is Mina Talajoor Johnson, a plant-pathologist-turned-artist from Montana State University. She recently achieved her master’s in plant pathology but has always had a passion for the arts. After years of experimenting with printing techniques from linoleum blocks to screen printing, Mina discovered letterpress. She instantly fell in love with the medium, she says, because of the reproducibility and tactile quality associated with embossing. Thanks to a chance meeting with Sumner Lokken, former owner of Bozeman’s Lokken Printing on Mendenhall Street, Mina acquired a 20th century Gordon Old Style treadle press. Following copious hours teaching herself this printing practice, Mina sought guidance from Lokken to perfect her craft. Utilizing a balance of thick forms with delicate, drawn type differentiates Birdwalk Press's products from competitors. PHOTO BY BIRDWALK PRESS Letterpress is an old-fashioned printing style that leaves physical impressions on paper products, creating tactile designs. It was the regular form of printing text beginning with its invention by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, and remained in wide use for books and manuals until the second half of the 20th century. Offset paper printing was developed in 1904, and it largely supplanted the role of letterpress for printing books and newspapers. But letterpress has seen a revival of late in an artisanal form as the premiere printing process for high-end paper products. Letterpress involves physically pressing an inked-image plate into soft paper. Traditionally made from etched magnesium or lead, these plates are today made using a light-sensitive photopolymer. The plate is inked on a large press that uses its weight – typically over 1,000 pounds – to compress the plate against the paper. Only through the precise calibration of the printer’s plates, bases, rollers, and paper, is it possible to produce a perfectly pressed image. This process is then repeated for each design or color while the presses are operated completely by hand. ---------------------------------------------Newlyweds, recent graduates, and business partners, Mina Talajoor Johnson and Ian Johnson combined their love of art to create Birdwalk Press. PHOTO BY LOCKIE PHOTOGRAPHY The other half of Birdwalk Press is Mina’s husband Ian Johnson. With a master’s in film and photography from MSU, Ian’s eye for composition and affinity for technology pairs well with Mina’s traditional methods. Ian quickly became inspired by the art of letterpress and helps Mina with the prepping process: from mixing inks and oiling the presses, to preparing the plates. While Ian and Mina hail from out of state – Ian from Shelburne, Vt. and Mina from Seattle, Wash. – both are touched by Bozeman’s community spirit. “The local culture and tight community really inspires us,” Mina says. “We’re constantly exploring the city and surrounding areas, [and] being … in Bozeman gives our company a lot of character.” Most of the Johnsons’ current clientele aren’t local but love the store’s “mom and pop” feel, according to Mina. While the Johnsons recently lost the lease to their proposed shop space, they plan to keep their presses hot and running in their newly renovated garage. They’ve also delved into selling wholesale greeting cards and plan to remain a part of the Bozeman community. Kelly Murphy, a recent client from San Diego, is getting married at Moonlight Basin in summer 2015 and sought Birdwalk Press for the event. She and her fiancé incorporated Montana into the wedding using a custom monogram inspired by elk antlers and sent invitations imprinted with mountain scenery. Showcasing its boutique style, Birdwalk Press created a completely original concept for the cont. on pg.18 18 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 BUSINESS PROFILE explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky cont. from pg.17 bride’s save the dates by making them into lift tickets complete with wickets, those clumsy wire clips used to attach the pass to clothing. Birdwalk Press can complete nearly any printing concept, but illustration is the business’ strong suit. And Mina continues to enjoy discovering the arts. She explains how science is directional and the freedom she has with Birdwalk Press allows her to push her talents. “Not being restricted to just digital software makes me more fluid in my designs,” she says. “I can easily start a project and get lost in the process, only to be inspired for a new design, hence where the company name comes from.” Birdwalk Press specializes in hand-illustrated products that result in unique, engaging art. Their use of delicate type and forms demonstrates their advanced letterpress skills through the precision of printing needed to achieve such clean prints. PHOTOS BY BIRDWALK PRESS “Birdwalking” is an old English term for jumping from topic to topic in a conversation, Mina explains. She says she’s constantly skipping around ideas, topics, and designs that have developed her creative process and ultimately led to her success. Visit birdwalkpress.com for more information. BO U T I Q UE L O D GING IN GAL L AT IN G ATE WAY, MON TA N A Nestled in the long shadow of Storm Castle, The Inn on the Gallatin serves as a base camp for fishers, hunters, hungry locals and travelers alike. Unwind in updated cabins, or fuel yourself on homemade breakfast pastries with recipes of local ingredients, and recharge with friends and family in our cozy, newly remodeled cafe. C O M E S TAY. OpenYear-round C O M E E AT. G O P L AY. Cafe open for Breakfast and Lunch, Wed.-Sun., 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. InnOnTheGallatin.com | 406.763.4243 | [email protected] PRUMT.COM | 406.995.4060 explorebigsky.com SPORTS Explore Big Sky Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 19 Big Sky Big Sky RESIDENTIAL: BIG LIFESTYLE BIG LIFESTYLE COM | 406.995.4060 | 55 LONE PEAK DRIVE ||| BIG SKY TOWN CENTER PRUMT.COM 406.995.4060 55 LONE LONE PEAK PEAK DRIVE DRIVE || BIG BIG SKY SKY TOWN TOWN CENTER CENTER PRUMT.COM 406.995.4060 || 55 AL: #23 E y or Eric s.f. anite by complex. oom. GS: T Don s veway drilled RESIDENTIAL: RESIDENTIAL: 1214 SILVERADO TRAIL 12 $2,950,0 5 br, 4 ba, f 4.7± woode 3 car heated Expansive v 30 BLACK LODGETRAIL CONDO #30 30 1214 SILVERADO TRAIL 30 BLACK BLACK EAGLE LODGE CONDO #30 2225 BLA SPANISH PEAKS CLUB #23E E#30 1214 SILVERADO TRAIL EAGLE LODGE CONDO 1214EAGLE SILVERADO SPANISH PEAKS CLUB #23 $1,150,000 • #199580 • Call Lori 310.430.0015 $2,950,000 • #202031 • Call Stacy or Eric $1,150,000 • #199580 • Call LoriStacy 310.430.0015 $2,950,000 • #202031 #202031 Call or Eric Eric $2,950,000 ••car Call Stacyoror $2,950,000 ••#202031 Stacy Eric 5 br, 4 ba, furnished 6,663± s.f. 3 bd, 2.5 ba, 3,199± s.f., •2Call garage 5 br, 4 ba, furnished 6,663± s.f. br,44ba, ba,furnished furnished 6,663± s.f. 5354.7± br, +/- s.f. 4.7± wooded acres, Gourmet kitchen level ski-in ski-out furnished unit, sleeps 12 wooded acres,6,663 Gourmet kitchen 4.7± wooded acres, Gourmet kitchen 4.7 +/- heated acres, Gourmet kitchen 3 car heated garage, massive covered porch Open flwooded oor plan w/wood burning fire place. 3 car garage, massive covered porch 3car carheated heated garage, massive covered porch garage, massive covered porch Expansive views of Spanish Peaks and Lone Mtn 3Pool table, hot tub, great views of Lone Peak Mtn Expansive views of Spanish Peaks and Lone Expansiveviews viewsofofSpanish SpanishPeaks Peaksand and Lone Expansive Lone MtnMtn $679,000 #200659 • Call Stacy Eric $1,150,000 • #199580 ••Call Lori 310.430.0015 $679,000 ••#200659 Stacy ororEric 33 bd, bd, 2.5 ba, 3,199± s.f.,unit 2Call car garage br, 3 ba furnished end 2,548± s.f. 3 2.5 ba, 3,199± s.f., 2 car garage 33 br, 3 ba furnished end unit 2,548unit, +/- s.f. level ski-in ski-out furnished sleeps 12 12 kitchen, S.S. appliances, granite 3Gourmet level ski-in ski-out furnished unit, sleeps Gourmet kitchen, S.S. appliances, granite Open fl oor plan w/wood burning fi re place. Privateflside sideplan entry; groomed trails by complex. Open oor w/wood burning fire Private entry; groomed skiski trails byplace. complex. Pool table,pool, hot tub, great views of Lone Lone Peak Complex club great house, exercise room. Pool table, hot tub, views of Peak Complex pool, club house, exercise room. $329,00 3 bd, 3 ba 1 New window Great for ou Designer fu • NEW LISTING NEW LISTING LAND LISTINGS: 2225SPANISH BLACK OTTER, SILVERBOW CONDO 13 MOOSE RIDGE, CEDAR CREEK #50 13 SPANISH PEAKS CLUB #23 E 2225 BLACK OTTER, SILVERBOW CONDO 1313MOOSE MOOSE RIDGE, CEDARCREEK CREEK#50 #50 NORTH F 2195 LITTLE COYOTE ROAD 40 BIG SKY RD, SHOSHONE CONDO MOOSE RIDGE, •CEDAR PEAKS CLUB #23 E 2225 BLACK OTTER, SILVERBOW CONDO RIDGE, CEDAR CREEK #50 $329,000 • #198211 • Call Stacy or Eric $239,900 • #197313 • Call Bethany 580.2384 $679,000 • #200659 • Call Stacy or Eric $329,000 • #198211 • Call Stacy or Eric $239,900 • #197313 Call Bethany 580.2384 $679,000 • #200659 • Call Stacy $329,000 #198211• •Call CallStacy StacyororEric Eric $239,900 #197313 ••Call CallBethany Bethany 580.2384 580.2384 $439,000 • #202070 • Call Marcor Eric $275,000 •• #202246 $235,000 •• #202075 3 bd, 3 ba 1,423± s.f. upgraded unit #9 3bd, br, 23 3 ba, ba 1,993 furnished end uniton 2,548± s.f.acres 3 br, ba furnished end unit 2,548± s.f. 3New +/- s.f. sitting +/windows, glass door, bath fi4.12 xtures, deck Gourmet kitchen, S.S. appliances, granite Gourmet kitchen, S.S. granite Great charming logentertaining homeappliances, in the heart of Big Sky Great for outdoor on new patio Private side side entry; entry; groomed groomed ski ski trails trails by by complex. complex. Private Vaulted ceilings, stone fi replace, updated kitchen Designer furnishings, southexercise facing corner Complex pool, club house, house, room.unit Complex club room. Large deckspool, off back with viewsexercise of surrounding peaks LAND LISTINGS: LAND LISTINGS: NORTH FORK, COS 1740, TRACT 2C $975,000 • #199007 • Call Stacy or Eric 20± acres in North Fork Direct creek frontage adjacent to Lone Mountain Ranch trails Triple Triangle Ranch, private road 2 bd, 2 bath furnished 868 ± s.f. condo 3 bd, bd,23 3ba, ba798 1,423± s.f.furnished upgraded unit #9 #9 3 bd, ba 1,423± s.f. upgraded unit 1Wonderful +/-from s.f. condo views living room of Lonedeck Peak New windows, glass door, bath fi xtures, New glass door, bath fixtures, deck On thewindows, slopes with easy ski-in, ski-out access Includes all appliances, hot tub Great for outdoor entertaining entertaining on on new new patio patio Great outdoor Open flfor oor plan, sleeps 6,Estate east side balcony Owner is licensed Realsouth Agent Designer furnishings, facing corner unit Designer furnishings, facing corner 24 hour concierge, pool,south hot tub, steam roomunit LOST TRAILS, TRACTTRACT LOST TRAILS, TRACT 88 2C NORTH$778,000 FORK, COS 1740, TRACT 2C NORTH FORK, COS 1740, • #200670 • Call Don $975,000 • #199007 • Call Stacy or Eric $778,000 • #200670 • Call Don $975,000 • #199007 • Call Stacy or Eric 20± sunny, buildingsite site 20± acres in Northsouth-facing Fork 20 +/-acres, acres,in sunny, south-facing building 20± acres North Fork Between Mountain and Meadow Villages Direct creek creek frontage Between Mountain and Meadow Villages Direct frontage Views ofYellowstone Yellowstone Mtnand and Spanish Peaks adjacent to Lone Mountain Ranch trails Views of Mtn Spanish Peaks adjacent to Lone Mountain Ranch trails Community water system with fi re fl ow Triple Triangle Triangle Ranch, private road Community water systemprivate with fire flow Triple Ranch, road bd,22 2bath bathfurnished furnished 868 ±s.f.s.f. s.f. condo bd, bath furnished 868 condo 222 bd, 868 +/- ± condo Wonderful views from living room of Lone Peak Wonderfulviews viewsfrom fromliving livingroom room Lone Peak Wonderful of of Lone Peak Includes all appliances, hot tub Includesall allappliances, appliances, Includes hothot tubtub Owner is licensed Real Real Estate Estate Agent Agent Owner licensed Owner isis licensed Real Estate Agent GALLATIN HIGHLANDS LOST TRAILS, TRACT BEAVER CREEK WEST LOST TRAILS, TRACT 88Eric $778,000 • #200670 • Call or Don $575,000 • #180951 • Call Stacy $525,000 •• #200670 #195161 •• Call Call Don Don $778,000 20± acres, sunny, south-facing building site 20 +/-acres, acres,sunny, meadows, old growthbuilding trees 20± acres, lot 13 w/ spectacular views site 20± south-facing Between Mountain and Meadow Villages Fabulous Gallatin Range views Located on a gentleand slope, privateVillages driveway Between Mountain Meadow Views of Yellowstone Yellowstone Mtn and Spanish Peaks South includes house plans Ideal facing, for a new home,Locati welland has been drilled Views of Mtn Spanish Peaks Community water system with fi re fl ow Minutes to Big Sky Town Center, new hospital Near national forest trails/land Community water system with fire flow $975,00 20± acres in Direct creek adjacent to Triple Triang $280,00 1.1± acre M Ski-in ski-ou Spectacular One of few u DON PILOTTE BROKER, GRI, RRS, SFR 406.580.0155 | TONI DELZER SALES ASSOCIATE 406.570.31 An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates, Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Fina reliable; however, is not guaranteed by Prudential Montana Real Estate, Managing Broker, Agents or Sellers. Offering is subject to error, omissions, prior sales, p 34 LOWCREEK DOG ROAD BEAVER CREEK WEST BEAVER CREEK WEST BEAVER WEST $280,000 • #199205 • Call Stacy or Eric $525,000 #195161 Call Don $525,000 •••#195161 • Call Don $525,000 #195161 •• Call Don 1.1± acre Mountain Village lot #345 20± acres, lot 13 w/ spectacular views 20 +/-acres, acres, lot lot 13 13 w/ views 20± w/ spectacular spectacular Ski-in ski-out directly to/from Big views Sky lift(s) Located onaaagentle gentle slope, private driveway Located on slope, private driveway Located on gentle slope, private driveway Spectacular views and well privacy to rear of lot Ideal for a new home, has been drilled Ideal aanew home, well hasinbeen drilled Idealfor new home, well been drilled One offor few unimproved lotshas Village area Near national forest trails/land Near Nearnational nationalforest foresttrails/land trails/land LITTLE COYOTE ROAD, LOT #37 71 34 LITTLE ROAD 34 LOWTHUNDER DOG ROAD LOW DOG ROAD $239,000 $280,000 •• #200028 #199205 •• Call Call Stacy Stacy or or Eric Eric $329,000 •• #200167 • Call Stacy ororEric $280,000 #199205 Call Stacy Eric .28± Meadow Village lot • lot 1.1±+/acre Mountain Village #345 1.33 acreMountain ski-in, ski-out lot lot #345 1.1± acre Village Flat south facing lot backing to to Sky green belt Ski-in ski-out directly to/from Big lift(s) Unobstructed, breathtaking views torestaurants Lonelift(s) Mountain Ski-in ski-out directly to/from Big Sky Easy walk to views park, tennis courts, Spectacular and privacy to rear of lot Utilities in place, ready development Spectacular views andforprivacy to rear of lot In theofheart of Meadow village, Community W/S One few unimproved lots in Village area Rare prime ski-out homesite, Broker owned One of fewski-in, unimproved lots in Village area LITTLECOYOTE COYOTE ROAD, LITTLE COYOTE ROAD,LOT LOT#37 #37 LITTLE ROAD, LOT #37 $239,000 • #200028 • Call Stacy or Eric $239,000 •• #200028 $239,000 #200028• •Call CallStacy StacyororEric Eric .28± Meadow Village lot .28 +/-Meadow MeadowVillage Village lot lot .28± Flat south southfacing facingbacking lot backing backing to to tobelt green belt belt Flat to green Flat south facing lot to green Easy walk to park, tennis courts, restaurants Easy restaurants Easy walk walk to to park, park,tennis tenniscourts, courts, restaurants In the theheart heartofof ofMeadow Meadowvillage, village, Community W/S In Community W/SW/S In the heart Meadow village, Community , SFR 406.580.0155DON | STACY OSSORIO BROKER | ERIC OSSORIO BROKER BROKER 406.539.9553 PILOTTE BROKER,, GRI GRI , RRS RRS406.539.8553 , SFR SFR 406.580.0155 406.580.0155 | STACY STACY OSSORIO 406.539.8553 || ERIC ERIC OSSORIO OSSORIO BROKER BROKER 406.539.9553 406.539.9553 DON PILOTTE BROKER , , | OSSORIO BROKER 406.539.8553 LES ASSOCIATE 406.570.3195 | MARC LAUERMANN SALES ASSOCIATE , ABR, SFR 406.581.8242 TONI DELZER SALES ASSOCIATE 406.570.3195 | MARC LAUERMANN SALES ASSOCIATE , ABR , SFR 406.581.8242 TONI DELZER SALES ASSOCIATE 406.570.3195 | MARC LAUERMANN SALES ASSOCIATE, ABR, SFR 406.581.8242 dential logo and Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation of Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity. All information contained herein is derived from sources deemed An independently owned and price operated broker member of BRER Affiliates,and Inc.approval Prudential, the Prudential logo andurge Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, of registered in many purchaser. jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation of Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity. All information contained herein is derived from sources deemed ts or Sellers. Offering is subject to error, omissions, prior sales, change or withdrawal without of purchase by Seller. verification of of each and every item submitted, to the satisfaction any prospective An independently and operated member of BRER Affinotice liates, Inc. Prudential, theAgents Prudential logo We and Rockindependent symbol are to service Prudential Financial, Inc. andorits related entities, many jurisdictions under license with no cation other affi liationand of Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity. Allofinformation contained herein is derived from sources deemed reliable; however,owned is not guaranteed bybroker Prudential Montana Real Estate, Managing Broker, or Sellers. Offering is subject error, marks omissions, prior sales, price change withdrawal withoutregistered notice andinapproval of purchaseworldwide. by Seller. Used We urge independent verifi of each every item submitted, to the satisfaction any prospective purchaser. reliable; however, is not guaranteed by Prudential Montana Real Estate, Managing Broker, Agents or Sellers. Offering 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. 20 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 20 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 BUSINESS Explore Big Sky Holiday sales spikes and customer service BY JOHANNE BOUCHARD EXPLORE BIG SKY BUSINESS COLUMNIST Businesses are approaching an exciting and stressful time of the year as the lucrative holiday season approaches at breakneck speed. Many companies are scrambling to meet or beat revenue targets, managing end-of-year orders and juggling staff. Meanwhile, the ski slopes are calling, and as much as we yearn for fresh powder, there is more work to be done. customers and paychecks, and that we should be grateful for each sale. Encourage staff to smile at customers as they complete transactions or finish work, or to shake hands after they explain the work performed. Be friendly with sincere verbal sendoffs, like “Happy holidays” or “Come back soon.” Keep your business cards in full supply next to the till. Count out change: Tell your staff that counting change is mandatory – not just to avoid mistakes, but to speed up time spent In addition to vacationers, Big Sky’s second-home residents are starting to arrive with sales opportunities in retail, hospitality and beyond. For most local businesses, this influx of consumers can translate to sales spikes that could be greater with extra staffing to cover the busy period, or by being as streamlined and disciplined as possible. Here are a few recommendations to maximize the holiday sales season: An Audi lifestyle store featuring artisan-made, classically designed sustainable products such as: Alicia Adams blankets and accessories Civilianaire men’s and women’s apparel Coyuchi linens Red Flower candles and skincare Shwood sunglasses Wewood watches Previous season items up to 50% off Bozeman Audi Big Sky Showroom The Market Place Building, Town Center Big Sky, MT | (406) 995-2240 | bigskylifemt.com RECYCLE YOUR WINE CORKS WITH US! Reflect on your customers’ needs: Johanne is originally from Quebec City, Quebec Will you lose the and splits her time between Big Sky and Belvedere, sale if the phone isn’t Calif. PHOTO BY SEBASTIEN DION answered promptly, or if it goes to voicemail? at the till. I’m amazed when I pay If you’re providing a service – with cash how often the change is from real estate to plumbing, and just handed to me instead of counted everything in between – customers back. If your teller counts out the want to reach someone who can at change due, customers won’t do it least take down their name and phone themselves, speeding up transactions. number and promise a prompt call back. If you hire someone to log Say more than “Back Soon”: calls and relay messages, be clear If you need to leave your business on how you want them to answer unattended, don’t leave a sign that the phone, take messages, respond, says “Back Soon.” Let your customers and make sure they’re friendly and know specifically when to expect professional. Don’t lose a customer you. through lack of communication – text messages only go so far. If you’re Get in the spirit: Consider going to be late or if the project will celebrating the season by outfitting be delayed, let clients know. your staff with Santa and elf caps or blinking antlers to bring a bit Make the environment of holiday fun into your business. inviting: Your business may get Think about offering complimentary packed with customers, so make sure sugar cookies and coffee to your early it’s still inviting to your patrons. morning visitors as a little something Consider making your temporary extra. staff responsible for your customers’ environment. Sidewalks should be Having your team on their “A” game clear of snow, the floor should be dry, over the holiday season is one way and bathrooms should be clean and to ensure your customers get great stocked. service that keeps them coming back time and again, year after year. Be friendly: Take an interest in your customers. Introduce yourself, find Johanne Bouchard is a leadership out where they're from, and help advisor to CEOs, executives and them obtain their goals while they’re entrepreneurs, as well as an expert in the area. in corporate board composition and dynamics. An avid skier, Bouchard Offer service with a and her husband have a second smile: Remind your staff that there home in Big Sky. Visit her blog at johannebouchard.com. is a direct relationship between explorebigsky.com SPORTS Explore Big Sky Toothbrush not included. With ski in and ski out from this remarkable home, who needs roads? This fully furnished Yellowstone Club residence is 7,470 square feet of heated living with six bedrooms, seven full baths and three half baths. A one of a kind private getaway for owners and guests. This is more than a home. It is a family heirloom. Just add memories and your toothbrush. ContinentalConstruction.com > 406.995.2174 > Big Sky, Montana Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 21 22 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 SPORTS explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky Big Sky Broomball League kicks off Jan. 6 BY MARIA WYLLIE This year, two games will be played at once, which league organizer Jason Meyers says is key to the sport’s growth in Big Sky. BIG SKY – The Big Sky Broomball League’s regular season officially begins Jan. 6, with games taking place on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-10 p.m. at the ice rink in Town Center through mid-March. However, a few December scrimmages and information sessions are scheduled so players can get practice time and learn more about the sport before league play. “It will allow us more games, more time for people to play, and more teams,” Meyers said. EXPLORE BIG SKY ASSOCIATE EDITOR The Big Sky Skating and Hockey Association donated new gear this season, including nets, sticks, balls and dividers, allowing the league to expand to a maximum of 16 teams of 10-12 players each, according to BSSHA’s website. “A perfect [sized] team is about 10 players with five on the ice at a time,” Meyers said. This winter marks the adult league’s fourth season playing in Town Center, but games were held outside the Summit Hotel at Big Sky Resort beginning in 2001, according to Meyers. Kids broomball