TL;DR
Bridger Bowl's early season closure due to low snowfall impacted hundreds of workers. The resort's board approved extra payouts to compensate, a rare move in the ski industry.
Bridger Bowl Supports Staff Through Early Season End
Bridger Bowl in Montana has made a significant gesture of support for its seasonal workforce after a historically dry winter forced the resort to close operations three weeks early. While low snowfall is a recurring challenge for many resorts globally, Bridger Bowl’s response – providing additional compensation to displaced employees – stands out, particularly given the precarious financial position many seasonal workers find themselves in.
This year’s snowfall totalled just 138 inches, a stark contrast to the usual average of around 300 inches. The decision to close lifts was reportedly unavoidable given the combination of dangerously thin snowpack and unseasonably warm temperatures – hitting 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The impact on the resort’s 400-500 seasonal employees, who rely on this income, was considerable.
The Response: Beyond the Standard Bonus
Following the closure announcement, Bridger Bowl’s management proposed a plan to the board, requesting that seasonal employees receive their usual end-of-year bonus, plus an additional payment to offset lost wages. The board not only approved this proposal but reportedly encouraged management to increase the support further. This demonstrates a level of corporate responsibility that is rarely seen in the ski industry, where seasonal workers are often treated as expendable resources.
