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!
We know that stepping into the role of a Trip Leader can feel like a big task, with lots of moving pieces to coordinate. But here’s the thing—there’s no single “right” way to do it. Every trip leader brings their own style, and that’s what makes each trip unique. New this year, we have created a Trip Leader’s Guide to help get you started on the right track!
This guide isn’t here to tell you exactly how to do things but rather to offer some helpful tips and structure to make planning easier and more enjoyable. Take what works for you, adapt what doesn’t, and most importantly—have fun!
The first step in organizing your group’s trip is having a Trip Leader. This key role involves coordinating all communications with Downing Mountain Lodge, securing your stay dates, making the deposit, and managing logistics like arrival times, snowmobile shuttles, and optional guiding services.
Most Trip Leaders delegate internal group logistics to others, such as planning menus, purchasing food, organizing meal prep, and coordinating dishwashing teams, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Want to be a Trip Leader but still unsure? Download the Trip Leader’s Guide here. Give us a call—we’re happy to guide you through the process!
New for 2026! Downing Mountain Lodge Trip Builders Facebook Group! This group connects Trip Leaders with skiers and riders seeking compatible group adventures. Whether you're organizing a trip and need additional members or looking to join an established group, this is the place to find like-minded enthusiasts for your next ski or ride experience!
TRAVELING HERE
Lodge self-check in winter is after 3 p.m. and checkout is before 11 a.m. Check in in summer is after 4 p.m. and check out is before 11 a.m. 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 at switchback 11, it is a mile and a half and 700’ vertical ski continuing along the roadway to the lodge. In the winter season, please arrive no earlier at parking than 12:30 p.m. to allow safe departure for outbound group and to reduce cross traffic hazard on mountain roadway. Please be clear of roadway on departure by 12:30 p.m. There is plenty of time with regular check in to make a ski run on the afternoon of arrival or a morning lap before departure. Early or late access to the mountain to increase your skiing time may be arranged at Downing Mountain Lodge for $35 per person or $70 for both early and late access. This requires another level of communication between guests and the lodgekeeper to ensure that plowing is complete, parking is available, and that guests are in a safe position for ingress or egress and to reduce cross traffic hazard on the mountain road. Early arrival can be arranged as early as 8 a.m. and late departure can be as late as 5 p.m. Please contact John for possibilities and to arrange parking and reduce cross traffic hazard. 406-531-1486
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 and Bozeman and an eight-hour drive from Salt Lake City and Seattle. 1017 Grubstake rd. Hamilton. Mt. 59840 is the physical address found on mapping programs.
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 encourage 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 | tops, tights, socks, underwear
Head + Neck | hat, buffs, sunglasses
Outer Layers | weather proof jacket, 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