Not Your Traditional Mountain Yurt: A Backcountry Ski Lodge Built in the Round

The magic of a mountain yurt, reimagined in logs, deep in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains.

Something about a yurt tucked into the snowy mountains captures the imagination.

Perhaps it’s the round shape, the simplicity, or the promise of escaping into the wilderness. A warm fire, fresh snow outside, and a day of skiing or snowboarding waiting just beyond the door.

We love mountain yurts, too. In fact, we have one. Well, sort of.

Welcome to Downing Mountain Lodge, our one-of-a-kind log yurt built in the round, perched at 5,500 feet in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains.

We’re not your traditional canvas yurt. We’re something a little different.

And we think backcountry skiers and snowboarders will love the difference.

A Mountain Yurt That Put Down Roots

Traditional yurts have sheltered people for centuries, and their circular design has become especially beloved in mountain environments.

At Downing Mountain Lodge, we share that appreciation for building in the round.

But instead of canvas walls, our lodge is constructed from substantial logs, creating a permanent structure that combines the spirit of a mountain yurt with the warmth, craftsmanship, and comfort of a Montana log lodge.

Think of it as a yurt that grew up, put down roots, and decided to stay in the mountains.

From the Grubstake Restaurant to a Montana Backcountry Ski Lodge

Our round log building has a history as unique as its architecture.

Long before it became a backcountry ski and snowboard destination, the building was known as the Grubstake Restaurant, a memorable dining spot perched high above Hamilton and the Bitterroot Valley.

What was once a place for people to gather around a restaurant table has evolved into a mountain retreat where friends and adventurers gather for days of skiing, riding, and sharing stories.

The name may have changed, but the spirit of hospitality remains.

And those magnificent round log walls still have stories to tell.

Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding Right Outside the Door

In winter, Downing Mountain Lodge becomes something truly special.

Surrounded by National Forest and sitting on 80 private acres, the lodge provides access to some of the Bitterroot Mountains’ remarkable backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and splitboarding terrain.

Forget lift lines and crowded resorts.

Here, you earn your turns.

Skin uphill through the forest, explore gladed slopes and alpine terrain, and enjoy the reward of skiing or riding right back down to the lodge.

Our terrain offers everything from playful tree skiing to steeper, more committing lines, with descents of up to 2,600 vertical feet.

Winter access to the lodge is an adventure in itself. Guests ski, splitboard, or snowshoe approximately 1.5 miles from our winter parking area, with snowmobile luggage transport available.

It’s the kind of remote Montana backcountry experience that draws people to mountain yurts in the first place.

Only here, an entire log lodge awaits.

A More Sophisticated Backcountry Yurt Experience

We love the simplicity of traditional backcountry yurts, but sometimes you want a little more comfort after a big day in the mountains.

A commercial kitchen for preparing meals with friends. Comfortable sleeping accommodations. A spacious gathering area where everyone can share stories from the day’s adventures.

And perhaps the ultimate après-ski experience: our custom nine-person, wood-fired Finnish sauna, crafted from Bitterroot River cottonwood, and cedar hot tub.

Imagine stepping out of the sauna into the crisp Montana winter air, snow all around you, before settling into a steaming hot tub beneath the mountain sky.

It’s the rustic mountain yurt experience, with a few more creature comforts.

Your Own Private Backcountry Ski Lodge in Montana

One of the things our guests love most is the opportunity to gather a group of friends and have the entire lodge to themselves.

Whether you’re planning a backcountry ski trip, a splitboarding adventure, or a winter mountain getaway, Downing Mountain Lodge offers a unique alternative to traditional ski resorts and backcountry huts.

Bring your friends, settle in for a few nights, explore the mountain by day, and enjoy the lodge by night.

Experienced backcountry skiers and riders can explore independently, while professional guiding is also available.

As with any backcountry destination, appropriate avalanche education, equipment, and decision-making are essential.

Not Quite a Yurt. Not Quite a Log Cabin. Entirely Downing Mountain Lodge.

So, is Downing Mountain Lodge really a yurt?

Not in the traditional sense.

We don’t have canvas walls, and we certainly won’t be packing up our lodge and moving it to another mountain anytime soon.

But we share the circular design, natural materials, and connection to the wilderness that make mountain yurts so appealing.

We like to think of Downing Mountain Lodge as a more sophisticated take on the traditional backcountry ski yurt, with a whole lot of Montana mountain character.

Rustic without being primitive. Comfortable without losing its wilderness spirit. And unique enough that you won’t find many places quite like it.

Looking for a backcountry ski lodge, snowboard retreat, or mountain yurt experience in Montana?

Come experience the magic of living, skiing, and riding in the round.

Downing Mountain Lodge | Hamilton, Montana | Bitterroot Mountains

Explore our winter lodging and plan your Montana backcountry adventure.