Marshall Mountain is going to be accessible to the public for decades to come. The Montana Free Press reports the City of Missoula and Missoula County each pledged $1 million to purchase the plots of land that once were home to a ski area. The three parcels of land, which altogether cost $3.2 million, will be purchased thanks to the money brought forth by the county and city, donations, and grants.
One of the donation methods currently ongoing is the selling of the remaining chairs. The chairs had been on the chairlift since its closure. They were recently removed after years of inactivity.
Those who donate $2500 or more get one of the remaining pink chairs from the triple chairlift. You can only acquire one though if you play Barbie Girl by Aqua continuously on the drive to and back from Marshall Mountain. Just kidding… I think.
The first rope tow opened in Marshall Canyon back in 1937. In 1956, the Green family purchased the land that is known today as Marshall Mountain, starting its trajectory as a ski area. Over the years, a triple chairlift, t-bar, a handle tow, night skiing, and snowmaking were added. An expansion was planned in its later years, with the trails even being cut. The mountain dealt with various issues, including low snowfall. Closed since the early 2000s, the mountain has remained a popular spot for backcountry skiers and mountain bikers.
Earlier this year, the county and city of Missoula developed a master plan for what could be added to the area. Some of the plans for the former ski area include new hiking/biking trails, a pavilion situated at the former chairlift’s base terminal, a mid-mountain structure for overnight campers, a new base lodge, and a magic carpet for beginner skiers and riders. While lift-serviced skiing outside of the beginner area seems unlikely, they will continue to maintain the area for backcountry skiing.
Click here for a more thorough breakdown of the future plans for Marshall Mountain.
Image/Video Credits: Google Earth, Skimap.org, Marshall Mountain Park, Missoula County
