Cold Smoke Preliminary Plat Approval

Lone Mountain Land Co. (LMLC) and the Housing Trust reached a significant milestone on November 18, 2025, when Gallatin County Commissioners approved the Preliminary Plats for the Cold Smoke neighborhood. This approval lays the foundation for 389 new homes, including for-sale and rental options designed to meet the community’s diverse housing needs.

The Cold Smoke neighborhood represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand housing choices for Big Sky’s year-round workforce and residents. The infrastructure installation will begin in the spring of 2026, following the Housing Trust's purchase of the land in January 2026.

Join our interest lists to rent or own at Cold Smoke: RENTAL LIST | OWNERSHIP LIST

Join our Team: Development Project Manager

The Housing Trust seeks a Development Project Manager to lead the planning and execution of affordable housing developments from concept to completion.

This position plays a critical role in expanding housing in Big Sky, helping ensure that housing remains accessible to those who work and live in the community.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment and understands the energy, creativity, and expertise required to build housing in a mountain town. If you or someone you know is ready to help shape the future of housing in Big Sky, we’d love to connect.

Email your résumé to: david@bigskyhousingtrust.org

Rent Local: Now Accepting Applications

Rent Local applications reopen for owners converting vacation rentals and other nonresidential homes into long-term housing for Big Sky workers. Incentive payments for a two-year commitment range from $11,000 to $15,000. To qualify, properties must:

• Be new to the program (no prior incentive);
• Have 3 or fewer bedrooms;
• Meet the updated rent caps;
• Commit to two years.

Updated Rent Caps

• 1-Bed — $1,750
• 2-Bed — $2,650
• 3-Bed — $3,550

Support local employees and Big Sky’s economy, plus save on Montana property taxes by renting long-term.

The application deadline is January 15.

Thank You MCF & SPCF

The Housing Trust extends our sincere thanks to the Moonlight Community Foundation for its $40,000 grant and to the Spanish Peaks Community Foundation for its $50,000 grant in the fall funding cycle.

MCF and SPCF continue to invest in housing solutions that address Big Sky’s persistent 0% long-term rental vacancy rate. Their support makes Rent Local possible and brings stability to the local workforce.

Since launching in 2021, Rent Local has funded 151 long-term rentals, providing homes for 380 locals. Homeowners who commit to below-market rents and year-round leases receive a cash incentive that helps offset property costs, keeping more homes affordable and occupied by the people who make Big Sky run.

Because of MCF’s and SPCF’s philanthropic partnership, more locals can stay rooted in the community they serve and love.

Explore Big Sky

Jack Reaney



Resort Tax contributes $2.75M for Cold Smoke water tank 

"Through a complicated reshuffling of voter-approved funds, the Big Sky Resort Area District agreed on Nov. 13 to fund an additional $2.75 million to fund the Cold Smoke workforce housing neighborhood, covering the unexpected cost of a water tank that will serve Cold Smoke and enhance overall system reliability for the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District.

In total, infrastructure including roads, electricity and water and sewer will cost roughly $10 million more than expected, but Lone Mountain Land Company—current landowner and early-stage developer of Cold Smoke—will absorb most additional costs aside from the water tank expense, as agreed upon during negotiations in early 2025.

The Big Sky Community Housing Trust will soon acquire Cold Smoke’s 99 acres of land from LMLC for $39.75 million."

Home for the Holidays Starts with You

WEB

bigskyhousingtrust.org

PHONE

406.995.3696

EMAIL

info@bigskyhousingtrust.com