Discovery Basin is an Independent ski area in Montana: 70 trails, 2,388 ft vertical, 2,200 acres.
Base to summit 6,000 to 8,156 ft · 2,388 ft vertical
Live snow forecast for the next 72 hours. Use the main tool to see how it stacks up against other mountains on your drive. No account needed.
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Why skiers choose Discovery Basin
Discovery Basin sits in Montana with 2,388 ft of vertical drop, 70 trails, and 2,200 lift-served acres. Discovery Basin is well-suited to intermediate skiers, with 50% of trails in that range.
The mountain averages 300" of snowfall per season. Lift tickets start around $74; day-of pricing varies. Discovery Basin is an Independent mountain.
Snow conditions update often. Check back before you go. A fresh forecast can change everything.
Our model predicts crowd pressure for a typical week here: who this mountain draws, how its lifts absorb a rush, and how each day loads it. It is a prediction, not a turnstile count. Snow in the forecast pushes any of these days up.
Saturdays stay manageable here, and midweek is properly quiet.
Get the crowd forecast for your exact ski dayDiscovery Basin is an independent mountain and is not on the Epic Pass, Ikon Pass, or Indy Pass. Day tickets are available directly through the resort at approximately $74.
Discovery Basin has 70 trails covering 2,200 lift-served acres with 2,388 feet of vertical drop. The terrain breakdown is roughly 20% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 30% advanced or expert.
Discovery Basin has some beginner terrain (about 20% of trails), but the mountain generally skews toward intermediate and advanced skiers. Beginners will find options but may feel more comfortable at a mountain with a stronger beginner focus.
Day ticket prices at Discovery Basin start at approximately $74, though window rates vary by date and demand. Booking in advance is typically cheaper than buying at the window.
Discovery Basin averages approximately 300 inches of snowfall per season. This is well above average and makes it a reliable snow destination.
January through early March is typically peak season at Discovery Basin when snowpack is deepest and conditions are most consistent. December can be good if the season starts early. Midweek visits are almost always less crowded than weekends.
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Snow, drive time, pass, and crowds scored together. See if another resort in Montana or beyond is a better fit today.
See all Montana ski mountains ranked by snow, vertical, and value in our state hub.
*Day ticket prices are approximate and vary by date, demand, age, and promotions. Always confirm pricing directly with Discovery Basin before purchasing.