New week-long event includes global gathering of visionaries
By Leslie Kilgore EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Next week, several Big Sky and Bozeman community members will partake in an event bringing together more than 60 thought leaders from around the globe for a week of collaboration, inspiration and outdoor adventure in southwest Montana–Big Sky Ski Week.
The idea for Big Sky Ski Week was created when Montana native, Yarrow Kraner, invited his friend and colleague, Stan Stainaker to the area last summer for Big Sky PBR. Founder and CEO of Hub Culture, Stainaker was immediately captivated by the area and the energy within the community.
He began envisioning a gathering that would unite global changemakers and the Big Sky community in an annual event dedicated to big ideas, connection and social impact while surrounded by the natural beauty of the region.
Kraner, who founded the youth-focused organization, HATCH, began working with Stainaker to invite attendees while creating a dynamic and inspirational week of events for all ages.
“I have a deep passion for the Big Sky and Greater Yellowstone region,” Kraner told EBS. “I would love to continue collaborating with both local and global organizations to help this extraordinary place become renowned not only for its unparalleled outdoor pursuits, but also as a year-round hub of intellectual excellence, creative problem solving and mentorship.”
The event has drawn attendees who are accomplished in diverse industries that include finance, conservation, music, art, the sciences, health and more.
On Monday, Feb. 10, Astronaut Nicole Stott will present to students in grades K through five at Ophir Elementary School on “What Life in Space Taught Me about our Home Planet and Our Mission to Protect It.”
Later that day, Big Sky community members are invited to participate in a community art installation next to Tips Up with Christina Korp, Founder of the SPACE for a Better World Foundation. Using eco-friendly, repurposed materials, Korp’s large-scale artworks aim to represent unity, vision and the power of collaboration. Once complete, several drones will capture the piece from above.
After the art installation is complete, community members are invited to the Waypoint at 5 p.m. for an evening of inspiring lectures led by several event organizers and attendees on the beauty of Montana, outer space, science and the importance of our oceans, followed by live music with Big Sky local, Buffalo Burrows.
Other events include a Super Bowl Watch Party, ski meet ups at Big Sky Resort and apres ski. Visit bigskyskiweek.com for more information on Big Sky Ski Week and a full event schedule.
