Winters are they that bad? (Billings, Missoula: schools, live, fences)

[grace1231]

My family & I are planning a move to eastern Montana in mid 2008 from central Alabama. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on adjusting to the colder climates. We enjoy the winters here but are concerned about the change.

[rickers]

Depends on location and elevation. Far eastern Montana is a bit worse that areas just east of the rockies, and of coarse higher elevations make for a rougher winter.

[NYMTman]

North and East of Billings is going to be bitter. You won't even get chinooks out there, and cold fronts are going to plow right in with only some fences in the way.

On the plus side, if you don't like snow, you won't get much out there. It's very dry. Expect about 20-25 inches per year, which is comparable to what New York City gets each winter.

[mandapanda]

I think you just need to be prepared with some warm coats and boots, etc - I get by most of the time with a hiking type boot. Also, the days are fine because of the sun, the nights are much colder. Depending on where you live, the streets can be cleared or just left to pack down. It will definitely be a change from ALabama.

[mandapanda]

Forgot to mention that the really different thing here with winter is that it lasts a loooong time.

[montanamom]

I spent my first winter here last year and it was MUCH milder than I expected. We only had one snow to speak of, and the accumulation was not much, but it did stick around for a few says and looked like a winter christmas card. I am in the Bitteroot Valley area near Missoula though, and they say the mountainss surrounding us keep a lot of the bitter winter weather out. I was realieved because I have to commute 30 miles to work in Missoula each day. Hope this helps! (P.S. the summers here are hot in the day, but cool off pleasantly at night.)

[jimj]

Originally Posted by montanamom

I spent my first winter here last year and it was MUCH milder than I expected. We only had one snow to speak of, and the accumulation was not much, but it did stick around for a few says and looked like a winter christmas card. I am in the Bitteroot Valley area near Missoula though, and they say the mountainss surrounding us keep a lot of the bitter winter weather out. I was realieved because I have to commute 30 miles to work in Missoula each day. Hope this helps! (P.S. the summers here are hot in the day, but cool off pleasantly at night.)

The last couple of winters have not been "normal" by any means. It can get cold here, more in some places less in others. There is no more wonderful day than 1-2 feet of snow on the ground, 20-25 degrees and sunny.

[farmbound]

hey fellow mom. We are getting pushed out of Va. Beach as each day passes. I grew up on a 125 acre farm that has since been turned into a housing development. I'm looking to go back to the simple life and Missoula looks pretty close to our expectationtions. I was wondering about schools and weather. They say the clouds are predominate. I'm not worried about the cold or snow but I do worry about the sun. The report cards for the schools look average. What is the attitude within the schools between administrators and parents? We're coming out during christmas and new year to check things out and then two or three more times before moving. Any help is appreciated.

[montan6612]

Interesting to note that no one is telling you about the days of below zero highs in the eastern part of the state......add a bit of wind to that weather and then you really start to have fun!

[jimj]

Shhhh, it's a secret.....