The Seeley-Swan area of Montana is known for its colder weather and heavier snow falls. This translates to incredible cold smoke powder skiing.

Our yurts are nestled deep in the Montana backcountry, high in the Southern Swan Mountains. The trailhead is about 60 minutes from Missoula and 90 minutes from Helena.

Our yurts offer unparalleled access to some of Montana's best powder skiing. The immediate terrain is situated off a large horseshoe shaped ridge with finger ramps that separate the area into three main bowls which funnel back down to the yurts.

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Check out these videos from years past:

• A glimpse of life at Yurtski (Short video by Reece Brandon)
• Backcountry Digs: Montana Yurt Skiing (2015 - before the burn)

What is supplied at the yurts?

A wood burning stove, firewood, ax, maul ax/splitting tool, cook stove, propane, propane lanterns, pots, pans, plates, bowls, cups, cooking and eating utensils, kettle, and sleeping mattresses. View a detailed inventory here.

A Bear-resistant food storage box is available at both yurts and you must use it in December and March.

Both yurts have a solar system for lights and recharging your devices. Beware that the battery does not charge during snowstorms, of which there are many.

Alpine and Lupine Yurt Differences

The Alpine yurt (sitting at 6,800') is 0.75 miles past the Lupine Yurt (sitting at 6,600') on the Morrell Mountain Road. Slightly larger, the Alpine Yurt sleeps 10 comfortably while Lupine sleeps 8.

Both yurts are similarly equipped with 2 double-over-double bunk beds, woodstove, table, and kitchen with propane stoves. Alpine has 2 futon couches that provide sleeping for 2 additional people. The Lupine yurt maybe better suited for skiing off the Lookout/ Supernatural Area of the horseshoe where as the Alpine is slightly better situated for skiing the back bowls.

Yurt Life Basics

How are the yurts heated?

The yurts are heated by wood burning stoves and all firewood is provided. Each yurt has a woodshed full of rounds for splitting. The yurts have both wall and roof insulation. A well-tended fire will keep the yurt comfortable through the coldest nights. Everyone sleeps differently, however, so we always recommend a good winter sleeping bag.

How do we get water?

We utilize a mountain spring located between the Lupine and Alpine yurts for drinking water. With gear hauls, we will gather at least 5 gallons of water for your group from the spring. We drink from the spring untreated; however this decision is ultimately yours. Boiling or treating water with iodine are good options. Otherwise, culinary/ washing water can be obtained by melting snow.

Is there an outhouse?

There is a three sided outhouse located directly behind each yurt in order to answer nature’s call in relative comfort.

Do we need to have avalanche equipment even if we're not skiing?

Yes. A beacon, shovel and probe are mandatory for anyone visiting the yurts. The Swan Mountains are avalanche country and we must be prepared at all times. Avalanches can and do occur in the area.

Can I bring my dog?

No. We ask you to please leave your four-legged friends at home when going to YurtSki. We are concerned about sanitation of the yurts. Also, the long snowmobile approach is extremely hard on dogs.

Booking

What's your cancellation Policy?

Montana Backcountry Yurts requires a 50% nonrefundable deposit at the time of booking. You can choose to use the “Pay Now” in your invoice to pay the remaining 50% any time before your trip. We will charge any outstanding balance to your credit card 30 days prior to your trip. If booking less than 30 days in advance, we require you to pay in full.

You can cancel your trip up to 30 days prior to your start date online at yurtski.checkfront.com, by email: info@montanabackcountryyurts.com, or by phone: (406) 848-4232. Your deposit will not be refunded, but we will not charge you the remaining balance.

Trips canceled less than 1 month prior to the start date are still required to be paid in full and are nonrefundable.