Life Montana Style

Life Montana Style 2008-07-24T02:19:13Z http://lifemontanastyle.com/atom.aspx Quick Blog Big Mountain Hits the Big Time tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-04-25:ace04bb1-027f-4c25-8e20-178dba62182d Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-04-25T10:39:22Z 2008-04-25T09:41:00Z
Whitefish Mountain Resort, Winter Sports Incorporated had a positive increase in their seasonal revenues. The weather cooperated giving them the most snowfall in the last 11 seasons and one of the top three seasons of the last 50 years. As a local Flathead Valley resident who has skied the hill over the last 15 years, I was happy to see some of the recent improvements, such as replacing chairs two and seven, and high speed quad upgrade to chair one. The new base lodge is beautiful, however not perhaps as family friendly as it has been in the past. WSI's management has contended that they need to move into the twentieth century with the services they offer if they want to remain competitive, and they aren't trying to change the character of the resort in the process. There is some strong dissention in the town of Whitefish as well as throughout the valley regarding this thought, however it is the price we all must pay as we adjust to the inevitable growth. Those in power at Whitefish Mountain Resort seem to want to maintain the balance of being a destination ski resort while still preserving the neighborhood ski hill some of us are used to. Personally I hope they can achieve thier goal.

Read more about the year at Whitefish Mountian Resort here

Contact us regarding the Flathead Valley or Whitefish Mountain Resort at:
propertyinfo@cbwrealestate.com406.751.4304

]]> Whitefish, Montana A Well-Rounded Mountian Town! tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-04-18:0f989bd7-183a-4ee3-a695-75e77a1d4513 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-04-18T16:58:15Z 2008-04-18T16:43:00Z propertyinfo@cbwrealestate.com if we can be of any assistance.

http://lifemontanastyle.com/2008/04/18/big-mountain-moves-into-the-big-time.aspx

Enjoy!]]> So You Want to Move to Montana? tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-03-31:066f4530-bcff-4ab5-8da4-f503b2e58142 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-05-14T16:12:32Z 2008-03-31T16:05:00Z
So you want to move to Montana? What do your friends think? Probably one of two things: “I’m so jealous!”, or “You’re nuts!” It doesn’t seem as if there’s a happy medium between the two, and my husband and I are very happy that we didn’t listen to naysayers when we purchased our property in the Flathead Valley several years ago. Our adventure started with an anniversary trip, and after a few days here, we were convinced that we had to be part of the beauty and mystery of Montana.

When you first arrive, the unbelievable sovereignty of the snow-capped mountain ranges is mesmerizing. Your mind wanders through thoughts of the wilderness those mountains contain, along with endless opportunities for hiking and fishing, hunting and riding, skiing and swimming, or just peacefully enjoying the quiet stillness of the woods. It seems as if every bend in the road is graced with crystal clear lakes, surrounded by deep green pines and flowered meadows. You’ve heard rumors of the bears and moose that frequently appear on doorsteps, and they truly do. You’ll revel at the immense size of the grizzly down by the river bank, and be amused by the tranquil expression of a moose in quiet repose. The bald eagles coast effortlessly in the clear sky, foxes chase chipmunks ‘round the trees, and wolves play hide and seek with you as you pass them by. You’ll see these things as you drive from one quaint town to another, gathering a feel for how unique they all are. Yet, as you chat with the locals, there is a cohesiveness that is quite evident.

One moves to Montana for the lifestyle. In today’s hustle-and-bustle world, Montana has kept it’s independence from the pressures of our compulsively driven society. The people here are intelligent, strong-willed and hard-working, but have not lost sight of the fact that time is a precious commodity. It is not unusual to nudge a door on the local mercantile, only to find it locked during what you’d believe to be “normal business hours”. You might be lucky enough to observe a sign alluding to when the proprietor may return, but don’t count on it. Where did they go? Maybe for an afternoon of skiing on Big Mountain, or canoeing on Bitterroot Lake with the kids. Perhaps they just wanted to do a little shopping in the quaint village of Bigfork, on the banks of Flathead Lake, or catch an early dinner and live music at my favorite spot, the Cottage Inn in Kila.

If you have an adventurous spirit, don’t let fear of something new hold you back. As the old adages go, “You only live once”, and “Time is truly short”, so pack those bags for an excursion to Glacier Park, or a float trip down the Flathead River. Allow yourself to drink in the splendor of Montana, and you may never return from whence you came!

