Great Glacier Giveaway

Posted on January 26, 2012 by tiatroy

I have to tell you something. It’s something I’ve been itching to spill the beans to you on for weeks and now I can finally shout it from the mountaintops: Glacier Country Tourism is GIVING AWAY a trip to Montana!

As a girl who’s been in love with Montana for years, giving away a trip to Western Montana tickles me pink. It makes me excited for you to come and experience Big Sky Country, where you’ll be able to “fly with joy” down the zip lines at Whitefish Mountain Resort, hike a beautiful trail in Glacier National Park and marvel in the stunning beauty that is the Crown of the Continent.

But it’s more than that. I’m excited because I get to share a place that I love so much with you. And for this messy-haired blond girl, it doesn’t get much better than that. (Cheesy, but true).

Here’s the scoop on how to enter: Great Glacier Giveaway

Hope to see you in Montana soon,
TT

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Snow Day!

Posted on January 20, 2012 by tiatroy

Happy Friday from Montana! As you may have heard, Western Montana has been being hit with EPIC snowfall. And I don’t use the word epic lightly.

I’m talking about the kind of snowfall that had Lost Trail Powder Mountain receiving 50″ in the last 48 hours, Montana Snowbowl welcoming 26″ in the last 48 hours, Lookout Pass Ski Area garnering 22″ in the last 48 hours, Blacktail Mountain Ski Area welcoming 13″ in the last 48 hours, Whitefish Mountain Resort recording 7″ in the last 48 hours and Turner Mountain Ski Area accumulating 20″ this week.

But instead of telling you, I’d rather show you.

Morning in Missoula.

Fresh powder at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Photo by Brian Schott.

The morning commute in Missoula. Photo by Taylar Robbins.

The Apgar Lookout webcam in Glacier National Park.

Mike Hardisty riding at Lookout Pass. Photo courtesy Lookout Pass.

Happy winter!
TT

PS: If you’re ready to come play in the snow on your winter toy of choice, check out these travel deals from local Montana businesses.

Posted in Bitterroot Valley, Flathead Valley, Glacier National Park, Lincoln County, Missoula, Whitefish, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Win Tickets: Film Premiere, Lift Passes & Accommodations

Posted on January 17, 2012 by tiatroy

Well folks, it’s official. La Nina is HERE. Not only is she bringing fresh powder, but she’s also bringing the premiere of Warren Miller Entertainment’s “…Like There’s No Tomorrow” to the heart of Glacier Country.

The film will premiere in downtown Missoula on Friday, February 3 at 8 PM at the Wilma Theatre. In addition to a rowdy celebration and a chance to see some sweet skiing on the big screen, the premiere will also feature raffle prizes and visits from two Warren Miller athletes, Lynsey Dyer and Andy Mahre.

Warren Miller athlete Andy Mahre.

And because we love winter, we’re GIVING AWAY TWO tickets to the premiere, as well as TWO day lift ticket passes to Snowbowl. And, just for fun, we’re including a one night stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Missoula.

To enter, leave a comment on this post and tell us your favorite ski trail in Montana.

We’ll announce a winner on Monday, January 30! Comments will close Monday, January 30 at NOON, Mountain Standard Time.

Happy skiing!
TT

PREMIERE TICKET INFO
Tickets are $12 and available at The Trail Head, Backcountry Racks and Skis and Rockin Rudy’s. A portion of the proceeds from the show, including $5 from each ticket sold at The Trail Head, will benefit the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation.

Posted in Missoula, Winter | Tagged , , , , , | 14 Comments

Montana: This is Winter Country

Posted on January 12, 2012 by tiatroy

Winter arrived late to Western Montana. My guess? She wanted to make an entrance. And that’s fine with me…I’m not going to point fingers, cuss her out or give her the silent treatment. Why? Because she’s here now and let’s face it, she really looks quite lovely.

In the last week, fresh powder has fallen on our ski areas, snowmobile trails and mountain meadows, making everyone around here giddy with excitement, anticipation and a hankering that can only be relieved from playing in the snow.

And play we will.

As part of the Montana experience of winter, several communities host events and activities that showcase this season, and her slightly rambunctious attitude, at its finest. And with so many things to choose from, I’ve compiled some of my suggestions to help ensure that winter treats you like a lady. (Or a gentleman).

Some of my suggestions:

Seeley Lake Winterfest, Seeley Lake
While Seeley Lake is a bootie-kickin’ year-round destination, they do it up right in the winter. Winterfest, held January 20 – 22, features a snow sculpture contest, torchlight parade, bonfire, desserfest (yes, please) and live entertainment. The Seeley Lake Biathlon (featuring skiing and shooting) is also held in conjunction with Winterfest.

A snow sculpture at Seeley Lake's Winterfest.

Chinese New Year, Hot Springs
Celebrate the Chinese New Year in the cute community of Hot Springs on Saturday, January 21, with festivities including a dragon dance parade, drumming and bio-luminesce fire dancers. The bonus? Catching the fireworks from the outdoor hot springs pool at Symes Hot Springs Hotel.

Whitefish Winter Carnival, Whitefish
Held February 3 – 5, Winter Carnival is really winter at its best. The carnival includes a grand parade, fireworks display, torchlight parade and Black Star Beer Barter. And if you’re up in that neck of the woods in January, attend Whitefish Skijorning, January 27 – 29.

Whitefish Skijoring. Photo by Larry Turner.

Winter Storytelling Series, Lolo
Each year Travelers’ Rest State Park hosts a winter series that celebrates the age-old Salish tradition of sharing history through stories. This winter’s series features talks (held every Saturday) by Kootenai Tribal Members, Salish Tribal Elders, historians and authors.

A cozy cabin in the woods. Photo by Donnie Sexton.

