The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Posts Tagged ‘Flathead Valley’

Gazpacho of the Americas

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - Summer has come to Montana with scorching temperatures that are making chilled soups from the bounty of summer gardens even more enticing.... more

Reflecting on ‘The Bob’

By MYERS REECE - Fifty years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Wilderness Act into law, and Bob Marshall was there from the beginning... more

Hops Ranch Soon to Provide Fresh Beer to the Flathead

By TRISTAN SCOTT - What began as a 1-acre research project, sponsored by the Montana Department of Agriculture and two local breweries – has entered its second season and is now producing hops.... more

New Chairlift Installed on Back Side of Big Mountain

By DILLON TABISH - The latest expansion at Whitefish Mountain Resort is coming together as crews finish installing the Flower Point Chair Lift.... more

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Come to Kalispell Aug 30-31

By DILLON TABISH - The Mountain Madness Airshow, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, comes to Kalispell August 30-31 at the Glacier Park International Airport.... more

Wayne and Kathleen Newton Set Up Shop in Lakeside

By JUSTIN FRANZ-Kat’s Korner is one of several new shops and restaurants that have popped up in the small community of Lakeside and Wayne Newton, 72, said it’s no surprise the town is growing.... more

July Courses at the Glacier Institute

The Glacier Institute has announced it’s July courses, which will get you outside and enjoying the Flathead!... more

Ten Can’t-Miss Events in the Flathead This Summer

By MOLLY PRIDDY - Here’s a list of 10 of the most-popular events in the Flathead in the summer, so mark your calendar before it fills up.... more

From Montana Dude Ranch Vacations to Owning the Bar W Guest Ranch

Thirteen years ago, Dave Leishman, sat at a desk, buried in papers, surrounded by the everyday life of a company he created from the ground up and wondered if there was more.... more

‘Winter in the Blood’ Screening in Whitefish, Bigfork

By DILLON TABISH -A conversation with filmmaker Andrew Smith, whose critically acclaimed film 'Winter in the Blood' will be screening in Whitefish, Bigfork.... more

Warren Miller: Knee Deep Powder

By WARREN MILLER - When I produced my first ski movie, there were fewer than 15 chairlifts in the world. Everyone who went in the ski business during the following 25 years was a real innovator.... more

Take Your Kids Skiing

By WARREN MILLER - I was able to teach all three of my kids how to enjoy the scenery and the freezing cold mountain air and somehow they are still skiing 50-plus years later. I hope you give your kids the same ... more

Events in the Flathead After Labor Day? Absolutely!

By MOLLY PRIDDY - September is a time when the Flathead Valley takes a deep breath after the summer rush. Here are a few major events highlighting the best month of summer. ... more

Warren Miller: Montana Skiing

By WARREN MILLER - After traveling the road for 55 years with my skis and my cameras, I was invited to Montana for the first time. When I discovered what Montana had to offer, I quit traveling.... more

Gearing up for the Great Northern Brewing Co. Anniversary Party

By RYAN NEWHOUSE - Are you headed to the Great Northern Brewing Co. Anniversary Party and Whitefish Winter Carnival this weekend? You should be!... more