Mountain Outlaw magazine is published biannually in Big Sky, Montana, and examines the lifestyle, culture and issues relevant to the Mountain West from the heart of the Yellowstone region. Through award-winning editorial content, design, video and photography, Mountain Outlaw gives you more than a story – it’s an experience.

WINTER 2024 MAGAZINE

Pick up your copy of the Winter 2024 edition of Mountain Outlaw magazine at more than 400 locations around the Greater Yellowstone region.

FEATURES

FEATURED OUTLAW: THE TESTER APPEAL

By Bella Butler

People love Jon Tester. But what about Montana’s three-term U.S. senator is it exactly that strikes a chord with the people he serves? Mountain Outlaw Managing Editor Bella Butler explores the senator’s embodiment of Montana and The Tester Appeal.

OUTBOUND GALLERY: HOUSELESS IN MONTANA

A visual story of Montana’s houseless residents.

HISTORY: BIG SKY RESORT – 50 YEARS

By Jack Reaney

Big Sky Resort has not only had a profound impact on Montana, but on the entire ski industry. Mountain Outlaw writer Jack Reaney celebrates Big Sky Resort: 50 Years with a collection of stories from the people who love it and the people who’ve shaped it.

CULTURE: THE OTO RIDES AGAIN

By Elisabeth Kwak-Heffernan

The OTO Ranch has been somewhat of a ghost town in the last several decades. But an opportunity to revive it might change that. Writer Elisabeth Kwak-Heffernan breaks down what’s at stake if The OTO Rides Again.

ADVENTURE

DISPATCH: BACKCOUNTRY SKIING IN THE BALKANS

By Scott Yorko

In the war-torn Balkan States, an annual  backcountry ski fest seeks to reconnect its people through a shared love for exploration in the mountains.

ADVENTURE: MONTANA LINES

By Bella Butler

A Q&A with professional freeride skier and Montana native Parkin Costain.

ADVENTURE: EMBRACING THE SPIRIT OF MAVERICK

By Sami Bierman

One Montana mom and pop ski area is keeping its focus on the simple joy of skiing.

ADVENTURE: BY HOOF AND BY PLANK

By Bella Butler

Skijoring marries the traditional and modern Wests.

LAND

LAND: THIS IS MY PRAIRIE

By Alexis Bonogofsky

An intimate exploration of Montana’s southeastern landscape.

LAND: AFTER THE BURN

By Gabrielle Gasser

How wildfires are shaping Montana winters.

GUIDE: MONTANA’S WINTER WILDLIFE

By Jen Clancey

Montana’s winter sets a new stage for its wildlife.

CULTURE

CULTURE: THE LAST BEST RIVALRY

By Jack Marshall III

The Cat vs. Griz showdown is one of the oldest rivalries west of the Mississippi. And arguably the best of them all.

CULTURE: LET MY PEOPLE HEAL

By Sarah Comeau

A Lakota women explores cultural appropriation of Native people in a personal essay.

CULTURE: THIS IS A MONTANA STORY

By Dr. Holcomb Johnston and Dr. Katey T. Franklin

Two Montana women weave together a personal account from an active shooting, Montana’s relationship with firearm violence and an analysis of the tie between healing and connection.

HISTORY

HISTORY: THE DIARY OF NORTON PEARL

By Michael Ober

A 1910s Glacier ranger endures the park’s grueling winter in the name of discovery.

HISTORY: RED LIGHT MONTANA

By Sophie Brett Tsairis

A new downtown Bozeman restaurant is telling the story of the state’s red light era.

HISTORY: THE MONTANA GOVERNORSHIP

By Taylor Owens

Montana’s leadership is founded on a connection to its people.

CREATIVE

HUMOR: GLACIER PEOPLE VS. YELLOWSTONE PEOPLE

By Ednor Therriault

Are there stereotypical Glacier People and Yellowstone People?

RECIPE: TASTE OF MONTANA

Presented By The Gourmet Gals

Bison short ribs and huckleberry mules.

FICTION: SLOUGH CREEK

By Toby Thompson

One man’s dance with solitude in Yellowstone’s backcountry.

POETRY: GOD-SIGHTING IN WEST YELLOWSTONE

By Yetta Rose Stein

A lyrical account of Yellowstone’s iconic fauna.