is offered Tuesday nights from 5-6 p.m. Helmets are required, and all other equipment is available at the rink free of charge. Visit the Big Sky Broomball League’s Facebook page for league updates and additional information. Upcoming Schedule Dec. 12 – Christmas Stroll tournament fundraiser, 6 p.m. Jason Meyers (left) of the Brewzers battles off his opponent in a slippery fight for the coveted, orange, rubber ball. PHOTO BY MARIA WYLLIE A four-team, double-elimination tournament fundraiser is also scheduled during the Big Sky Christmas Stroll on Friday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the charity of the winning team’s choice. Those new to broomball are invited to attend the scrimmages and information sessions on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 as well. Dec. 23 – Scrimmage and info session party, 7 p.m. Dec. 30 - Scrimmage and info session party, 7 p.m. Jan. 6 – Regular season begins, 6:30 p.m. explorebigsky.com Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 23 Explore Big Sky H o l i d a y S m a l l Wo r k s S h ow a n d S a l e P December 12th - 31st please join us for the Holiday Art Walk & Artist Reception Friday, December 12th 6-8 pm Ken Carlson Gary Lynn Roberts 7'' x 10'' Oil Simon Gudgeon, “Falcon,” Bronze, 32 x 20 x 11 Aaron Schuerr Tim Shinabarger Creighton Block CONTEMPORARY COLLECTION Nelson Boren 8'' x 16'' Watercolor For information on additional works, please call 406 577-2810 or visit our website, www.legacygallery.com. NOW OPEN CREIGHTONBLOCKGALLERY.COM | (406) 993-9400 Bozeman, MT • Jackson Hole, WY • Scottsdale, AZ 7 west main street, 102, bozeman, montana 59715 • 406 577-2810 w w w. l e g ac yga l l ery. c om Located on Ousel Falls Road in Bi g S k y Tow n C e n t e r 24 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 EVENTS Explore Big Sky YELLOWSTONE CLUB SOLD SOLD Mtn. Chateau / $20M / 15,583 SQ FT Four Peaks Lodge / $10.99M / 10,451 SQ FT 20 Miller Lane / $13.7 M / 9,244 SQ FT River Runs Through It SPANISH PEA YELLOWSTONE CLUB NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING Lot 338 / $4.95M / 14.6 ACRES Lot 332 / $4.0M / 4.6 ACRES Lot 114A / $1.95M / 2 ACRES Ski Tip Lot 6 / $8 Ranch Lot 87 / $297K / 3.65 ACRES Ranch Lot 10 / $2 SPANISH PEAKS MOUNTAIN CLUB Ranch Lot 93 / $350K / 4.84 ACRES Ranch Lot 99 / $345K / 4.06 ACRES BIG SKY REDUCED PRICE 145 Karst Stage / $497K / 2,288 SQ FT BIG SKY 13 Beartooth Rd. / $480K / 2,782 SQ FT Park Condo 294 / $365K / 1,451 SQ FT Village Center 281 / COMMERCIAL / DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES NEW L Antler Ridge Lot 183 / $180K / .46ACRES Lot 4 Yellowtail Dr. / $2.4M /3.5 + ACRES Ladd, Kulesza & Company Real Estate Brokerage, Consulting & Development Essentia / $840K / 7 pads, 14 units For more information or private showings contact: 406-995-2404 Spruce Cone Dr. / $420 explorebigsky.com t / $13M / 13,349 SQ FT EVENTS Explore Big Sky Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 25 NEW LISTING NEW LISTING Doc’s Holiday / $8.2M / 8,423 SQ FT 208 Andesite / $5.9M / 6,312 SQ FT Sunrise Ridge 35B/ $3.995M / 3,120 SQ FT Ski Tip Lot 8 / $775K / 1.11 ACRES Elkridge 68 / $585K /1.02 ACRES Ranch Lot 110 / $395K / 2.38 ACRES AKS MOUNTAIN CLUB 855K / 1.26 ACRES MOONLIGHT BASIN BIG SKY NEW LISTING 275K / 5.1 ACRES 10 Half Hitch / $3.49 M / 4,924 SQ FT Buck Ridge Lodge / $899K / 4,144 SQ FT 1085 Looking Glass / $559K / 2,100 SQ FT / $350K / 473 SQ FT Cedar Creek #45 / $229K / 868 SQ FT Mtn. Meadows / $3.495 M / 120 ACRES Lot 43A Half Moon / $379.9K / 1.22 ACRES LISTING 0k /Platted for 3 duplexes Airport Garages / $20,000 each Market Place / 5 units available / See agent for details LKRealEstate.com All information given is considered reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and should not be relied upon as such.These offerings are subject to errors, omissions, and changes including price or withdrawal without notice. All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. If you currently have a listing agreement or buyer broker agreement with another agent, this is not a solicitation to change. ©2014 LK REAL ESTATE, llc. lkrealestate.com 26 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 SPORTS explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky Bobcats lose FCS playoff game 47-40 to South Dakota State Team outperformed expectations this season BY COLTER NUANEZ EXPLORE BIG SKY CONTRIBUTOR BOZEMAN – All the headliners were gone. Many wondered what would become of the Bobcats. The Montana State University football team lost the most successful senior class in school history following the 2013 season. Two-time Big Sky Conference Offensive MVP DeNarius McGhee, the maestro behind three straight conference title runs, was gone. Three-time All-Big Sky running back Cody Kirk and four-time, all-league wide receiver Tanner Bleskin also departed from the offense, and the 2014 Bobcats knew they’d have to replace record-setting defensive end Brad Daly – the Buck Buchanan winner – as the top defensive player in the FCS. A team that claimed shares of the Big Sky crown from 2010–2012 was picked to finish third in the conference in the preseason polls. No one knew if sophomore quarterback Dakota Prukop could be the next star gunslinger. Defensively, the Bobcats knew they could rely on seven seniors, but linebacker Alex Singleton and cornerback Deonte Flowers were the only stars. Behind impressive production from Prukop, the Bobcat offense lit up scoreboards. MSU set a school record with 496 points. On the road against the University of California-Davis, the Bobcats scored a Division I-best 77 points and piled up a schoolrecord 737 yards. By the end of the season, Prukop had nearly 1,000 yards rushing, 3,211 total yards and 30 touchdowns. A stout offensive line and diverse production from running backs Shawn Johnson, Anthony Knight, Gunnar Brekke and Chad Newell helped MSU rank second in the league in rushing. Mitch Herbert, Justin Paige and Jayshawn Gates burst on to the scene as freshmen wide receivers. The Bobcats finished 8-5, remaining in the Big Sky title race until the final game of the regular season, when they lost big to the University of Montana 34-7. MSU still managed to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth time this decade, but a porous defense that allowed 34 points per game and allowed the thirdmost passing yards per game in the FCS proved to be the Bobcats’ demise. South Dakota State scored 47 points in a driving snowstorm on Nov. 29 in Bozeman to end MSU’s season. “Coming into the seaBobcat running back Chad Newell left everything on the field, including his helmet, during the Bobcats’ 47-40 playoff defeat to South Dakota State on Nov. son, everyone outside 29 in Bozeman. PHOTOS BY THERESA DA SILVA our family had question marks about this Colter Nuanez is a freelance sportswriter living team,” said Newell after rushing for 111 yards and a in Bozeman. He is the co-founder of Bobcat Beat school-record five touchdowns against SDSU. “This (bobcatnation.com), a newspaper-style journalism group has been together since January, and we’ve website that covers Montana State University put in a lot of hours and a lot of sweat. Sometimes, athletics. For more information contact Nuanez at things just don’t turn out like you plan.” [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @BobcatBeat. Newell rushed for 111 yards and a school record five touchdowns in the losing effort. Bobcat running back Shawn Johnson tries to pick up yardage through a driving snowstorm at Bobcat stadium. SPORTS OUTDOORS Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 27 Buck’s T-4 hosts BSSEF fundraiser Dec. 13 BIG SKY – The Big Sky Ski Education Foundation is holding its fourth annual Big Sky Ski Bash on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Buck’s T-4 Lodge. Bottom of the Barrel will perform during the fundraiser, which will also feature silent and live auctions and a cash bar. “It’s our single biggest fundraiser of the year,” said BSSEF Program Director Jeremy Ueland. “The money we make is really from the silent and live auction items, [which] range from gloves, skis, jackets, pictures, you name it. It’s all donated from local Bozeman and Big Sky businesses.” Last year’s event brought in approximately $17,000, according to Ueland, who says the funds are used to make it more affordable for local kids to join the race team. “If we didn’t have any fundraisers, all of our programs would basically [cost] twice as much as they are,” said Ueland, who grew up skiing in the program since he was 8 years old before becoming a coach in 2001, then director in 2007. BSSEF currently has 22 coaches leading alpine, freeride and Nordic ski programs. Tickets for the Big Sky Ski Bash are available at the door, and include music and appetizers. Visit bssef.com for further details. – J.T.O. GET BACK OUT THERE You planned for fresh powder, après ski treats and cozy fires. But you didn’t plan on a stuffy nose, cough and aches and pains. From over the counter remedies for pain relief to prescription needs, and a host of personal care products—we’ve got you covered. We’re just down the hill in the Meadow Village across from the chapel and easy to find...even in a snowstorm! Through winter, we are open Monday through Saturday, 10 am–6 pm (406) 993-9390 :: bozemandeaconess.org/pharmacy Meadow Village Center :: 36 Center Ln., Suite 2 REAL, LOCAL KNOWLEDGE THAT WORKS FOR YOU. LTDrealestate.com | 4 0 6 . 9 9 5 . 2 8 0 0 Scan to go to our website 28 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky • 3.5+/- Acres • 64.5 SFE’s • Offered at $2,400,000 Located at the end of the Yellowtail Rd cul-de-sac, on the 10th and 11th holes of the Big Sky Golf Course, this multi-family development lot has numerous possibilities. It is the largest multi-family development parcel still available on the Big Sky Golf Course. Sitting on 3.5 +/- acres, Yellowtail has 64.5 SFE’s, allowing for options with development style and configurations. Ladd, Kulesza & Company Real Estate Brokerage, Consulting & Development 4 0 6 - 9 9 5 - 2 4 0 4 • L K R E A L E S TAT E . C O M All information given is considered reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and should not be relied upon as such.These offerings are subject to errors, omissions, and changes including price or withdrawal without notice. All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. If you currently have a listing agreement or buyer broker agreement with another agent, this is not a solicitation to change. ©2014 LK REAL ESTATE, llc. lkrealestate.com Housemade Fresh Healthy Grab and go, dine in, or have us cater your event or special day (406) 587-2405 | biankinis.com | 2051 W Oak St, Bozeman, MT 59718 HEALTH Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 29 For those about to Rawckk Witness the fitness BY KATIE THOMAS EXPLORE BIG SKY CONTRIBUTOR Bozeman is an active town. We seem to keep winning awards for it, and everyone here has their workout. If you don’t, you tend to feel left out of the “I went on the sickest ride today” and “I ran up Blackmore; what did you do this weekend?” conversations. But while our community contains people who use such obscurities as roller-skiing and wake surfing as their fitness routines, not all exercise treasures are limited to the outdoors. This is good news for those of us who like to do more than ski. Hidden in the underground confines of Bozeman’s word-of-mouth world is one of the Rawckk That Body originated as a class called “Dance Grooves” in the fall of 2008, when Heinrich was teaching at a local fitness club. The class slowly took off over the next several years, sometimes with upward of 80 attendees, ranging from ages 15 to 75. Heinrich uses lunges, squats, jumping jacks and other toning features within and around exuberant, upbeat dance routines. There are always modifications for those who can’t or choose not to do the more challenging moves; as Heinrich puts it: “You don’t have to be a dancer to benefit from my class, you just have to like moving and music. I try to keep it simple enough for those with two left feet.” SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27 WONDERHEADS PRESENT: LOON Tara “Trawckk” Heinrich (in beanie) poses with her class, post workout. PHOTO BY KATIE THOMAS town’s best-kept secrets: Rawckk That Body, a cardio-dance fitness class held at Tanya’s Dance Company, which offers a completely different kind of workout and access to more endorphins than you thought you had. Rawckk That Body, LLC was founded and created by Tara Heinrich, who goes by the whimsical moniker “Trawckk” (pronounced “TEE-rock”), a native Montanan who has spent her life dancing, choreographing, and competing. Her class is a high-energy cardio workout that incorporates toning into an hour of hip-hop/ funk-inspired dance, led by Trawckk herself. Heinrich grew up taking ballet, jazz, clog, tap and hip-hop. She began performing and competing at a young age, and went on to work as a dance instructor in Billings until 2006, when she began teaching children at Tanya’s Dance Company. In addition to collaborating over the years with various local dance troupes including “Caravan of Dreams,” Montana Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” and Venture Theatre’s production of “Grease” in Billings, Tara often volunteers as a guest hip-hop instructor at workshops and schools. Part of Heinrich’s instruction is through comedy; she is a warm and natural performer and has a gift for distracting with humor and teaching at the same time. She maintains that her success is due to creating “a fun, creative environment where individuality and uniqueness are encouraged while being active, getting or staying healthy, and doing something positive for yourself.” Some may be surprised to find such a sophisticated hip-hop choreographer and dancer here in Bozeman, but there is a growing niche of fitness enthusiasts who enjoy letting go and being silly and sexy while working out. And they appreciate being led by someone so inspiring, fit and artistic, while being sassy, sensual and uninhibited. “If I can make people happy for just one hour, then I’ve done my job,” Heinrich says. “My goal is also to encourage, and if that helps to jumpstart someone’s weight loss or overcome their fear of fitness, then I’m successful.” Tara Heinrich teaches Rawckk That Body at Tanya’s Dance Company on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 9 a.m. Email [email protected] or visit youtube.com/user/TRawckk/about for more information. BUY TICKETS WARRENMILLERPAC.ORG 30 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky ER ABigSky.com Let us share our passion for Big Sky, our local expertise and real estate knowledge with you. Our company has a 39-year history of satisfying clients’ needs, and our strength lies in the quality and dedication of our associates. Robyn Erlenbush Tina Barton Broker Owner 406-56-5052 Broker 406-580-0620 Maggie Biggerstaff Daniel Delzer CRS, GRI, RSPS, Broker 406-580-6244 Mitch Furr Katie Haley Grimm Ron Seher ERA Landmark Real Estate s in Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston & Ennis GRI, Broker 406-580-9392 CRS, RSPS, CIPS, Broker 406-580-3444 Sales Associate 580-3363 Broker 406-580-4326 Ron Tabaczka Sales Associate 570-8105 Kirk Dige Broker 406-580-5475 Katie Gill Big Sky Office Manager 995-3444 Offices in Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston & Ennis ERA Landmark Big Sky | 406-995-3444 | 36 Center Lane, Big Sky, MT 59716 Robyn Erlenbush CRB Broker Owner Each office independently owned and operated. MEMBER BENEFITS Dad’s life saved $65 per year No out-of-pocket expenses Beloved Big Sky community member Krista Mach was hospitalized on Aug. 18 after suffering a stroke. Now home in Big Sky, we continue to offer support during her recovery. Those wishing to send cards can direct them to: PO Box 160893, Big Sky, MT 59716 J O I N T O D AY 800.818.9111 summitairambulance.com Donations are being received at First Security Bank, with locations in Big Sky, West Yellowstone, Belgrade and Three Forks. Call (406) 9933350 for more information, and donations can be mailed to: First Security Bank Krista Mach Benefit Fund, P.O. Box 160330, Big Sky, MT 59716 Visitors are encouraged, and can contact Jay Dee Mach for scheduling at (406) 539-2580. For daily updates on Krista, visit caringbridge.org/visit/kristamach explorebigsky.com HEALTH Explore Big Sky Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 31 Your brain on meditation BY JACKIE RAINFORD CORCORAN EXPLORE BIG SKY HEALTH COLUMNIST If you’ve considered practicing meditation, here’s a compelling reason to start today. A 2012 study by Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital found that meditation had lasting affects on the brain. “This is the first time that meditation training has been shown to affect emotional processing in the brain outside of a meditative state,” wrote Gaëlle Desbordes, corresponding author of the report in her conclusion. The participants were healthy adults with no prior meditation experience. They were split into three groups. One group was taught mindful attention meditation, which brings awareness to breath, thoughts and emotions. A second group studied compassion meditation, which develops loving kindness and compassion for oneself and others. And the third was a control group that took a basic health education course. Before the start of the classes and after they concluded, 12 participants from each group had a total of 216 MRI brain scans apiece. Meditation was never mentioned to them in the instructions before the MRIs, and it was confirmed that they didn’t meditate while scanning took place. This is significant, as prior studies using MRIs looked at the brains of participants while meditating. The primary conclusion was that the brain does in fact have a lasting change from meditation, especially in the amygdala. The amygdala is found at the base of the brain and is part of the limbic system, which controls basic emotions like fear, pleasure and anger and drives such as hunger, sex and nurturing of offspring. It’s highly specialized for reacting to stimuli and triggering a response in the body when we feel fear to help us prepare for action – fight or flight. In both the mindful attention group and the compassion meditation group, the brain scans done after training showed a decrease in activation of the amygdala in response to positive or neutral images. This supported the research team’s theory that meditation improves emotional stability and response to stress. Participants from the compassion meditation group who reported practicing the most frequently had increased activity in the amygdala when shown negative images of human suffering. This reveals that compassion was heightened in these subjects. The mindful attention group’s brains did not change when shown negative images. No significant changes were seen in the control group. “Overall, these results are consistent with the overarching hypothesis that meditation may result in enduring, beneficial changes in brain function, especially in the area of emotional processing,” Desbordes wrote. Not finding time for meditating is a regret I often hear from clients and colleagues. Hopefully, this type of research encourages us to carve out the time and make it a priority. It’s free, you can do it anywhere, and there are no harmful side effects. Visit santoshabigsky.com or bozemandharmacenter.org if you’re looking for a class to get you started on this journey. Your brain will thank you! Jackie Rainford Corcoran is an IIN Certified Holistic Health Coach, an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, a public speaker and health activist. Contact her at [email protected], or find more at thetahealth.org. A MODERN TAKE ON A CLASSIC VIEW The NEW Fairways, ONLY 8 units available, placing you steps from the tee box and minutes from Big Sky Resort’s world-class skiing. To learn more, contact us at 406.209.3069 or [email protected] 32 Sept. 19-Oct. 2, 2014 BACK 40 explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky NPS. JIM PEACO It’s Good, Clean Fun! Daily Guided Yellowstone Park Tours • Snowmobile the National Forest • Guides not required • All new snowmobiles • Free maps • Environmentally friendly 4-stroke snowmobiles • Professional, friendly & knowledgeable guide staff • Group size no larger than ten snowmobiles • Frequent stops for photos & sightseeing • Variety of Park destinations • Private tours available • No bad seats or fogged windows 406.646.7802 • 800.522.7802 West Yellowstone, MT www.twotopsnowmobile.com Family owned and operated since 1966 • Licensed Yellowstone Concessionaire explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky Ski tips from Dan Egan p.37 OUTDOORS Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 33 Word from the Resorts p.40 Section 3: OUTDOORS & ENTERTAINMENT Art of terrain park maintenance p. 48 Southwest Montana elk just shy of state record BY JOSEPH T. O’CONNOR EXPLORE BIG SKY MANAGING EDITOR Thirteen minutes remained in the 2014 hunting season on Nov. 30, just enough time for Big Sky local Jim Schwalbe to tag the biggest bull elk of his life in southwestern Montana. It took him the entire season to find the bull he was waiting for – one bigger than the six-by-sevenpoint he has hanging in Choppers Grub and Pub in Big Sky. Through binoculars and a spotting scope, Schwalbe had glassed elk for 10 days before going out on the hunt. The morning of closing day it was -10 F when he and his hunting partner Shad Boardman went out on horseback. After post-holing in the morning though knee-deep snow, he caught up to Boardman, who was bundled up and had started a fire. “I was in a T-shirt, sweating [from that hike],” says Schwalbe, 61, who later in the afternoon trudged up a steep ridge and set up behind a waist-high snowdrift. At 5 p.m., Schwalbe spotted a sixpoint bull elk near him, but it took off when it caught wind of him. He ran after the bull and came across it again when it joined a group of three others. And then he got it – the one he’d been waiting for, an eight-byeight behemoth. “I picked up his head and said, ‘Woah. This is a nice bull,’” says Schwalbe, a 41-year Big Sky resident originally from Pewaukee, Wis. Bull elk antlers are classified as typical – essentially symmetrical – and non-typical, meaning they have tines or points growing in different places causing the antlers to look different from each other. The unofficial score put Schwalbe’s elk’s antlers at 444 points, which would have surpassed the Montana state record for American nontypical elk of 429 1/8, according to the Boone and Crockett Club scoring system that equates points with inches. But the official scorer, Fred King of Gallatin Gateway, took it down a few inches because of tine imperfections. “When it comes down to the official measurement, things change,” said King, who’s been an official scorer for the Boone and Crockett as well as Pope and Young clubs since 1984. King used 25 different measurements to come up with the total score. The gross “green” score – which is the official score until the antlers have dried for 60 days after the kill – put Schwalbe’s elk at 423 7/8, but after differences in symmetry were subtracted from the main frame, and when 14 4/8 inches for non-typical points were added back into the total, King scored it at 396 6/8. If the score holds, it will be ranked as the 110th in the world, King said. “That sounds like a long ways down,” he added. “But the thing I’ve learned over [the] years is any time you get a trophy – even if you get a trophy that approaches book minimum – that’s an outstanding animal.” The minimum score for a bull elk to be recorded into the Boone and Crockett “book” in the non-typical category is 385. Schwalbe says that while he was a little disappointed his elk wasn’t the state record he wasn’t surprised. He guessed 397 points before anyone scored it. “He’s probably the nicest bull I’ve ever seen,” Schwalbe said. “My hunter friends were so supportive and that’s what kept me going all season. They knew I didn’t want to shoot anything small.” Montana’s Rocky Mountain elk tend to not grow as large as those in Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico or Colorado – record