Bridger Bowl

Bridger Bowl is a non-profit, community-owned ski area in the Bridger Range, about 16 miles north of Bozeman. It has operated as a non-profit since 1955, and its day tickets cost far less than those at the big destination resorts. Its slopes face east, and the expert terrain along the top of the range is steep and rocky.

The area covers about 2,000 acres. The highest lift reaches 8,700 feet and the top of the hike-to terrain is about 8,800 feet, which gives 2,600 feet of lift-served vertical and about 2,700 feet in all. Eight chairlifts (one quad, six triples and a double) and three surface lifts serve more than 75 marked runs and many unmarked lines, and the area averages about 300 inches of snow a season. The Ridge, the hike-to terrain along the summit, is for experts only, and anyone who skis it must carry an avalanche transceiver and a shovel.

Bozeman has its own snow signal: a blue beacon on the roof of the Baxter Hotel downtown flashes when Bridger reports 2 inches or more of new snow, and stays lit for 24 hours.

The 2026/27 opening date has not been announced; the area held its Bridger Bowl Bash season-kickoff party on October 17, 2026. Day-ticket prices for 2026/27 are published, and buying online saves money. Adults 19 to 69 pay $86 online or $99 at the window; juniors 13 to 18 pay $54 or $68; children 7 to 12 pay $40 or $52; children 6 and under ski free online ($5 at the window); seniors 70 to 79 pay $50; and skiers 80 and over ski free online. An adult half day from 12:30 p.m. is $74, and a beginner-lifts-only ticket is $25. Three-day Any Day Packs bought online cost $230 for adults, $141 for juniors, $105 for children and $135 for seniors. Season pass prices go up after October 31.

Right now the ski area is closed and not patrolled; the office is on (406) 587-2111. Uphill travel is at your own risk, and avalanche and rescue work are not being done. In season, arrive early on powder days, when the area is at its busiest.