Ski Hill Roundup—News You Need to Know!
Photo, Courtesy Bridger Bowl
Winter came with a force this year—it started snowing early and often. After the initial shock wore off, everyone settled into the groove and the usual stoke for ski season ensued…albeit a little earlier than expected!
Yellowstone Country is home to three ski resorts, Big Sky Resort, Bridger Bowl and Red Lodge Mountain. All three areas boast amazing terrain, and each one has their own distinct vibe. (Pro-tip: plan for 10 days—with two days at each hill—and you’ll hit the ultimate ski vacation!)
There’s a lot to be excited about this season—the on-piste ski and riding experience just keeps getting better, the snow base is looking good, and there are some great deals on packages!
Photo, Travis Andersen
Red Lodge Mountain
The snow gods are smiling on Red Lodge Mountain this season. So much so, they are opening early, November 23 and 24, 2019, for a bonus weekend!
Red Lodge Mountain is nestled within the Beartooth Mountain Range, one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in Montana. The terrain is varied; you’ll find everything from rolling groomers to steep powder stashes. (And with fewer crowds, they stick around a lot longer!)
If you’re planning on more than a weekend, there are some great package deals available.
Check out the 96-hour sale starting Friday, November 22 through Monday, November 25, 2019. A 4-pack ticket, good for skiing or riding any time in the 2019 – 2020 season is just $239!
6-Tix is another great option for weekend warriors. Valid for six days during the season with no blackout days, an adult package is just $315. If you can squeeze in more days, refill three more days for $165.
If you’re in town for opening day, check out Warren Miller’s new film “Timeless,” playing at the Roman Theater, Friday, November 29, 2019 at 7:15 p.m.
Opening day, Friday, November 29, 2019.
Photo, @m_hersom
Big Sky Resort
With 5,850 skiable acres, 4,350 vertical feet and 36 lifts including the Lone Peak Tram, Big Sky Resort has some of the Biggest Skiing in America®. To give you some perspective, the view from the top spans three states and two national parks!
There are big expansions underway over the next few years. Last year, the Ramcharger 8 Chairlift debuted. The most modern chairlift that’s ever been built, this lift can transport 3,600 skiers per hour to the top of Andesite Mountain. (For a real treat, try Headlamp Night Skiing on Andesite.)
This year, a number of new improvements are in place:
- The Exchange opens—a reimagined dining, après ski, restrooms and locker area in the Mountain Village base area. The food lineup sounds remarkable, with a ramen station, taqueria, stone-fired pizza, specialty coffee and a crepe station, plus fresh sushi, soups sandwiches and other deli items. In addition to increased indoor seating and expanded outdoor patio seating, the area doubles as a flexible event space holding up to 750 people.
- Expanded grooming with the addition of four new Prinoth Bison S Snowcats.
- A new blue-rated run on the Shedhorn lift, Lupin, is a top-to-bottom groomer with several distinct headwalls and a variety of pitches and corners.
- Designation of Triple Black Diamond runs for increased guest education and awareness of the risks of high-alpine, high-consequence terrain. These designations encourage skiing in control.
Opening day, Thursday, November 28, 2109.
Photo, Dave Hebert
Bridger Bowl
A local favorite, Bridger Bowl is where the fathers of freestyle got their ski legs. Known for its steep chutes, dry, light powder, and recently expanded beginner terrain, Bridger has a reputation of turning out incredible skiers.
Arguably the most successful not-for-profit ski area in the country, Bridger continues to improve its operations. The organization is highly committed to sustainability. They have installed a new solar array by Deer Park Chalet, all of the restaurants will be composting this season, and they recently partnered with MSU on a state of the art, vertical flow water treatment system.
Other highlights include:
- The Snowsports Program is now offering several new specialty workshops including a Mini Moguls Camp.
- Frequency Cards are available all season!
- Lift and lodging packages are available with many hotels in Bozeman, some even include $30 in downtown dollars!
Opening day, Friday, December 6, 2019.
Learn more about skiing and riding in Yellowstone Country.
Photo, Travis Andersen