To Contact Carmen regarding living and working in the Flathead Valley See below:
406.871.8760
carmen.hobson@coldwellbanker.com]]> Gearing Up for Golf Season tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-03-26:458f00b2-4e74-416d-9cfb-8a3456ca810a Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-03-26T10:42:34Z 2008-03-26T10:21:00Z
For more information regarding the Flathead Valley or relocating inquire here

For more information about available golf click here: www.golfmontana.net

]]> Fishing in Late winter and Spring--So Many Possibilities! tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-03-12:56ddac44-e0d3-428a-9c1c-951fc7a94af6 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-03-12T15:48:17Z 2008-03-12T15:46:00Z
This time of year there are so many places to fish, and so many types of fish to fish for. Everything is biting everywhere – it’s one of the most under-utilized seasons for fishing.

Just a couple of weeks ago, my husband and I spent the better part of Saturday out on the 12 inches of ice on Lake Mary Ronan, jigging for perch and salmon. We could hardly get our jigs to the bottom for the perch before the salmon would grab them up half way down. It’s rare that you’re faced with the problem of having to throw salmon back, but with a limit of only 10 each, it became a reality within an hour, when we realized we already had 20 laying on the ice. By the time we left we had a 5-gallon bucket full of good-sized perch as well, and that was after throwing back anything under 9 inches.

As we were driving home we were looking out at Flathead Lake, trying to see if we could spot our friends who had taken their boat out for some lake trout fishing. Although we couldn’t spot them, we heard later that they’d caught over 75 fish that day, and 3 that were over 20 pounds.

Sunday afternoon we went fishing on the river with my dad and a couple of friends. In just a few hours they caught a nice array of pike, lake trout and bull trout. The wind was more than a little chilly, but the weather’s steadily improving, and it won’t be long before we can shed our coveralls!

We’re also planning on spending a weekend or two at a friend’s cabin out on Bitterroot Lake, ice fishing for salmon, where the limit is 20 per day per person. It’s fun to get a bunch of people together and pool your efforts in the salmon slaying. I was concerned that we needed to get our weekends set quickly, but my husband reassured me that the ice only gets better as this month progresses. As the chance of snow is slimmer, it reduces the possibility of the messy slush on top of the ice, but it still gets below freezing at night to keep the ice solid. Some years he’s been able to ice fish as late as May!

This time of year, it certainly seems that the biggest decision to make is how to squeeze a 40-hour week into the fewest number of days, so that you have more days open for all the possibilities.

Don’t forget fishing licenses expired February 29th! You can apply for your 2008 fishing license and printout a temporary license immediately at https://app.mt.gov/Als/Index.

]]> Why We like to Live in Whitefish Montana tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-02-04:70731007-2097-4a5e-bf87-7f0f8af20490 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-02-04T16:36:23Z 2008-02-04T16:26:00Z

Whitefish Recreational Video

To contact us for more info on the area: Please email us here]]> Kalispell Is a Great Place to Retire tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-01-31:cecdbd43-11f6-491e-ae95-fd9e380185d1 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-01-31T12:28:54Z 2008-01-31T11:50:00Z here. To contact us regarding purchasing real estate for when you retire click here

For the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce click here]]> There are lots of Reasons to Relocate to Missoula tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-01-25:a4345629-70e0-42ae-a033-5eae1aa0b0e3 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-02-07T12:09:09Z 2008-01-25T17:33:00Z
You Can Have More of it in Missoula! This week Mayor Engen and Commission Jean Curtis delivered the "State of Missoula" speech to a large crowd. The jist of their reports was very positive: Missoula continues to grow, overall growth was at 3.8% in 2007 with a positive outlook for 2008. Both city and county governments are focused on dealing with the quality of life issues this kind of growth generates. For example, in 2006 the passage of a large open space bond has led to the purchase of several key properties in Missoula County aimed at preserving our rural heritage. Second, work is proceeding quickly on "UFDA" (pronounced "oofduh") which is an important planning tool for managing growth in the urban fringe development area, where we expect 15,000 new homes in the next 20 years. Both governments continue to work toward extending our open space, parks and extensive trail systems to make sure the lifestyle we moved here to enjoy remains intact.

Click here to read the local newspaper

Click here to view a Missoula Area video

To contact Ryon and find out more about the Missoula area click here
Or call him directly at: 406.240.1111
]]> Minus 18 Degrees and We're Still Happy to Live In Northwest Montana tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-01-25:75b44204-a289-409c-9b47-9aa41458669f Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-01-25T17:31:21Z 2008-01-25T17:06:00Z It’s minus 18 and the wind is blowing… why do I choose to live in this State? I don’t remember a winter storm like we experienced over the weekend since we had 11+ feet of snow in the winter of 1996-1997. That was a humdinger of a year! My husband plowed snow for the City of Kalispell that winter. They would work the night shift moving snow and then he would come home and plow out our driveway. He’d sleep for a few hours before heading back to the City and more snow removal. I didn’t see much of my husband for two months. It got to the point with many residents where the only way out would be to hire a front-end loader to move the snow tunnels back a few feet.

So why then do I choose to live here?

Minus 18 is cold, granted, but to be honest I have lived in colder, much damper climates and below zero here is when it starts to feel a bit uncomfortable, anything above that is quite easy to live in. Have you cross-country skied in a t-shirt with no other sounds except for the schlepping of your skis? Have you woken up in the middle of the night and thought it was the middle of the day because the moon is so big and reflecting bright white light off the snow? Have you experienced the Northern Lights, now that is worth having your friends call you at 2:00 am to tell you to look north? What about downhill skiing or snowmobiling through the snow ghosts?So my point is the winters here in northwestern Montana are not so bad and if you are an outdoor enthusiast winters just mean a different piece of equipment from your spring, summer or fall escapades. Come enjoy we’ve plenty of space for everyone.

If you'd like to read more about northwest Montana's sub zero tmperatures click below:
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/2008/01/22/news/news01.txt

To contact us please:
Click here

]]> Hiking the Jewel tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-01-21:0228e335-a8be-4e29-9a34-5577f5215a05 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-01-22T12:36:33Z 2008-01-21T16:31:00Z
This morning while preparing for my day I stop and look out my windows to the East. My eyes go directly to Mount Aeneas, one of the highest peaks in Jewel Basin Hiking area in the Swan Mountain Range on the East edge of the Flathead Valley. I can see light reflecting off the old radio tower, just before the peak and my eyes continue north to Noisy Creek Notch. I think of the many times I have hiked in Jewel Basin and as I start to think of future hikes my eyes return to Mount Aeneas and in my mind I am momentarily on the last part of the trail to the top of the peak. As I climb carefully over rocks to avoid tripping I pass within just a few feet of a couple of Mountain Goats. They are so sure footed they seem to have no fear of tripping and falling over a thousand feet to Picnic Lakes below! Upon reaching the summit I am rewarded with 360-degree views, looking down Flathead Lake to Polson, across the Flathead Valley to the Cabinet Mountains, and peaks in Glacier park, the Great Bear, Bob Marshall and Mission Mountain Wilderness. Before my decent I place a couple of rocks on one of the rock cairns.

Back in my living room I am reminded of why I live here. The beauty is expansive and there is an abundant supply of year round outdoor activities just a short trip from the doorstep of those of us who live here and those who visit. But living here is the ultimate and my hope is all residents take in the beauty and opportunities of the area in whatever way they can enjoy.

Jewel Basin and the surrounding area offers many wonderful day hikes (or longer) to sparkling lakes and scenic vistas. The trailhead at camp misery is about a 45-minute drive from Kalispell. The parking lot gets quite full on nice summer days but the area is large enough to provide solitude. For fewer crowds hike the Jewel in the fall. It’s beautiful and the Huckleberries are sweet! Many of the lakes offer some excellent high mountain fishing as well. Hiking in Northwestern Montana is unlimited with endless trails in Glacier, the Swan valley, and many wilderness areas to name a few.

For additional Hiking and recreational opportunities the Flathead has to offer contact Lori:
                                             (406) 751-4300 business
                                             (406) 250-7807 cell
                                              lori.pfankuch@coldwellbanker.com

For information on Hiking in Jewel Basin and other areas:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead/wilderness/Wilderness.htm

]]> Rogue Moose is now dead-Avalanches Still a Big Concern tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-01-15:480f22c5-d395-47c9-8a09-65da7ad317b2 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-01-21T16:23:35Z 2008-01-15T12:37:00Z
See the corresponding links below for the moose articles as well as on going avalanche search and rescue updates.

