Discovery Ski Area

Montana skiers and riders have plenty of places to cruise, rip, and shred in the state nicknamed "Big Sky Country." Snow hounds might want to change it to "Big Ski Country" after visiting places like Discovery Ski Area. The winter ski area has plenty to offer with big acres, wide-open trails, and a big vertical that creates some gnarly potentials down the slopes.

Those looking to travel to this ski resort by car can use Interstate 15 or I-90 to reach Butte, Montana. Traveling north out of Butte on I-90 gets motorists to Montana State Highway 1, which they can use to access the facilities. The Bert Mooney Public Airport is located nearby in Butte, but the closest International facility will be Bozeman Yellowstone, over 120 miles away.

It's All About Those Peaks

The Discovery Ski Area sprawls across Jubilee and Rumsey mountains, providing skiers with two peaks and four faces of alpine fun. It sits in an area of the state with conditions between a semi-arid and a more humid continental climate. For skiers and snowboarders, that means an average annual snowfall of 215 inches. Combining the elevation, peaks, and valleys allows the snow to stay put so that the resort is open early and can go into April before the season finishes.

Visitors to the Discovery Ski Area have access to the pow during daylight hours (sorry, night owls), and the amenities reflect that. Lodging options for those wanting to stay overnight, accommodations in surrounding areas like Butte are close. A cafe and the Tap'er Lite bar will keep everyone fueled and give a spot for everyone to meet up and relax. There is a rental shop, but access to equipment is by reservation only.

The Discovery Ski Area offers three learning programs for kids and adult clinics for intermediate or advanced skiers/riders. Adults wanting to learn to ski or ride can take private lessons, which are also available for any age and skill level.

Plenty of Advanced and Expert Terrain

The Discovery Ski Area has a summit of 8,158 feet, creating a 2,388-foot vertical drop that skiers and riders negotiate down. The two peaks (especially the backside) provide plenty of opportunities for advanced and expert ski bums to enjoy.

Roughly 2,200 acres of snow are patrolled at the Discovery Ski Area, creating wide-open runs to carve, cruise, rip, and shred, depending upon the trail rating. Skiers and riders have 67 runs to choose from, with Winning Ridge the longest at 1.5 miles. Four runs have snowmaking capabilities, making them the first and last available each season.

Twenty percent of the runs at the Discovery Ski Area are green, a difficulty rating newbies and casual family members will enjoy. A quarter of the runs are rated as blue, providing challenges and fun for those with some experience. The black diamond ratings on 25-percent of the mountain will challenge advanced skiers, but the 30-percent that is rated double diamond is what experts flock here.

There is also a 2.5-acre terrain park and 19.6 miles of Nordic trails at the Discovery Ski Area. Guests have access to eight lifts to get around both peaks.