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Discovery Basins cheap lift tickets and uncrowded slopes make it attractive for families, while its diverse terrain ensures there’s something for everyone, from tree-skiing and powder bowls to mogul runs and wide, well-groomed trails.

There are a total of 40 trails spread over 154 hectares of skiable terrain, with a longest run of 3,219m. Thirty-three per cent of the trails are rated easy, 33 per cent are intermediate, nine per cent are difficult, and 25 per cent are reserved for experts. All are serviced by six lifts, while five kilometers of groomed cross-country trails are also on offer.

The ski season runs from late November through to April, with free skiing on offer on opening day, Christmas Day, and the last week of the season. Bert Mooney Airport is situated 80kms southeast of Discovery Basin in Butte, and offers daily flights to and from Salt Lake City, from where flights are available to all major US and European destinations.

Skiing in Discovery Basin

Discovery Basin ski resort is situated in the heart of southwestern Montana, within Deer Lodge National Forest, and boasts a diverse range of trails, non-existent lift lines, and cheap lift ticket prices - making it the perfect family destination.

Forty trails are spread over 154 hectares of skiable terrain, with a longest run of 3,219m. A third of the trails are for beginners, 33 per cent are for intermediate skiers, nine percent are rated difficult, and 25 per cent are for experts only. All the trails are serviced by six lifts; while five kilometres of groomed cross-country trails are also on offer. Two north-facing bowls offer some of the steepest lift-served skiing around, and the front-side faces are dominated by beginner and intermediate runs.

A café and bar are located slope-side for refueling and refreshment, while several more restaurants and bars can be found in surrounding townships. Hot Springs in Anaconda offers two naturally heated swimming pools, as well as horseback riding and numerous antique shops.

The ski season runs from late November through to April, with free skiing on offer on opening day, Christmas Day, and during the last week of the season. Bert Mooney Airport is situated 80kms southeast of Discovery Basin in Butte and offers daily services from Salt Lake City, which in turn receives flights from all major US and European destinations.

Après-ski in Discovery Basin

Discovery Basin boasts a relaxed atmosphere and friendly hospitality. A café and bar are located slope-side, as is a professional ski school, ski and snowboard rental, and a shop.

Numerous hotels and bed-and-breakfasts are available in the nearby historic mining towns of Anaconda, Philipsburg and Butte. A slope-side restaurant offers a variety of different meals; while several more restaurants and bars can be found in surrounding townships.

Transportation to Discovery Basin

Discovery Basin ski resort is situated in the centre of southwestern Montana, along the beautiful Pintlar Scenic Route. Car hire is available at Bert Mooney Airport, 80kms to the southeast in Butte. Bert Mooney has connections with Salt Lake City, which services flights to and from all major US and European destinations, including London.

If driving from Missoula, take I-90 to exit 208 on to highway 1 west towards Anaconda (13kms). Continue west on highway 1 for 32kms to Georgetown Lake. Turn right (north) at the Discovery Basin ski resort and St Timothys Chapel signs. Continue north for seven kilometers to the resort; the total distance is 144kms.

From Butte, take I-90 to exit 153 on to highway 1 east towards Philipsburg (41kms). Remain on highway 1 past Philipsburg towards Georgetown Lake. Three kilometres past the Georgetown Lake dam, turn left (north) at the Discovery Basin and St Timothys Chapel signs; the total distance is 80kms.

Bert Mooney Airport in Butte offers daily flights to and from Salt Lake City, from where flights are available to all major US and European destinations, including London. Car hire is available for the drive to the slopes. Bus transportation is available from Butte and Anaconda on weekends and holidays.

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