Silvertip Mountain Center carves out successful global business in remote Montana wilderness community – population 15

Shop’s business grows despite remote locale

Just outside his office window, Jay Schifferdecker can see the aquamarine gash of The Killer Pillar, a 30-foot frozen waterfall he likes to ice climb. Out the back door, there is a Nordic ski trail he glides on almost every day, snaking into the snow-muffled silence of the Beartooth Mountains.

Schifferdecker’s office is a great locale when he wants to play. But there’s not a whole lot of business traffic in this remote mountain town when he’s looking for pay, especially in the winter.

"It is tough to make it here," said Schifferdecker, co-owner of the Silvertip Mountain Center http://www.silvertipmountaincenter.com/ , as he stood clothed in a blue down jacket inside the chilly outdoor store, a full black beard insulating his face. "It’s definitely not for everyone."

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Although the state doesn’t track Internet sales, because they’re not taxed, there is another sign that Montana businesses are taking advantage of the accessibility and increasing user-friendliness of the Internet. The state’s Made In Montana Web site directory adds about five to 10 new businesses a week and has a current listing of about 900 Internet businesses.

By BRETT FRENCH
Of The Gazette Staff

Full Story: http://billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/04/03/features/outdoors/20-remotelocale.txt