BOZEMAN – Usually, the retirement of an athlete’s jersey number is reserved for later in their life or even after death. For Sonny Holland, that honor was bestowed upon number 52 immediately after his final game as a Bobcat in 1959, when Holland was 22 years old. Those around him knew early that Holland would go down in Montana State University history. 

Allyn “Sonny” Holland, dubbed the Greatest Bobcat of All Time by fans and the Bozeman community, died on Dec. 3. He was 84 years old.

Born in Butte on March 22, 1938, Holland is remembered for having embodied a characteristic Montana toughness and work ethic throughout his football career. But there was also a humility to his leadership as both player and coach.

“Coach Holland was more of a father than a coach to the players at Montana State during the 70s,” said Rick Vancleeve, a lineman on the 1976 national champion Bobcat football team under Holland. “He was a soft, gentle man that demanded respect without ever demanding anything. His manner was to let you know what the right thing to do was, but let you make the choice on what you were to do. His leadership style made us champions on and off the field.”

Montana State’s first-ever three-time All-American football player made an impact on the football field from his first game, joining the starting lineup in 1956 and rolling with that team straight to MSU’s first national title. Holland played center and linebacker, positions that require precise instincts and impeccable control — as well as an immense amount of hard work, something Holland embraced.

“Coach Holland’s primary goal was to win the Big Sky, beat the Grizzles, develop his players to grow up and become men, get a great education, represent MSU with pride and always do the right thing,” said Delmar Jones, a running back on that 1976 championship team. “In my view, he exceeded these goals and more. Every major decision I make in life I ask myself…what would Coach Holland do?” 

During Holland’s time as a player, the Bobcats boasted a stellar record of 31-6-1, though they wouldn’t win their second national championship for another 20 years. Holland would be integral to that title as well, but, first, a career in coaching would take him across Montana and beyond. 

Holland began coaching almost immediately after his graduation from MSU, becoming an assistant coach at Bozeman High School in 1961. He joined the Bobcat coaching staff for the first time the following year, serving as an offensive line coach until 1965. He left Montana briefly in 1968 to coach at Washington State University, only to return in 1969 to coach Western Montana College (now the University of Montana Western in Dillon) to a perfect 7-0 season and Frontier Coach of the Year honors. 

But in 1970, Holland returned to his beloved Montana State, where the athletes he coached called him simply “Coach” or “Chief.” After a year as defensive line coach, he ascended to head coach when another Bobcat legend, Tom Parac, became athletic director. After a lukewarm start in 1971 with a 2-7-1 record, the Bobcats would win their first conference title under Holland's leadership in 1972, played at Bozeman High School's Van Winkle Stadium before Reno H. Sales Stadium (now Bobcat Stadium) was completed. Things started to pick up with three consecutive winning records and a split season of 5-5 in 1975. 

Then the magic happened.

The Bobcats beat North Dakota and North Dakota State to open the 1976 season, then suffered their only loss of that year to Fresno State. They defeated conference opponents Weber State, Idaho State and Idaho by a combined score of 101-21 before beating the University of Montana Grizzlies (the fifth in what would be a six-game winning streak against the Griz, to tie the longest in MSU history), and clinched Holland’s third league crown in his seven seasons as head coach.

The 1976 playoffs would see MSU eke past New Hampshire 17-16 before traveling to Fargo to beat North Dakota State for the second time that season. In the title game against Akron, in front of a crowd of over 13,000, they clinched MSU’s second-ever national championship in football.

“I woke up this morning to the news, and the first thing that came to mind was Coach getting off the plane and hoisting our championship trophy,” said Vancleeve on Dec. 4. “In my opinion, no one person, nor legions of others a Montana State held a candle to what he stood for to this University.

Since that season, MSU has reached 12 wins in a season only twice: in 1984 when the Bobcats claimed another national title under coach Dave Arnold, and in 2021 during head coach Brent Vigen’s first season leading the Bobcats, when a near-perfect season ended in a loss in the FCS title game against North Dakota State. 

“Sonny was a pillar of Montana State University and Bobcat Athletics. As a player, coach, and alumni representative he inspired many,” said MSU Director of Athletics Leon Costello. “He leaves a lasting legacy of greatness and will always be remembered as ‘Chief’ to those he coached. We will miss seeing him on gamedays in Bobcat Stadium, and his contributions to the MSU and Bozeman communities will be remembered for many years to come."

