Finding skiing near Missoula is not a difficult task as there are a plethora of incredible places throughout the area. There are world-class ski resorts that offer incredible terrain, acres of trails, as well as spectacular views of the famed big sky country. If you are dreaming of finding fresh powder to ski or snowboard through this winter, those dreams can become a reality by checking out the best skiing near Missoula! You can be amongst the most sought after ski areas in the world just 20 minutes from downtown or enjoy the gorgeous drives from Missoula to the many other ski resorts in the area.
After a day on the slopes, you’ll need a cozy and relaxing place to warm those toes and sip hot chocolate. Our Missoula bed and breakfast is the ultimate winter getaway for you! Set on a mountainside, our lodging offers the serenity you’ve been searching for. With views of the Bitterroot river below and surrounding forests, you’ll feel as if you have stepped into your own mountain retreat. The rustic surroundings are reflected in the woodsy decor without compromising luxury and comfort. If you are ready for the perfect place to escape to this winter, book your room today! Continue reading →
The things to do in Missoula during the long winter months is an extensive list of everything from outdoor adventure, to getting a relaxing massage, or kicking back and tasting a local brew. Montana in the winter is a magical time of year when the world becomes a playground and excuses to cozy up and enjoy a good meal are highlighted! Missoula is no exception with its world-class places to explore. Winter surely does not dull the adventurous spirit of this Montana town!
You’ll find the ultimate in comfort and coziness this winter at our Missoula bed and breakfast. Our small mountainside retreat is a romantic winter getaway full of casual elegance. From here you can take in the views of the Missoula Valley and surrounding mountains. Located just minutes away from all the shops, dining, and outdoor adventure but feeling like a world away this is your perfect escape this winter. Your stay with us will be a memorable and relaxing one! If you want the best place to enjoy a quintessential Montana vacation, book your room today!Continue reading →
As we face a crossroads with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all wondering how and when to move forward. As businesses and economies slowly start the process of reopening, it’s important to focus on the many opportunities we do have for getting out and socially distancing responsibly. Luckily, there are plenty of fun things to do in Missoula, including things that will keep you safe and healthy throughout the summer. At Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast you’ll have ample opportunity to relax and reset. Located just outside of Missoula our secluded mountainside inn will be your tranquil sanctuary.
It has been important to stay at home in order to stop the virus from spreading, but after so much time spent indoors there comes a time for a change of scenery, routine, and self-care. Plan yourself a much-needed vacation, enjoy some of the best things to do in Missoula, and book a stay at our peaceful Missoula Bed and Breakfast today!Continue reading →
Mamma Mia in Missoula! A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Over 54 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! The ultimate feel-good show! Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise.
So what is the show about, you ask? On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.
The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives! With more productions playing internationally than any other musical, MAMMA MIA! is the World’s No.1 Show!
You may recall a movie version of Mamma Mia! starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfriend, Christine Bananski, Stellan Skarsgard, and Julie Walters. That was released in July 2008.
On Friday, March 25, 2016 at 8:00 pm at the Adams Center, Mamma Mia the musical is showing as part of the Missoula Live Series on the University of Montana campus in Missoula, Montana. You will not want to miss this!
Poised at the base of Mount Sentinel on the beautiful University of Montana campus, the Adams Center is a proud Missoula icon, providing diverse entertainment in the mountains of Western Montana since the 1950s.
Named for and dedicated to Harry F. Adams who devoted 44 years of service to UM, the Adams Center underwent a $15 million renovation in 1998 to make improvements to the arena and add the auxiliary facility that now holds the East and West Auxiliary Gyms and the Grizzly Hall of Champions.
The Adams Center is now a hub for entertainment in Western Montana, from Grizzly Athletics and University of Montana events to meetings, conferences, trade shows, live theater and concerts.
Hosts Brady and Elaine Anderson-West invite you to stay at their restful retreat called Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast right here in Missoula. Their gorgeous inn overlooks the Bitterroot River and features majestic mountain views. Each morning guests savor a fresh gourmet breakfast cooked to perfection.
Written by Kristi Dement of Bed and Breakfast Blogging
The Montana Antique Mall located in downtown Missoula is the largest antique mall in Montana. They feature four floors and over 15,000 square feet of interesting and sometimes odd old stuff in what was once the Montana Hotel.
