The best part about Bozeman's ski season? It's not just about the skiing. Between November and March, the local ski scene transforms into a calendar packed with races, festivals, and community gatherings that make downhill and cross country skiing even more fun than it already is. Whether racing for glory or just for beer tickets, there's an event that fits.
Wanna participate? Gear rentals are readily available from Round House Ski & Sports Center. Crosscut also offers Nordic ski rentals on-site, while Bridger Bowl provides downhill ski rentals.
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Bridger Bowl Ski Area Events
Throughout the season, Bridger Bowl Ski Area (or Bridger for short) hosts various community events that keep the mountain buzzing. This is by no means the full list of festivities – check their events page for even more and for current updates, as weather and conditions can shift the schedule. This nonprofit ski area knows how to throw a party without the resort-town pretension.
Bridger Bowl’s projected opening date for the 2025-26 season is Friday, December 12th, and the momentum builds from there.
Torchlight Parade & Fireworks | December 30
The annual Torchlight Parade lights up the night on Tuesday, December 30th. Picture skiers snaking down the mountain after dark with flaming torches accompanied by fireworks, and that about sums up why locals circle this date on their calendars every year.
Bridger Bowl's 71st Birthday | January 16
Bridger Bowl turns 71 this year, and you can join on the fun! The ski area typically celebrates with free birthday cake, live music, and discounted lift tickets if you carpool with three or more people.
King and Queen of the Ridge | February 7
During the annual King & Queen of the Ridge event, skiers attempt to finish as many Ridge laps as possible. Whoever completes the most in the designated timeframe wins!
Terrain Park Jam | February 28
Skiers and snowboarders compete in this competition at Bridger Bowl’s upper and lower terrain parks, featuring a variety of rails, rollers, boxes, banks and barrels.
Ride & Seek | March 7
Search for hidden checkpoints at this family-friendly scavenger hunt!
Slushy Slalom | March 21 & 22
Sign up to compete in this banked slalom race in the natural gully below Slushman’s ravine.
406 Day | April 4
Montanans celebrate “406 Day” on April 6th every year. 406 is Montana’s only area code, and thus, it warrants a celebration. Bridger Bowl partakes by offering cheaper lift tickets for people wearing denim (Canadian tuxedos strongly encouraged).
Projected Closing Day | April 12
Closing day is always a party, no matter the weather. Fingers crossed it’s warm and sunny, with people donning their best costumes, including swimsuits, jorts, and lots of glitter.
Bridger Ski Foundation Events
The Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF), which hosts both alpine and Nordic skiing events, doesn't mess around when it comes to fun. Check out their events page for all of their events.
BSF also grooms several community cross country skiing tracks in Bozeman (available to use for free). Check out the maps and grooming reports for locations like the Sunset Hills and Bozeman Creek/Sourdough trails mentioned below.
Solstice Ski | December 16
Head to the Sunset Hills Nordic Trails for a free night of skiing along paths lined with pretty lights called luminaries.
Bozeman Creek Hill Climb FUNSKI | January 3
People of all ages and abilities are invited to a group ski event that covers a portion of the Bozeman Creek/Sourdough Trail.
FUNSKI Valentine's Relay & Rail Jam | February 13
Head to Sunset Hills for relay races! Grab a group of two to four people, dress up in fun costumes, and participate in the relay race or nearby rail jam.
Crosscut Mountain Sports Center Events
Crosscut Mountain Sports Center has evolved into a premier venue for cross-country skiing and biathlon. Check the Crosscut calendar for the complete schedule, as they pack in everything from night skiing to community races (including a biathlon event) throughout the season.
Night Ski Events | Mondays & Thursdays from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Ski the lighted loop on Monday and Thursday evenings from December to February. Pups are welcome on Monday nights!
Cosmic Night Ski Events | Select Evenings in January and February
During these family-friendly events, party lights illuminate a 1-mile loop trail. Discounted passes and rentals start at 4:00 p.m., while the lights get turned on about 4:30 p.m. Remember to stop by the Nordic and Trail Center for glow and sticks and glitter!
Ski for Soren | January 17
Ski for Soren, a community-driven Nordic ski race, features skate 20k, 10k, 5k, fun ski, and sit ski races. The event draws skiers from around the region while most of Crosscut's trails remain open to the public.
Skyloppet Crosscut Races | February 14 & 15
All ages and abilities are welcome to participate in Skyloppet, featuring skate and classic races.
Crosscut Community Free Ski Day | March 7
Come for a free day of cross country skiing, fat biking, or snowshoeing to celebrate the start of the Paralympic Games. You must reserve your free pass online before you arrive.
Bangtail Biathlon | March 8
Both newbies and advanced skiers are welcome to participate in the annual Biathlon, an event that combines cross country skiing with target shooting.
NCAA National Championships | March 11 to 14
Come cheer on the best collegiate athletes from across the country, all competing to become the national champion.
Why Bozeman's Ski Events Hit Different
What makes Bozeman's ski event scene stand out? The lack of pretense. Most events welcome spectators for free, encourage participation regardless of skill level, and maintain that uniquely Montana vibe where world-class athletes and weekend warriors share the same start line without anyone getting too worked up about it.
The geography helps. Having two world-class ski resorts within an hour of downtown means events can happen on legitimate race-quality terrain without requiring participants to commit to a full resort vacation. Crosscut sits just 17 miles from town, Bridger Bowl 16 miles north. Drive up, race, drive home, hit a brewery. That's a Tuesday in Bozeman.
The community aspect runs deep. Events like the BSF races and Crosscut Classic rely heavily on volunteers, and locals show up in droves to help. It's not unusual to see past Olympians working aid stations or national team members cheering on beginners. That's just how things work here. Come see for yourself just how fun ski events in Bozeman can be!
If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles:
- Bozeman's Ski Area Comparison: Bridger Bowl and Big Sky
- A Beginner's Guide to Skiing in Bozeman
- 7 Tips for Planning the Ski Trip of a Lifetime
