Ski Vacation In Popular Ski Resorts In Montana: Discovery Basin Ski Resort

Situated within the boundaries of the impressive Beaverhead National Forest Park, the Discovery Basin Ski Resort offers a variety of slopes and surfaces, suitable for all abilities and ages. With over 200 inches of fresh powdered snow every winter and generally perfect weather conditions, the various slopes are a pleasure on which to ski. The resort is also a terrain park, which means there is a good range of runs for free-styling and snowboarding, and there is of course a snowboarding school in the park which can be accessed via the Jubilee lift and is located at the bottom of the Sapphire run. The whole resort is serviced by eight lifts transporting skier to the various runs, of which only about 20% are for beginners. Discovery Basin Ski Resort is open from late November until April 1, so there is plenty of time to explore this vast area of 2,200 acres.

The resort boasts three faces and a range of different runs that ensure there is something for everyone involved. For the less experienced skier, the front face runs (including Lums Run, Easy Street and Lower Sapphire) boast some gentle slopes and stunning scenery. There are also a few challenging corners at some parts. The slopes of the Granite Chair take skiing to the next level, with the steeper Granite Run, the Black Moon and the Truefisher all boasting some challenging turns and interesting angles. Lastly, the more adventurous can propel themselves off the backside runs, including the Mother Lode, The Terminator and the Little Finger, which has some great gullies. Others who wish to try something a little more challenging after gaining confidence on the easier slopes of the front face can try the Head Frame on the Granite Chair which is a good starting run for mid level skier.

It is not just about skiing of course, and there is plenty to do both in Discovery Basin Ski Resort and in the surrounding area about après ski. The resort itself has a café, lodge and of course a bar. The surrounding small towns offer enough to keep the most discerning of travelers busy. In nearby town of Anaconda, the local arts center gives a great overview of the local area and there is the great Old Works Golf Course for those wishing to perfect their swing. The small town of Philipsburg, population 1,000, is the perfect base for those wishing to set off on a hunting or fishing trip under the clear Montana skies. Moreover, the larger town of Deer Lodge houses the very interesting "Old Prison Museum" in the former jail, as well as the "Auto Museum" and the "Frontier Museum", which boasts some interesting cowboy memorabilia. All towns have plenty of restaurants in which to dine.

Concerning accommodation in the area nearest the Discovery Basin Ski Resort, there is plenty of choice. A safe bet in Deer Lodge is the Western Big Sky Inn. Offering free healthy breakfasts and good value for money, this 20-bed hotel is also in the perfect location for walking to restaurants in the town. Even better value is the Budget Inn Deer Lodge that offers cheap motel-style rooms for around $35. In Philipsburg, tourists can check in into the Broadway Hotel. Recently reconditioned and offering a boutique feel with only nine bedrooms, this hotel is a real gem in the town, with beautiful exposed wood and uniquely decorated accommodation. In Anaconda, there is the Celtic Inn with corresponding Harp Bar, which is a great place to stay if you want to be in the middle of it all. Alternatively, travelers can try the Grizzly Den Motel with rooms furnished with local materials and a ski lodge theme throughout the rooms.