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 ‘skiing in Montana’

Tips for Easily Staying Safe When Skiing

Like most sports out there, skiing can be hazardous, particularly if the necessary precautions are overlooked. Here are tips for easily staying safe when skiing.... more

Winter Carnival at Marshall Mountain Feb 6

By BECKY GOODRICH-Join Parks and Recreation for the second annual Winter Carnival at Marshall Mountain on Saturday, February 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ... more

Whitefish Mountain Resort Opens New Terrain for New Season

By JUSTIN FRANZ - After years of planning, new Flower Point Chairlift opened on Big Mountain.... 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

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

Next Stop Sochi for Whitefish’s Voisin

By DILLON TABISH - Whitefish's Maggie Voisin builds momentum for Winter Olympics where she will be considered a top contender.... more

Whitefish Native Maggie Voisin Tabbed for Winter Games

Whitefish native and 15-year-old freeski phenom Maggie Voisin will round out the U.S. Olympic Freeskiing roster after being awarded the coaches’ discretionary spot Tuesday afternoon.... more

‘Inspiration’ Tops CNN’s List of Worlds Best Ski Runs

A CNN featuring the “World’s Best Ski Runs,” ranked “Inspiration” at Whitefish Mountain Resort No. 20 on its list of 100 best ski runs. It's the only Montana run in the top 100.... more

Dean Cummings’ “Chugach” Film Screening & Steep Life Protocols

Legendary ski mountaineer Dean Cummings' presents his Steep Life Protocols--a sensible approach to mitigating risk in the mountain environment and avoiding avalanches.... 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

Ski with the Legendary Glen Plake at Discovery on Monday

Infamous for his extreme skiing and trademark mohawk, Glen Plake will shred with locals on Monday, Jan. 14, from 12:30-3 p.m. at Discovery Ski Area near Philipsburg. ... more