Bridger Bowl

Nonprofit hill with the Ridge and “cold smoke” powder.

A community-owned nonprofit ski area 16 miles from Bozeman, known for light, dry “cold smoke” powder and the steep, hike-to terrain of the Ridge. Tickets stay reasonable and a free bus runs from town in winter. Best for strong skiers, though beginners get their own lifts at the base.

The mountain

Vertical drop

2,700 ft

Summit

8,800 ft

Skiable terrain

2,000 acres

Trails

75

Lifts

11

Average snowfall

300″ a year

Longest run

3 mi

Snowmaking

5% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 12%
• Intermediate 28%
• Advanced 60%

What’s here besides skiing

• Terrain park
• Cross-country
• Snowshoeing
• Fat biking
• Hot springs
• Nightlife
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• New Year’sWed Dec 30, evening

  Torchlight Parade and Fireworks

  Holiday-week torchlight parade down the mountain, then fireworks and festivities at the base.

• Opening dayFri Dec 11 (projected)

  Opening Day

  Kickoff of the 2026-27 season, conditions permitting.

• EventFri Jan 15

  Bridger Bowl’s birthday

  The ski area celebrates its 72nd birthday with discounted lift tickets.

• RaceSat Feb 6

  King and Queen of the Ridge

  A hike-and-ski fundraiser: competitors climb the Ridge and ski it as many times as they can.

Where to stay

• lodgeChico Hot Springs Resort

  Historic hot-springs lodge in the Paradise Valley with two geothermal pools and a well-loved dining room. Good for a night off skiing.

  1.5 hr drive
• hotelThe Lark

  Design-minded boutique hotel in downtown Bozeman, walkable to restaurants and bars.

  30 min drive
• hotelKimpton Armory Hotel

  Upscale hotel in Bozeman’s restored downtown Armory building, with a pool.

  30 min drive
• b&bHowlers Inn

  Log B&B on 42 acres in Bridger Canyon with its own wolf sanctuary, three rooms, a guest house and a sauna.

  20 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Crosscut Mountain Sports Center · 10 min drive

  Groomed classic and skate trails, fat biking and snowshoeing in Bridger Canyon.

• Chico Hot Springs · 1.5 hr drive

  Two steaming outdoor pools fed by hot springs, open to day visitors, on the way toward Yellowstone’s north entrance.

• Bozeman Hot Springs · 45 min drive

  Hot-spring pools on the west side of Bozeman, close enough for an evening soak.

• Museum of the Rockies · 30 min drive

  A major dinosaur collection plus a planetarium, at Montana State University.

• MAP Brewing · 25 min drive

  Craft beer and local food with big mountain views on the north side of Bozeman.

Après and nightlife

• Jim Bridger Lodge

  The busy base lodge, with a bar, Jimmy B’s restaurant and a big slopeside deck.

• Rocking R Bar

  Classic bar in historic downtown Bozeman.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN) · about 40 min drive
• Salt Lake City · about 6 hr
• Denver · about 9.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps