Press Release

Big Sky Kicks Off New Year With Non-Profit Groups

BIG SKY, Mont. Big Sky will host a multitude of non-profit and 501(c) (3) organizations this season.  January will see numerous organizations visiting the Resort.   Organizations such as Kid's Ski, Eagle Mount, Big Sky Youth Empowerment, Hopa Mountain and Climbing Towards have all chosen to ski and ride at the resort this season.  "Big Sky Resort is committed to helping these organizations and providing a positive and fun learning experience," says PR manager Dax Schieffer.  "We are excited to have these groups join us and look forward to working with then throughout the season."

Kid's Ski is a non-profit donation based charity that provides learning through qualified instructors and positive role models to children from disadvantaged circumstances.  Their mission is to build self-esteem, social awareness and concern of the outdoor environment. They bring 30-40 children to the mountain every Sunday each January. www.kidski.org

Eagle Mount is a 501(c) (3) organization that provides therapeutic and recreational activities for children and adults with physical, mental or behavioral challenges. Their partnership with Big Sky brings them to the resort several times monthly, culminating in a Spring Fling Festival in late March. Eagle Mount provides volunteer training opportunities throughout the season and is always looking for inspired people who want to make a difference.  www.eaglemount.org

The Big Sky Youth Empowerment project, Inc. was incorporated in 2001 in order to meet the demand for creative programs targeting high school-aged, at-risk youth. Founded by Pete MacFadyen, avid snowboarder, fly fisherman and LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor), his frustrations with traditional counseling models provided a catalyst for the creation of BYEP. It was his goal along with the newly created board of directors to create a preventative program that put groups of teenagers together with caring adults. This dream came to fruition during the winter of 2002 when BYEP ran its first snowboarding program serving 5 disadvantaged youth from the Gallatin valley in Montana.  It has now grown to 30 plus kids on several weekends throughout the winter season at Big Sky Resort.  www.byep.org

Hopa Mountain, partnered with Climbing Towards supports community leaders of all ages in realizing the hopes and dreams for their hometowns, as well as tackling tough issues such as racism in and around nearby communities. Hopa Mountain provides these leaders with training, mentoring, networking opportunities, and financial resources to help them create much-needed opportunities for advancing the education, ecological health, and economic well-being of their communities. www.hopamountain.org

"All of these wonderful organizations truly make a difference in people's lives, its just great to be a part of that."  Schieffer follows with  "Seeing the smiles on the kids and hearing about the changes in their lives, make it an easy decision to partner with these groups."  For more information please contact Big Sky at www.bigskyresort.com or visit the organizations websites.