How to Go Skiing in Discovery Basin, Montana

Located about 100 miles south of the city of Missoula, Montana, on the historic Pintler scenic route, Discovery Basin Ski Area offers 63 of the steepest ski runs in the country. Its 614 skiable acres (plus almost 1,500 more acres of unmarked terrain), 1,670-foot vertical drop and 8,150-foot summit elevation make for an exhilarating time. Families who book a skip trip to Discovery Basin can also enjoy the nearby town of Philipsburg, Montana.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Printer
• Phone

Book Your Accommodations

1. Go to the official Web site of the Discovery Ski Area (see Resources below). Click on the 'Lodging' link on the left-hand side of the screen. Browse through the list of 'Ski and Stay' packages that are being offered at various local accommodations. You can also call Discovery Basin at [phone] for booking help.
2. Book a trip that includes both lift tickets and lodging in one price by contacting one of the 'Ski and Stay' package providers listed on the Web site. Expect to stay in a nearby mid-level hotel and pay prices that range from inexpensive to moderately priced.
3. Book group travel at a local resort, lodge, cabin or bed and breakfast. Local lodges and resorts range from mid-level to luxury in quality and cost. Some of the more luxurious accommodations include access to area hot springs.
4. Click on the 'Philipsburg Discovery' link to read through the special weekend ski packages that are offered in conjunction with Philipsburg hotels and merchants. Packages include a free reception on Friday nights.

Prepare for Your Trip to Discovery Basin

5. Book a flight into one of the two area airports, the Missoula International Airport or the Bert Mooney Airport, and then rent a car to get to Discovery Basin. You'll take I-90 to U.S. Highway 1 for approximately 50 miles.
6. Click on the 'Maps' link in the top left-hand corner of your screen if you are driving to the ski area. Choose the 'Ski Discovery Location Map' from the list of available maps. Print out the page with the area map and the specific driving directions.
7. Bear in mind that mid-week ski rates are only good on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
   
8. Schedule time for other fun activities, like snowmobiling, in the nearby town of Philipsburg, Montana.
9. Check the Discovery Basin ski report for up-to-date reports on snow and ski conditions on the mountain. You'll find this info at the top of the home page.

Tips & Warnings

• Book online to find valuable ski and stay packages. Just remember that these packages are not available Christmas week.
• Take a look at Discovery Basin's Web cams for live images of the mountain.
• Besides downhill skiing, Discovery Basin also offers 5 km of groomed cross-country skiing.
• Although Discovery Basin does offer some beginner and intermediate slopes, a good deal of the mountain (55 percent) consists of advanced or expert level terrain.

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