Skydive Missoula

# Skydive Missoula SEO Description

Skydive Missoula, located in Stevensville, Montana, operates the highest altitude skydiving in the state. Based at Stevensville Montana Airport just 30 minutes south of Missoula near the scenic Bitterroot Valley, the drop zone flies jumpers to 17,500 feet MSL (13,500 feet AGL) in a 650 HP turbo-twin engine Piper Navajo, delivering a full minute of freefall over some of Montana's most dramatic terrain.

The operation is owned and run by Luke and Beth Short, who bring nearly 40 years of combined skydiving experience and nearly 3,000 jumps between them. Both hold advanced skydiving ratings—Luke is an FAA Senior Parachute Rigger and SIGMA tandem instructor, while Beth is an AFF Instructor. Their team includes Chief Instructor Kai Callicott, who has logged over 12,000 jumps focusing on tandem and Accelerated FreeFall training, and instructor John Stratton, a freefall and wingsuit specialist with experience jumping professionally since 2011.

Skydive Missoula specializes in tandem skydiving for all experience levels, offering the thrill with expert guidance and full safety briefing before every jump. The drop zone also operates an Accelerated Tandem Progression (ATP) student training program developed by the United States Parachute Association, providing structured progression through eight training categories. Recreational fun jumping is available for licensed skydivers, and the facility welcomes groups and events year-round with flexible scheduling and a 10% discount for veterans and first responders.

The scenery defines the experience: jumpers enjoy unobstructed views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, rolling green valleys, and winding rivers of Western Montana during their minute-long freefall and gentle parachute descent. The location combines accessibility with dramatic alpine terrain—far enough from Missoula for true wilderness views, yet minutes from services and lodging.

Operations run seasonably from May through October, with Thursday–Sunday jumps and extended hours during peak season. The facility includes a bunkhouse with beds, equipment rentals and sales, load organizers, packing service, rigging services, shower facilities, team rooms, videographer services, and Wi-Fi. Video and photo packages are available as add-ons.

Skydive Missoula welcomes tandem students and fun jumpers of all backgrounds, from first-time thrill-seekers to experienced skydivers, with particular appeal for those seeking Montana's highest tandem altitude combined with expert instruction in a tight-knit community atmosphere.