BRIDGER BOWL's HISTORY

Skiing enthusiasts have enjoyed the area known as Bridger Bowl since the mid 1940’s. Motivated by this early interest, the State of Montana negotiated with land owners, and in 1949 purchased 120 acres for access to the Gallatin National Forest and a proposed State Park and ski area. A rope-tow was installed in 1951, but the Bridger Mountain State Park struggled and never really materialized. Undaunted, local ski enthusiasts organized themselves and continued with plans to develop a winter sports area. The Bozeman State Park and Recreation Association was formed in 1954, and through the efforts of over 60 volunteers, the original platter lift was opened to the public in January of 1955. The organization was granted 501(c) (4) Nonprofit Status with membership open to Montana residents 18 years of age and older. The Association’s name was changed to the Bridger Bowl Association in 1971.

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In 1956, an upper platter lift was added providing access to the North Bowl, Avalanche Gulch and Bronco Face. The lower platter lift was replaced by a T-bar in 1958. Over the years, Bridger Bowl has become known for developing some of the nation’s best skiers and boarders, who have “cut their teeth” as Mogul Mice, BSF, Eagle Mount, Ski P.E. and MSU ski program participants. As the popularity of skiing at Bridger Bowl has increased, so has the need to add and improve access to new and existing terrain. In response, the Bridger and Alpine Riblet chair lifts were built in the 60’s. Direct lift access to the South Bowl was provided with the Deer Park, Pierre’s Knob and Virginia City Riblet chair lifts which were added in the 70’s. Ridge skiing was opened to the public in 1973 with a few “hard-core” locals enjoying the backcountry-like conditions.

The Deer Park A-frame chalet built in 1959 was replaced in 1996 by today’s large post and beam structure. The original lower base area chalet, built in 1967, was replaced in 1988 by the Jim Bridger Lodge. The Jim Bridger Lodge offers food and beverage service, equipment rental, retail sales and the Bridger Bowl Ski School which has significantly improved guest services. Limited snowmaking was first introduced in 1991. The first stairway from the parking lot to the Jim Bridger Lodge was added in 1994. With the addition of the Powder Park Quad lift in 1995, the Alpine and Bridger lifts were shortened from the bottom up increasing lift capacity by 40%. The beginner’s area with the Snowflake lift was added in 2000, and the Pierre’s Knob lift was upgraded to a CTEC triple chair in 2001. The new Saddle Peak Lodge completed the most recent phase of improvements which included the new Ski Patrol, Eagle Mount and BSF facilities.

The outstanding effort and support of local volunteers, association and board members, businesses, staff, and dedicated pass holders over the past 50 years have enabled Bridger Bowl to grow from one rope-tow and a quonset hut to a major ski area with 1,500 acres of terrain, 7 chair lifts, 2,600 vertical feet, 3 lodges and a plan for future expansion as needed. Over this time financial stability has been achieved and all net profit has been reinvested into the mountain. Bridger Bowl has become a cornerstone for Bozeman’s recreational community and a major contributor to the area’s vibrant winter tourism economy.

Bridger Bowl’s original mission still stands to this day: to plan, develop and maintain facilities and services in a financially sound manner which provide the best possible skiing experience at a reasonable cost to local, regional and destination skiers.