Bozeman, Montana — As one of the fastest-growing ski cities in the country, Bozeman’s hometown hill is planning to make some major changes.
Last week, Bridger Bowl released its 2025 Master Development Plan to the public. A Master Development Plan ultimately serves as a wish list for a ski resort, so while not every proposal may become reality, it reveals a ski area’s ambitions. It should be noted that each proposed project would have to undergo a NEPA approval process before potential implementation. Here’s a breakdown of what could be coming to the non-profit Montana ski area.
Terrain Expansions & New Lifts: As Bozeman’s skiing population grows, Bridger Bowl plans to expand to accommodate more skiers and riders.
Located north of the Alpine terrain pod, Bradley Meadows is currently a popular backcountry area. The plan is to cut trails in this area that would cater to intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. In addition, another patrol lift could be added near the top terminal of the Bradley Meadows chairlift, which would help ski patrollers access steep avalanche prone terrain for mitigation purposes.
In order to provide more access to advanced expert terrain, along with reducing congestion on the Schlasman’s double chairlift, a new chairlift is being proposed. The Pierre’s Knob 2 chairlift would be situated in between the Schlasman’s and Pierre’s Knob chairlifts. A few egress trails to this new lift would also be added.
A current weak spot for Bridger Bowl is a lack of beginner terrain for less experienced skiers and riders. Currently, some of the beginner terrain is too steep for inexperienced skiers and riders. In addition, the existing beginner terrain can become crowded with timid skiers who have to ride next to more experienced guests who are coming back down to the base area, along with patrollers who are going to the ski patrol room with patients.
Bridger Bowl is proposing a new beginner area, which will include an introductory 500-foot-long chairlift. It would also provide easier access to Snowflake. The Snowflake chairlift would be replaced with a longer chairlift that would access new beginner terrain. A new building for the ski school program is being considered for this beginner area.
For terrain park fans, quickly lapping jumps and rails could become much easier. A rope tow is being considered for the terrain park on the Porcupine trail. What was once a Midwest ski industry commodity is becoming more popular in other regions, with Big Sky Resort and New Hampshire’s Tenney Mountain recently opening rope tows in the park.
New Facilities: In order to provide more space for guests, Bridger Bowl is planning to build and expand its facilities. The Bowl plans on replacing Jim Bridger Lodge with a new facility that’s closer to the parking lot. This would add more space for guests, kitchen workers, and rental shop employees.
The Alpine Cabin, which opened in 2014, could be expanded to allow for additional demand caused by from the new Bradley Meadows lift. The Bridger Bowl is considering expanding the kitchen, which would reduce the current need for crewmembers to make the food in base area facilities, and then travel up to the Alpine Cabin.
A new food and beverage outlet is being considered next to the base of the existing Pierre’s Knob chairlift, which would serve grab and go options.
Night Skiing: Night skiing could be coming to the Bridger Bowl.
As part of this MDP, Bridger Bowl is considering adding lights to the lower mountain. Night skiing would help make skiing more affordable, introduce more people to skiing and riding (through after-school programs), and reduce the traffic buildup that typically occurs at the end of the day on Bridger’s access road, as some guests would leave later. The lifts that could be a part of night skiing operations would be Virginia City, Sunnyside, and Bridger (up to the mid-station).
Other Mountain Upgrades: During low snow winters (like last season), snowmaking is essential for Bridger Bowl. They are proposing to add more snowmaking to more trails, which would allow them to open terrain earlier and prepare for a possible wildfire that could cross the mountain someday. Additionally, the Montana ski area is planning to build a new snowmaking pond. Multiple sites are being considered, including some areas which are on private land.
In response to minimal parking spots, Bridger Bowl is planning to add parking lots on the East End of the current parking zone. Bridger currently encourages carpooling, along with operating private busses that get skiers and riders to the mountain.
Summer Operations: With more people living in and visiting Bozeman in the offseason, more guests are visiting Bridger Bowl in the summer and fall. Bridger Bowl is planning to add more hiking and mountain biking trails to reduce congestion in areas like Hyalite Canyon. While not specified by Bridger Bowl, other summer activities are also being considered.
You can read Bridger Bowl’s 2025 master development plan here.
If you’re a member of the public who wants to comment or has questions on the proposals, there will be a few chances to speak up. Season passholders are invited to comment on February 27th from 4-6 p.m. at the Saddle Peak Lodge. General members of the public are being invited to speak up on March 1st from 5-8 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bozeman. Alternatively, you can fill out a survey.
Image/Video Credits: Bridger Bowl, Esri Community Maps