The Montana Hotel was built in 1890 and is claimed to be the oldest building in downtown Missoula. Located across from the original train depot, it serviced travelers coming east and west on the Northern Pacific railway. It also housed working men who gathered in the hotel dining room for supper at the end of their day and then could retire to the saloon for evening libations.
Today its home to sixty antique dealers and a variety of furniture, clothing, jewelry, collectibles, glassware, pottery and a little bit of everything else. There is even a library with books reflecting regional and historical interest.
Plan on an afternoon with the past and maybe taking some of it home. The Montana Antique Mall is located at 331 West Railroad Street in Missoula, Montana. Plenty of parking is available. The antique mall is open on Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Sunday from noon to 4:00 pm. For more information, call 406-721-5366.
Want more retail therapy? The downtown area also has delightful specialty shops, boutiques, and galleries offering clothing, jewelry, and other gifts for loved ones. Southgate Mall is the largest mall in Western Montana and with more than one hundred specialty and name brand stores, there is something for everyone. North Reserve Street also offers some popular box stores like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Old Navy.
There are so many wonderful things to see and do while you stay in Missoula, Montana:
You are welcome to stay at Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast during your visit to Big Sky Montana. We are conveniently close to plenty of fun things to do, but we also provide our guests with peaceful and scenic views of mountains and the Bitterroot River.
Each morning guests enjoy our delicious gourmet breakfasts. We enjoy seeing returning guests as well as meeting new guests that also become friends.
Splash Montana is located in Playfair Park at 3001 Bancroft Street in Missoula, Montana. Visiting Splash Montana is a great way to cool off and celebrate that the Montana sun is shining! Splash Montana has fun features:
Three exciting three-story waterslides
The Lake – Olympic-sized pool with 50-meter and 25-yard lap lanes
A swimmer-friendly zero-depth entry
Spray features and kiddie Grizzly slide
A lazy river float-way with a wild river branch
Floating play structures: log walk, floating otter, and water snake
When you visit Splash Montana at Playfair Park in Missoula, you are welcome to be overnight guests at Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast. Our luxurious accommodations include five well-appointed guest rooms as well as access to our recreation area in the Lodge. We have a deluxe pool table for playing billiards and a wide-screen theatre system for viewing movies while tasting popcorn or other snacks. Each morning, hosts Brady and Elaine will treat you to a fresh gourmet breakfast.
With scenic views of nature, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy bonding time with loved ones.
There are also plenty of other things to see and do within our community of Missoula, Montana. Activities like:
Adventure Cycling Association has over 48,000 members worldwide. Their Headquarters is located at 150 E. Pine St., in Missoula, Montana. Their office hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time, and during the summer months, they open on select weekends.
Missoula is located at the northern end of the Bitterroot Valley, which offers lots of great bicycling opportunities, including a 50-mile bike path paralleling the Bitterroot Mountains.
Adventure Cycling Association is located in a character-filled, historic downtown area, surrounded by a variety of restaurants, seasonal markets, coffee shops, retail stores, and the University of Montana. The city also has an extensive parks, trails, and open space system.
Missoula is on a number of Adventure Cycling’s mapped routes and is visited by hundreds of bicycle travelers each year. Some are riding coast to coast across America, others are on shorter trips to destinations such as Glacier National Park or the mountains of British Columbia.
Still others are on camper-van family vacations or trekking to Missoula for work, and take the opportunity to visit the place many people consider the bicycle-travel mecca.
Visitors to Adventure Cycling receive a hearty welcome, a cold beverage, an ice cream treat, and a Polaroid photo taken of them that goes up on our seasonal wall of fame. They can also enjoy kicking back in their Cyclists’ Lounge, which is full of bicycle-related reading material, including information on local rides, and offers free internet access.
Occasionally, they share a barbecue with group rides, such as their own TransAm tour, and Push America, a group of college students who ride cross country each year to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities.
The Adventure Cycling Association inspires and empowers people to travel by bicycle:
Provide the premier tools and inspiration for people to travel by bicycle
Expand and integrate bike-travel networks for North America
Create the best possible conditions for bicycle travel
Sustain and improve Adventure Cycling Association
The Adventure Cycling Association publications:
Adventure Cyclist (the top United States bicycle magazine)
Cyclosource (bicycle touring gear)
Tours Book
Bike Bits (free email newsletter with more than 50,000 subscribers)
The Adventure Cycling Association Tours:
Self-contained
Inn to inn
Fully supported
Van supported
Educational bicycle tours
As a nonprofit tour operator, all proceeds go back into program support
Current Projects of The Adventure Cycling Association:
Coordinating the emerging U.S. Bicycle Route System
Advocating nationally for better bike-travel conditions
Adventure Cycling was founded as Bikecentennial, a 4,250-mile TransAmerican bicycle ride in the summer of 1976, with over 4,100 participants.
Their 40th anniversary will include The Montana Bicycle Celebration, July 15 – 17, 2016 in Missoula, Montana and will bring together bike travelers from all over the world.
On the same weekend, Tour of Montana will host professional bike races, an expo, and a Gran Fondo.
Adventure Cycling’s Bikecentennial Projects:
Archival project with Story Corps to preserve the fulfilling and transformative memories of Bikecentennial cyclists and other bike adventurers
Bikecentennial reunions and parties
Book about TransAmerican Trail co-authored by Greg Siple (co-founder of Adventure Cycling) and Mac McCoy (longtime Adventure Cycling staff member)
Commemorative beer
Family-friendly events
Online project that will recognize forty bicyclists who have made significant contributions to the bike travel community
Organized bike rides to showcase Missoula’s trail system (including the completed fifty-mile Bitterroot Trail south of Missoula)
Retro-themed jerseys and merchandise available in the Cyclosource store throughout 2016
Special bike giveaways
Special tours
Two new annual events, set to kick off in 2016, will inspire a bike travel movement throughout North America. National Bike Travel Weekend, June 3 – 5, 2016, will motivate bike travelers from all over North America to go on bike overnights through a festive online community.
Adventure Cycling will provide do-it-yourself resources and an interactive map that will connect bike travelers during what will be the most prolific weekend of bike travel in North America.
Bike to Your National Park Day on September 24, 2016 will celebrate the National Park Service’s centennial, National Public Lands Day and Adventure Cycling’s 40th anniversary by promoting bike travel to and within national parks, state parks, and other recreational areas.
In honor of the 40th anniversary, in 2016, Adventure Cycling will offer extra TransAmerica Trail tours and other special epic tours, including on Bicycle Route 66, the Underground Railroad and the Great Divide. Sign-ups will be available on the Adventure Cycling website in the summer of 2015.
For those who cannot attend Adventure Cycling’s events or tours and want to plan their own reunion or ride, Adventure Cycling will provide online tools and resources to help plan Do-It-Yourself Reunions and Celebrations throughout 2016.
Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfastwelcomes cyclists. The benefits of biking include better health (increased physical activity) as well as a better environment (no use of fuel).
Let hosts Brady and Elaine start each morning right with a delicious hearty breakfast. Bicyclists can return each evening for a restful night’s sleep in one of our luxurious guest rooms.
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?
Brady and Elaine of Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast in scenic Missoula, Montana invite you to enter the #BlueIsBeautiful Contest. Enter on either Twitter or Facebook to win a free one-night stay for two people (including breakfast in the morning) at their lovely bed and breakfast. We want to inspire you to find things in nature that are blue and take pictures of them. When you visit Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast, beautiful nature is all around you from the blue, Bitterroot River to Blue Mountain which we call home!
ENTRY RULES:
For an entry to be valid in the #BlueIsBeautiful Photo Contest, it must:
Mention @BlueMountainBB in the tweet or Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast in the Facebook post.
Be a photograph taken by you(or a photograph used with permission by the photographer).
Include the hashtag #BlueIsBeautiful.
Be a picture of something blue found in nature.
The photo you enter can show nature’s beautiful blue from anywhere in the world.
Enter photo or photos between Nov. 14 2014 and Jan. 14 2015.
Each photo entered in our contest must be different, but the same person can tweet and post different pictures as separate entries into the contest. While the contest is going on, Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast will re-tweet and re-post various entries. This does not necessarily mean that re-tweeted or re-posted entries are the winning picture. It will be fun knowing that your photo is one of the photos got shared with all our followers! Again, we welcome national and international photos since our world is a big, beautiful place!
Only one winner from TWITTER and a different winner from FACEBOOK will be chosen. The winner will be the one who tweeted or posted the picture that best represents the beauty of blue in nature as determined by innkeepers Brady and Elaine. Both the winning tweeter and the winning Facebook poster and their respective guest will each experience a free one-night stay for two at Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast! Prize includes fresh gourmet breakfast for two in the morning.
