On March 6, EBS published a letter on explorebigsky.com from Big Sky Resort General Manager Taylor Middleton that urged Big Sky locals to be kind to Ikon Pass holders. The result was an onslaught of Facebook comments from locals defending themselves, criticisms of the resort, and various snowsports-related news outlets picking up the story.
In Mr. Middleton’s
letter, he states that Big Sky is a welcoming place. I certainly felt embraced
by the community when I came here, and it seems that he did, too. In my eyes,
that sense of embrace by locals hasn’t changed. What has changed is how the
community has been treated in the wake of change. I think that the mistake Mr.
Middleton makes in his letter is in thinking that the problem locals have with
the Ikon Pass is that it’s making the mountain “too busy.” On the surface that
may be true, but it’s dismissive to state that the community is only upset
about tracked-out snow.
When I moved to Big
Sky, rent for a two-bedroom condo was $900 per month. Now, eight years later,
you’re lucky if you can find the same accommodation for less than a 60-percent
increase of that. Prices for basic goods and services have increased while
wages have stayed relatively stagnant. Members of the community are working
multiple jobs or commuting three or more hours per day from Bozeman to work in
the area. Mr. Middleton is right: businesses were going broke not too long ago,
but not solely because of dwindling visitor numbers. I don’t know if you
remember, but we had a little recession in 2008. Thankfully, Big Sky is indeed
thriving today. But at what cost?
Some have said that
we’re putting the cart before the horse, and I must agree. Is our
infrastructure up to the task of supporting such a large influx of visitors?
Reports on our water and sewer challenges say no. Reports on traffic in the canyon
and in the meadow say no. These things are being addressed, but not quickly
enough to avoid problems in the short-term.
The bottom line is
that respect is a two-way street. Show respect for the local community that is
continually helping build this area into a world-class destination and they may
feel better about showing respect toward tourists that are currently making
their day-to-day lives a bit harder. Sure, we could all move if we don’t like
it, but we’d just be replaced by others raising the same hell.
In my opinion, it’s
better to face the issues head on and find a solution rather than implying to
locals that if you don’t like it, you can leave. Let’s get locals on board by
supporting them so that Big Sky is a more habitable and hospitable place for
all.
Ashleigh Van Roy
Livingston,
Montana, former Big Sky resident