animals often come from the Southwest – because of harsher winters, more predation and greater hunting pressure, Schwalbe said. “There is potential for elk in Montana to grow that large, but because of these factors, they don’t tend to see that potential,” King noted, pointing to a number of factors that contributed to this particular elk growing a rack that large in southwest Montana. Big Sky local Jim Schwalbe stands with the massive elk he tagged 13 minutes before the 2014 hunting season expired. PHOTO BY SCOTT HAMMOND “What this bull represents is more than just a trophy,” said King, who retired from Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks five years ago, and has also been a Hunter Education Instructor since 1975. “The [factors] are a combination of food, shelter, water, migration routes, ranges, and age – this animal is a survivor and had a chance to grow a fine set of antlers.” At approximately 800 pounds liveweight, Schwalbe says this elk may not have lasted the winter. “He was probably about 12 years old,” he said. Wild elk in Montana don’t tend to live much longer than that on average, according to King. “If they’re on good range and in good health, for bulls – because of their lifestyle – 10-15 [years] tops would be about it,” he said, adding that quality elk habitat is also quality human habitat. King wrote chapter two in the Boone and Crockett Club book called, “Measuring and Scoring North American Big Game Trophies,” published in 2009. “There is more to a trophy animal than just the size of antlers, horns, or body,” King wrote. “To a hunter, a large part of the quality of any trophy does not necessarily show up in the final mathematical score. The unmeasured quality is the enjoyment of being out during the hunting season in the habitat and space that produced the animal.” And what a space it is. Big Sky Sotheby’s International Realty artfully unites extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives — and here under the Big Sky, we experience “extraordinary” every day Moonlight’s 39 Renegade Road Charlie Russell Loop Luxury Suite Ski Retreat 6,322sf | 5BR | 8BA | 1.13Ac $5,900,000 | Web ID: 202119 5,000sf | 5BR | 5BA | 20Ac $2,750,000 | Web ID: 193795 2,533sf | 3BR | 4BA $1,600,000 | Web ID: 202002 Mountain Lake New Phases Cascade Ski-in, Ski-out Lot Summit Hotel 10,311 2,416sf | 4BR | 3BA $775,000 | Web ID: 198868 Lot 306 | 1.95Ac $350,000 | Web ID: 202083 855sf | 1BR | 2BA $275,000 | Web ID: 198864 BIG SKY: 406.995.2211 | BIG SKY: 406.995.2244 | BIGSKYSIR.COM Sotheby’s International Realty ® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky THE EDDY LINE Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 35 The best angler’s wish list, ever BY PATRICK STRAUB EXPLORE BIG SKY FISHING COLUMNIST The day after Thanksgiving, I sat down with my 3-year-old daughter to help her write a letter to Santa. I had just returned from fishing the Gallatin River where the weather had changed from beautiful to windy and snowy in a matter of minutes. I’ve been fishing in Montana for nearly 30 years and one might think I’d have everything I Orvis Helios 2, R.L. Winston Boron LS, or Sage Method fly rods. There are fly rods and then there are these three fly rods. Orvis, R.L. Winston and Sage are dedicated to making and refining some of the best fly rods on the planet. Each of these rods offers the angler in your life the ability to fish with the confidence of knowing they hold in their hand a rod made with the latest technology and one that is revered industry-wide. Each rod, offered in a variety of lengths and line weights, is Patagonia Foot Tractor Wading Boots. You want your angler to return home safe and injury free, correct? Many of our local streams, including Big Sky’s Gallatin River, are rocky and not easily waded. In the past, anglers fumbled their way along a river’s rocky banks, cautiously thinking about each step. Enter these wading boots. Ideal for our mountain streams, the Foot Tractors have aluminum bars on the sole. The bars are just hard enough to cut through algae and slime, yet soft enough to conform Finding the right gift for the angler in your life takes a little research. To find the perfect one, start locally with any of our great fly shops. PHOTO BY MIKE DONALDSON needed to guard me from the elements. But that day I wanted the latest wind-stopping and outerwear technology, and I didn’t have it. As my daughter rattled off her wish list, things like a pink pony and a unicorn – the unicorn because the pink pony might get lonely – it inspired me. If a 3 year old can swing for the fences, why can’t grownups? Whether you’re reading this looking for gift ideas or hoping to receive some of these products, here’s a gift list every angler will cherish this holiday season. Yeti cooler. A cooler is an often overlooked part of the gear arsenal. For a long time many of us suffered through routine cooler malfunctions: latches breaking, tops caving in, drain holes snapping. With a Yeti cooler those worries are a thing of the past. The founders of Yeti, two hardcore, outdoors-loving brothers, make the best coolers on the planet. But with this technology comes a hefty price tag, making it hard for many folks to justify spending several hundred dollars on a cooler. Most anglers, whether they openly admit it or not, want a Yeti. Yes, it’s a spendy gift, but surprise someone this holiday season with a Yeti cooler and you can ride out the next several giftgiving events with socks, ties and fruitcakes. made in the U.S., and the R.L. Winston Boron LS is made in Montana. If you’re unsure of what to purchase, visit any of our top-rated, local fly shops and they’ll steer you in the right direction. to rock surfaces. They also grip well on muddy trails and won’t accumulate snow. If you care about your angler not slipping and falling, treat them this holiday. Their price tag is worth it for peace of mind. The Abel Nipper. Before you can bring any fish to hand, you must tie a fly to the end of the tippet. During that process – and before, if tippet needs to be added to your line – you have to tie a knot and clip the extra line. Anglers who love to give their dentist even more money use their teeth, but most of us use nippers. The Abel Nipper, created out of anodized aluminum and with jaws of premium stainless steel, is the best nipper in the fly fishing world. But the hefty price causes a lot of folks to suffer from sticker shock. The angler in your life will cherish these because you can bet they aren’t going to splurge on it themselves. Bozeman Reel Company reel. These reels are designed and machined in Bozeman, and the guys behind the company are passionate about quality and functionality. Inspired by our local waters, these reels are the perfect addition to the discerning angler’s quarry. They offer two models, the RS and the SC. The RS is more practical whereas the SC is more traditional, yet both reels can stand up to Montana-sized abuse. Local guys making a product meant to be used locally. Winner, winner… Simms Montana Wool Fleece. Inspired by our cold winters, Simms created the Montana Wool Fleece lineup. This line of fleece clothing is deserving of the “best gift ever” moniker because the wool is sourced in Montana and the garments are made in state. They offer three styles in a halfzip long-sleeved top, as well as pants. The half-zip can be worn under a jacket for warmth but is stylish enough to be worn on its own. Your angler can sport his new clothing with pride knowing the clothes on his back are 100 percent Montanan. Buying gifts for the angler in your life can be challenging because you may think they have everything already, or perhaps the luxurious items are too costly. But if you want to ensure smiles this holiday, any of these gifts are foolproof. Pat Straub is the author of six books, including The Frugal Fly Fisher, Montana On The Fly, and Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Fly Fishing. He and his wife own Gallatin River Guides in Big Sky and with a partner operates Montana Fishing Outfitters. 36 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 36 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 OUTDOORS Explore Big Sky Happy Holidays! LittLe Bear, GaLLatin Gateway DON PILOTTE, BROKER | 406.580.0155 | RANCHMT.COM LittLe Bear, GaLLatin Gateway $1,975,000 | #189283 645± acres near Gallatin Gateway Gallatin Valley views, 28 individual parcels Surrounded by public land on three sides Access to great hiking, hunting & solitude Accepting lightly used goods from the home & selling them for you! QUALITY, UPSCALE CLOTHING! women, men, children (large inventory for sale!) $3,285,000 | #191842 tOwerinG PineS, BiG Sky 5 bd, 6 ba 6,882± sf home on 40± acres Big Sky & Gallatin River views End of the road privacy, native stone hot tub Additional land available $14,999,000 | #191070 CB ranCH, MadiSOn VaLLey Working ranch on 6,236± acres Indian Creek runs through property Borders NFS, 20 mins south of Ennis Great access to hunting and fishing An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates, Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation of Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity. All information contained herein is derived from sources deemed reliable; however, is not guaranteed by Prudential Montana Real Estate, Managing Broker, Agents or Sellers. Offering 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. FINE FURNITURE! variety pieces for all rooms (reduced prices on present inventory!) Call: Janine & Dick 406-993-9333 Open Tuesday - Sunday 11AM to 5PM - Closed on Mondays Consignment Cabin explorebigsky.com OUTDOORS Explore Big Sky Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 37 Ski tips from Dan Egan The breakthrough zone BY DAN EGAN EXPLORE BIG SKY CONTRIBUTOR Every year people come to my camps and clinics with the same goal, wanting to break through to the next skiing level. That may include mastering moguls, hard-pack snow, trees, or skiing with greater control and speed. Over the years I’ve discovered that the best way to inject your skiing with new energy and skills is to take a step back from your current skiing comfort zone and enter into the “breakthrough zone.” Entering the breakthrough zone is the equivalent of reprogramming your computer’s hard drive. We have to update and reboot our physical and mental approaches to skiing. This starts with how and when you arrive at the mountain, with whom you ski, and beyond. Many of the ruts we fall into have to do with who, where and when we ski. Remember, breakthrough-zone skiing is about busting into a new realm of experiences. Matching motivation. It’s important to find ski friends that match your motivation for improvement. You don’t have to ski every run with these people, but at least two hours of your day will be very helpful. Skills and drills time. You have to be willing to practice. If you want to ski steeps better you have to focus on the basics, such as upper body position, pole planting and quick edge-to-edge transitions. Or maybe moguls are your thing – here, you have to be willing to start on medium-grade bumps and build up to the steep, rad lines. This is going to require practice time and patience for at least two hours a day. Turn the “Oh no” into the “Oh yeah.” We are all driven by some form of inner voice. It’s best to flip the switch of this conversation into positive reinforcing language such as, “I can, I will, I’m progressing. It’s going to happen.” Dan Egan breaks through some untouched powder at Big Sky Resort. PHOTO BY JEN BENNETT/RUMBLE PRODUCTIONS Visualization. Skiing is a visual sport. Find images, videos or other skiers that model your goal. Watch them and embed those images into your mind and duplicate the images as you ski. Burn to learn. Remember we all fall. Falling is not a negative thing. If you’re going to push past your limits there are bound to be a few yard sales along the way. Be safe and smart but be bold in your exploration of the breakthrough zone and go for it! Never stop learning. Explore the possibilities of all-terrain skiing and expand your horizons. As your confidence grows, so will your