While Holland would only coach one more season with the Bobcats before stepping away at the age of 39, it was far from the end of his impact on the university. He took on the role of director of alumni relations and would work with the MSU Alumni Foundation until 1992. During that time, he engaged extensively with his teammates from the 1956 championship in fundraising for the university.

“Sonny Holland was not only a phenom for Bobcat Athletics, playing and coaching alike, he chose to lead the university’s alumni efforts because he knew it was important and he did a great job,” said Kerry Hanson, current vice president of engagement for the MSU Alumni Foundation. “Sonny is certainly a Bobcat legend in everything he touched at his university, and I’m proud to be part of his legacy.”

In 2011, upgrades to Bobcat Stadium included a new south end zone adding more than 5,000 seats, named the Sonny Holland Zone. It’s the area of the stadium where current MSU students and the Spirit of the West marching band now cheer on Holland’s beloved team, a team that is now led by another Butte son: sophomore quarterback Tommy Mellott.

Butte is known for its proud fans and strong community, and for Vigen, having Holland’s continued support over the years was an immense vote of confidence.

“The community of Butte has meant a lot to this program, and Sonny represented it well,” said Vigen, whose roster also includes Butte athletes Casey Kautzman, Aaron Richards and Dylan Snyder. “I’ve heard a lot that if you have Butte, you have Montana, when it comes to support. Obviously, Sonny was a big part of that for a long time. It was great to get a chance to be around him and to know that this program was still so important to him. To get his blessing on the job we’re doing means a lot.”

Holland was a member of two inaugural hall of fame classes after his coaching tenure ended: MSU’s own in 1986 alongside legends like basketball player and coach John “Brick” Breeden, the 1929 national champion men’s basketball team dubbed “the Golden Bobcats” and football kicker and skier Jan Stenerud; and the Montana Football Hall of Fame in 2016. In his induction speech for the latter, he reminisced on the role football had played in his life, emphasizing why sons of Montana often find success on the gridiron. 

“I look back and I know what helped me was the people I played with and the coaches that coached me,” Holland said. “We’re probably going to get knocked down from time to time but we’re never going to stay there...We’re going to be up in your face the next play. That’s the way things are done in Montana.”

In 2016, the now-iconic 9-foot-tall statue of Holland was added at the north end of Bobcat Stadium. Holland is captured mid-clap, hands slightly spread, torso tilted forward and head turned to one side, as if he’s watching a play. But his expression isn’t the intense gaze of the many football coaches mid-game: It’s serene, focused, calm, intentional, just as Holland was.

“He was a friend, a father, a mentor, a champion,” said Vancleeve. “He was and is Montana State University.” 

“His integrity and leadership were passed on to his players and MSU,” said Jones. “He moved the state forward. I can’t thank Coach Holland enough for all he’s done for me, my teammates and our MSU family.”

Bobcat coaches and players touch the feet of the legendary coach each time they process from Brick Breeden Fieldhouse to Bobcat Stadium on football gamedays, a tradition dubbed the Bobcat Prowl. As they go by, they see the words that Holland said to his own players, a timeless phrase echoed by countless players and fans.

“Now is the time and this is the place. Go 'Cats.”

Holland was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Deanna. He is survived by his three daughters Wendy (husband Gator) Rivers, Heidi (Eric) Jinje, and Jody (Tyler) Delaney, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Sweet Pea is presenting our 2nd Annual Winter Art Show February 1-28, 2023. This juried art show will be hosted by our longtime sponsor and Summer Art Show host, ERA Landmark, at their Main Street Location. This exhibit will highlight great artists from our state. There will be cash awards to First ($500), Second ($250), and Third ($125) place winners.

BOZEMAN – Hunter success continued to vary across southwest Montana during the latter half of the general deer and elk hunting season, according to data gathered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists. 

The general season lasted from Oct. 22 through Nov. 27. During that time, FWP staff operated game check stations at various times and locations in southwest Montana, including stations in Alder, Cameron, Canyon Ferry, Divide, Gallatin Canyon and Gardiner. Collectively, they met with 5, 523 hunters who harvested 64 white-tailed deer, 175 mule deer and 552 elk.  

Biologists use check stations to collect data on hunter participation and success, as well as the species, sex and age class of the animals harvested. Check station data supplements information collected through hunter harvest phone surveys each year.
 
