Consider the Rocky Mountains. Then throw in national parks, lush valleys and winding rivers. Finally, situate all of it within reach of any group venue, hotel or off-site space. Such a combination backdrops any meeting or convention in the Glacier Country of Western Montana.
Even though modern amenities present themselves everywhere, local outdoorsiness tends to steal the spotlight, over and over again, says Debbie Picard, tourism sales manager for Glacier Country Tourism.
“This corner of Montana is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the continental United States, as well as a wide variety of accommodations that can host meetings of varied sizes,” Picard says. “Our properties and charming towns can meet the needs of meeting attendees while providing them with an unparalleled experience that combines our beautiful scenery and warm Western hospitality.”
Plenty of venues can be rented out exclusively to individual groups in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, whether it’s a luxury guest ranch in the iconic Blackfoot Valley, a mountainside venue like Kandahar Lodge or a property like Quinn’s Hot Springs.
Recently, new properties, as well as renovations, are enabling the three anchor cities of Missoula, Kalispell and Whitefish to handle larger meetings and conventions. Missoula and Kalispell can accommodate citywide groups of up to 5,000.
Wherever groups roam, they will most likely encounter menus emphasizing farmers markets, wild mushrooms, locally raised bison or any of a few dozen breweries, wineries or distilleries.
Planners often incorporate such components into their itineraries. For example, a regular series with Montana’s Master Chefs takes place at The Resort at Paw’s Up, an over-the-top getaway situated on 37,000 acres, including seven miles of the Blackfoot River.
4 Fantastic Activities
Red Bus Tours, Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park offers vintage 1930s red buses that can be chartered for groups interested in forming a closer connection to the amazing scenery of the park. Many charter options are available.
Thirst Gear, Missoula
Groups can ride powered bikes that seat up to 15. Imagine trips to breweries, distilleries, parks or other local hot spots, where attendees are working together to navigate a multiple-seat bike through town.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Planners can choose from two types of team-building activities at Whitefish Mountain Resort: A Walk in the Treetops allows attendees to gaze at flora and fauna along 300-foot-high platforms; and in the Aerial Adventure Park, groups work together to navigate various obstacles.
Whitewater rafting tours
Glacier Country offers numerous scenarios ideal for whitewater and scenic rafting. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River along the border of Glacier National Park is especially of note.
CONNECT
Glacier Country Regional Tourism Commission
800.338.5072
http://glaciermt.com
