Bridger Bowl Ski Resort - Bozeman, Montana

Address:Bozeman, Montana
Tel: (866) 277-3586

Bridger Bowl provides a wide array of terrain; with some of Montana's best skiing at an affordable price. Although Bridger Bowl has a reputation for possessing some of the most extreme terrain in the state, an attraction which enables it to draw hardcore skiers and riders from all around, don't let that frighten you. Bridger Bowl is large enough and varied enough, so as to a niche on the mountain for skiers of all levels, including beginners. Whatever your level, the mountain offers a large skiable area with a beautiful view as a backdrop.

The Bridger Bowl complex consists of 69 runs serviced by 7 lifts. Bordered by two large bowls to its North and South, the majority of Bridger Lodge's terrain consists of a wide open ski, though it also contains glades, chutes, gullies and smaller bowls. The vertical drop is 2,000 feet but, for those looking for a real adrenaline rush, 600 more vertical feet can be added on by trekking up to the Ridge. Make sure you're determined to go through with the ride once you start climbing the mountain, as the only way down is on your skis or snowboard. The Ridge has the most intense slope and those daring to experience its steep chutes, cliffs, snowfields and tight trees must come equipped with an avalanche transceiver, a shovel, a partner, knowledge of the terrain, and expert-level skills. For expert skiers who don't know a local and are interested in experiencing the terrain, the Ski and Snowboard School offers a three hour guided tour as well as the necessary equipment.

The mountain's status as a non-profit organization exists in order to enable low-cost ticket pricing to the local skiers, but people come from great distances to experience Bridger Bowl and can enjoy the low cost as well. The mountain's season begins in early December and ends in early April, with daylong skiing from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Being a non-profit organization, all of the mountain's profits are used for the mountain's benefit, whether for mountain upkeep or maintaining the inexpensive character of the mountain.

All the mountain's slopes are open to its visiting snowboarders which is immensely important due to the sometimes problematic aspects of the mountain's terrain park. The terrain park is completely dependant on snowfall, which in the past few years has started off slowly. In order to overcome this issue, Bridger Bowl management tends to relocate the terrain park from its permanent home above Boot Hill over to the Sunnyside run served by the Powder Park Quad. The park is modest, and due to the weather conditions the majority of the mountain's hits were "au natural" rather than man made, for better or for worse.

For a more thorough experience of the mountain make sure to hook up with one of Bridger Bowl's organized Mountain Tours. These tours introduce out of town riders to the ins and outs of the mountain. For the more adventurous, the Ridge tour is an insane adrenaline rush. Within the Gallatin National Forest, and nearby Bohart Ranch, one can find 30 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails, which is another great option for how to spend your day. Also make sure to check out the variety of events scheduled on the mountain throughout the year. These include the Bridger Gully Free Ride, the Pinhead Classic Telemark Race and the Bridger Bowl Bump-Off Freestyle Event.

A variety of dining and beverage options are available for those spending their day on the hill. The mountain runs a free Park-N-Ride Ski Bus on Saturdays and Sundays from nearby Bozeman. First time visitors will notice that, as part of Bridger Bowl's continuing efforts to remain a non-profit organization, there is no slope-side lodging or other fancy amenities. Never fear though! The nearby college town of Bozeman can provide for any of your needs lacking on the mountain.

A mere 20 minutes away from Bridger Bowl's, dining and nightlife opportunities for all taste buds and budgets can be found. The local array of bars, micro-breweries, and restaurants guarantee a lively night on the town. For those looking for a day away from the slopes, Bozeman also provides the opportunity to shop, hike, or visit the local galleries. There are several condominiums, private homes, and chalets available for rent very close to the slopes, but Bozeman also provides a wide variety of lodging options, from motels to Bed & Breakfasts.

The area is flanked by two large bowls to the North and South. Most of the area offers wide open terrain with a variety of landscapes including long slopes, glades, chutes, gullies in addition to other smaller bowls.