Bridger Bowl Closes Early After Historic Low Snow Winter

Featured Image: Cassidy Powers, Bridger Bowl

Tears of joy and tears of sadness descended on the fabled rocks of Bridger Bowl last weekend as the resort closed up shop for winter 2025/26 weeks ahead of schedule. The weekend brought favorable weather, with Sunday's warm temperatures and clear skies leading to one of those classic closing days we all dream of. This one was just a bit earlier than we hoped.

This winter's dreary snowfall impacted Bridger dramatically, with the ski area, known for "cold smoke pow," clocking just 138 inches of snow at the Alpine snowstake. That number was likely far greater on top of the ridge, but the numbers don't lie; this winter has been historically bad for the Central Rockies.

Despite the low tide, skiers and boarders kept spirits high and flocked to the ski area dressed to the nines, as is only proper. Wet slides from above caused the closure of the mountain's upper half by noon, pushing skiers to find groomers, side hits and park laps wherever they could.

The traditional snowball onslaught at the end of closing day didn't stop, though. The midstation of the Bridger Chairlift served as the battleground, as opposed to the normal top area. The vibrant community turned out in full force, raining down snowballs and sending off winter with love.

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Bridger General Manager Hiram Towle announced the impromptu closure while standing in the melting remnants of this winter's snow at the ski area's base. "It wasn't an easy choice, especially considering the lack of powder days this year," he said in a speech on social media. "We decided the best way for us to finish strong is to close... with a celebration of what has been an odd but really fun season."

While many of us didn't rack up face shots like we anticipated this winter, skiing is still skiing. And if there's one thing we can all take away from Bridger's closing, it's that you don't need shoulder-deep snow to have a good time on skis. Any day in the mountains is better than the alternative, so while there's still snow, let's get after it!

And if you're in the Bozeman area, consider buying a ticket to the Dirtbag Ball, the annual Bridger Bowl Ski Patrol fundraiser party, taking place on March 28. Also, thanks to the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center for noting that Bridger Bowl is now backcountry terrain. Be sure to travel carefully through the mountains as temperatures continue to climb and Montana's snowpack remains very unstable.