Lightin’ Up

How well do you know a mainstay of Bozeman ski culture?

Every winter, a single beacon of blue light intermittently illuminates above Bozeman—there to beckon all those who chase snow. But whether you’re new town or have been on the block for decades, we’ll bet there are a few things you don’t know about this iconic bulb. Take our quiz to gauge your knowledge of one of Bozeman’s most notable signals.

1. Where is the light found?
a. Airport traffic-control tower
b. Baxter Hotel sign
c. MSU Library rooftop antenna
d. Korner Klub sign

2. What ski area does it represent?
a. Big Sky
b. Bridger Bowl
c. Bear Canyon
d. Lick Creek ski tour

3. How much new snow needs to fall for the light to turn on?
a. 2”
b. 6”
c. 12”
d. 24”

4. Who operates the light?
a. Head of lift operations
b. Scruffy the patrol dog
c. Ted Turner
d. Snow reporters

5. How is the light turned on?
a. Big red button
b. Snow sensor
c. Weight-triggered Rube Goldberg machine
d. Special hotline with passcode

6. What year did the light become operational?
a. 1955
b. 1971
c. 1981
d. 2001

7. Before deciding to use the light, what was another idea for sharing snowfall info?
a. Daily newspaper
b. Smoke signal
c. Billboard with a light
d. Carrier pigeon

8. How long after a snowfall does the light remain on?
a. 12 hours
b. 24 hours
c. 48 hours
d. Whenever new snow is falling

9. Whose idea was it to install the light?
a. Ski area’s general manager
b. Bozeman Chamber of Commerce
c. Round House Ski & Sports Center
d. Bartender at the Eagles

10. On average, how many inches of snow does the represented ski area receive per year?
a. 250
b. 300
c. 450
d. 600

Think you nailed it? Send your answers to editor@outsidebozeman to confirm.