Shredding at Bridger Bowl Ski Area (Bridger Bowl for short) is truly something special. Bridger earned the reputation of having some of the best extreme in-bounds skiing in the country from legends like Scot Schmidt, Doug Coombs, and Tom Jungst.
Bridger Bowl is a nonprofit organization, and the community-owned heart of Bozeman's ski scene, sitting just 16 miles up Bridger Canyon Road. There, you'll find 2,000 acres of incredible, lift-served terrain and an average of 300 inches of snow that locals affectionately call "Cold Smoke," thanks to the dry, powdery feel.
Before you head up for the 2025/2026 season, here's your inside track on everything you need to know!
Planning a trip to Bozeman? Download our Travel Guide for tips on where to stay, how to get around, and events to attend while you’re in town!
Get Ready (and Stoked) for the 2025/2026 Bridger Bowl Season
The season is scheduled to kick off on Friday, December 12, 2025, and run through Sunday, April 12, 2026. But of course, Mother Nature calls the shots, so always keep an eye on the mountain’s official updates. The lifts typically run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (with a slight delay on Christmas Day).
Bridger is a mountain for everyone, whether you're teaching your kids to ski or only hit double blacks. While it earned a reputation for extreme terrain thanks to famous areas like the legendary Ridge, over half the mountain is dedicated to beginner (roughly 25%) and intermediate (about 35%) skiers and riders. The other 40% or so is advanced, challenging terrain.
Beginners have plenty of space to get their snow legs under them, while experts can hit the famous Ridge accessible from the Schlasman's Lift, requiring avi gear (an avalanche transceiver in addition to the highly recommended beacon, shovel, and partner).
Ready for a break? Stop by one of the four lodges, many of which offer food and drinks.
Navigating Bridger Bowl Lift Tickets
The key to accessing the mountain this year is the Bridger Bowl Card. It holds your day ticket, season pass, rentals, and lessons — and you’ll need to scan it everywhere.
New Card Required: Heads up! ALL guests, even those who had a card in previous seasons, are required to get a new Bridger Bowl Card and upload a current photo for the 2025/2026 season. The good news is your first card is free. You can pick up your card from the new Pick Up Boxes on the mountain.
The Best Price: Buy your Bridger Bowl lift tickets online in advance to save money. For example, an adult full-day ticket purchased online is typically less expensive than the price at the ticket window..
For anyone traveling without gear, you can rent or buy everything you need right at the base area shop. You can also stop at one of the excellent local ski shops downtown, like Round House Ski & Sports Center, before you head up the canyon.
Prepare for Your Visit
Being prepared is a big part of the local ski experience. Before you jump in the car, always check the Bridger Bowl snow report for current conditions. Snowfall, base depth, and which lifts are spinning can change daily, and nobody likes a wasted trip.
The mountain is a massive 2,000 acres, so know where you’re going. Take a moment to look at the Bridger Bowl map before your visit. This will help you plan your runs (and après ski stops), whether you’re sticking to the gentle groomers or scoping out the steep-and-deep expert terrain.
Getting to Bridger Bowl with the Free Shuttle
Worried about getting to Bridger Bowl from Bozeman? While you can drive, snowy canyon roads and finding parking can be a hassle. In that case, the FREE (yep, you read that right) Streamline bus service is the way to go.
Bus Schedule: The free shuttle service to Bridger Bowl runs on weekdays, weekends, and select holidays throughout the season. Download the Bridger Bowl app for the schedule.
Pick-up Locations: Buses run from two convenient spots in Bozeman, the MSU SUB (Student Union Building) and the Gallatin County Fairgrounds Park N Ride lot at the Tamarack Street and Black Street entrance.
Learning the Ropes: Lessons and Tours at Bridger Bowl
Whether you're new to the slopes or looking to take on your first double black diamond, Bridger Bowl's lessons are ready to help you level up. You can book private or group lessons daily, which are offered in the morning and afternoon. For the youngest skiers (ages 4-6), there are dedicated shorter "First Tracks" sessions to build confidence without wearing them out, in addition to other group lessons based on age and ability level.
If you're already an intermediate or advanced rider and want to tackle some of the mountain's legendary terrain safely, check out their specialty workshops. These cover everything from mastering moguls in a "Bump Camp" to getting essential safety and terrain experience in "Intro to the Ridge" or "Intro to Schlasman's".
First time visiting Bridger Bowl? Don't get lost in the powder! The mountain’s Mountain Hosts offer free tours to help you get the lay of the land. You can just show up and meet the hosts at the mountain trail sign at the bottom of the Sunnyside chairlift — no registration needed. It's the perfect way to get insider tips and find the runs that are right for your skill level.
Can’t-Miss Events at Bridger Bowl
Beyond the daily shredding, there are a few events you’ll want to put on your calendar.
Annual Torchlight Parade (Tuesday, December 30th): The annual New Year’s celebration usually includes a great spaghetti dinner, the iconic torchlight parade of snows ports instructors snaking down the hill, and a fireworks display in the base area.
Bridger Bowl's 71 Birthday (Friday, January 16th): Bridger is serious about celebrating its birthday, and usually includes discounted tickets for carpooling, free birthday cake, live music, and fireworks.
King and Queen of the Ridge (Saturday, February 7th): Competitors do as many laps on the Ridge as possible! The man and woman who do the most in the allotted amount of time are crowned King and Queen of the Ridge.
Denim Day (Saturday, April 4th): Dress in denim for 406 Day, a day celebrating Montana's only area code (406). Attendees typically get discounts for wearing denim — you'll be surprised just how many jorts you'll spot.
Other Festivities: Keep an eye on the official calendar for other fun events and competitions like the Bridger Gully Freeride, Terrain Park Jam, Slushy Slalom, and more.
The stoke for the 2025/2026 season is already high. Now you have the local knowledge, you're set to experience one of the best community ski hills in the country. Time to hit the slopes (And trust us, the après ski scene in Bozeman is the perfect reward when you’re done).
Debating between Bridger Bowl and Big Sky? This article breaking down the two ski areas can help you decide which is right for you.
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
