Paws Up Facts
Below you'll find information about The Resort at Paws Up®, from who we are to how we affect our community. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
Members of the Press are encouraged to visit for the press.
Facts at a Glance
Paws Up contributes much to the local economy of Missoula County and the state of Montana.
- The Resort at Paws Up employs 250 people during peak season. 185 of these employees live in Missoula County.
- Full-time Resort employees receive some of the highest wages in the area, health benefits, and a 401K plan.
- The Resort's retail store uses 120 different vendors–53 of which are located in Montana.
Greening of Greenough
We're "Going Green" at Paws Up. Please Click Here to view our new Green Page.
Who are the Lipsons?
Dave and Nadine Lipson are the owners of Paws Up Ranch. The Lipson family has been in the cattle and horse ranching business for over 25 years. Prior to purchasing Paws Up Ranch in 1997, they owned a cattle ranch in Colorado and a horse ranch in Oklahoma. Cattle ranching is Dave Lipson's first love and the Resort at Paws Up is an effort to make the ranch self-supporting over the long term.
How does Paws Up positively affect the community?
Since purchasing Paws Up Ranch in 1997, Dave and Nadine Lipson have injected over $25 million into the economy through construction and operations. Paws Up currently employs over 130 individuals offering well-paying jobs and full benefits packages, including a 401(k) employer-match savings program. The Resort contributes significant dollars to local vendors, and the Resort Chef, a native Montanan, purchases and serves Montana products whenever possible.
The investments the Lipsons have made at Paws Up Ranch are helping to build a strong Montana business.
The Lipsons have always been proactive in their responsibilities to the public as a landowner. The Ranch has two Blackfoot River access sites - Roundup and 3-Stall - allowing public access to the Blackfoot River as it flows through the Ranch. These are privately held by Paws Up and operated by the Montana Fish and Game for the use of the general public. For the hunting public, there are two areas where the Ranch participates in block management programs, affording public access through the Ranch for hunters.
The local 4-H uses Ranch facilities throughout the winter, and facilities have been made available to groups for special occasions, including fundraisers. Paws Up is an active buyer at the annual Missoula County Fair 4-H and FFA auction, supporting our local youth by purchasing several animals each year.
Area institutions and organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Trout Unlimited, Clark Fork Coalition, University of Montana, local 4-H chapters, Sunset Hill School, Blackfoot Challenge, Missoula Osprey, UM Rodeo, UM Jazz Festival, Missoula Humane Society, and several other local causes benefit from donations and the financial support of the Lipson family and Paws Up.
What is the Paws Up Foundation?
The Paws Up Foundation was started by the Lipson family in 1994. Over 1.4 million dollars has been donated by the Foundation to more than 100 charities - including many based in Montana.
With donations received from The Paws Up Foundation, The International Wildlife Media Center & Film Festival is developing a Filmmaking Workshop Program for all of Missoula County 4-H which will provide young people throughout the region with exciting new skills and projects. It also gives youth a new way of looking at the world around them and developing skills that will be valuable to them for years to come.
Who can be a guest at The Resort at Paws Up®?
The answer is simple - anyone can. The Resort at Paws Up® is not a private club. The Resort serves a market niche that is not currently served by the Montana tourist industry. And while it is not a low-cost option for a Montana vacation, the two restaurants, Pomp and Tank and Trough, and the bar are open to the public and local residents will find elegant dining of a similar price category as other fine dining options in Missoula.
