Long-Range Academy Attendee Info

Thanks for booking a class with the Snowy Mountain Rifle Co. Long-Range Academy Precision Rifle Series. This page covers what to expect, what’s included, what you need to bring, and how to plan travel for your class in Hamilton, Montana. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact us.

Rifles, Gear & What to Bring

Rifle Information

  • Each student will be issued a SMR Rifle Package for class use.
  • If you already own an SMR rifle, you may bring it and incorporate it into your training.
  • No outside rifles permitted.

SMR-Provided Rifle Package

  • SMR Rifle—Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs.
  • Scope, Scope Rings & Bubble Level
  • Bipod, Tripod & Sling
  • Custom-Loaded Ammo
  • Pelican Case
  • Rear Support Bags

Provided Attendee Package

  • Outdoor metal storage clipboard.
  • Indoor clipboard.
  • Small gear tote.
  • Pens, pencils & notepad.
  • Rifle data sheets.
Snowy Mountain Rifle Co. Long-Range Academy

Clothing & Protective Gear

  • Eye protection.
  • Ear protection (noise-cancelling recommended).
  • Comfortable boots—You’ll be walking and moving.
  • Practical clothing for both indoor and outdoor instruction and inclement weather.
  • Hat/sun protection.
  • Sunscreen.

Recommendations

  • Hunting pack.
  • Other non-rifle hunting or shooting items you’d like to incorporate.
  • Personal hydration items or preferred drinks/snacks for the day (coolers will be available).

Travel & Logistics

Shop Location

Flying In

Getting to Long-Range Academy: Missoula International Airport

Missoula Int’L. Airport (MSO) – 52 mi

The closest commercial airport for Long-Range Academy—roughly 52 driving miles north of our shop in Hamilton, with a straight shot down US-93.

Getting to Long-Range Academy: Ravalli County Airport

Ravalli County Airport (6S5 / KHRF) – 5 mi

The local general-aviation airport in Hamilton—your closest fly-in option, just a few miles from our shop.

Getting to Long-Range Academy: Stevensville Municipal Airport

Stevensville Municipal Airport (32S) – 23 mi

The local general-aviation airport in Hamilton—your closest fly-in option, just a few miles from our shop.

Car Rentals

Long-Range Academy Attendee Info: Car Rentals - Missoula Airport

Missoula Airport Rental Cars

Start here if you’re flying into Missoula—pick a rental agency at MSO and book an SUV/truck that can meet our 4×4 requirement for range access.

Long-Range Academy Attendee Info: Car Rentals - Enterprise

Enterprise Rent-a-Car (Hamilton)

Straightforward, traditional car rental—good if you want a standard reservation workflow; book early and confirm SUV/4×4 availability for the mountain range days.

Long-Range Academy Attendee Info: Car Rentals - Turo

Turo

Best for targeting a specific vehicle (AWD/4×4, trucks, etc.)—filter hard, read the listing details, and make sure you’ve got the clearance/traction you’ll need for range access.

Lodging

Hamilton has plenty of lodging options—hotels, motels, cabins, and vacation rentals—within a short drive of our shop. We recommend booking early, especially during summer and fall when the Bitterroot Valley fills up with hunters, anglers, and travelers. Use the link below to browse current options and find a place that fits your budget and schedule: visitbitterrootvalley.com/hamilton-lodging

Range Conditions & WEather

Montana doesn’t care what your forecast app says. Neither does the mountain. Just like a real hunt, conditions can swing fast—cold mornings, hot afternoons, wind, rain, and everything in between. We run Long-Range Academy rain or shine, because that’s how you build skill you can trust when the weather turns and the shot still matters.

Shelter and Terrain

  • We’ll have tents for some shade and cover.
  • We’ll be up the mountain — no facilities.
  • 4×4 is recommended for range access.

Weather Reality

  • Plan to be outdoors for up to 8 hours a day.
  • Check the weather daily.
  • Dress in layers and bring proper rain/wind protection.
  • Be ready for temperature swings and changing mountain conditions.

Restroom Notes

  • There are no restrooms.
  • Ladies: bring a “princess potty” and whatever you need.
  • Plan ahead (park your vehicle for privacy if needed).

Pack It Out

  • We have no way to discard waste onsite.
  • You must pack out everything you bring in.
Snowy Mountain Rifle Co. Long-Range Academy

Food, Drink & Meals

Breakfast: Not provided. Eat before you arrive.

Lunch: Provided.

Dinner: Not provided. We typically wrap up around 5:00 PM, so plan to eat in town afterward.

Local options: Restaurants, Breweries, Coffee

  • We’ll have coolers with water on site.
  • Bring whatever else you prefer to drink throughout the day (electrolytes are never a bad idea).
  • Coolers will be available for storage.
  • Depending on your class, it may be hot. Stay ahead of hydration.
Snowy Mountain Rifle Co. Long-Range Academy

Itinerary

Our schedule is a solid framework, but it’s not a stopwatch. We’ll adjust timing and pacing as needed based on weather, range conditions, and what each shooter needs extra attention on—because that’s where the real progress happens. Plan for full days, stay flexible, and show up ready to learn.

Day 1: 8:00 am – 5:00 PM

  • 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Arrive at Shop & Sign Waivers
  • 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Classroom Instruction
  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Range Time & Instruction
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Break for Lunch
  • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Range Time & Instruction

Day 2: 8:00 am – 5:00 PM

  • 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Arrive at Shop
  • 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM: Range Time & Instruction
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Break for Lunch
  • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Range Time & Instruction

Day 3: 8:00 am – 3:00 PM

  • 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Arrive at Shop
  • 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM: Range Time & Instruction
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Break for Lunch
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Range Time & Instruction

Attendee Waiver

Before class, please download and complete the Long-Range Academy waiver so we can start training on day one without wasting time on paperwork. You can fill it out digitally, or print it and scan it once it’s signed. Email the completed form to info@snowymtnrifles.com before your class date.

Attendee Waiver

Payments, Changes & Cancellations

Payment Deadlines

  • Your class balance must be paid in full 30 days prior to the date of your class.
  • If your class is not paid in full 30 days prior, you will incur a $100 service charge, due on arrival at class.

Class Changes

  • Class changes are available at least 60 days prior to the current and desired class date.
  • All class changes are subject to availability and Snowy Mountain Rifle Co. approval.
  • Classes are non-transferable to following years.

Cancellations & Refunds

  • Cancel at least 60 days before your class date for a full refund.
  • No-shows and cancellations less than 60 days before your class date will forgo the deposit.
  • To cancel, please reach out through our Contact page and include: all attendee names, your class date(s).
Snowy Mountain Rifle Co. Long-Range Academy