Avalanche News 1/15/08:
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/2008/01/15/breaking_news/breaking_news01.txt

On-Going Avalanche Updates:
http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/third_day_of_search_brings_hazardous_weather/2063/

Regarding the Moose:
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/2008/01/15/news/news02.txt]]> Things are Always Interesting in the Flathead Valley tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-01-11:c6545d57-7e39-4348-b0d2-2f54f5ae57fa Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-01-11T13:23:35Z 2008-01-11T12:59:00Z
For more information on things to do in the Flathead click on the following links:
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/2008/01/11/101things/101things01.txt

http://www.dailyinterlake.com/content/current/magazines/pdf_files/101%202007%20comp.pdf

For more information about relocating to Northwest Montana click on this link:

http://www.montanamoves.net

To contact us regarding property or Real Estate Info in this area email us at:

relocation@cbwrealestate.com

]]> Swimming Outdoors in January? tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-01-07:55a895a0-4e9b-47ee-8e4b-d83778b71c68 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-01-07T17:49:13Z 2008-01-07T17:48:00Z
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/2008/01/02/news/news01.txt

http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/plunging_into_2008/1938/

]]> Snowmobilers Beware tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2008-01-02:5fd4682a-ad82-4e04-a506-5a3bfe9a3b1c Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2008-01-11T13:26:26Z 2008-01-02T14:46:00Z When all of us snow sports enthusiasts are rejoicing about the abundance of snow in this area, it is important to remember that there are some concerns regarding safety this time of year. After reading the Daily Interlake article about two avalanches happening in the Whitefish Mountain Range in rapid succession, it prompted me to read up about avalanche and snow safety--for your reference I've included some links below. While we all enjoy all the recreational activities that are available in abundance for us in Northwestern Montana, it is important to remember that there are precautions to be taken. Enjoy yourselves out there, but be sure to take care and concern for some of the misfortunes that can occur in nature. Cheers and Happy 2008!

Link to the Daily Interlake article here:
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/2007/12/22/news/news02.txt

Link to winter sports safety here:
http://life.familyeducation.com/safety/sports/36150.html

Link to avalanche safety here:
http://www.outdoorplaces.com/Features/Mountain/avalanche/

The MOOSE that the commenter was speaking of can be read about at the following link:

http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/2008/01/11/news/news01.txt

]]> Montana is a nice little secret for now tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2007-11-21:5757ab63-82ab-4556-be77-bae263863f53 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2007-11-21T17:37:40Z 2007-11-21T17:09:00Z Those of us who were drawn here for the slower pace of life, soon discovered some of the Flathead Valley's best kept secrets, such as Glacier National Park, Big Mountain, Flathead Lake, and were pleasantly surprised to find the variety and quality of the communities surrounding the area and the plentiful recreational pastimes that are all within close proximity. Having spent that last 15 years in the Flathead discovering my passions and blending work, play and family almost without a hitch, I was disenchanted to read the Missoulian article on November 9, regarding branding Montana to make it more appealing to out of state visitors. Although I am a realist and recognize that we are becoming and eventually will be a much larger state when the Californians complete their invasion, I really don't want to share. I have enjoyed this valley with its scarce crowds, welcoming locals and rural pace. I have enjoyed filling my wardrobe with jeans and not worrying about commuting to my job. I am still enjoying waking up and being able to choose between multiple world class parks, forests, golf courses and skiing, as ways to spend my days. I am not inclined to help Travel Montana in their efforts to deliver a consistent message. Anyone else feel the same? What does living in Montana mean to you? Please let us know your thoughts.

View the Missoulian article at this link

To share more thoughts on Montana relocation email me at: relocation@cbwrealestate.com

]]> Montana Ruminations tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2007-11-20:e51a6847-4983-4241-bc04-bda34500b209 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2007-11-29T15:24:41Z 2007-11-20T14:44:00Z

Posted By: Elsa Putzier, Coldwell Banker Wachholz and Company Agent Columbia Falls Office

