Head to Head: Bridger Versus Big Sky

For MSU students, it often comes down to two choices for skiing and snowboarding: Bridger Bowl for its proximity and local loyalty, or Big Sky Resort for its expansive terrain and lively vibe. In this head-to-head, it's a clash of ski vibe: local diehards versus resort senders. 

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Get Authenticity over Amenities at Bridger Bowl

By Kelly Hammaren 

Bridger may not have the nation's fastest chairlifts or five-star restaurants — although The Grizz comes close — but it has something that cannot be bought: authenticity.

Bridger has been serving the Bozeman community for over 70 years, cultivating a love for the outdoors without ever needing a seat-warmer for its chairlifts. 

According to sophomore environmental studies major Jack Bajek, the mountain’s locality allows students to ski world-class terrain before their 10 a.m. classes.

“The closer proximity is perfect if you’re trying to do a half day,” he said. “We’re all broke college students, so saving that extra hour of driving is good for the gas money.”

According to its website, Bridger has been a nonprofit since it opened in 1955, meaning all surplus revenue goes right back into the mountain — not into its executives' pockets. 

Bridger also offers more extreme in-bounds skiing. Its infamous ridge terrain — only accessible from the Schlasman’s Lift or the Bridger bootpack — is reserved solely for skiers with avalanche transceivers.

Junior business major Walker Posch said one of his best memories was on the ridge. 

“Last year's 20-inch day, the first week of March, we absolutely ripped ridge laps — great snow, great vibes,” he said.

Posch chose MSU due to its proximity to Bridger. “I think it's a huge part of why a lot of people come here,” he said.

Bajek said he loves the welcoming atmosphere at the ski hill.

“Everyone at Bridger wants to be there; they all make you feel like you want to be there,” he said.

While Bridger may not have the amenities Big Sky does, it is filled with skiers and snowboarders who have the attitude to make up for it. 

“The vibes are always good. Sometimes, just hanging out in the long lines with your friends isn’t the worst thing in the world,” Bajek said.

Go Big (Sky) or Go Home

By Vera Grabow

For students looking to elevate their ski and snowboard game, Big Sky offers access to feature-rich terrain parks and a welcoming local community.

According to its website, the resort has 40 chairlifts, 5,850 acres of skiable terrain, six terrain parks and 320 runs — a scale that few resorts can match.

Big Sky has something for everyone, from beginner green runs to expert triple-black diamonds.

Freshman business major Kate Mulligan said Big Sky checks all her boxes for the perfect ski resort.

“I would describe [my ideal ski resort] as where there’s lots of different terrain for everybody and not breaking the bank entirely,” she said. 

To keep costs affordable for college students, Big Sky offers an MSU-specific option, the Bobcat Pass, for $630. According to its website, pass holders can ski Sunday through Friday all season long with a few select blackout dates. 

Bridger, on the other hand, offers no student discounts. Their young adult pass — for ages 19 to 24 — is $830 for early buyers and $1,180 after Nov. 1. 

“[At Big Sky], there's more to see, and you can [ski] longer, which I feel like is way more bang for your buck,” Mulligan said. 

According to her, Big Sky’s terrain parks are also a strong draw for many MSU students. 

“I have so many buddies that keep going to Big Sky just for the park,” she said. “Also, huge props to Big Sky’s park crew. I always see them out there raking and waxing.” 

As a pass holder at both resorts, Mulligan is not a fan of what Bridger’s parks have to offer. 

“Their park just sucks,” she said.

Miguel Mejia, a lift operator at Big Sky, highlighted the positive atmosphere and good vibes.

“My favorite thing about Big Sky is the community — all of the workers, and everyone, shows up with a smile on their face,” he said. 

As we near the season’s close, Mejia said that Big Sky is the best place to end things with a bang. “Big Sky is the resort that stays open the longest for spring laps,” he said. 

For students making the most of a short college ski season, Big Sky makes a compelling case: Go bigger, stay longer and get your money’s worth.

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Ultimately, the choice between the two reflects what each student values most — local accessibility or vast terrain. Whether students find themselves at Bridger or Big Sky, one thing remains constant: No one’s turning down a powder day.