Bridger’s one-week season extension ends with a bang

For the majority of the winter, Bridger Bowl maintained a projected closing day of April 7, which was two Sundays ago.

However, in a surprising turn of events following an underwhelming season with an incredibly thin snowpack, they instead closed this past Sunday, April 14. Despite warm temperatures and terrain closures leading up to closing weekend, Bozemanites still ended the season in classic ski bum fashion.

According to Bridger Bowl’s marketing and communications director Erin O’Connor, the decision to extend this year's season was mostly a result of the hopeful weather projections two weeks ago. “We decided to extend the season for several reasons, mainly the weather forecast looked promising in our favor with snow possible April 6 and 7 — and Mother Nature delivered,” O’Connor said.

There was a surprising amount of snowfall two weekends ago considering the warm temperatures at Bridger just days before. The beginner’s area got as hot as 57 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday, April 3, according to the Bridger Bowl website.

That Saturday was less than ideal for skiers. Although the hill received four inches of new snow, extreme winds resulted in lifts being put on hold for parts of the day. Overnight, Bridger received nine inches — a figure which, mind you, only surveys new snow at the top of the Alpine lift. Its website reported around 20 inches of fresh snow at Bridger’s top on Sunday, a total that could be felt if not heard for anyone skiing upper-mountain terrain that day.

According to O’Connor, spirits at Bridger were high in light of the season extension coupled with the new snow. “I think the morale is great, we had a tough start to the season with the lack of snow, but now we are extending, which will make up for the week we lost in the beginning,” O’Connor explained. “Staff and guests are excited, especially with the new snow over the weekend. Several people told me Saturday and Sunday were some of the best days of the season.”

O’Connor also elaborated on the significance of Bridger Bowl as a valuable community locale. “I would like students — especially those who have recently moved here — to understand that Bridger Bowl is a community gem for everyone to enjoy,” O’Connor said.

Warm temperatures resulted in heightened avalanche risk and terrain closures throughout the closing week, with both North and South Bowl Roads being roped off due to wet slide activity. This didn’t stop local skiers and snowboarders from having fun in the sun. Closing weekend saw temperatures in the 60-degree range according to the National Weather Service, resulting in sunburns and slush laps.

At the end of the day on Sunday, skiers and snowboarders congregated at the top of the Bridger midway lift — the upper mountain having been closed off earlier that day — and sat atop the hill, throwing snowballs and preparing for one final run. Once the last chair was emptied of passengers, hundreds of skiers all mobbed down to the parking lot where the party continued for several hours.

So, despite this season leaving a lot to be desired up at the hill, Bozemanites still made it over to Bridger for a final shred in the warm temperatures and party laps. Here’s to hoping next year has a better snowfall than this one.