Montana transforms into a winter wonderland each year, offering an array of activities that celebrate the beauty and thrill of the season. From the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the tranquil valleys, winter in Montana is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or seeking a cozy retreat, there’s something for everyone. Popular activities include skiing and snowboarding at renowned resorts like Red Lodge, Big Sky and Whitefish, where you can carve your way down pristine slopes surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

For those looking to explore at a more leisurely pace, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails abound throughout the state’s stunning national parks and forests. Glacier National Park, in particular, offers a serene backdrop for winter hikes, with trails that allow you to immerse yourself in the crisp air and tranquil snow-laden landscapes. Additionally, guided snowmobile tours provide an exhilarating way to explore Montana’s vast backcountry, making it easy to access remote areas that are otherwise hard to reach in the winter months.

When it’s time to warm up, Montana’s charming towns offer delightful winter festivals and local experiences. From the lively festivities of the many winter carnivals taking place around the state to cozy gatherings in historic downtowns, you’ll find an inviting atmosphere filled with local art, cuisine, and hospitality. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by a crackling fire or exploring holiday markets, Montana’s winter spirit is infectious. Embrace the chill and make unforgettable memories in this beautiful state during the winter season!

Regularly changing your furnace filter is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and efficient home environment. Over time, filters accumulate dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles, leading to decreased air quality. A clogged filter can restrict airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder and leading to potential breakdowns. By changing the filter regularly—typically every one to three months—you can ensure that your heating system operates efficiently, providing cleaner air and a more comfortable living space.

Moreover, a clean filter contributes to energy efficiency. When your furnace is working harder due to a dirty filter, it consumes more energy, resulting in higher utility bills. In fact, replacing a clogged filter can improve your system’s efficiency an average of up to 15%! This not only saves you money, but also reduces your carbon footprint, making your home more environmentally friendly. By investing a small amount of time and effort in filter maintenance, you can significantly enhance your home’s energy efficiency and overall comfort.

Finally, changing your furnace filter can prolong the life of your heating system. A clean filter reduces strain on the furnace, helping to prevent costly repairs or premature replacements. Additionally, regular maintenance can lead to fewer allergens in the air, benefiting those with allergies or respiratory issues. In summary, changing your furnace filter is a simple, yet effective way to enhance air quality, improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your heating system, ensuring a healthier home for you and your family.

What started as a presumably beneficial attempt at solving an emerging energy crisis, has since become nothing short of a cyclical, infuriating, exhaustive merry-go-round of one big question: WHY ARE WE STILL PARTICIPATING IN DAYLIGHT SAVINGS?!

            In 1918, the United States Government instituted a permanent Daylight Savings Time. This was meant to help efforts of energy conservation during the war, with an added benefit of American citizens being able to relish in one extra hour of sunlight during this period in between shifts. The new law, signed by President Woodrow Wilson, also established a standard time & allowed the government authority to establish 5 different time zones across the country.

            The U.S. first abandoned Daylight Savings Time (originally known as “war time”) when the first World War ended, citing no financial need for this practice to continue. It was reinstated twice more on an emergency basis before becoming the permanent nuisance it is today; once more as a year-round practice during World War II, and again being extended from 1973-1975 during the oil embargo crisis.

            The permanent residency of our worst amendment was set in 1966, known as the Uniform Time Act. States were all given the choice to participate or opt out, with Hawaii and Arizona choosing to stay sane and on a standardized time year-round. Our latest attempt at not only not eliminating this useless practice, was in 2005 when the United States Congress voted to shift the start and closing of this unnatural season to begin the second Sunday in March and ending the first Sunday in November.

            The department of Energy has determined that implementing this practice saved the United States an average of 0.5% in total electricity used daily, amounting to 1.3 billion kilowatt-hours annually.

            While some argue that this archaic practicing of shifting our available sunlight into a darker period during winter months has profound and negative effects on the human population (i.e. seasonal affective disorder, vitamin D deficiency, loss of that summer-glow bronze finish we know and love, etc.), some still argue that remaining on a permanent shift into MORE sunlight throughout the day (like we just shifted into this last weekend) will result in more loss of sleep for some and become a health crisis for many.

            Listen, I am not a doctor, nor am I a scientist. What I do know to be certain is that - y’all - I’m tired. I’m tired of going to work when it’s dark and getting home when it’s dark, tired of the mental warfare of “losing” an hour of sleep every year (as if 1 hour is somehow comparable to the other 8,765 available hours isn’t enough to choose from- and yes, I know we “get the hour back”), tired of the back & forth decision making on whether or not we are going to continue this practice or vote it abolished, tired of wondering, tired of being tired for a guaranteed two weeks out of every year, and tired of thinking about it. Every. Year. Who’s with me?

#FearOf Commitment

Bryon Best –

Please help us welcome our latest addition to the Alpine Crew! Bryon joins us all the way from Arizona. Born in Tucson in 1982, he not only has a passion for working with his hands, but also has knack for outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, etc. – making Billings, MT a perfect fit! A big folk/indie/bluegrass fan, some of his go-to artists include the likes of Poor Man’s Poison, Barns Courtney, and the Steel Drivers. His favorite film is the 2000’s remake, “Gone In 60 Seconds.” Married 8 wonderful years and counting, Bryon is Dad to three children, ages 11, 4, and 1. His biggest life lesson / motto he lives by is, “You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to try.” Welcome to the family, Bryon!

Steven Brotzel –

Say, “Hello,” to our resident bachelor, Mr. Steven Brotzel. A Billings-born-and-raised country buck, Steven spends as much time outdoors as possible when he’s not learning to help save the day here for our Alpine family. His go-to leisure includes as much fishing and camping as he can get! His trusty partner in crime? A faithful French Bulldog, Sunny. Steven is a music lover of all kinds, EXCEPT country (who’d have thunk?!), and major sci-fi fan. His go-to mantra is, “Live long and prosper.” Born into a family of tradesman, he is following suit in joining our longstanding crew as a plumbing apprentice. Welcome aboard, Steven!

Patrick Thompson –

Another Colorado transplant joining the Alpine family is apprentice, Patrick Thompson. Originally from Steamboat Springs, CO, Patrick is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys all kinds of adventure from fishing to camping to snowboarding and everything in between. He is a husband of four years sharing 2 dogs, Ellie & Olive, with wife, Jysten. With a background in landscape irrigation, a quick uptake in this change of trade, a life motto echoing Yoda himself – “Do or do not. There is no try.” – and with nicknames like, “Patty Cakes” and “Patty Mayonnaise” – we are beyond thrilled to welcome Patrick to the team!