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What is the Bitterroot valley/Hamilton MT. like?

Original Post
EDJ Johnson · · Eldorado Springs, Colorado · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 110

I would appreciate anything you would like to relate about Hamilton and the Bitteroot area. I am from Boulder,Co and have a possible job offer in the area. What is the climbing/skiing like? Town? Anything would be helpful really! Thanks

Nik Sorenson · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2013 · Points: 45

Do you mean Hamilton MT? Hamilton, MT, is a beautiful place with lots of lonely granite. You would have the opportunity to climb high quality cracks with nobody in sight. The skiing is good. The mountains aren't as tall as in CO, but the snow can be amazing. Take the job. You won't regret it... I mean Montana is terrible. Don't go there. It's cold and the locals are more ornery than Yosemite Sam.

Mr. Wonderful · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 10

Simply asking the question implies that Hamilton will not be a good fit for you. This is an area for conservative and independant people with a very high comfort threshold. The person that would easily make a new home in Hamilton wouldnt even think of asking about it to begin with.

But since you asked the question, here are some other questions to consider that might indicate if Hamilton will work for you. Do you own more than one firearm, drive a pickup, and have you ever used a snowmobile or ATV for a beer run? If so, then maybe Hamilton will work out. On the other hand, if you are hoping to find a good bowl of pad thai and know what patchouli oil is, then you better stay home.

Let me finally mention that for Hamilton to work, you need to enjoy being alone. Sure the outdoor opportunities are fabulous, diverse, and unlimited, but you'll have a hard time finding like minded partners.

ryanb · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2008 · Points: 85

The Bitterroots are a great place for a climber or skier if you enjoy breaking trail, route finding to remote rarely climbed granite spires and find niceties like a guidebook unnecessary. The backcountry skiing is phenomenal, especially if you enjoy long tours and don't mind booting up trails to access the goods. Again there is no guidebook but there are a couple of blogs around.

I like the town. The lab and gsk facilities bring in a few more people then many small towns, the farmers market is great and there are some good restaurants (the sushi place is great and there is a thai truck that comes down from missoula so you *can* actually get phad thai) and breweries.

There is no climbing gym and it is hard to meet other climber/skiers. Some people have home walls and the local bouldering can be hopping on summer evenings.

Dan Bachen · · Helena, MT · Joined Mar 2010 · Points: 1,083

Would have to respectfully disagree with Mr. Wonderful, yes the Bitterrot valley is a little on the conservative side, but by no means is it a rural backwater (although his description would be appropriate for many smaller towns in the western part of the state). Its not a big city, but it has decent food, and 2 exceptional breweries. Missoula a liberal college town is also 40 minutes down the road (practically next door in Montana distances).

Hamilton is close to some of the best bigwall, sport, trad and bouldering the state has to offer. Losthorse canyon is just 15-20 minutes down the road and has a high concentration of great boulder problems and trad routes. Blodget canyon, 5 minutes away is spectacular with numerous granite towers lining the valley. Mill creek also has some great sport and long trad routes and is only 10-15 minutes from town. The immediate area is usually warmer than other areas in the state, and I have climbed in Losthorse every month of the year, although you may have to use chains to access some areas.

I think the stereotype of Montana being a place that only rugged individuals will thrive is unfounded. There is a small but active outdoor community in most areas, and I have never had problems finding partners to get out and climb or ski. We may not have as many amenities as as some more populated areas, but its also possible to explore remote beautiful areas without the crowds.

EDJ Johnson · · Eldorado Springs, Colorado · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 110

Thanks for all the input! I am still considering the position and it sounds like the area has a lot to offer. I'll be looking for skiing and climbing partners if so....

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Wyoming, Montana, Dakotas
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