Bridger Bowl Ski Area in Montana and Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 2700ft/823m, total trails 75, closest airport 26mi/42km, lifts 11, and more.

This family-friendly ski area is located in the Bridger Mountain Range of Southern Montana. As a locally owned and non-profit, Bridger Bowl Ski Area provides locals and visitors alike with affordable skiing, great terrain, and outstanding snowfall.

In the late 1880’s, long before skiing attracted people to the area, coal mining was the primary source of the town’s economy. Fast forward to the 1940’s when coal mining was a thing of the past and winter enthusiasts began enjoying the Bridger Bowl area for its natural beauty and abundance of snowfall. However, it would not be until 1951 when a rope tow, along with several cut trails made the area assessable to skiers

It would take many years, along with the tireless efforts of volunteers to allow the ski area to begin to take shape. In January 1955, Bridger Bowl Ski Area, complete with a platter lift and a small trail network would officially open to the public. In 1956, Bridger Bowl Ski Area began its expansion plan by adding an upper platter lift that provided access to the North Bowl, Avalanche Gulch and Bronco Face.

As skier visits continued to increase, further expansion took place such as adding the first chairlift in 1960 and opening the Ridge Area for skiing in 1973. Over the past 40 years, Bridger Bowl Ski Area has continued to develop and expand.

Today, the terrain at Bridger Bowl Ski Area is presented in a V-shape, with the summit being 2mi/3km in width and the base only 600ft/61m wide and includes three bowls, Mundy’s Bowl, North Bowl, and South Bowl.

So if you’re looking for a natural, big mountain experience with great snow that lacks the tourist crowds, you’ll find it at Bridger Bowl Ski Area.

On the Slopes

• At Bridger Bowl Ski Area, you will quickly discover that the terrain is naturally laid out according to skier or snowboarder ability levels. There’s Green terrain on the lower runs; Blue runs midway on the mountain and black and double black terrain higher into the alpine.
• The North Bowl is in the upper alpine and hosts intermediate trails such as Hanton’s Hollow and Easy Money, along with Sluice Box and Avalanche Gulch which are black diamond terrain.
• Bridger Bowl Ski Area has a beginner area with a dedicated lift known as the Snowflake. This area is located at the base of the mountain near the Saddle Peak Lodge.
• At the top of the Sunnyside Lift, you can choose to make your way back to the base area or make your way over to the Alpine Lift where you’ll have access to some fun intermediate terrain on Montagne Meadow, Limestone, and Lower Limestone.
• The addition of the Schlasman’s Lift in December 2008 added 311 acres of Expert Only terrain, known as The Ridge. This area has restricted access, where an avalanche transceiver is required, and it is “strongly” recommended that you carry a snow shovel and that you ski with a partner.
• Bridger Bowl Ski Area has two terrain parks located on the Sunnyside Run. The advanced terrain park with its boxes, rails, and large jumps is on the upper portion and the beginner park also with rails and boxes is on the lower portion of the run.
• The Snow School has a group of qualified instructors that offer adult and youth lessons in a group or private setting. There are also multi-week, specialty, and adaptive programs for various age groups.

Off the Slopes

• There are no slope-side accommodations at Bridger Bowl Ski Area, but the City of Bozeman offers multiple lodging opportunities that include well-known chain hotels and motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, and ranches. There is also an impressive list of dining, shopping, nightlife, and entertainment options to round out your stay.
• There are two base day lodges located at Bridger Bowl Ski Area, Saddle Peak Lodge and Jim Bridger Lodge where you get rentals, stop for a meal, visit the retail outlet or use the day lockers for personal items.
• At mid-mountain you will discover the Deer Park Chalet and the Alpine Cabin, great places to stop for a break and food and beverage.
• Playcare Daycare Facility offers children age 18 months to 6 years’ creative play activities, along with Playcare First Tracks and group ski lessons.
• The Crosscut Mountain Sports Center near Bridger Bowl Ski Area provides a year-round recreation sports training and educational facility. In the winter there are Nordic trails laid out over a 259-acre area.
• Two FREE shuttle buses operate between the City of Bozeman and the ski area during the winter season. Park N’ Ride bus operates on weekends, and the Kid’s bus operates on weekends school holiday’s. Check the Helpful Links section below for more info.