Downing Mountain Lodge
Trip Planning
We are excited to welcome you to the Lodge and the Bitterroot Valley! The information below is designed to help you plan your trip and get the most out of every day. We are available to answer any additional questions and are happy to help you with your travel planning!
TRAVELING HERE
With good, dirt-road access, getting to Downing Mountain Lodge, at 5,550 feet, requires a three-mile drive on a scenic, forested, mountain road with numerous switchbacks. In the winter, from the end of the plowed road, it is a mile and a half and 700’ vertical ski continuing along the
roadway to the Lodge.
Airports
Missoula Airport (MSO) is an hour and a half from Downing Mountain Lodge. MSO is served by direct flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Seattle, Spokane, and Las Vegas with more flights added regularly.
Driving Directions
The Lodge is located twenty minutes from Hamilton, MT. Hamilton is a four-hour drive from Spokane + Bozeman and an eight-hour drive from Salt Lake City + Seattle. Specific directions and parking information will be provided upon booking.
Nearby Towns
Hamilton and Missoula are both full-service communities, filled with Montana character and charisma.
WINTER EQUIPMENT LIST
It's a rule of the mountains - always be prepared. Make sure you come ready to experience all Downing Mountain Lodge has to offer. Prior to your trip, we suggest you check your boot fit, binding fit, skin trim, and ski tune. We've provided a suggested winter gear list below and are available to answer any questions as you are planning your trip.
Body
Base Layers | top, tights, socks, underwear
Head + Neck | hat, buffs, sunglasses
Outer Layers | wind breaker, fleece/down jacket, hard/soft shell pants
Gloves | lightweight and heavyweight gloves/mittens
Avalanche Beacon | beacon with fresh batteries
Backpack
We recommend a 25-40L backpack
Emergency + Safety Gear | avalanche shovel, probe, personal first aid kit, PLB/cellphone, radio, lightweight bivy sak
Ski Equipment | helmet, goggles, ski straps
Additonal Items | water bottles, sunscreen, multi tool
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Check Weather Condition + Forecast
- Check Avalanche Forecast
- Communicate Ski Action Plan
- Perform Beacon Test
- Create Group Plan
- Prepare skis, skins, boots, poles, and pack
