In it's fourth year, we are excited to showcase the Flathead Lake Biological Station for this special overnight experience! Similar to the Freshman Wilderness Experience, this trip will bring a small group of 20 incoming first-year students together for a multiday adventure at UM’s world-class freshwater research and education facility on Flathead Lake.  

The cost is $250 per student and covers transportation, food, and lodging. 

Important Information

This trip is designed for incoming first-year students only and is a special addition to the required in-person Big Sky Experience program, which is held immediately following this trip from Aug. 19 - Aug. 23. 

Students should also complete their online New Student Orientation program (available in July) prior to both this trip and the Big Sky Experience.

The Details

• Thursday, Aug. 15 - Early arrival and Residence Hall move-in
• Friday, Aug. 16 - Depart campus for Flathead Lake Biological Station
• Monday, Aug. 19 - Return to Campus to join all other incoming students for the Big Sky Experience
• Friday, Aug. 23 - River Rendezvous and Freshman Float, end of Big Sky Experience
• Monday, Aug. 26 - Fall Classes Begin

Submit your registration and payment for the 2024 trip here!

Fall 2024 Information - More Info on the FWE Website

The Freshman Wilderness Experience will introduce students to the incredibly stunning natural surroundings in western Montana. Students do not need any prior outdoor experience to participate. Most importantly, it is a chance for students to meet each other, explore Montana and form lasting friendships before classes begin on campus.  Students have the option to participate in a wilderness backpacking ($360) or canoeing trip ($440), but space is limited!

Those students participating in FWE will need to move into their residence hall rooms the day prior or morning-of check-in for FWE, which occurs August 15, 2024 at 1 p.m.  Groups will be in the field from Aug. 16-19, 2024 and will return to campus to participate in the Big Sky Experience beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.

New students who are joining the Grizzly Marching Band should follow the instructions of the band director regarding move-in, arrival, and the Big Sky experience.  We work closely together to ensure all new students get to participate in important aspects of the Big Sky Experience with their peers.  All Grizzly Marching Band students will be automatically placed into a Big Sky Experience group together.

Depending on your sport, there are a wide variety of obligations prior to and during the Big Sky Experience.  We work closely with the athletic advising team and coaches to ensure student-athletes get to participate in as much of the Big Sky Experience program with their peers as possible.  Please follow the direction of your academic advisor and coaches.