The Cameron check station ran each weekend during the general season. Wildlife staff there met with 2,454 hunters who harvested 399 elk—well above the long-term average of 202 elk. The high elk harvest this year can be attributed to heavy snowfall and cold temperatures during the early general season, which concentrated elk on more accessible low-elevation winter ranges. There were also high numbers of elk going into the hunting season, and many private landowners in this area allowed significant and generous access opportunities for elk harvest. Hunter success was also above average this season at the Gallatin Canyon check station at 15 percent.  

The Divide check station also ran each weekend during the general season. Biologists there met with 1,401 hunters, and hunter success for the season was 9.7 percent. The number of hunters was 7 percent less than last year and 4 percent below the 12-year average. Hunter success this year was slightly higher than last year and the 12-year average.  

FWP wildlife staff operated a game check station at Canyon Ferry on the first and final weekends of the general season. During Nov. 26 and 27, FWP staff met with 243 hunters, 6.2 percent of whom were successful. These figures are below the long-term averages for the final weekend at this check station. 

FWP wildlife staff operated a game check station in Alder during the first, third and final weekends of the season. During Nov. 26 and 27, they met with 182 hunters—about 9 percent fewer than average. Harvest success was about average at 21 percent. 

Wildlife staff ran a check station in Gardiner during the first and second weekends of the season, reporting hunter success rates of about 11 and 17 percent, respectively. 

From an improved appearance to increased strength, a boost of self-confidence, and elevated athletic performance, there are so many reasons to want to build muscle. But it’s not always easy, especially amidst the busy schedules of the modern world.

The good news is, you don’t always have to stick to a strict gym schedule to pack up some muscle. As long as you have some space in your home, you can even build muscle with little to no equipment at all.

Below are some easy tips you could use at home to transform your body into your desired appearance.

1. Eat More Calories 
When building muscle, eating more calories is important for several reasons. First, calories provide energy for your body to perform the necessary tasks for muscle building, such as lifting weights and doing cardio. It also helps fuel the body's anabolic processes, which are necessary for muscle growth.

Moreover, eating more calories can help increase your metabolism, which is important for burning fat and building muscle. A higher caloric intake can also promote faster recovery after a hard workout, allowing you to build muscle more efficiently. It’s best to try and get calories from protein-rich foods such as lean meats, eggs, nuts, and dairy products.

2. Switch to Baking High-Protein Recipes
It goes without saying that muscle building is heavily dependent on nutrition. Basically, building muscle requires you to include more protein in your diet. Your body relies on protein for muscle growth, cell division, tissue repair, and many other biological activities that may directly or indirectly affect your muscle-building journey.

It’s good to get more protein from your diet, including your main meals, post-workout snacks, and desserts, many of which might be baked treats. But as long as you have cream cheese, protein powder, graham crackers, coconut oil, and some vanilla Greek yogurt, making a no-bake protein cheesecake becomes a breeze. The best part is that each serving can have as much as 9 grams of protein.

The protein powder used in this recipe is typically a whey or casein-based product, which helps to provide a good source of both protein and essential amino acids.

3. Follow a Good Exercise Routine 
Building muscle requires you to not only eat well but also put a decent amount of effort into it. And unbeknownst to many, you don’t always need a fully-equipped home gym to pack in some muscle. As long as you stick to a good exercise regimen you could start getting ripped and expanding muscle in not so long. Here are some exercise tips you can use to start building muscle from home.

• Start with resistance training: Resistance training is the best way to build muscle at home. The best part is that you can use weights, resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, or whatever you have available.

• Focus on compound movements: Compound movements are exercises that involve multiple muscle groups. Examples include squats, deadlifts, push-ups, pull-ups, and bench presses. They basically help to build strength and size in a single exercise, which is far more efficient than doing multiple isolated exercises.

• Increase the intensity over time: To build muscle, you need to challenge yourself. As your body adapts, you should increase the resistance or weight you are lifting. Increasing intensity is also a great way to avoid the plateau phase.

• Vary your training: After a few weeks of doing the same exercises, your body is likely to become used to them. To keep challenging yourself, it’s good to vary your training, mixing up the exercises you engage in. However, remember that muscles misbehave, and the last thing you want is to end up with weak, sore, or hurtful body parts, rendering you unable to hack the next day’s session.

