Backcountry ski lodge to open Dec. 26
by WILL MOSS - Ravalli Republic
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The Grubstake will be available to stay in this winter as the Downing Mountain Backcountry Snowsports Lodge.
WILL MOSS - Ravalli Republic
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Backcountry skiing in the Bitterroot Mountains just got a little more plush.
In addition to the great skiing opportunities already available to valley snow enthusiasts, powder hounds will have a new option this winter with the opening of the Downing Mountain Backcountry Snowsports Lodge.
The lodge, based at Hamilton’s Grubstake restaurant, will provide intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders with quick and prolonged access to backcountry powder skiing.
The lodge is a seasonal business located about 2,000 feet above the valley floor on the eastern slope of Downing Mountain.
“We’re looking to offer local and regional folks an opportunity for really fantastic backcountry powder skiing based out of a lodge with all the comforts of home,” says John Lehrman, president of Backcountry Focus, the organization spearheading the venture.
Lehrman has spent more than 10 years exploring the Bitterroot backcountry, a good portion of that on Downing Mountain.
He and his friends have used the Grubstake property as a ski-base on those trips for years.
“This is a prime piece of property,” Lehrman says, “and it’s been kind of invitation only, but now there’s the opportunity for people to get after some really great skiing right in their backyard. Montana doesn’t really have a lot of opportunities like this.”
There are a number of yurt-based backcountry skiing operations scattered throughout the state - including in Cooke City, the Swan Valley and the Tobacco Root Mountains.
But Lehrman says one thing that makes the Downing Mountain Lodge different is the ease of access.
“With only a mile and a half to ski in, you can leave your job in Missoula at mid-day and make it to the lodge with some daylight left,” he says. “You’re going to get more skiing for your time.”
The Grubstake’s owner, Richard Kingdon, recently bought a piece of property about 11 switchbacks up the road to the lodge that’s being used to park and turnaround cars.
Guests will continue the last mile and a half on foot or ski, climbing about 400 vertical feet. Luggage will be towed up by snowmobile.
While Lehrman is applying for a guiding permit from the U.S. Forest Service, guests will be on their own for now in exploring the nearly 3,000 vertical feet of terrain above the lodge.
And at the end of the day, they can ski back down to the lodge for a seat by the fire, a dip in the hot tub and a warm bed.
“Everyone who skis up here really likes it and that was one of the motivations in putting it together,” Lehrman says.
Kingdon is glad to see the building getting some use in the winter.
“I think (John) might have a good thing going,” Kingdon says, “It’s kind of unique for me to run it during the summer and him to run it in the winter in a totally different way.”
The lodge will open for the season on Dec. 26 and will remain open for guests through the end of March.
And, Lehrman says, if you don’t ski, the lodge still makes a great retreat or weekend getaway. There are a number of snowshoeing trails, sledding hills and other features for people who just want to spend a day in the mountains.
“I want to encourage this type of local traffic as this is our valley and the lodge is open to anyone who can walk, snowshoe or ski the 1.5 miles to get up there,” Lehrman says.
The lodge also sports a full kitchen, which will offer Friday and Saturday night five-course meals by reservation.
The weekend and holiday cost for skiing is $400 per night for a group of six, plus $60 for each additional guest up to eight guests total. There is a two night minimum.
On Tuesday through Thursday the rates are discounted by 25 percent. There is also an internationally trained chef available to cook meals for an extra $75 per person per day.
Reservations are available, although some spots for this winter have been filled.
For more information on the Downing Mountain Backcountry Snowsports Lodge, contact John Lehrman at (406) 531-1486 or log on to www.backcountryfocus.com.
Reporter Will Moss can be reached at 363-3300 or wmoss@ravallirepublic.com
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