Winters are simply wonderful in Missoula, Montana. There’s so much to do, and the snow makes our already beautiful town simply magical. There’s plenty of outdoor activities, like skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating to keep you busy and having fun. But when you’re ready to come indoors, warm up a little, and enjoy a change of pace, Missoula has that, too. We’ve put together a winter guide to the area, to help you make the most of your getaway. Book your room at our romantic Bed and Breakfast this winter, and discover all of the fantastic things there are to do here each winter. Continue reading
A Romantic Valentines Day in Missoula
Valentines Day is just around the corner, and love is in the air. It’s time to let your inner romantic shine! Whether you love the opportunity to be at your most romantic, or dread having to make plans year after year, how about going beyond the traditional chocolate and flowers this year? Instead, make your Valentines Day a meaningful one, and carve out some intimate time for just the two of you. Make your Valentines day memorable with a romantic getaway to one of Montana’s best Bed and Breakfasts. Book your room at the Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast today! Continue reading
Explore the Winter Wonderland in Missoula
Downtown Missoula, known for it’s interesting and unique artsy vibe, is an excellent place to spend some time during these cold winter months. So many of us tend to stay indoors, out of the harsh elements of winter, but we urge you to do exactly the opposite. Whether you’re looking for traditional winter activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling of sledding, or whether you want to try you’re hand at something different, like a little dog sledding or ice fishing, Missoula is the place to be this snowy winter. It doesn’t matter what the weather does in Montana; there’s always something fun and exciting going on here. Book your room at our wonderful Bed and Breakfast, and experience Missoula’s winter wonderland firsthand. Continue reading
Top Winter Activities to Enjoy in Missoula
Are you in search of a fun weekend in the snow? If so, Missoula is the winter destination for you. Whether you’re looking for traditional winter activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling of sledding, or whether you want to try you’re hand at something different, like a little dog sledding or ice fishing, Missoula is the place to be this snowy winter. Though there is no reason to stay inside with so much going on outside, there’s nothing wrong with that, either. Curl up in front of the fire, or get outside and explore, all when you stay at our romantic Missoula Bed and Breakfast this winter. Book your winter getaway with us today! Continue reading
Missoula Winter Fun
Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast is thankful for all the outdoor winter fun that Missoula, Montana and our surrounding area offers our guests. From downhill skiing to cross-country skiing, from ice fishing to ice skating, and snowmobiling to snowshoeing.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly ski destination, check out Discovery Ski Area, or “Disco” to locals. It has a variety of terrain, with plenty of beginner and intermediate slopes, as well as some highly-technical runs on the backside. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Missoula in Philipsburg, Montana. 180 Discovery Basin Road 406-563-2184
Lookout Pass Ski Trails are open 6 days a week in January & February, Wednesdays through Mondays. Closed on Tuesdays. Lifts operate 9-4PM PST on weekdays and 8:30-4PM on weekends. There are nine un-groomed trails that make a total of 7.3 miles down into the basin. The Lookout Pass Alpine Skiing Area is right next to the cross-country ski trails and snowmobiling opportunities. These trails are not groomed.
Average Annual Snowfall: 400 inches
* Terrain: 540 acres with 34 named runs
and prime powder glades:
20% Easiest
50% Intermediate
20% Advanced
10% Expert
* Lifts: 3 double chairs and 1 triple chair
* Vertical Drop: 1,150’
* Base Elevation: 4,500
* Summit Elevation: 5,650
* Longest Run: 1.5 miles
Pattee Canyon Recreation Area, a 3,200-acre recreation area on the on the east side of Missoula, is a popular getaway for locals and visitors. The extensive, 27 miles of system trails is open year-round to non-motorized use and available to hikers, mountain bikers, joggers, and the trails are groomed for cross country skiers. These recreation area trails and roads connect the University of Montana and the Clark Fork River areas.
Few communities enjoy a place quite like the 60,000-acre Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness just north of Missoula. Montana’s premier urban wilderness blends the best of both wilderness and civilization. Rest assured that, despite its name, there have been no verified sightings of rattlesnakes in this area. You will, however, find ample opportunities to view many other wildlife species, including beaver, deer, elk, mountain goats and black bear.
A well-developed trail network in the Rattlesnake’s lower reaches gives you a variety of options for day trips – or you can pack overnight gear and venture farther into the high-country wilderness. You can camp anywhere beyond a three-mile radius from the Rattlesnake’s main trailhead, known as the “South Zone” (off Sawmill Gulch Road just west of Rattlesnake Drive).
When snow conditions permit, the main Rattlesnake and side drainages are readily accessible to cross-country skiers. Missoula Nordic Ski Club offers some grooming of the Rattlesnake Recreation Area from the main trailhead to Franklin Bridge.
Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails are a series of linked ski trails. Their trails consistently receive rave reviews and regular use from skiers living within a 150-mile radius, while their races and other events bring many users from greater distances. There is a trail or a loop for skiers of all levels and abilities, from hard-core racers to families looking to experience some healthy outdoor activity in the fresh winter air of western Montana.
Ice fishing is a great way to get outside during the cold winter months. Just make sure to bundle up to keep yourself warm while you’re out on the ice.
- Half way between Kalispell and Missoula (roughly a 120 mile distance), Flathead Lake is the largest natural body of fresh water west of the Mississippi River. Although the lake seldom freezes over entirely, most of the bays will freeze thick enough to support ice fishing activity. Expect to find lake & whitefish trout, yellow perch & cutthroat trout.
- Georgetown Lake is a popular ice fishing location near Anaconda, MT (90 miles from Missoula, or an hour and 40 minutes by car) that has easy access, and only a short distance from the Discovery Basin Ski Area. The most common fish caught are salmon, rainbow & brook trout.
- Seeley Swan Lake is among the many numerous lakes present in the Seeley Swan Valley are the highly popular Salmon, Holland Placid Lakes that are an easy day trip from Missoula. Expect to find bull trout, cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon & northern pike.
Ice skating in Missoula is almost always accompanied by a roaring bonfire somewhere close to the ice rink. Warm your fingers and lift your spirit enough to get back into the cold gliding bliss of skating.
- Located at the fairgrounds, Glacier Ice Rink has both an indoor and outdoor rink. With reasonable rates on rentals and public skating available daily from September through May, the whole family will have fun gliding around the large arena.
- Another option for ice skating is in the Rattlesnake Area, at Pineview Park. Since 1975 the Rattlesnake Hockey Assocation has been flooding a portion of the park for winter skating. Hours vary due to the weather, and you’ll need to bring your own skates.
Missoula is at the epicenter of several great mountains for skiing and snowboarding. Did you know Missoula has its very own ski area? The Snowbowl is located just 20 minutes from downtown Missoula. The Snowbowl’s terrain is comprised of 2,600 vertical feet and just over 900 acres. The Snowbowl isn’t the only area that is just a short drive from Missoula. Discovery Ski Area, Blacktail Mountain, Lookout Pass and Lost Trail Powder Mountain are all trips that you can do in a day.
Starting at either Lolo Hot Springs or at Lolo Pass 7 miles west, snowmobilers can conduct their own modern-day explorations, crossing 250 miles of groomed, connecting trails in the Lolo and Clearwater National Forest. Snowmobiling in Missoula is fast, fun and addictive. Snowmobile rentals are available at Lolo Hot Springs. A full range of visitor services, including snowmobile rentals, sales, and service are available in Missoula.
Snowshoeing in Missoula is truly an adventure. With the ability to set out in any direction and find unmistakable views and a winter wonderland, is what makes snowshoeing here great. After a day of fun in the snow and ice, Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast guests can relax at a local restaurant and retreat to their rooms for more togetherness. Each morning Innkeepers Brady and Elaine prepare a fabulous gourmet breakfast for their guests. Are you ready for some Missoula winter fun?
Written by Kristi Dement of Bed and Breakfast Blogging
Blue Mountain Christmas 2014
Brady and Elaine love sharing the beauty of their Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast in Missoula, Montana! This is the most wonderful time of year to reflect upon fond memories during this Christmas and to look forward to brand new experiences in the coming New Year.
There is so much to do in Missoula during the winter time. Ice fishing, ice skating, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even snowmobiling.
This antique formerly was a covered wagon
Guests will see this sign while on their way to Missoula!
Our Blue Mountain B&B sign next to some greenery with bows
The table is set just for you this Christmas!
We make Aebelskivers, a delicious Danish delicacy
More information about how we spend the holidays, and our delicious recipe for Aebelskivers, can be found in last season’s blog post.
Our Blue Mountain coffee mug and a University of Montana Grizzly alongside holiday pine cones
The little carved horses are Dala Horses (Swedish) and are toys based from Fjord horses like the mare we have at Blue Mountain.
Swedish Christmas books with figurines
The Blue Mountain Christmas tree next to our piano
This bird reminds us of the real birds we see outside our B&B!
We put flags from around the world on our Christmas tree
We sell Christmas gifts, including precious ornaments, as well as other unique gifts in our Wood Ducks and More Country Store.
The Nutcracker ballet was named after this festive holiday decoration
Missoula’s Downtown Hand-Carved Carousel is offering free rides on Christmas Day starting at 11 am!
We extend an invitation to all those interested in taking the Montana vacation of their dreams in the New Year to come. Brady and Elaine of Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast are pleased to show their hospitality to you and yours.
Our Hawk Hill Lodge coated with beautiful snow
From our deck, guests get a gorgeous view of snow-covered trees
Written by Kristi Dement of Bed and Breakfast Blogging
