TROUBLE IN THE MOUNTAINS

Although a recent enthusiasm over the Big Sky region of Montana has made for a "construction and employment boom," the resulting rise in land prices have put all those resort and construction workers in a bind when it comes to finding affordable housing.

Located just North of one entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky is also 32 miles southwest of Bozeman and isolated by the dangerous nature of the icy 2-lane road that runs between the towns. With the choice between a treacherous commute from Bozeman or unaffordable housing in Big Sky, what are the workers to do?

The resort companies seem to have found a workable solution: buy up local motels and rent rooms to employees as well as guests. Although the workers often cram into small spaces to save money, sometimes four to a room, things seem to be working out well. Bob Sumpter of the Yellowstone Club calls this new setup "a good strategic buy," and Isabella Silva, an employee of Big Sky Resorts, says the situation is "O.K."

To read the full article by Jim Robbins, go to Boom In The Mountains Creates a Housing Shortage