Shout out to my son Colter. Congratulations!!

Ophir Elementary School Students of the Month –  Colter Smit, fourth grade

Colter Smit, 4th Grade

A student who demonstrates respect for the opinions and suggestions of others is open-minded, and the fourth grader who practices these life skills and qualities is Colter Smit. Students who make positive comments whether or not they agree with others’ ideas are open-minded, and Colter truly understands that everyone may like different things for different reasons. He appreciates cultural differences and others’ needs, and is open to new ideas and perspectives.

Sam Byrne, Big Sky developer, predicts more growth of high-end homes

• This is a shared article By Troy Carter Chronicle Staff Writer of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle

The co-founder of the Boston-based investment firm with ownership stake in the Yellowstone Club, Moonlight Basin and Spanish Peaks explained his long-term plans Monday for real estate development at the company’s properties in Big Sky.

Sam Byrne’s CrossHarbor Capital acquired the private 13,600-acre Yellowstone Club in 2009, then partnered with Boyne Resorts in 2013 to buy the 8,100-acre Moonlight Basin and 3,530-acre Spanish Peaks.

Among a variety of commercial and residential projects, Byrne, 50, said his company was planning to build an additional 864

The Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana is alive and well, and is a good indicator of the local economy. The Yellowstone Club has managed a remarkable turn around since its bankruptcy in 2009. Kudos to CrossHarbor Capital Partners and their investors! Check out this article from the New York Times:

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/12/31/huge-ski-resort-for-the-rich-is-bouncing-back/?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share

Everett's 8,800 Mountain Top Restaurant opens winter 2014/2015 at the top of Andesite Mountain (previously known as the Pinnacle at Big Sky). The restaurant will serve American Alps cuisine and provide spectacular views of Lone Peak and ski slopes from the expansive deck and dining area. Originally constructed in 2007, this beautiful log restaurant has massive indoor/outdoor fireplaces and stunning décor. Everett's 8800 is named after Everett Kircher who brought Big Sky Resort into the Boyne Resorts family in 1976 and the elevation on which it stands, 8,800 feet. Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, and Après. Location: Top of Ramcharger Chairlift on Andesite Mountain. Hours: 9am-4:30pm.   Courtesy of bigskyresort.com

The villages are growing right before our eyes. Buildings are going up all over the place. There are around 80 front doors, or individual residences currently under construction at the Yellowstone Club. Most of them being ski-in ski-out homes or ski-in ski-out condos. Homes and condos are being constructed all over the meadow.  There is a grocery store, a medical center, and commercial buildings all being built in the Big Sky Town Center.  With all the activity in Big Sky, long-term rentals are hard-to-find. The vacation rental market is experiencing some of its highest levels to date.  Along with all of the construction of homes, condos, and commercial properties, there are a plethora of new trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding being