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 ‘Backcountry skiing in Montana’

How to Survive in the Wilderness – 2023

Every person who got lost in the woods had no plans of doing so. In this guide, we cover the basic things you need to do to survive in the wilderness. ... more

Hamilton Native Tony Neaves Shares His Paralympic Experience

By MARK VOSBURGH - When Nancy Stevens moved to Summit County, Colo., 21 years ago, her guide dog kept bringing her to the door of the same shop. Blind since birth, Stevens, 52, finally went inside. ... more

The Missoula Nordic Ski Club: Your Ticket to Cross Country Skiing

By MARK VOSBURGH - It's officially winter here in Missoula and snow is on the ground. Lets go cross country skiing! The Missoula Nordic Ski Club has got you covered.... more

Lady Griz Streak Broken, Temple Wins 61-52 (Photo Gallery)

By AUSTIN SMITH - The Lady Griz lost their final home non-conference game of the year to the Temple Owls 61-52 Saturday evening, ending their three-win streak. ... more

Montana Wins Lady Griz Classic for 30th Time

By JOEL CARLSON - Montana won its own tournament for the 30th time in 33 editions and improved to 63-3 in Lady Griz Classic games. Its tournament winning streak is now at 28 games.... more

Lady Griz Look For Tournament Title After 59-56 Win (Photo Gallery)

By AUSTIN SMITH - Kellie Cole hit a 3-pointer with 16 seconds to send Montana to a 59-56 victory over Idaho Friday night at Dahlberg Arena on the opening night of the Holiday Inn Lady Griz Classic.... more

Is Roller Skiing For The Rest of Us?

By MARK VOSBURGH -Elite Nordic racers and Olympic hopefuls train on roller skis during the off season, but are roller skis for us mere mortals and recreational skiers?... more

Photo Gallery: 2012 Ski & Snowboard Gear Tradeshow Wrap-Up

By TRAVIS GOODKIND - Every year, the ski industry gathers in Denver for the Snowsports Industry of America tradeshow. Check out the gear that'll be on tap in 2012-13!... more

Skiers worship “epic” powder Sunday on Lolo Pass, Whitefish Mountain

By PAUL QUENEAU - Lolo Pass, Whitefish Mountain and several other locations are busy marking one of the great powder days of recent times.... more

Work at a Ski Resort

By WARREN MILLER. Are you a recent college grad? Need a job? Google the “want ads” of all the major ski resorts in America. What’s wrong with working at night and skiing or snowboarding all day for a w... more

Considering the Light and Dark of Backcountry Skiing

By MARK VOSBURGH - It's easy for me to gush about backcountry skiing. But I've come to believe that skiing has a dark side that exists regardless of whether we choose to acknowledge it.... more