Meet Your Guide
Rita Vincello
OWNER & DIRECTOR OF GUEST EXPERIENCES
As a ski instructor, golfer, mountain biker, adventure motorcyclist, and outdoor enthusiast, I love helping guests discover the best of Helena and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for great trails, a scenic ride, a day on the golf course, local fishing opportunities, or simply a favorite place to grab coffee, I’m always happy to share recommendations. Through my work at The Vault Helena, I regularly help guests plan activities, discover local experiences, and recommend local experiences, services, and gear that help them make the most of their time in Montana.
My goal is simple: to provide more than just a place to stay and help every guest experience Helena like a local.
Outdoor Adventures
Golf
Helena offers three excellent public golf courses, each with its own unique character and spectacular Montana scenery.
Bill Roberts Golf Course is Helena’s historic municipal course located just minutes from downtown. The course features mature trees, rolling fairways, and views of Mount Helena. Its walkable layout and affordable rates make it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Green Meadow Country Club is a semi-private course known for its well-maintained fairways, challenging layout, and beautiful setting in the Helena Valley. Guests can often arrange tee times and enjoy a traditional country club golf experience with mountain views in every direction.
Fox Ridge Golf Course offers a more modern links-style experience with wide fairways, elevation changes, and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It is known for being fun for golfers of all skill levels while still providing plenty of challenge for experienced players.
If you’re visiting Helena for an extended stay, all three courses are within a short drive of The Vault, making it easy to fit in a quick nine holes after work or enjoy a full day on the course.
Mountain Biking
Helena is one of Montana’s best mountain biking destinations, with more than 75 miles of singletrack accessible directly from town. Whether you’re looking for a quick ride after work or an all-day adventure, you’ll find trails for every skill level.
The South Hills trail system is a local favorite, offering scenic climbs, flowing descents, and incredible views overlooking Helena and the surrounding mountains. Popular routes include Mount Helena Ridge, Rodney Ridge, and Entertainment Trail.
For riders looking for a challenge, shuttle rides and longer backcountry routes can be found throughout the Helena National Forest. Local bike shops offer rentals, repairs, trail maps, and current trail conditions.
One of the best things about Helena is how quickly you can get from downtown to the trailhead. Many rides begin just minutes from The Vault.
Hunting & Fishing
Helena sits in the heart of Montana’s outdoor recreation country, making it an excellent home base for hunters and anglers throughout the year. With access to millions of acres of public land and numerous lakes, rivers, and reservoirs nearby, opportunities for adventure are never far away.
Anglers can enjoy fishing on Canyon Ferry Lake, Hauser Lake, Holter Lake, and the world-famous Missouri River. Whether you prefer fly fishing, trolling, shore fishing, or spending the day on a boat, you’ll find excellent opportunities to catch trout, walleye, perch, kokanee salmon, and other species within a short drive of Helena.
For hunters, the surrounding region offers opportunities to pursue elk, deer, antelope, upland birds, waterfowl, and other game species. Helena’s central location provides convenient access to both mountain and prairie hunting areas, making it a popular destination for resident and visiting hunters alike.
Many of our extended-stay guests choose Helena because it allows them to enjoy Montana’s outdoor lifestyle while still having access to restaurants, shopping, healthcare, and the conveniences of town. Whether you’re here for a hunting season, fishing trip, work assignment, or long-term stay, Helena offers some of the best outdoor recreation Montana has to offer.
Please be sure to review current regulations, licensing requirements, season dates, and access information through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before heading into the field or onto the water.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Helena offers easy access to some of Montana’s best winter recreation, making it a great destination for skiers and snowboarders looking to enjoy the mountains without the crowds of larger resort towns.
Just 30 minutes from downtown, Great Divide Ski Area is a local favorite known for its friendly atmosphere, affordable lift tickets, and varied terrain. With runs for beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders, Great Divide provides an authentic Montana ski experience with short lift lines and plenty of room to explore.
For those looking to venture farther, Helena’s central location makes it possible to enjoy day trips to several of Montana’s premier ski destinations. Whether you’re seeking groomed runs, powder days, terrain parks, or scenic mountain views, you’ll find plenty of options within driving distance.
When you’re finished on the slopes, return to the comfort of your furnished home at The Vault, enjoy downtown Helena’s restaurants and breweries, and relax before your next day of adventure.
Great Divide Ski Area – 23 miles from Helena
A laid-back local favorite with diverse terrain, night skiing, and some of the shortest lift lines in Montana.
Showdown Montana – 70 miles from Helena
Known for excellent snow conditions, friendly service, and a classic Montana ski experience in the Little Belt Mountains.
Discovery Ski Area – 95 miles from Helena
One of Montana’s largest ski areas, offering a wide variety of terrain, breathtaking views, and something for every ability level.
Lost Trail Powder Mountain – 125 miles from Helena
A legendary Montana powder destination located on the Continental Divide, known for abundant snowfall and challenging terrain.
Big Sky Resort – 150 miles from Helena
One of the largest ski resorts in North America, featuring extensive terrain, modern lifts, and world-class skiing and snowboarding.
Off-Road Adventures
Helena is a fantastic basecamp for off-road enthusiasts, with miles of public land, forest roads, two-track trails, and mountain terrain waiting to be explored. Whether you ride dirt bikes, adventure motorcycles, ATVs, or side-by-sides, you’ll find opportunities for both scenic cruising and technical riding within minutes of town.
The surrounding mountains and public lands offer access to historic mining roads, high-elevation viewpoints, alpine lakes, and remote backcountry routes. Riders can spend a few hours exploring nearby trails or set out for full-day adventures through Montana’s rugged landscapes.
One of the best parts of riding in Helena is the variety. In a single day, you can travel from pine forests and mountain passes to open valleys and historic ghost towns while enjoying incredible scenery along the way.
Please ride responsibly, stay on designated routes, and check current trail conditions and seasonal closures before heading out. If you’re looking for route recommendations, we’re always happy to share some of our favorite local rides.
Water Recreation
While Helena is known for its mountains and trails, it’s also surrounded by some of Montana’s best lakes and reservoirs for boating, paddling, swimming, and relaxing on the water.
Just minutes from town, Canyon Ferry Lake is one of Montana’s most popular recreation destinations. With nearly 35,000 acres of water, visitors can enjoy boating, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, swimming, and some of the state’s best warm-water fishing.
Nearby Hauser Lake and Holter Lake offer a more scenic experience, with quiet coves, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful views along the Missouri River corridor. These lakes are perfect for boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and spending a relaxing day on the water.
For a quick outing close to downtown, Spring Meadow Lake State Park provides a sandy beach, swimming area, paddleboarding, kayaking, and walking trails. It’s a favorite local spot for cooling off during Helena’s warm summer months.
Whether you’re looking for a day on the boat, an evening paddle, or a weekend adventure on the water, Helena’s lakes and reservoirs provide endless opportunities to enjoy Montana’s outdoor lifestyle.
Canyon Ferry Lake – 15 miles from Helena
Boating, paddleboarding, jet skiing, swimming, camping, and fishing on one of Montana’s largest reservoirs.
Hauser Lake – 10 miles from Helena
A scenic Missouri River reservoir popular for boating, paddling, fishing, and waterfront dining.
Holter Lake – 35 miles from Helena
Known for spectacular scenery, calm water, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Spring Meadow Lake State Park – 3 miles from Helena
Swimming beach, paddleboarding, kayaking, picnic areas, and walking trails just minutes from downtown.