It’s a snowy start to the new year at Bridger Bowl Ski Area, where 4 inches of fresh powder are expected today, adding to a 72-hour snowfall forecast of 15 inches. Bridger Bowl Ski Area in Montana boasts some of the best expert terrain in the country, with challenging runs such as "The Ridge" and "Schlasman's." For beginners, "The Meadows" provides a great area to learn and improve their skills.
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With overnight temperatures hovering just above freezing at 30.4°F, snow conditions are soft and surfy—perfect for laying deep arcs in Bridger’s signature Cold Smoke. The current snowpack depth sits at 11 inches, which is about 40% of average for this time of year, but the incoming storm could bolster those base layers just in time for the weekend. Snow Water Equivalent is measured at 3.6", indicating moderate water content—ideal for building that much-needed base.
Despite recent terrain damage from significant landslides and deep erosion, operations continue on modified terrain as Bridger Bowl celebrates its 70th season of skiing, sustainability, and community. The mountain remains committed to long-term improvements, with plans for six new lifts underway. Though the Alpine lift is set to be relocated to Mt. Spokane, Bridger’s independent spirit endures. Skiers are reminded to check daily terrain updates and avalanche advisories—recent slide activity just outside resort boundaries reinforces the importance of caution. Still, with new snow falling and that unmistakable Bridger energy in the air, it’s shaping up to be a memorable day on the mountain.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Sacajawea.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Bridger Bowl Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Bridger Bowl Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The pertinent mountain ranges and mountain aspects of Bridger Bowl Ski Area in Montana include:
1. The Bridger Range: Bridger Bowl is located in the Bridger Range, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Montana. The range is known for its rugged peaks and stunning alpine scenery.
2. The Bowl: Bridger Bowl is named for the large natural bowl-shaped formation that makes up the majority of the ski area. The bowl offers a variety of challenging terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
3. The Ridge: The Ridge is a prominent feature of Bridger Bowl, offering advanced skiers and snowboarders access to steep chutes, cliffs, and couloirs. The Ridge is known for its challenging terrain and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
4. The Bridger Gully: The Bridger Gully is a popular backcountry skiing area located adjacent to Bridger Bowl. The gully offers steep, challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders looking for a more adventurous experience.
Overall, Bridger Bowl Ski Area is known for its diverse terrain, including groomed runs, steep chutes, and backcountry options, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Montana.
An interesting fact about Bridger Bowl is that the ski area was founded in 1955 by local ski enthusiasts who wanted to create a community-owned ski hill. For apres ski, the Jim Bridger Lodge is a popular spot with a cozy fireplace and great beer selection.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, partly sunny, with a high near 40. west southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
Bridger Bowl Ski Area is expected to receive up to 1.23" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Montana is seeing its heaviest snow accumulation forecast in the northwest and Yellowstone regions. Notably, Flattop Mountain near Glacier National Park is projected to receive 17 inches of snow over the next five days, with Garver Creek and Hawkins Lake also expecting 13–15 inches. These areas are near Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail Mountain, suggesting significant snowfall for skiers in ... Read more