Happy winter,
TT

Cozy hat=Ready for winter.

PS: For sweet travel deals, check out the DEALS page on www.glaciermt.com.

Posted in American Indian, Bitterroot Valley, Flathead Valley, Montana, Seeley-Swan Valley, Whitefish, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Living on Montana Time

Posted on January 6, 2012 by tiatroy

I like to go for drives. Sometimes there’s a specific destination in mind, while other times I’ll jump in the car and see where the road takes me, just for the fun of it.

Last week, I grabbed my partner in crime and we headed up Highway 12 toward Lolo Pass. The goal? To see what we could see. And we saw a lot.

Lolo Pass Visitor Center

Welcome to Montana.

A modern-day explorer with Lewis & Clark.

A bronze of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Tribe.

Snowmobilers at Lolo Pass. (I was REALLY tempted to jump on the back of one of their sleds).

Lolo Hot Springs. A winter soak, anyone?

One of the coolest bars in Montana: The Jack.

Here’s to many more adventures.

xoxo,
TT

Posted in Winter | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Christmas in the Country

Posted on December 28, 2011 by tiatroy

I grew up in the sticks. And every year I look forward to going home to my little town for Christmas. Home to a cozy house, warm stove, twinkling lights, hugs from my mom and family traditions. This year was no different. I was itching to leave the “big city” and get home.

So I packed up my holiday cheer, loaded the car and made the journey over the river(s), through the woods, across a mountain pass and onto the rolling hills along the Rocky Mountain Front where I was greeted by the snow-covered peaks of the mountains and hearty helpings of hometown cheer.

Winter wonderland.

My family (the mama and the papa) own an old-time general store in Augusta, where we’ve started the tradition of hosting a Christmas Eve open house. And in a family that loves spreading holiday cheer and thinks it’s appropriate to hug everyone we see, you better believe we try to do it up right. Which means dressing up in ridiculous outfits, making lots of yummy treats and singing in the store. (Yep, singing).

A Christmas elf and Mrs. Claus.

You can't be a true elf without magical elf booties.

Mama Claus and Brother Elf. Yep, they're dancing.

This is how we do Christmas in Montana.

After a few full days, I bid my goodbyes and headed back to the west side of the mountains. And while I felt a little tired from the chaos that is Christmas (being an elf is hard work!), my heart was full and happy.

The view en route to Missoula.

It was a good visit.

Here’s to a cheery, love-filled and joyful 2012.
TT

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Happy Winter

Posted on December 23, 2011 by tiatroy

Wishing you all a very happy holiday, Merry Christmas and wonderful Hanukkah.

Whitefish, Montana. Photo by Brian Schott (www.brianschott.com)

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A Winter Week in Photos

Posted on December 16, 2011 by tiatroy

Happy winter. This week started out with a sleigh ride (AKA Dodge Durango drive) to the Montana winter village of Whitefish. Along the way, we saw and did the following…

Stopped at the Tamarack Brewing Company in Lakeside, Montana.

Here, we filled our bellies. Their french fries are so good, you'll leave wanting more.

We were welcomed to Whitefish with cutesy Christmas decorations. Love.

Had a bedtime snack of bread pudding at Tupelo in Whitefish.

After spending a few days visiting with folks, attending meetings and spreading general Christmas cheer, we headed for home. This little missy was greeted with the following…

The warm glow of my very own Christmas tree, put up by a local elf while I was out of town.

A Montana ornament, made from local beeswax.

And hugs from my very own little elf.

It was a good week. Happy Christmas.
TT

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A Montana Christmas Giveaway

Posted on December 8, 2011 by tiatroy

Just call us Santa’s little helpers.

Santa's Little Helpers

This week, we’re giving away a basket of Western Montana goodness to one of YOU! The basket includes a GlacierMT water bottle, mug, Glacier National Park guidebook, GlacierMT luggage tag, mini red bus, 406 trucker hat and chocolate from Montana Island Lodge.

Montana Goodies Galore


Why? Well, it’s simple really.
1) We love Montana.
2) We really love that you read our blog, week after week.
3) And finally, we really, really love giving presents.

To enter, leave a comment on this post and tell us what you love most about this time of the year.

We’ll announce a winner next week! Comments will close Thursday, December 15 at NOON, Mountain Standard Time.

Happy Christmas,
TT

UPDATE: Congrats to our winner, Laurie H. of Minnesota! Random.org chose her as the winner. We hope you enjoy your basket of Montana goodness!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 71 Comments

Giving Thanks

Posted on December 2, 2011 by tiatroy

Last week, I packed my bags and headed for my childhood home. During the two-hour drive over the river, across the mountain pass and through the woods to my folks, I had an excited anticipation of just being home. My schedule this summer and fall (between weddings, adventures and daily life) got the best of me and I hadn’t been home for a few months. For this mama’s girl, that was simply too long.

And, to my delight, it seemed like the weather wanted me to get home as badly as I wanted to. Tuesday afternoon greeted me with this…

Clear roads and snow-kissed mountains.

After I arrived home, this was my first stop.

The family store.

For my family, the store almost seems like a more natural first stop than home. Likely, because much our growing up years were spent there. It was there that we spent hours stocking groceries on the shelves, unloading trucks, continually cleaning the more than 100-year-old building and waiting on customers (which was always my favorite part).

While we spent ample time at the store over Thanksgiving break, we also made sure to spend time together at home. Cooking, cleaning, watching movies, laughing and having long overdue visiting sessions.

The view from Lover's Lane.

We decked the halls (and windows) at the store.

Baby brother.

And for this girl, it was just what the doctor ordered.

Wishing you each lots of love, joy, friendship, peace and warmth during this Christmas and holiday season.

Montana hugs to you,
TT

Posted in From The Road, Uncategorized, Winter | Tagged , | Leave a comment