PhotoContest begins Friday November 14, 2014 and will end January 14, 2015.Let the color blue and a visit for two inspire you to take the winning picture!
Did you know that in the United States and European public opinion polls, the color blue is overwhelmingly the most popular color, chosen by half of both men and women as their favorite color?! Blue is the color of the deep sea and the clear sky. Of course, flowers, butterflies, blueberries, blue jays, and blue whales are also blue. There is even a Blue Linkia Starfish. Earth is sometimes called the blue planet. In fact, the farther away an object is, the more blue it often appears to the eye. For example, mountains in the distance often appear blue. That is why we are called Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast.
Prize/gift certificate is good until Jan. 15, 2016.
If you fall in love with the color blue and decide you would like to visit us regardless of your winning status, we would be honored. Just tweet or post your photograph according to the contest rules for a discounted stay with us! We are so appreciative of those who mention our contest to others and encourage them to follow us on various social media sites as well. Thank You!
For ANYONE entering the contest who is also following us on Twitter and/or Facebook, we will be happy to give you a 15% discount on your stay. Mention the contest and your photo whenbooking on-line or call us directly at 1-(406)-251-4457. A restful night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast await you!
Please LIKE & FOLLOW us on the following social media sites:
Livability named their top 100 Picks for the best places to live in 2015! Missoula, Montana came in at #8 for the 100 best places to live in America. More than 2,000 cities were looked at during the ranking so every city in the list is part of the Top 5% in the country. Livability described the town of Missoula: “Nearby mountain ranges, three rivers and more than 400 acres of city parkland make Missoula an outdoor lover’s dream come true. Home to the University of Montana, Missoula’s breweries, coffee houses, cafes and restaurants create a unique, cool vibe. Independent bookstores, a symphony and music venues provide more entertainment options.”
On Tuesday August 12 of 2014, Outside Magazine published an article called, “The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America” they ranked Missoula, Montana as #9 on the list of great greatest places to live in America. Missoula received 40,530 votes. “Best towns ever” had to have access to adventure, healthy eating options, bike lanes, and green spaces. Missoula has all this and more! The University of Montana, the town’s largest employer, cultivates youthful energy, but most activity revolves around the downtown stretch of the Clark Fork River. Brennan’s Wave attracts paddleboarders and kayakers.
Of course, residents love this town best for what lies just beyond. “Trail access here is ridiculous,” says Wolfe. “I live downtown, and I can run out my front door, be on singletrack in two minutes, and go six hours without crossing a road.”Wolfe’s favorites include the 1.8-mile Mount Sentinel Trail, which climbs 2,000 vertical feet to views of the valley.The University of Montana is in the foreground.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Missoula, or Montana, without a fishing adventure. Fishing is absolutely central to this community. At the convergence of the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot Rivers, Missoula lives up to its name. Whether you prefer to fish from the banks of the river right in the middle of town or prefer to hire a river guide to make a whole day of your fishing expeditions, you will not be disappointed with your catch. Missoula is famous for its blue ribbon fishing, with an almost endless selection of stretches to explore. The angling is so good here, that Forbes Magazinenamed Missoula one of North America’s top ten trout fishing towns. Fishing licenses are available through Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.
The three rivers that run through the town of Missoula, Montana is the setting for the 1976 fly-fishing novella by Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It. A River Runs Through It is a story of two boys growing up in Montana with a love for fly-fishing. The book was made into an American film in 1992 directed by Robert Redford starring Brad Pitt, Craig Sheffer, and Tom Skerritt.
For those who enjoy wildlife watching, it requires vigilant eye in Missoula as well as a good pair of binoculars for optimal viewing. Wildlife watchers keep their eyes out for deer, bighorn sheep, bison, and other amazing wildlife in Missoula and the surrounding wilderness. Birdwatchers love birding in Missoula because the town offers fantastic birding-watching sites and opportunities. The types of birds people might see in Missoula include woodpeckers, blue herons, flycatchers, bald eagles, and osprey just to name a few.
When visitors come to Missoula, they should stay at the lovely Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast. Innkeepers Brady and Elaine have glowing guest reviews. With gorgeous views, plenty to do and see, peaceful time to relax, and great food to enjoy, Brady and Elaine look forward to hosting guests who always end up as friends.
The picture just above is the beautiful mountain view guests see from the deck at Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast. The photo is by Marcus Berg of Unique Angles Photography. This blog post was written by Kristi Dement of Bed and Breakfast Blogging.
