Downing Mountain Lodge

Resting on a ridge in the trees, 2,000 feet above the Bitterroot Valley, the Downing Mountain Lodge is a comfortable, accessible backcountry lodge located in western Montana near Hamilton. An hour south of Missoula and a full service airport, the Downing Mountain Lodge can be reached smoothly in a day's travel from most western cities. Designed for backcountry skiers and riders in the winter and year round recreationists and solitude seekers during the other seasons, it is a one of a kind, private lodge close to town and in the mountains. Winter ski guide service available. Inside, guests will find a massive central fireplace, a large community living room, three bedrooms with beds for ten people, WIFI, a stereo, two bathrooms with a shower, and a full commercial kitchen. On the southern deck is a jacuzzi. On the eastern deck is a large lounge area and barbecue grill. After skiing for the day on Downing Mountain, enjoy the privacy of the lodge, the full commercial kitchen, a crackling fire, and hot tubbing with friends.  With good access to the lodge along a mountain road, getting to Downing Mountain Lodge, at 5,550 feet, is easy and straightforward: a mile and a half ski to the lodge in the winter from the end of the plowed road and vehicle access the rest of the year when the road melts out in April. Hamilton and nearby Missoula are both full-service communities, filled with Montana character and charisma. Missoula is served by direct air flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Seattle, Spokane, Boise, and Las Vegas. Drive times to Hamilton are about eight hours from both Salt Lake City and Seattle, and four hours from Spokane, Washington and Bozeman, Montana. Hamilton is a mere twenty minute drive from the lodge during the open road months and the lodge boasts an amazing view over town and the north end of the Bitterroot Valley to St. Mary's Peak and the Rattlesnake Wilderness north of Missoula.