Bridger Bowl dealing with low snowpack and growth

Bridger Bowl sold a record number of passes for the 2021-22 season, but with low snowfall, the season has been challenging for the ski area.

 “We have sold more passes and had our two largest months of skier visits ever in January and February, including four of our largest days ever on one of the thinnest snowpacks ever,” Bridger Bowl General Manager Bob Pettit said.

 Bridger Bowl opened for the season on Dec. 21, 11 days after its projected opening day. The ski area has been open for just over 11 weeks and has approximately a month until the projected closing day of April 10. However, the conditions on the mountain are not promising, possibly leading to an early close. “We entered March with the lowest recorded snowpack in Bridger Bowl history,” Pettit said.

 “Lack of snow in January and February has made a huge impact on how the mountain skis,” Pettit said. When asked the quality of the snowpack this season compared to others, Pettit responded, “One word: Terrible. We are so far behind normal or average that it is inconceivable to grasp.” Even with a low snowpack, the ski area has been able to operate. “Our grooming and snowmaking departments made this season work for all of us. Without them, we would not have gotten or stayed open,” Pettit said.

 Despite the low snowpack, Bridger Bowl has been able to remain open throughout one of its busiest seasons on record. While the mountain has been busy, “the runs are not crowded and lines are not beyond reasonable,” Pettit said. Bridger Bowl logged its first day this season of over 6,000 skiers and snowboarders including no issues with the lift lines. “I grew up in Colorado in the 70s and know what lift lines can look like,” Pettit said. “We are in good shape for now but will continue to work on the expansion of the lifts, terrain, parking and lodges.”

 “Parking is our current limiting factor right ahead of lodge capacity and staffing,” Pettit said. “Buses and carpooling will be our only relief for the immediate future. If everyone rode up with at least one friend on a powder day, things would be much easier for all of us.”

COVID-19 has also caused an increase in employee sick days, according to Pettit, as the mountain’s reservation system and mask policy are no longer in place. “Snow last year, combined with restricted skier numbers, made for a much better skier experience in 2020-21,” Pettit said.

In order to manage the growth, Bridger Bowl is encouraging more skiers to visit on weekdays as opposed to the busiest of weekends. “The Locals Pass gave guests the option to opt-out of our busiest weekends, with substantial cost savings,” Pettit said.

As Bridger Bowl enters the last month of operations for the season, try to “park close so others can also enjoy Bridger Bowl and ride to the mountain with others whenever possible,” Pettit said. “We are all in this together.”