Skiing the Back Side of Discovery

The bottom of the East Bowl at Discovery Ski Area

The backside of Discovery Ski Area contains the bulk of the expert and advanced level skiing terrain. And advanced is the apt word to use. All of the ski trails on the backside of Discovery are challenging, to say the least. The true “expert” level trails (the double black-diamonds) are exceptionally steep, have many bumps, cut through trees and chutes, and in general are some of the most challenging skiing terrain you’ll find in Montana. The “advanced” level ski trails (the single black-diamonds) are also very challenging. While the “advanced” ski trails have a steep gradient, they aren’t as steep as the “expert” level trails are. However, while the gradient may be a bit gentler, even on these “advanced” trails you’ll find many rocks, trees and other “obstructions” on the trail to contend with.

The backside of Discovery Ski Area consists of two sections, the East Bowl and the Granite area, each of which are serviced by their own chairlifts. The East Bowl has by far the most challenging ski terrain at Discovery, with virtually ALL but two of the ski trails rated as a double black-diamond. The Granite area, by contrast, contains primarily single black-diamond ski runs with a few steep intermediate ski trails thrown in along the edges.

Skiing The East Bowl

The East Bowl is magnificent expert level ski terrain, to put it quite simply. The terrain is very steep throughout the entire East Bowl. As mentioned, virtually all of the runs in the East Bowl are rated double black-diamond (true “expert” level terrain). These expert runs in the East Bowl cut through a variety of terrain. Some of the trails are pretty open while other trails pass through more gladed terrain. Regardless, they all share one common characteristic – they are steep – especially at the top. Rocks are another obstruction frequently found back in the East Bowl, too.

Click to See East Bowl Trail Map (92K)

So, which expert trail should you take back in the East Bowl? Well, that is a good question and not easy to answer! And the reason for this is because all of the trails are good. Really, the best thing to do is to figure out what runs you want to ski once you get there. Looking at a trail map just can’t quite convey the massive variety of expert level of skiing in the East Bowl at Discovery Ski Area. But, if you do want some quick recommendations, try the Terminator, Mother Lode, Good Finger and Catcha Wave trails. You won’t be disappointed!

Trails in the East Bowl at Discovery Ski Area

Now, there is one single black-diamond (advanced) ski trail in the East Bowl. This ski trail is called Limelight and runs right below the chairlift. To be honest, the only real reason this is a single diamond instead of a double diamond is because it has a bit less of a gradient than do the other runs. However, watch out for the rocks on the lower part of this trail – especially if the snow is below normal.

Beginner skiers will find no terrain for them in the East Bowl. However, there is one intermediate ski run that leads back to it called Medicine Ridge. This ski trail is rated as an intermediate trail ONLY because it is far simpler than the other ski runs back in the East Bowl and is groomed (the only groomed trail in the East Bowl).

You see, Medicine Ridge is very steep for an intermediate ski run – and lots of fun to ski on. Indeed, many ski areas would classify the Medicine Ridge trail as an “advanced” level ski run due to the gradient. So, if you are a solid intermediate skier, be sure to take a run down Medicine Ridge. But if you are a beginner or advanced beginner, stay off it, since this trail is not your typical “intermediate ski trail” that most beginners can usually manage to safely manage to ski down without too many problems beyond bad form and style!

Skiing the Granite Area

The Granite area is the newest skiing terrain at Discovery. This part of Discovery, like the East Bowl, has its own triple chair (the Granite Chairlift) and is located on the back side of the mountain. The Granite area has some excellent skiing and snowboarding as well – consisting of a few intermediate and advanced (single black-diamond) ski trails. While the ski terrain isn’t as challenging as is found in the East Bowl, it is much more difficult than what is found on the front side. In short, intermediate and advanced skiers should enjoy skiing back in the Granite area.

The Granite Area at Discovery Ski Area

Basically, the Granite area at Discovery consists of intermediate ski trails on the edge with advanced level (single black-diamond) ski runs in the middle. The Granite area has also has a solid vertical drop exceeding 1600 true vertical feet.

Unlike the East Bowl, which is relatively open, the Granite area is much more wooded. The lower part of Granite is especially thick with woods. Happily, glade skiers will find some excellent terrain on the upper half of the Granite area. The woods next to the ski trails Granite and Center Stage have all been thinned out to some extent, providing for some nice glade skiing.

Click to See Granite Area Map (104k)

Intermediate skiers will also find some nice terrain in the Granite area. On each edge of the Granite area are two intermediate ski trails, Winning Ridge and Medicine Ridge (which turns into Boiler Maker). These ski runs are very well groomed. But they are also pretty steep in comparison to most other typical intermediate ski runs. So be forewarned.

Additionally, if you do like to ski steep, groomed terrain, several of the expert level trails in the Granite area also are generally groomed. Tap’er Lite and Truefisher, both quite steep, are groomed frequently.

Discovery Ski Area : Conclusion

For anyone who wants to ski at a wonderful ski area that has not been discovered by people from out-of-state, Discovery Ski Area should be a mandatory stop. The prices are affordable, the base lodge is great, the slopes are generally un-crowded and the skiing is excellent.

When snow conditions are right, the East Bowl at Discovery provides some of the most challenging skiing terrain in Montana. The front side of Discovery, by contrast, is well groomed and contains a number of excellent intermediate and especially beginner ski runs – making Discovery Ski Area a perfect place to learn how to ski.

So, if you have never skied, or heard, of Discovery Ski Area, make a point of visiting it if you happen to be in the area. You’ll be happy you did.

Next Page : Discovery Ski Area Pictures

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