• Get enough rest: Finally, rest is critically essential for muscle growth. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night and take a rest day from training once or twice a week.

4. Find Motivation: 
One of the biggest challenges of working out from home is that you’ll probably be doing it alone. It lacks the kind of psyche you could get from a standard gym. Motivation is one of the most important fitness tips you can find.

Thankfully, there are various ways to find the motivation to help you build muscle. Besides setting realistic goals, sticking to a routine, and tracking your progress, it’s good to have an accountability partner.

And as long as they have similar goals to yours, you don’t necessarily have to train together with your accountability partner. Just checking in with them regularly can be a great way to stay on track and motivated. Also, rewarding yourself every time you achieve a specific goal can go a long way in keeping you motivated.

The Gallatin County 911 Records Division is happy to now offer an online portal for citizens to make requests for records from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Bozeman Police Department.

The new online portal is a user-friendly way to request documents on the go from your phone or from the privacy of your own home.

Using the new portal, citizens can regularly receive updates on the status of their records request, get requested material via email, and make payments online.

Records that can be requested from our department include reports from BPD and GCSO for things like accident reports and any other reported law enforcement incidents.

Depending on how a person is listed on a police report determines what records that person can have.

For criminal matters, you can request copies of reports that contain the general nature of charges, location, information about the accused, name of the victim (unless it was a sex crime), and identity of a witness (unless the witness has requested confidentiality).

However, some criminal records are considered Confidential Criminal Justice Information (CCJI).

This includes things like criminal investigative or intelligent information, fingerprints, and photographs related to ongoing investigations.

To receive this type of information, you must fill out a CCJI request, also available on our online portal. Those requests are reviewed by attorneys and judges to determine if the material will be released.

BOZEMAN — When two Montana State University students recently took a flight to Austin, Texas, they had arguably the most unique cargo of all the passengers: a Rubik's Cube-sized computer that's scheduled to land on the moon.

Chris Major and Jake Davis, graduate students in MSU's Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering who have spent years helping to develop the specialized computer called RadPC, delivered the completed prototype on Oct. 19 to Firefly Aerospace's facility where the lunar lander is being readied for the 2024 NASA mission.

“In the airport, a lot of people were tilting their heads to read the big stickers on our suitcase that said 'Warning, sensitive space equipment,'" said Major, who is earning his doctorate in electrical engineering. NASA gave them the stickers to help protect the equipment en route, he explained.

"It was definitely in our carry-on," said Davis, a master's student in mechanical engineering.

The trip was the latest chapter in the decade-long development of RadPC, which was conceived by MSU researcher Brock LaMeres as a new way of coping with radiation in outer space that can disrupt the computers that control satellites and spacecraft.

“This was a huge milestone for the project and also a really unique experience for the students,” said LaMeres, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He had planned to go on the trip, too, but had to back out unexpectedly, and the students were game for doing it themselves, he said. "More than three years of work was totally dedicated to this moment where these two students delivered a multi-million-dollar experiment to NASA."

RadPC prototypes have been tested on high-altitude balloons reaching the edge of outer space, three times aboard the International Space Station and twice in self-contained satellites orbiting Earth, each time testing the technology's ability to withstand space radiation. In 2019, RadPC was one of 12 science and technology payloads that won a coveted spot to the lunar surface as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, in which several landers developed by private companies will carry small payloads to the lunar surface. The moon journey will be RadPC’s biggest trial yet, said LaMeres, who recently founded a company, Resilient Computing, to begin commercializing the technology for use in actual space missions.

The onboard computers that control spacecraft are traditionally made with oversized circuitry fashioned from special materials to withstand the high-energy radiation emitted by the sun and other celestial bodies, but that means the devices are more costly and cumbersome, LaMeres explained. In contrast, RadPC uses ordinary computer processors with complex MSU-developed software to create on-the-fly redundancy, allowing computations to continue even if a radiation particle strikes and disrupts the computer's sensitive memory.

From the beginning, students have been instrumental in developing the technology, LaMeres noted. The project has involved more than 62 MSU undergraduates, 17 graduate students and nearly a dozen faculty, including staff engineers in the Space Science and Engineering Laboratory housed in the Department of Physics in MSU's College of Letters and Science.

Davis started working on RadPC as an MSU undergraduate, when, in his junior year, he sought out research opportunities and landed in LaMeres's lab. The project motivated him to pursue a graduate degree at MSU, and his master's thesis has focused on preparing RadPC for the moon mission. He said the trip to Austin felt a bit like a culmination.

