TL;DR
As the winter season comes to an end, skiers and snowboarders across Western North America are hoping for season extensions at their local ski resorts. However, Bridger Bowl in Bozeman, Montana has decided to stick to its set closing date of April 9th. General Manager Hiram Towle explained the decision in a letter to customers, citing the reduction in staff towards the end of the season and the risk of avalanches on the steep terrain due to warm weather in the forecast. Commenters on social media praised Towle's transparency and thoroughness in his response. For those still looking to hit the slopes around Bozeman, Big Sky will remain open until April 23rd.
Many skiers and snowboarders in majority of the western states of the USA, who have been experiencing a historic winter, are hoping that their hometown ski resorts will extend their season. However, Bridger Bowl, located in Bozeman, Montana, is planning to stick to its closing date of April 9th despite customers' requests for an extension. In a letter to customers, the General Manager of Bridger Bowl, Hiram Towle, cited a couple of reasons for the decision. Firstly, staff numbers tend to reduce towards the end of the season, making it difficult to keep the resort open. Secondly, the upcoming ridge in the forecast is expected to bring warm weather, resulting in wet slides on the upper mountain and sticky snow on the lower mountain. Bridger Bowl's upper mountain terrain is extremely steep and poses a high risk of avalanches. Towle's explanation was well-received by commenters on social media, who appreciated the transparency and thoroughness of his response. For those hoping to continue skiing around Bozeman after Bridger Bowl's closing, Big Sky will remain open until April 23rd. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bridger Bowl Ski Area (@bridgerbowl) About Bridger BowlBridger Bowl Ski Area is a world-class ski area located in the Bridger Mountains of southwest Montana. The resort offers a unique and challenging skiing experience for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, with over 2,000 skiable acres and 75 runs spread across two interconnected mountains. Bridger Bowl is known for its excellent snow quality, with an average annual snowfall of over 350 inches and a high percentage of north-facing terrain, which helps preserve the snow quality throughout the season. The resort offers a diverse range of terrain, including groomed runs, glades, moguls, and hike-to terrain, with something to suit every skill level. One of the most unique features of Bridger Bowl is the Ridge, a collection of steep, narrow chutes and tree runs that are accessible by hiking approximately 20 minutes from the top of the Bridger lift. The Ridge offers some of the most challenging terrain in the area, with steep drops and tight turns that will test even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders. Bridger Bowl is also known for its laid-back, friendly atmosphere, with a strong sense of community among locals and visitors alike. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including several dining options, a ski school, and a rental shop, as well as a range of events and activities throughout the season.
About the author
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
