By Ellie Boeschenstein EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Black Tie Ski and Bike Rentals got its start in Big Sky over two decades ago after a dinner conversation sparked the idea to bring ski rental delivery to the area, a concept that quickly proved to be a perfect fit. What began with just two employees has grown into a thriving seasonal team of over 20. As Big Sky’s first full-service ski and snowboard delivery company, Black Tie set itself apart by prioritizing convenience, personalization, and top-tier service. Today, the business continues to evolve, expanding into summer bike rentals, adding cutting-edge equipment, and staying rooted in its commitment to both its team and the local community.
This series is part of a paid partnership with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. The following answers have been edited for brevity.
Explore Big Sky: How did Black Tie get started in Big Sky, and what has growth looked like since then?
Seth Turner: I was introduced to the founders of Black Tie through a mutual friend. Over dinner, they told me about their ski rental delivery concept, and it immediately clicked. After doing some research, we knew it would be a perfect fit for Big Sky. That was 21 years ago. Since then, it’s taken a lot of hustle, long days, and the steady partnership of my longtime GM, Kevin Callahan, to build what we have today.
We started with just two employees and now operate with a team of 22 to 26 each winter. We’ve grown alongside the resort and the community, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of that growth. And we’re not slowing down. We’re now in our third season of summer operations, offering bike rentals through Black Tie Ski and Bike Rentals.
EBS: What sets Black Tie apart from other ski rental services in Big Sky?
ST: We were Big Sky’s first and only full-service ski and snowboard delivery company when we opened. At the time, no one else was doing delivery, which gave us a chance to build strong relationships and establish trust.
But being first isn’t what makes us special. It’s our approach. From the very beginning, we’ve focused on creating exceptional guest experiences. We bring premium equipment straight to our guests and take care of every detail, so they can focus on enjoying their time here. That same philosophy is what led us to launch our bike rental service three years ago. Whether it’s skis in the winter or bikes in the summer, we aim to deliver the best possible experience, every time.
EBS: Walk us through what a typical rental experience looks like for a guest—from booking to delivery:
ST: We make the rental process simple from start to finish. Guests can book online or by phone. Once we have their information and preferences, we hand select gear based on their size, ability level, and any specific requests.
On delivery day, our team brings the gear directly to their condo, home, or hotel. We custom fit boots, adjust bindings, and check poles, all in the comfort of their living room. If any issues come up during the trip, we’re just a phone call away. We’ll meet them wherever they are to make it right. At the end of the trip, we come back and pick everything up. There’s no need to wait in line or haul equipment across town. It’s convenience without compromise.
EBS: How does Black Tie engage with the Big Sky community?
ST: Big Sky has been home for over two decades, and we’ve always tried to show up for the community that supports us. We participate in local raffles and school fundraisers, donate rental packages and gear tunes, and sponsor community spaces like the ice rink. We live here, work here, and raise our families here, so being involved and giving back has always felt like the natural thing to do.
EBS: What does it take to be part of the Black Tie team? What kind of training or background do your technicians have?
ST: We look for people who bring the right energy and attitude. You don’t need years of ski shop experience to work here. If someone’s motivated, curious, and enjoys working in a fast-paced setting, we can teach them the rest. That’s been one of the best parts of building this business, it’s bringing together people from all different backgrounds and creating a team that feels like a family.
Each season starts with training sessions led by our industry reps. Our staff get certified on all the bindings we carry and learn the ins and outs of our gear. A lot of our team also bring their own outdoor knowledge and experience to the table, which adds even more value to what we do.
EBS: What are your goals for the future of Black Tie in Big Sky?
ST: We’re always looking to improve and evolve. After more than two decades on the ski side, we’re especially excited about growing the summer business. Bike rentals are still new for us, but the response has been great, and we’re learning a lot with each passing season. Our goal is to keep raising the bar for service, invest in top-tier gear, and continue to deliver the kind of guest experience people remember and come back for.
EBS: Are there any new offerings, partnerships, or upgrades coming up that you’re excited to share?
ST: We’re really excited about what’s happening on the bike side. This summer, we’ve added new e-fat tire bikes to our fleet, along with mountain bikes, e-mountain bikes, e-cruisers, and kids bikes. We’re even looking into how we might use some of that equipment in winter.
On the ski side, we’re constantly refining our lineup. We work hard to bring in the best brands and make sure every piece of equipment is dialed in. Our guests deserve the best, and that’s what we aim to deliver every season—winter or summer.