"It was pretty cool rolling up to this super nice building and walking through the high-security doors to meet with the Firefly and NASA people," Davis said. In a special clean room in the facility where the lunar lander will be assembled, the students donned gloves and gowns to prevent contamination while taking RadPC out of the suitcase for final testing.

"You get started on this project as a student, but by the end of it you see that you're doing real work that industry respects," Davis said.

"It’s really interesting seeing that industry side when you're a student," added Major, who started working on RadPC as a master's student at MSU and has devoted four years of his doctoral work to the project. "You get to see where you might be in a few years."

The heavy involvement by MSU master's and doctoral students has been crucial to advancing RadPC over the years, according to LaMeres, and the work has offered a rare chance for students to work on such a major project — in many cases seeing a version of RadPC from start to finish for testing on the space station or a satellite.

“It’s a pretty unique student experience," LaMeres said. "And for this part in particular, going to the moon, it’s really special.”

Major agreed. "All the time we spent writing computer code and all that — now there’s a tangible product that's going to the moon," he said. "That’s the fun part.”

“I'm very thankful to have worked on this project," Davis added. "It has been such a rewarding experience.”

On Monday, November 28, 2022, at 7:55 p.m., the West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch Center received a 911 call from two snowmobilers who had abandoned their stuck snowmobile near Corrette Ridge and were in need of assistance. One of the snowmobilers was having difficulty breathing as they attempted to walk back to West Yellowstone. The snowmobilers were reported to have minimal survival gear and only one flashlight.

Volunteers from the Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue West Yellowstone Section and Hebgen Basin Fire Department located the snowmobilers in good health 6.45 miles southwest of West Yellowstone.  The snowmobilers were medically assessed and then transported back to West Yellowstone.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind everyone planning to enjoy the outdoors that survival gear is an integral part of any successful outing. Winter weather and temperatures can be demanding and change suddenly. Flashlight, fire starter, reliable means of communication, food and water are all some of the basic necessities to carry with you on your winter adventure.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Bozeman, Montana, is growing quicker than most other small cities in the US today. It has a growth rate of around 2.8%, and according to the World Population Review, has 56,495 inhabitants.
 
Perhaps one of the reasons that the city keeps growing so fast is the number of tourists that pass through. In 2021, there were around 2 million arrivals and departures from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. No doubt some of those tourists decided to come back permanently, and who could blame them?

Bozeman has much to offer to any tourist, and there are a bunch of outdoor activities to engage in. One popular sport in the area is disc golf. Although not incredibly new, disc golf is still very much up-and-coming but Bozeman boasts not 1 but 6 courses for players to enjoy.
 
However, disc golf isn’t the only reason to visit Bozeman. Below is a brief article on disc golf, and 5 reasons why you should be playing in Bozeman.


 
Where can you play disc golf in Bozeman?

You will discover quickly that disc golf can be played almost anywhere. Any outdoor space such as a playing field or a park can be used for disc golf. Unlike regular golf courses, disc golf doesn’t need permanent holes for playing as it uses baskets and these can be moved.
 
The inventor of the modern frisbee, Ed Headrick, is also largely held up to be the founder of disc golf. The sport started to gain traction in the 1960s and through the 1970s. Today there are hundreds of thousands of individuals playing across the globe.
 
While you don’t need more than just a suitable open area for playing, there are a number of specially designed disc golf courses in Bozeman.
 
Disc golf courses in Bozeman are as follows:

• Rose Park
• Battle Ridge Canyon
• Monforton School
• Elk Grove
• Sandalwood
 
There is also one more disc golf course at Zoot Wild Plains, but this is available to Zoot employees only.
 
What equipment should you take to your Bozeman disc golf course?

The only thing you really need to take to a disc golf course is your favorite disc, and perhaps some spares. It is pretty much inevitable that at some point you will lose a disc golf disc just as golfers lose balls regularly.
 
Some players prefer heavier discs, and with practice, you will soon discover your preference. Understable disc golf drivers allow for a straighter flight before fade happens, and will give a little extra difference. Aside from the discs, you should perhaps give some thought to how you dress.
 
Disc golf is far more relaxed than regular golf and players can dress more casually. However, wearing dirty or ripped clothing isn’t really on. Tennis shoes, a clean t-shirt or polo, plus shorts or cargo shorts, would work fine.
 