adventures. Extreme skiing pioneer Dan Egan has appeared in 12 Warren Miller Ski films and countless others. Today he teaches clinics and guides trips at locations around the world including Big Sky, where he’ll be teaching Feb. 26-28, March 5-7 and March 12-14. Find more ski tips from Dan Egan at skiclinics.com/education/skitips. Holiday Party Thursday, December 18th 5-8pm Trunk show with local artists & gift raffle 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 an t o sha bi g sk y.c o m DECEMBER SCHEDULE SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 10-11am All Levels Adult Ballet (resuming on 12/28) 8-8:45am Sound Bath Meditation 7-8am All Levels Yoga 8:15-9:15am Pilates 9:30-10:45am 6-7am All Levels Yoga 7-8am All Levels Yoga 8:15-9:15am Pilates 9:30-10:45am All Levels Yoga 5-8pm (12/18) Holiday Party (No classes Christmas Day) 8:30-9:30am Level II Yoga 9-10:15am All Levels Yoga 5-6:15pm All Levels Yoga 9-10:15am All Levels Yoga 6-7:15pm All Levels Yoga All Levels Yoga 5:30-6:15pm Sound Bath 6:30-8pm All Levels Yoga 9-10:15am All Levels Yoga 5:30-6:30pm Gentle Yoga 10-11:30am All Levels Amrit Yoga 5:30-7:30pm (12/19) The Practice 38 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 EVENTS CALENDAR explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky PLANNING AN EVENT? LET US KNOW! EMAIL [email protected], AND WE’LL SPREAD THE WORD. FRIDAY, DEC. 12 – MONDAY, DEC. 22 *If your event falls between Dec. 23 and Jan. 8, please submit it by Wednesday, Dec. 17 BIG SKY FRIDAY, DEC. 12 Military Appreciation Weekend BSR (thru Sun.) Turkey for a Ticket Madison Village Base Area, 8:30 a.m. Kent Johnson Whiskey Jack’s, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Live Music at the Carabiner Lauren Regnier & Jeff Bellino, 4-6 p.m. Kevin Fabozzi, 8:30 – 11 p.m. Big Sky Christmas Stroll Meadow Village Center, 5:30 p.m. Town Center, 6:30 p.m. Tom Marino Ousel & Spur, 9-11 p.m. One Leaf Clover Choppers, 9 p.m. Riot Act Broken Spoke, 10 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 13 A Cowboy Christmas Morning Gateway Youth Group Fundraiser Hart Ranch, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. TUESDAY, DEC. 16 Grand Opening Roxy’s, 12-6 p.m. Fish Camp Boys Gallatin Riverhouse Grill, 6:30 p.m. MONDAY, DEC. 22 Montana Exit Carabiner, 4-6 p.m. Milton Menasco Band, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Mike Haring Whiskey Jack’s, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Kevin Fabozzi Ousel & Spur, 9-11 p.m. Live Poker Gallatin Riverhouse Grill, 4 p.m. Après Music w/Parvin Scissorbills, 3:30 p.m. Open Mic Night By WOM, 10 p.m. Kevin Fabozzi Carabiner, 4-6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17 Toast & Roast Rainbow Ranch, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Live Music at Whiskey Jack’s Brian and Ben, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Kent Johnson Choppers, 5:30 p.m. Justin Vineyards Wine Dinner LMR, 6:30 p.m. Big Sky Ski Bash Buck’s T-4, 7 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 14 Après Music w/Stumpy Scissorbills, 3:30 p.m. The Nutcracker WMPAC, 4 p.m. Live Poker Gallatin Riverhouse Grill, 4 p.m. MONDAY, DEC. 15 Montana Exit Carabiner, 4-6 p.m. Live Poker Gallatin Riverhouse Grill, 4 p.m. Open Mic Night Black Bear, 10 p.m. Community Chorus WMPAC, 7:30 p.m. Mike Haring Carabiner, 8:30-11 p.m. Karaoke Broken Spoke, 9:30 p.m. THURSDAY, DEC. 18 Holiday Party Santosha, 5-8 p.m. Dance Party w/DJ Dan Scissorbills, 10 p.m. BOZEMAN SATURDAY, DEC. 20 Après Music w/Tom Marino Scissorbills, 3:30 p.m. FRIDAY, DEC. 12 Cabin Fever Gun Show Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 5-8 p.m. Live Music at Whiskey Jack’s Brian and Ben, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Winter Art Walk Downtown Bozeman, 6-8 p.m. Driftwood Grinners, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Lone Mountain Trio Carabiner, 4-6 p.m. & 8:30-11 p.m. Riley Pearce Wild Joe’s, 7-9 p.m. Jake Koelzer Holiday Concert The Loft Spa, 8 p.m. Micah Swanson Choppers, 5:30 p.m. Monty Python’s “Spamalot” The Verge, 8-10 p.m. Rocky Mountain Pearls Gallatin Riverhouse Grill, 7 p.m. FRIDAY, DEC. 19 Kent Johnson Whiskey Jack’s, 3:30-5:30 p.m. LFTD Christmas Concert Live From the Divide, 8 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 21 Après Music w/Stumpy Scissorbills, 3:30 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 13 Children’s Puppet Show The Verge, 2-4 p.m. Après Music w/Kevin Pillsbury Scissorbills, 3:30 p.m. Bells of the Bridgers Christmas Concert Big Sky Chapel, 4 p.m. Travis Yost Wild Joe’s, 7-9 p.m. Lauren Regnier & Jeff Bellino Carabiner, 4-6 p.m. Live Poker Gallatin Riverhouse Grill, 4 p.m. Rum Boogie Karaoke w/Kent Johnson Scissorbills, 10 p.m. A Brasstacular Christmas Bozeman Symphony MSU Commons, 7:30 p.m. A Christmas Carol The Ellen, 7:30 p.m. Monty Python’s “Spamalot” The Verge, 8-10 p.m. Don’t ‘Clause Your Eyes Holiday Radio Theatre Live From the Divide, 8 p.m. Lil’ Smokies & Hollowtops Filling Station, 9 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 14 Monty Python’s “Spamalot” The Verge, 2 p.m. Bells of the Bridgers Christmas Concert St. James Episcopal, 2 & 4 p.m. A Christmas Carol The Ellen, 3 p.m. Celtic Music Sunday Wild Joe’s, 3-5 p.m. Ian Frye Bridger Brewing, 5:30 p.m. Bridger Mountain Big Band Colonel Blacks, 7:30 p.m. MONDAY, DEC. 15 Pints w/Purpose: Gallatin/Big Sky Weed Committee Bridger Brewing, 5 p.m. FREE 1987 Honda GL1200 motorcycle in perfect condition to give for a good rider due to sudden accident. Contact: [email protected] Subscribe now! Outlaw Partners produces the Mountain Outlaw magazine (published 2x year) and Explore Big Sky newspaper (published 26x year). Each publication is created with integrity and enthusiasm, featuring world-class photography, intriguing content and quality editorial providing readers more than a story – an experience. The Outlaw media experience thrives on the lifestyle, land and culture of the mountain west. explorebigsky.com/subscriptions explorebigsky.com Monty Python’s “Spamalot” The Verge, 8-10 p.m. Bridger Creek Boys Colonel Black’s, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, DEC. 16 Cribbage Night Eagles Lodge, 6-9:30 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 21 Monty Python’s “Spamalot” The Verge, 2 p.m. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17 Music & Mussells Bridger Brewing, 5:30 p.m. Bridger Mountain Big Band Colonel Blacks, 7:30 p.m. Monty Python’s “Spamalot” The Verge, 8-10 p.m. MONDAY, DEC. 22 Pints w/Purpose: AIDS Outreach Bridger Brewing, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY, DEC. 19 Nutcracker in a Nutshell The Emerson, 6:30 p.m. Divine Mercy Academy Benefit Concert The Emerson, 6 p.m. A Christmas Carol The Ellen, 7:30 p.m. Monty Python’s “Spamalot” The Verge, 8-10 p.m. Bridger Creek Boys Colonel Black’s, 7 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 20 Nutcracker in a Nutshell The Emerson, 12 & 5 p.m. A Christmas Carol Call or stop The Ellen, 7:30us p.m. “Love Letters” Blue Slipper Theatre, 8-10 p.m. Bozeman Doc Series: “Tomorrow We Disappear” The Emerson, 7 p.m. A Christmas Carol The Ellen, 7:30 p.m. Children’s Puppet Show The Verge, 2-4 p.m. Holiday Vaudeville Extravaganza The Shane, 8 p.m. Ian Frye Bridger Brewing, 5:30 p.m. THURSDAY, DEC. 18 “Boyhood” The Emerson, 7 p.m. Improv on the Verge The Verge, 7 p.m. A Christmas Carol The Ellen, 7:30 p.m. in to sign up the LIVINGSTON & PARADISE VALLEY FRIDAY, DEC. 12 Travis Yost Katabatic, 5:30-7:30 p.m. A Christmas Carol The Ellen, 3 p.m. Karaoke Bacchus Pub, 9 p.m. EVENTS CALENDAR Explore Big Sky Brass Flask Murray Bar, 9 p.m. Jerry Joseph The Mint, 9:30 p.m. Jerry Joseph The Mint, 9:30 p.m. StrangeWays The Mint, 9:30 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 14 Live and Let Livingston Vegan Food Potluck Livingston Public Library, 4:30 p.m. FRIDAY, DEC. 19 Holiday Variety Show Blue Slipper Theatre, 8 p.m. Holiday Vaudeville Extravaganza The Shane, 8 p.m. “Love Letters” Blue Slipper Theatre, 8-10 p.m. MONDAY, DEC. 15 Open Bluegrass Jam Katabatic Brewing Co., 5:30-7:30 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 13 Emigrant Christmas Bazaar St. John’s Church, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. PHS Choir Concert Park High School, 7 p.m. Potluck/Jam Session Park County Senior Center, 1-5 p.m. TUESDAY, DEC. 16 Livingston Film Festival The Shane, 6:15-8 p.m. Holiday Shopping Jumpstart The Office, 5-8 p.m. Taco Tuesday Swingley Jazz Project The Mint, 6:30 p.m. Steffan May Katabatic, 5:30-7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17 Scott Evje Katabatic, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Elks Lodge Xmas Party Elks Lodge Gypsy Lumberjacks Murray Bar, 8:30 p.m. Bingo Night The Mint, 6 p.m. Holiday Vaudeville Extravaganza The Shane, 8 p.m. Madeline Hawthorne Murray Bar, 8:30 p.m. “Love Letters” Blue Slipper Theatre, 8-10 p.m. THURSDAY, DEC. 18 The Angels Ring Grace United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. Nathan North Murray Bar, 9 p.m. DJ Mike Marosits Murray Bar, 8:30 p.m. cave Big Ol’ Murray Bar, 9 p.m. The Mighty Locker Room Band The Mint, 9:30 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 20 Tammy Hauer Katabatic, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 39 Christmas Bird Count Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, 8:30 a.m. MONDAY, DEC. 15 YNP opens for winter over snow travel United Women Annual Xmas Luncheon Holiday Inn, 11:30 a.m. THURSDAY, DEC. 18 Snowmobiler Intro to Avalanches Holiday Inn, 12-5 p.m. Holiday Variety Show Blue Slipper Theatre, 8 p.m. Xmas Stroll & Parade of Lights W. Yellowstone, 5:30 p.m. Tom Catmull & Radio Static Murray Bar, 9 p.m. FRIDAY, DEC. 19 “Rodeo Run” Dog Sled Races Old Airport, 9 a.m. Scotty Nelson The Mint, 9:30 p.m. MONDAY, DEC. 22 Open Bluegrass Jam Katabatic Brewing Co., 5:30-7:30 p.m. WEST YELLOWSTONE FRIDAY, DEC. 12 Bullwinkle’s Ladies’ Holiday Party Bullwinkle’s West Saloon SATURDAY, DEC. 13 SPAM Cup #1 Rendezvous Ski Trails, 10 a.m. Snowmobiler Intro to Avalanches Field course, all day SATURDAY, DEC. 20 “Rodeo Run” Dog Sled Races Old Airport, 9 a.m. Kids’N’Snow Weekend Pioneer Park, all day SUNDAY, DEC. 21 Kids’N’Snow Weekend Pioneer Park, all day SUNDAY, DEC. 14 Biathlon Cup #1 Rendezvous Ski Trails, 10 a.m. Happy Hour All Day! $250 Beer Spirits & Gifts & LIQUOR STORE BEER WINE UNIQUE MONTANA GIFTS BIG SKY’S FULL SERVICE Shirts Hats Books Jewelry MONTHLY WINE CLUB OUR IS HERE CALL US OR STOP IN TO SIGN UP • (406) 995-4343 Located in TOWN CENTER at the corner of LONE MOUNTAIN TRAIL and OUSEL FALLS ROAD OPEN 8AM- BREAKFAST-LUNCH-DINNER EVERYDAY Happy Holidays! MONTANA STATE LIQUOR STORE HOT SOUPS • COLD MULES 5 miles South of Big Sky - HWY 191, Mile Marker 43 menu online - www.corralbar.com - 406-995-4249 WORD FROM THE RESORTS 40 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky Word from the Resorts Giving you the news directly from the region's top ski resorts BY P.J. WIRCHANSKY LMR DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Lone Mountain Ranch is now open for its 38th winter season, with 85 km of groomed cross-country ski trails, 30 km of snowshoe trails, and Montana’s original sleigh ride dinner. We’ve experienced great snowfall throughout November and early December with a base of 12-14 inches at the LMR Outdoor Shop. Upper trails have as much as 20 inches and are skiing fantastically. The shop experienced a gamechanging renovation over the summer, and is now open again seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The shop will still be the center for all things Nordic, as well as for lessons, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and trips into Yellowstone. New this year will be Nordic gear for sale. Locals and visitors looking for a place to relax, eat and listen to live music can enjoy the ranch dining room with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served to the public daily. Each Sunday evening, LMR hosts a family style meal that is available to the public. The ranch will be hosting several special wine events including the Justin Vineyards wine dinner on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Live music will be played in the saloon five to six nights a week throughout the winter season. The ranch has a new sleigh this winter that will provide the draft horses a lighter load and allow guests a better opportunity to view the beautiful skies on a starry night. LMR is also participating in the Big Sky Christmas Stroll on Friday, Dec. 12 in Big Sky Town Center with sleigh rides and hot cocoa. BY KATIE SMITH LONE PEAK PR Bohart Ranch Cross Country Ski Center, located 16 miles northeast of Bozeman, is ready for the 2014-2015 season. We’ve had plenty of early season snow to open all of our ski trails. The Crosscut trails will be available to ski later in the season, thanks to the Bridger Biathlon Club, and will provide a fun variety of new terrain for Bohart skiers. Visit bridgerbiathlonclub.org for more information. Upcoming Events: Dec. 13: Bobcat Christmas Pole Kick off the ski season by participating in this low-key ski fundraiser with camaraderie, fun and prizes in support of Montana State University’s Nordic Ski Team. Classic and skate Bridger Bowl Ski Area opened for the season on Dec. 5 with 1 inch of new snow, a 24-inch base and every lift on the mountain spinning. Opening weekend brought 5,402 skiers and riders to Bridger’s slopes, according to Bridger Bowl’s Director of Marketing Doug Wales. “Relative to the amount of snow we’ve had, we’re doing well,” Wales said, noting The parking situation has also improved this season with the construction of 250 new parking spaces, which should alleviate the problem of cars parking on the highway when that first big weekend storm finally comes. – T.A. Rendezvous Ski Trails Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone consists of more than 35 km of gently rolling groomed trails, winding through lodgepole pines and open meadows. At nearly 7,000 feet, the trails provide ideal conditions for high altitude training throughout the winter, from Nov. 1 to March 31. Foundation. “Our races [had] the highest participation than we had in recent years.” The annual Yellowstone Ski Festival took place over Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 25-29, and saw a record number of skiers in numerous races. “We had a great turnout,” said Moira Dow, program director of the West Yellowstone Ski Education There are a lot of events to look forward to in the upcoming weeks. The season’s first citizen’s freestyle race is on Saturday, Dec. 13 as a part of the SPAM Cup, the first Biathlon Cup is Sunday, Dec. 14, and Free Ski and Try Biathlon Day will be held on Jan. 3. – M.W. The Biathlon race broke a record with 206 participants, the Super Tour races each had more than 200 competitors, and Saturday’s Junior Race had more than 150 skiers, Dow said. Jan. 11: Subaru of Bozeman Skinny Ski Festival At the Skinny Ski Festival, Bohart Ranch offers the community an opportunity to give Nordic skiing a try. Complimentary beginner introductory classic and skate ski lessons will take place at 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m., or 2:30 p.m. and children are welcome. Equipment and lesson space is limited, and reservations for both are required. Call Bohart at (406) 586-9070 beginning Dec. 30 for reservations. much to anticipate at the resort this winter. that the storm right before Thanksgiving came in with dense snow that was crucial for the base. “We look forward to getting the whole mountain open.” Bridger will celebrate the opening of its new Alpine Cabin with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, Dec. 20. The event will include a dedication of the donor wall inside the cabin – private community members donated $128,000 of the project cost. The ski area also received $132,000 from a state tourism infrastructure improvement grant, and Bridger Bowl paid the other half of the $500,000 construction cost. races in 1 km and 3 km distances begin at 10:30 a.m., and the 5 km and 10 km skate races begin at 11a.m. Race day registration is 9-10a.m. Email ghagensen@ msubobcats.com or call (406) 994-4118 for information. “I think the biggest thing [people] can look forward to is the opening of our restaurant Everett’s 8,800 at the top of Andesite,” she said. “It will be open Dec. 15 for breakfast, lunch and après ski, we’ll have all our regular holiday activities and events, and of course everybody will be enjoying skiing.” Upcoming Events: Although this season has seen a slower start to the snowfall than in recent years, now is the perfect time to rip some groomers at Big Sky Resort and get your ski legs back before it starts dumping and you’re put to the test. As of press time, Dec. 10, Big Sky had a 17-inch mid-mountain base and the upper mountain was at 26 inches with Challenger, Explorer, Ramcharger, Swift Current, and Thunder Wolf chairlifts running. Ski patrol is working hard to open as much as possible, and Southern Comfort, Sacajawea, and Lewis and Clark lifts will all open on Friday, Dec. 12. On the Moonlight Basin side, Iron Horse, Six Shooter, Derringer, and the magic carpet, as well as all services in the Madison Village area open Friday. Be mindful of early season conditions when skiing – no one wants to get hurt before the good stuff gets here. Sheila Chapman, public relations manager at Big Sky Resort, says there’s Turkey for a Ticket Friday, Military Appreciation Weekend, $41 Birthday Weekend, and Demo Days Saturday all take place the weekend of Dec. 12-14. The Youth Locals Program begins in January, but the early registration discount deadline is Dec. 14. This program is open to kids ages 3-14 and helps introduce them to skiing and snowboarding and improves their skills. Kids are divided into skill and age level so they can get the most out of their time on the hill. The second annual SheJumps “Get the Girls Out” event is Dec. 22. The charge will be lead by Cristy Watson, SheJumps’ regional coordinator for the Rockies, at 10 a.m. for a day of women’s camaraderie with an après ski party at Whiskey Jack’s at 3:30 p.m. Registration is from 8:30-10 a.m. next to the Lone Peak Café in the Mountain Mall. – M.W. OUTDOORS Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 41 Whitefish Mountain Resort opens with nearly six feet of snowfall since Nov. 1 WHITEFISH – Whitefish Mountain Resort opened for its 67th winter season on Dec. 6 with new snow, new terrain and a new Flower Point chairlift. The mountain received 71 inches of snow since Nov. 1, and at EBS press time had 34 runs open accessed by seven lifts, the T-bar and the magic carpet. With the grand opening of the Flower Point lift, Whitefish honored one of the ski area’s founding fathers, Ed Schenck, along with Whitefish’s “Father of Skiing,” Lloyd “Mully” Muldown, by inviting their descendants to be the first to ride the new lift. “We’re excited to get the season started and explore the new terrain that can now be accessed by the Flower Point chairlift,” Whitefish Mountain Resort President Dan Graves said. “For many years the best early season skiing is found on the north side of the mountain. This is one of those years when the backside is full-on winter mode and the front needs another good storm.” The entire north side of the mountain is open including new runs and advanced tree skiing available off of Flower Point including Ridge Run, Outside Road, Hidden Meadow and One Grand Parade. Other runs accessible from the Flower Point include North Fork, Inside Road, Big Creek and Whiskey Spring. Additional runs open on the back include Big Horn, Black Bear, Caribou, Goat Haunt, Marmot, Hollywood, Kodiak, Silvertip, Whitetail and Gray Wolf. The Bigfoot T-Bar runs Lodi Ridge, Lynx and Trapper’s Trail will also be available. Visit skiwhitefish.com for up-to-date information. Really. Good. Beer. (and food...) 48 Market Place | Big Sky, MT 59716 | 406.995.3939 | lonepeakbrewery.com Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 41 42 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 GIFT & GEAR GUIDE explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky Keely’s Camp is the first ski racing and big mountain camp for girls in North America. If you are a girl who loves skiing and sharing it with your friends join us this winter! ALTA, UT FREERIDE CAMP April 28th & 29th BIG SKY, MT FREERIDE CAMP April 18th & 19th GIRLS INTRO BACKCOUNTRY CAMP AT THE BELL LAKE YURT April 24th-26th MT. HOOD, OREGON SKI RACING CAMP Registration for Summer 2015 Camps to be announced Register at KEELY'S SKI CAMP FOR GIRLS KEELYSSKICAMPFORGIRLS.COM @ KEELYSCAMP GIRLSMOVINGMOUNTAINS explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky REVIEWS Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 43 Horny Toad Profundo Pullover This pullover is like your favorite pair of jeans. It provides some warmth without being too heavy, and the blend of organic cotton and Tencel - a natural, rayon-like fabric – feels super soft. The slouchy neckline can be worn as a cowl or a hood. I love the longer length and of course, pockets! – Kelsey Dzintars $89 E.J. Daws puts his Simms Kinetic Jacket to the test Dec. 7 on the East Gallatin River. PHOTO BY JENEÉ DAWS Simms Kinetic Jacket If you’re like me, you’re all about versatile clothing and layering options. I like apparel that crosses boundaries, can be worn around town, in the office, and while stalking fish in your favorite riffle. The Profundo Pullover is a comfy layer for all seasons. PHOTO BY TYLER BUSBY Simms’ new Kinetic Jacket checks all the boxes. It’s light, warm, packable, and will attract compliments like a Pat’s Rubberlegs fly pattern attracts trout. A low-profile, synthetic insulated jacket weighing in at only 525 grams, allows the Kinetic to insulate while maintaining a close fit to avoid bulk. Polartec Wind-Pro stretchy fleece lines the sleeves and side panels giving you excellent breathability and increased range of motion for casting, or when it’s your turn on the oars. PrimaLoft Gold insulation maintains 96 percent of its warmth when wet, providing the highest warmth-to-weight ratio available, according to Simms. This jacket is perfect for cool days, but the lack of bulk allows it to easily slip under a shell as a mid layer. A hood gives the Kinetic one more feature that will make it your go-to jacket and the DWR treated,100 percent polyester shell keeps snags and brush off when you’re bushwhacking through willows to your favorite honey hole. The Kinetic will draw attention from fishing buddies while you enjoy a “coldwahn” at the river’s edge; from co-workers at the office; or from the family while trudging through thigh-deep snow on a Christmas tree hunt. – E.J. Daws $249.95 BIG SKY’S RESTORATION & TEXTILE CLEANING SPECIALIST SINCE 1988 Our Mission:To provide the best possible service to our clients through education, experience, courtesy, honesty and professionalism. IICRC CERTIFIED FIRM • 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICES Enjoy our publication and please remember to recycle it. 44 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 REVIEWS explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky Earn style points and glory by choosing the right wine BY COLLEEN HELM EXPLORE BIG SKY CONTRIBUTOR Now that we’ve had our first polar vortex, you can start thinking about changing up your wine game. Nothing says winter like the Italian red wine varietal called nebbiolo. A perfect match with stews, mushrooms, local game meats and the occasional chunk of wild boar, nebbiolo never fails to deliver. Named for the “nebbia,” or fog that rolls into Italy’s Piedmont region come harvest time, the nebbiolo grape can range from a simple wine, lightly chilled for an après ski spent in the sun, to the full on tar and roses flavor profile of a barolo, which is made exclusively from nebbiolo grapes. Two of my favorites are Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo and Damilano Lecinquevigne Barolo. The Produttori comes from a small co-op founded in 1958 with 19 small growers and has grown to 52 members. Finding nebbiolo this good at a decent price is unheard of, and this wine is lively with earthy, berry fruit that floats atop fine tannins with great