The Bald Eagle is fishing. He likes to sit on the very top of my old Douglas Fir Tree and survey his domain. We had our first skiff of snow this morning. The bushes, trees, fences and mountains are all frosted. It just does not get any more beautiful. I moved here in 1968 and there has not been a day when I have not felt blessed, fortunate, lucky and yes, at times I feel very smart. Smart to have made the decision to move here instead of Seattle. Smart to have chosen a life style rather than a big income. Smart, because this decision enabled my children to grow up in Columbia Falls where everybody knows most everybody. Where the schools were a community priority, where I knew the teachers, where people pitched in when a neighbor was in need of help, where the big social event was the High school Basketball Game (or Football)Yes, moving here made it possible for us to do things we could not have done in any big city. It is a decision I never regretted. We skied Big Mountain in the winter, bicycled in Glacier Park in the Spring before the roads opened for cars. In the summer we canoed the scenic Flathead River which sometimes turned into a bit more of an adventure than we had intended but now those mishaps are good memories and make great stories. We sailed the clear water of beautiful Flathead Lake sometimes all the way down to Polson, spent the night there and sailed back the next day. Of course we always made time in July and August to go pick Huckleberries up in the thousands of acres of Forest Services land in the fabulous North Fork. Where else in the whole world can one do any of these fun activities without any major planning? We just did it - the weather is good let's go.

The Eagle is still trying to get breakfast. The Coots all bunch up tight and dive when he approaches. The Canadian Honkers don't care if he comes or goes, they know he is no threat to them. I love watching nature in action and its all right outside my window.

To Contact Elsa regarding your ponderings on Montana please call:
406.249.1382
888.201.3579
elsa.putzier@coldwellbanker.com

]]> It's Snowing Today On Big Mountain in Whitefish, Montana tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2007-11-15:1b4789ff-6ee4-4993-983d-e5bce3fa2fce Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2007-11-15T10:40:59Z 2007-11-15T10:09:00Z

Posted By: Tom Burk, COO Coldwell Banker Wachholz and Company Real Estate

Just another ½ hour and we will be up to the base of the gondola, I said to buddy. Not too long a time considering some of the waits we had experienced at this Alberta ski resort over the years. Yes, the skiing is great but the line ups and 90 minute bumper to bumper drive from Calgary were enough to make you want to give up the sport. Then I discovered Big Mountain.

Big Mountain, now known as Whitefish Mountain Resort made me forget all about the Alberta resorts that I visited for over 30 years. The people are friendly, the terrain is diverse and the crowds … the crowds simply do not exist. Whitefish is a skiers dream and it has rekindled my love of the slopes.

Whitefish Mountain has it all. Whether it is an affordable family ski holiday or a “no holds barred” party till you drop weekend. Whitefish is an incredible winter destination. Go to the many website links listed below and discover what Whitefish and Whitefish Mountain have to offer. While you’re here, drop by our Coldwell Banker Real Estate office in Kintla Lodge. You’ll be surprised at the variety condos, single family homes and building lots that are available in this world class mountain resort.
Whitefish Mountain Resort

Whitefish Chamber of Commerce

Be In Montana

Montana's Flathead Valley

Contact Tom to discuss skiing or vacation opportunities at:

406.850.7208
406.751.4300
tom.burk@coldwellbanker.com

]]> World Class Golf in the Flathead tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2007-11-15:4e8507a0-e050-4975-a287-b588a560f3e1 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2007-11-15T10:41:26Z 2007-11-15T09:29:00Z Posted by: Bob Nadvornick, Coldwell Banker Wachholz and Company Agent, Kalispell Office

Flathead valley: golfer’s paradise!

Golfing in the flathead valley consists of variety, views, and value. There are 9 championship courses within 45 minutes of our beautiful flathead valley. Each course has its own character from lakes, rivers, trees and mountains, to a links style course patterned after the links courses in England and Scotland. The common elements of all these public courses are views and value.

Views of Glacier Park, Flathead Lake, Whitefish Lake, and Big Mountain Ski Resort are only a few of the scenic wonders you can observe as you walk down the middle of the fairway. Golf is almost secondary to the scenery on the courses. As the seasons change, so does character of the courses. My favorite time of the year to golf is in the fall when all the leaves are turning gold and orange. We call it our” Indian summer”. It is truly a beautiful time of year to play.

For as little as $600, you can buy a season pass to play unlimited golf on one of these courses. Weather allows about 7 months of golf, so it is a good value. The Flathead Valley golf association also offers a “valley pass” which allows you to play these courses at discounted daily rates. This is a great deal if you want to play more than one course.

For more information about golf in the Flathead Valley, I would go to www.golfmontana.net .