Other equipment you could consider is as follows:
 
• Scorecard or disc golf mobile app
• Golf disc retriever
• Disc golf rangefinder
• Carrying bag
 
You should consider headwear and sunscreen for protection. Bug spray can come in handy too, and carrying a bottle of water is recommended. In July, Bozeman will hit average temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees, so water and UV protection are essential.
 
5 reasons why you should play disc golf in Bozeman

Disc golf may be growing in popularity, but why pick Bozeman to play? Well, the city is already a popular tourist destination, so if you are planning a break, it could be the ideal place to combine your favorite sport with the other positives about Bozeman.
 
Here are five possible reasons to visit Bozeman, and play disc golf there.
 
It’s close to Yellowstone National Park
Bozeman is just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. Many visitors to the city combine their stay with a visit to this national park, and plenty of others use their time to go that bit further to Glacier National Park too.
 
There are many outdoor activities to enjoy besides disc golf
Bozeman is surrounded by incredible nature - more on that below - and this has helped create a place that is renowned for its outdoor activities.
 
Locals and visitors alike can join in any of the following pastimes depending on the time of year and their particular interests.
 
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Rafting
• Biking
• Kayaking
• Horse riding
• Skiing
 
The latter activity is popular with the inhabitants of Bozeman and surrounding areas and attracts many visitors too. Mountains north and west of Yellowstone enjoy a large amount of snowfall each year making Bozeman a popular skiing destination.
 
Surrounded by incredible scenery
Bozeman is close to the Rocky Mountains and other areas of stunning natural beauty. The fly-fishing is said to be world-class, and the town itself has been called the most liveable place in the US.
 
The reason so many people partake in the outdoor activities listed above is because of the scenery that they enjoy. The air is cleaner in Montana than in most other states, and this helps to make disc golf even more enjoyable.
 
Disc golf is one of the better ways to relieve stress. When playing you will be walking, joining in with others, and getting outdoors. You will forget any worries you have and feel more relaxed. All of this combines to lower stress and help with physical health as well as give you a mental boost.
 
It’s nearly always sunny in Bozeman
The city gets to boast around 300 or so days of sunshine every year. Perfect for enjoying disc golf, and after your game you can go on an ice cream tour in Bozeman and watch the sun go down from Story Hills viewpoint.
 
Bozeman is a great camping destination
Within a 1 hour radius of Bozeman are plenty of camping grounds to choose from. This includes Bozeman Hot Springs Campground with its own natural attraction. If you enjoy camping then Bozeman makes the perfect spot to stay at night while hitting the disc golf courses during the day.
 
Do disc golf players expect the same etiquette as seen on regular golf courses?
There is a definite etiquette surrounding disc golf, just not quite as stuffy as you’d find on private golf courses.
 
One rule is to make sure you leave no trace behind. Pick up your litter and don’t break branches or damage fauna on the course. Other parts of disc golf etiquette include respecting other players, no anti-social behavior, and playing within the lines.
 
But you won’t find strict dress codes or officials on disc golf courses. It is expected that players understand how to behave and show respect so that everyone can enjoy the game. This means beginners as well as professionals.
 
Summary
Bozeman has several disc golf courses to choose from, but so do many other places in the states. There are over thousands of disc golf courses in the US now, so why pick Bozeman?
 
Well, as shown above, the outdoor possibilities in and around the city are to be envied. Anyone who enjoys getting outside to play disc golf is likely to appreciate at least one of the other pastimes that can be enjoyed in Bozeman. If not, well there is always that ice cream tour.

BIG SKY, MT  — Today's opening day was a historic one for many reasons: the largest terrain opening in Big Sky Resort history, deep powder turns through six inches of fresh snow, and resort teams working hard to deliver the goods a day earlier than scheduled. 

Big Sky Resort made the decision to open early after more than five feet of natural snow blanketed the mountain this fall, combined with reliably cold temperatures and record-breaking snowmaking efforts. 

Mid-day, skiers and riders got another special surprise when the Ramcharger 8 chairlift opened to the public, previously scheduled for opening on Thursday, November 24. 

With 2,000+ acres of skiable terrain and 6 lifts open, plus 6" of fresh snow blanketing the pristine mountain, the Big Sky Resort 2022-23 opening day has been one to remember.