acidity. vineyards, the intense notes of rose, leather, tobacco and violet make it a good wine from what’s considered the best barolo year in history, 2010. As an added bonus, both of these wines go easy on the alcohol so you’ll never miss a big powder day. When the temperatures drop, we move from lighter dining fare to more substantial foods and we need what I like to call “winter whites” to pair with that type of cuisine. This winter, step out of the chardonnay box and go with something different like viognier, roussanne or marsanne. These heavyweight whites are famous in the northern Rhone region of France and are known for the highly sought-after wines they produce. Weight-wise, they can easily fill in where chardonnay left off without clubbing you over the head with oak flavor. My favorite inexpensive white is the Chateau Pesquie Cotes du Rhone Blanc that has the weighty viognier grape at its core, complemented by roussanne. It’s a mineral-driven wine with flavors of white flowers, anjou pear and lemon curd, and is a freewheeling white Rhone with attitude. If you have a bit more cash to spend, the Damilano Lecinquevigne Barolo is astonishing. Sourced from five PHOTOS COURTESY OF COLLEEN HELM If you want something with a bit more backbone, then Rotie Cellars Northern White should fit the bill. Done in a French style from Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, Rotie’s 100 percent marsanne is all wet-stone minerality with notes of lemon peel and white peach, and a creamy texture on top of a honeydew melon finish. Can you say shrimp poached in butter? Colleen Helm bought Bozeman’s Vino per Tutti in 2012 after spending more than 20 years in the finance industry, and earned her Certified Sommelier designation in 2014. She started cooking and tasting wine at an early age and lived in both Italy and Germany for a number of years, gaining Italian citizenship and a healthy appreciation for European wine and beer. fresh soups made daily best margaritas in big sky! FAST. FRESH. FAT. That’s how weRoll. Organic Marijuana Alternative to Modern Medicine Lone Peak Caregivers serves Big Sky, Bozeman, Belgrade, Ennis and the Western Yellowstone region. Providing patient comfort through local, high quality organic products in a professional environment. DINE IN OR CARRY OUT 11-8PM - LOCATED IN BIG SKY IN THE WESTFORK PLAZA 406.995.3099 - WEROLLEMFAT.COM Big Sky, Montana REVIEWS Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 45 Product Review: Phood Shake A few months after realizing my existing protein supplement contained more artificial ingredients than most candy bars, I set out to find a protein shake without Genetically Modified Organisms, animal products, soy, dairy, gluten or preservatives. I visited the Bozeman Downtown Co-op and tried nearly every protein shake they sold, looking for a supplement that had a nice flavor and didn’t include additives. The tasting results varied from chalky to bland, with not much in between. One of the last supplements I tried was Phood Shake, and it had a different quality altogether. Phood Shake has revolutionized the supplement industry, boasting natural sweetness, a smooth and creamy texture, and 100 percent plant-based ingredients. Super fruits, quinoa, omega 3 fatty acids, sprouted cruciferous greens, and raw plant proteins – a blend comparable to whey in essential amino acid balance – are just a few of the notable ingredients. The tagline on the website asks, “If you could only take one supplement what would it contain?” Phood Shake has answered that question for me. Phood Shake is available at plantfusion.net and by trial size only at the Bozeman Downtown Co-op. Try it blended with banana, almond milk and ice for a delicious anytime treat. – Jessie Wiese $40 for 1 pound EXPLOREBIGSKY.COM/BESTOF 46 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 GIFT & GEAR GUIDE explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky explorebigsky.com FUN Explore Big Sky Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 47 big sky beats BY MARIA WYLLIE EXPLORE BIG SKY ASSOCIATE EDITOR Find out what tunes we’re bumping! In “Big Sky Beats,” Explore Big Sky staff and guests talk soundtracks for winter in the Rockies, and guests have a chance to share what they listen to when they shred. Rather than compiling a list of Christmas classics by Bing Crosby, Brenda Lee, Frank Sinatra and the like, I’ve found songs by less traditional holiday musicians who bring their own sound and new lyrics to the genre. m .co ock t S en The tracks below have slower trhythms, lending to a more calming and mellow rOp co e V . is needed amid the craziness that accompanies the w sound, which in my opinion ww busy holiday season. And many of them warrant a listen any time of year – not just from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas. 1. “Rest Your Head,” George Winston 2. “Wizards in Winter” (Instrumental), Trans-Siberian Orchestra 3. “Auld Lang Syne,” Andrew Bird 4. “Tracks In The Snow,” The Civil Wars 5. “Nevertheless (I’m In Love With You)”, Michael Bublé 6. “Mary, Did You Know?” Pentatonix 7. “New Morning,” My Morning Jacket 8. “River,” Joni Mitchell 9. “Winter’s Night,” Doc Watson 10. “What Child Is This Anyway?” Sufjan Stevens American Life in Poetry: Column 507 BY TED KOOSER, U.S. POET LAUREATE For every one of those faces pictured on the obituary page, thousands of memories have been swept out of the world, never to be recovered. I encourage everyone to write down their memories before it’s too late. Here’s a fine example of that by Margaret Hasse, who lives in Minnesota. Truant By Margaret Hasse Our high school principal wagged his finger over two manila folders lying on his desk, labeled with our names— my boyfriend and me— called to his office for skipping school. The day before, we ditched Latin and world history to chase shadows of clouds on a motorcycle. We roared down rolling asphalt roads through the Missouri River bottoms beyond town, our heads emptied of review tests and future plans. We stopped on a dirt lane to hear a meadowlark’s liquid song, smell heart-break blossom of wild plum. Beyond leaning fence posts and barbwire, a tractor drew straight lines across the field unfurling its cape of blackbirds. Give a gift T H AT G I V E S BAC K T O T H E GA L L AT I N R I V E R F O R G E N E R AT I O N S ! Individual Membership levels: M AY F LY: $25 includes “Friend of the Gallatin” bumper sticker CAD D I S F LY: $100 includes mayfly lapel pin, “Friend of the Gallatin” bumper sticker G R AS S H O P P E R : $250 includes mayfly lapel pin, “Friend of the Gallatin” bumper sticker, hat S P RU C E M O T H : $500 includes “Friend of the Gallatin” bumper sticker, custom fly box S A L M O N F LY: $1,000 includes “Friend of the Gallatin” bumper sticker, custom fly box with program associated flies Monthly and Business memberships also available Now forty years after that geography lesson in spring, I remember the principal’s words. How right he was in saying: This will be part of your permanent record. American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation (poetryfoundation. org), publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Poem copyright ©2013 by Margaret Hasse, from her most recent book of poems, “Earth’s Appetite,” Nodin Press, 2013. Poem reprinted by permission of Margaret Hasse and the publisher. Introduction copyright © 2014 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction's author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. (406) 993-2519 | bluewatertaskforce.org/support.php 48 Dec. 12 - 22, 2014 BACK 40 explorebigsky.com Explore Big Sky For Explore Big Sky, 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. Noun: wild or rough terrain adjacent to a developed area Origin: shortened form of “back 40 acres” Zen and the art of terrain park maintenance BY CHRIS MCELANEY EXPLORE BIG SKY CONTRIBUTOR More than a few skiers and snowboarders patiently occupying their spots in a sluggish lift line have scratched their heads in confusion – if not shaken their fists in jealous rage – as a band of baggypanted, rake-wielding ruffians shuffles through the Authorized Personnel Only lane, effectively cutting the entire queue and hopping on the lift without a trace of guilt. Who are these chosen ones? They’re certainly not ski patrol, and they don’t look like ski instructors. Meet your friendly Big Sky Resort park crew, aka “the shapers,” “the park rats,” or more formally, the terrain park attendants. It’s our solemn duty to keep your takeoffs impeccably groomed, your landings free of ruts and clueless bystanders, and to bravely test those brand-spanking-new jumps so you don’t have to worry about coming up short on your landing. The responsibilities of the terrain park crew are threefold: -First, to engage in the design and construction of all terrain park features, including but not limited to rails, boxes, jumps, jibs, and other strange, “shreddable” objects that may be dreamt up in the locker room -Second, to ensure the functionality and safety of the aforementioned shreddable objects through consistent testing and maintenance -Third, to foster an environment of safety and goodtimes-for-all within the boundaries of the terrain park itself A day in the life of the park crew begins with a preopening round of grooming and inspection. The residue of nightly snowcat work – be it perfect corduroy or the occasional bumps left behind by a cat’s errant tiller – dictates how much attention a given feature may need. Big Sky Terrain Park crewmember Alex Syversen raking out the tube on Dec. 10 at the Swifty 2.0 park. PHOTO BY CHRIS MCELANEY Grooming the park at this early hour, while the sun rises above surrounding peaks and ridges, is a ritual of silence and peaceful contemplation. Like Buddhist monks in the morning light, we patiently rake out our Zen garden. As the lifts open and eager shredders begin to trickle down the slopes, the daily onslaught begins. The park’s pristine condition slowly deteriorates as skiers spin 450 degrees on and off rails, leaving behind grooves in the takeoffs and landings that must be painstakingly buffed out. Raking now becomes a bit more dangerous. It’s not unusual for the edges of some overzealous rider’s board to come whizzing by, nearly slicing one’s beanie into a headband. An eager skier testing out a rail on Dec. 8 at Big Sky Resort. PHOTO BY BRIAN NILES If new features were installed overnight, any rough edges must be sculpted and corduroy laid on their takeoffs. Nocturnal building sessions usually involve a few crewmembers following around a snowcat, struggling to stay within the beam of its headlights while schlepping around rails and shoveling snow into the outline of a feature-to-be. Come daylight, any freshly crafted features must be tested thoroughly before being opened to the public. Sometimes, this simply means sliding the length of a knee-high box. Other times, it means sending a 50- or 60-foot jump first thing in the morning on a cold set of legs, the wind whipping snow into a low-visibility frenzy, while representatives from ski patrol and mountain operations look on. Once the jumps are groomed, the rails set and tested, the physical task of maintenance gives way to the social task of gently enforcing park etiquette. No matter how many well-meaning signs are posted, less informed skiers and boarders inevitably make their way into the park, turning boxes into temporary lounge chairs and stopping to tie their bootlaces in the jump landings. But these wayward groms – with a little guidance – are just as likely to be landing their first boardslide or trying to stick a 360 over and over and over again. That’s the real goal of the terrain park, after all: to provide a place where people are free to learn, free to push their boundaries, free to fall hard or “slam,” and get back up. As long as somebody’s going for it, the park crew has done its duty. Chris McElaney grew up snowboarding in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains – where the only thing to ride was the terrain park, he says. He moved to Big Sky in 2012 and is entering his second season as a terrain park attendant.