Elevation: 6,800'
Our 24' fully insulated yurt with woodstove, kitchen, 2 full-over-full bunk beds, and 2 futon couches. Sleeps up to 10 with plenty of room to hang out.
Elevation: 6,600'
Our 20' fully-insulated yurt with woodstove, kitchen, and 2 full-over-full bunk beds. Sleeps up to 8.
It's an 11-mile journey to the Alpine and Lupine yurts: five miles along a groomed road, then six miles gaining 2,000 feet up the ungroomed Morrell Mountain Road.
The parking lot and trailhead are at 47.1214, -113.3180, roughly a quarter mile past Rich's Montana Guest Ranch on Cottonwood Lakes Road. Look for the white cargo trailer and the plowed parking pocket—please carpool when you can because space is limited.
We offer a Gear Haul + Tow that brings your entire crew and kit directly to the front door. Our large toboggans and snow machines move people, packs, food, and water in one go, then haul everyone out at the end of the trip. Gear hauls include topping off 10 gallons of spring water, delivering clean sheets, and answering last-minute yurt questions.
Gear Haul Price: $1300
Geo-referenced PDF
Each yurt has a wood-burning stove with plenty of firewood stacked in a nearby woodshed. A compact solar system powers LED lights. Kitchens include propane stoves, pots, pans, utensils, plates, bowls, mugs, and cups. The bunk beds have full-size mattresses that can comfortably fit 2 adults. Find more details below.
It's an 11-mile journey: five miles of groomed road plus six miles and 2,000 vertical feet up Morrell Mountain Road.
If you have your own snowmobiles, feel free to use them. Our machines are set up to tow large toboggans and guests, and many snowmobile-owning clients still book a gear haul so they can spend more time skiing and less time managing sled logistics.
We've had many clients ski to the yurts, but we don't know many that have skied in twice.
The Swan Mountains are avalanche country. Every guest needs a beacon, shovel, probe, and the knowledge of how to use this equipment.
The yurts have a fully stocked kitchen and mattresses on the bunks. You provide the rest.
See the complete yurt inventory here.
Packing list & yurt inventoryPlease leave your four-legged friends at home. We are concerned about sanitation of the yurts, and the long snowmobile approach is extremely hard on dogs.
The yurts are heated by woodstoves and include both roof and wall insulation to keep the heat inside.
There are LED lights connected to a small solar setup for evening illumination. You can also charge your devices via USB; please bring your own cord.
Backup propane lanterns are available and can be helpful in the kitchen area at night.
Each yurt has a propane kitchen setup plus cookware, dishware, and utensils, so you only need to bring ingredients and snacks.
Bear-resistant food boxes are on-site (mandatory in December and March).
A mountain spring between Lupine and Alpine delivers cold, clean water. Treat or boil it if you prefer—gear hauls start you off with full jugs.
Each yurt has a three-sided outhouse a short walk away. Outhouses include toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Woodsheds are stocked for the whole season with dry, stacked rounds that need to be split. Please only use this wood for the woodstove and refrain from any outside fires.
If you plan to ski on your last day (you should!), please ensure the yurt is clean and stack your gear outside so the incoming group can move in at noon.
Please leave the yurts just as you found them, ready for the next group. You can find a checklist of yurt chores at the yurt.
The Seeley-Swan valley is famous for frigid temps and consistent storms—perfect cold-smoke skiing. The yurts sit deep in the Southern Swan Mountains, about an hour from Missoula and 90 minutes from Helena, perched along a horseshoe-shaped ridge with natural fingers that funnel every run back home.