Trails Bond Funding Approved, Ski Lift Cable Removed

On July 1, the Missoula County commissioners approved $176, 581 from the 2014 Trails Bond to fund trailhead facility improvements at Marshall Mountain Park.

These funds will be used as local match for an upcoming Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application, which will be focused on base area redevelopment at the park.

Facility development at the base area includes kiosks for maps and signs, bear-resistant trash cans, bike racks, drinking fountains and an ADA-compliant double-vault restroom.

The trail bond request accounts for roughly 10% of the total project budget for the broader redevelopment of the base area.. Private and community contributions from Friends of Marshall Mountain's ongoing capital campaign, Missoula Mountain Bike Coalition's 2025 Trail Stewardship Award, and remaining Open Space Bond dollars from acquisition round out the local match package.

From Monday, July 7 through, Friday, July 11, a contractor will be removing the cable from the old ski lift. The towers and other ski-era infrastructure along the lift line will remain in place. The cable is no longer in use and is being removed for public safety considerations and to prepare the base area lift terminal for conversion into a shade shelter.

Cable removal operations will affect certain trails and portions of the base area. Dual Slalom and Lower Hello Kitty will remain closed for the duration of operations, with most impacts expected on Tuesday and Wednesday. Bjorn Again, Moose, and Upper Hello Kitty will also see impacts and be closed for specific windows dependent upon removal operations. Signage and traffic control will be in place along the project site.