What is Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding in 2020?
October 27, 2020
Despite the Covid-19, guests and hosts alike had a fabulous season at the Downing Mountain Lodge with no major adventures to report and no viral outbreaks or closures. There were numerous corona cancellations and all but one filled. Thank you everyone who came to continue their powder love and support the lodge. The skiing was top notch again from just after Winter Solstice through to the second week of January. We then had a two week hiatus from major storms, which pleasantly ended on February 2 with a month of mostly continuous snows and a shot of the polar vortex. Between then and now, repeated powder storms arrived pushing all of our fun meters high and the snowpack to just above average. Late season cold storms, which prolong our winter generally into April, continue to surprise us. Numerous groups from families with young children to elders still actively pursuing powder turns and long tours were hosted. Another winter season has come and gone and with the amazing guests who have made this host’s life fuller and finer, I am constantly reminded that the Downing Mountain Lodge is a wonderful place for all backcountry skiers young, old, steep skiers and hippy powder seekers. With a limited calendar and no more than 12-15 at any one time, staking your claim to this powder paradise requires calling me increasingly far in advance. MLK weekend and the final March weekend are all that is available in 2022 as well as April weekends. I have opened the lodge and mountain access to late season spring day skiers for a nominal $35 per person fee. If you cannot build a group or jump aboard with another trip leader, seek out a day in April to tour the mountain and enjoy the day lodge.
Now that the road has cleared, enjoying a spring visit to the lodge is easy. I have good availability through the spring so check the calendar and come for a restful visit 2,000 feet above the Bitterroot Valley. You may now book directly through the website. The lodge has 3 bedrooms and a sleeping loft with beds for a dozen or more. 