From powder to puddles: Early spring thaw shutters Bridger Bowl three weeks early

Whether the Bozeman area’s near 80-degree temperatures are more indicative of early spring or summer, the warmer-than-usual conditions are ending the Bridger Bowl Ski Area season on Sunday, three weeks ahead of schedule.

A thinning snowpack forced the hand of slope officials to cut short what already amounted to a lackluster winter, according to Bridger staff.

Bridger historically aims to stay open through the first weekend in April. April 12 was the original projected closing, per the Bridger website.

“The mountain is indeed being put out of its misery,” one online commenter wrote upon learning the news.

Steve Apple, co-owner of Summit Bike and Ski repair shop on South Grand Avenue, was floored. The primarily biking shop utilizes ski repairs to get through winter.

“We mounted a lot of skis this year, which is kind of the surprising thing due to the lack of snow,” Apple said. “But as far as Bridger closing Sunday that is surprising to hear. When the snow is low people are still spending money in hopes of things getting better.”

Although the warm winter could be perceived as enabling outdoor weekend warriors to trade skis and boards for pedals and two wheels, Apple said it’s not that simple.

“That’s the thing it’s not like everything is rideable,” Apple said. “This is so abrupt. There is an excitement for the biking, but it’s change. It’s like, yeah you’re excited, but low snowpack could (also) make for a shorter riding season. A lot of people hope they can ski until April. I think collectively it is affecting all the businesses here in town.”

Dale Sexton, owner of Dan Bailey’s Outdoor Company ski, biking and fishing shop in Livingston, echoed: “While we’re not stoked, it’s a sign of the season. Ullr’s clearly not happy about something.”

In Norse mythology, Ullr is a god associated with skiing and archery.

“We’ve got our theories, but we’ll hold our tongue as we don’t want this to turn political,” Sexton said. “Our thoughts go out to all our friends, the Bridger staff, as they figure out how to navigate the shortened season. Fixing and building bikes, (we’re) staying optimistic that we’ll have a better winter next season.”

The earliest Bridger Bowl closing in recent history — other than a March 18 closure during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 — was April 4 in 2021.