To get the insider scoop on the links in the Flathead Valley contact Nad at:

406.885.2700
406.751.4333
bobnad@cbwrealestate.com

]]> Lack of Salt Water in Montana's Northwest Corner tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2007-11-14:78d285b8-dfa9-404e-b569-2420f0d1d398 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2007-11-14T14:29:50Z 2007-11-14T14:20:00Z Posted by: Annie Britz, Coldwell Banker Wachholz and Company Agent, Kalispell Office

There is no salt water in Northwest Montana…..

I start with that comment because it is easier and shorter to list what a person can’t do in Northwest Montana than what they can do in this little corner of paradise. Clearly as I read what has been written in this site, the recreational possibilities are almost endless.

Every day there is something that captures my attention as to the natural beauty of our area. Yesterday, while returning to my car after a great workout at an amazing health club facility owned by one of the area hospitals, I became distracted by the noise of some birds above me. When I looked up, I saw two bald eagles circling in a dance and chattering to each other.

Last night at dusk, I was looking out my living room window and saw three Whitetail deer running and playing in my field. Upon closer look, it was a 3- point buck trying to romance a couple of does. After all, it is their breeding season. Earlier this summer I was telling a friend of mine who lives in California that while I was outside looking at my mare and her new little foal who we named “Slick" three does came into their pasture and bedded down for an afternoon nap. She said to me “you tell me these things, but I can’t even imagine seeing something like that”. Personally, I can’t imagine not.

But, my major passions in Northwest Montana are the horses and team penning. We get to run around, working cattle on horseback in an awesome $12 million multi-use facility called Majestic Valley Aarena, smack in the center of our valley. After all, it is Montana and life is still western. When I’m not in the arena, I can be found reverting back to the mentality of a 10 year girl ripping through the woods horseback racing with a friend of mine. I still feel my legs from the last ride. It was neck and neck. I won’t say who won. The riding opportunities are wildly abundant. With Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness the centerpieces of several million acres of forested trail riding opportunities. A person could spend a lifetime riding all the trails and never do the same trail twice. This area is a horse lovers dream. And yes, we have people that ride English in Montana. Our valley is home to one of the top three Olympic qualifying Three Day Eventing facilities,at Rebecca Farms.

Montana is big; there’s room for the English and Western equine disciplines to live and ride together.

Feel free to contact me about the equine opportunities in our area.

Annie Britz, Coldwell Banker Wachholz & Company.
406-250-1453
annie.britz@coldwellbanker.com

]]> Montana Pride tag:lifemontanastyle.com,2007-11-13:a302612e-758d-4636-8871-d3a0d0dd2e71 Coldwell Banker Wachholz 2007-11-14T11:02:43Z 2007-11-13T09:27:00Z Posted By: Tom Burk, COO, Coldwell Banker Wachholz and Company

I recently had the pleasure of attending a Big Sky Conference football game at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho. My wife and I have attended football games most of our lives and have enjoyed college and pro football enormously. However when we moved to Montana in 2002, we attended our first Griz game and were instantly hooked. We loved the football, we loved the Washington Grizzly Stadium, but mostly we loved the atmosphere at the game.

We have since become season ticket holders and our company sponsors a large tailgate pre-game party before every home game. Our friends from around the country are sick to death of our pleas for them to join us for a Griz game. That is until they take us up on the offer. Then they become hooked as well. We have introduced friends that are life long supporters of Florida football, Nebraska football, and even Green Bay Packers football to Washington Grizzly Stadium. They have all left as Griz fans and have been genuinely inspired by their experience.

As I waited at the Pocatello airport the morning after the ISU game, I read the local sports writer's comments regarding what University of Montana means to football in these parts. Excerpts from Tim Flagstad's article in the Idaho State Journal moved me to write this. Tim begins by saying"...the Big Sky wouldn't be the same conference without the Grizzlies, not even close." He stated that ..." for the first time all season, a game at Holt Arena felt like big time college football, and fans can thank the maroon clad bunch from the north for that electricity...That's what Montana brings to the conference. Everywhere the Griz go, a big-time atmosphere and experience follows." Flagstad closes his article by saying "...once every two years each Big Sky city turns into a major college football town when Montana and its fans roll through, and every season the eight other teams in the conference can look forward to one big game against a national power"

Needless to say, Montanans are great people and great football fans. We obviously have impact and move people there are innumerable great reasons why we are so fortunate to live in this great state. The surprisingly positive impact that we have on our neighbors including other Big Sky Conference cities should be just one of the sources of our Montana pride.

]]>