Welcome to Bozeman, a winter sports lover's paradise! From snowboarding to skiing, snowshoeing, and so much more, the Gallatin Valley is the perfect place for any snow seeker. Whether you want to stay in town, head out to either of our two local ski resorts, or prefer to go off on your own, we've compiled all of the deets in one place to make your winter adventure planning a breeze!
Bridger Bowl Ski Area
One of the most popular skiing locations near Bozeman is Bridger Bowl Ski Area, which first opened in the mid-1940s. Since then, it's been an important and beloved location for the local community of outdoor recreators! As a fully non-profit ski area, they are passionate about the community and are so much more than just a great spot to hit the slopes. In the 2023/2024 season alone, they've raised $23,208 for the Gallatin National Forest Avalance Center, $6,515 for the Bridger Bowl Foundation at Ride and Seek, and donated 4,000 lbs of food to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank at Carve Out Hunger!
Bridger Bowl offers 75 maintained ski trails alongside many unmarked runs totaling about 2,000 acres of skiable terrain! It has an average seasonal snowfall of around 300 inches and is open to ski sports from mid-December through mid-April each year. If you love skiing or snowboarding in the wintertime, it needs to be on your list! Plus, they host some awesome events throughout the year!
Big Sky Ski Resort
With 5,850 skiable acres, 4,350 vertical feet, and over 400 inches of snow annually, it's no wonder why Big Sky Ski Resort is a dream for any winter sports lover! In fact, it's often regarded as the "Biggest Skiing in America". They offer a variety of signature experiences, activities/events, and great resort amenities. From headlamp light skiing to having a full-on spa day, or enjoying a delicious meal, Big Ski Ski Resort is the full package for any adventure or relaxation-geared day trip or vacay!
Big Sky Ski Resort offers lift tickets/season passes, plus, they have skiing/snowboarding lessons, rentals, and even summer events to keep the fun rolling all year round!
Nordic Skiing Trails
If you prefer a day of skiing that is a bit less intense and lets you take in the beauty of Bozeman and beyond, you might love Nordic skiing! Unlike downhill skiing, Nordic skiing relies on yourself to glide across flat or gently rolling terrain, making it a great full-body workout! Of course, it’s what you make of it, but Nordic skiing is often slower-paced than downhill skiing.
Here are a few popular Nordic skiing trails in or around Bozeman:
- Bozeman Creek/Sourdough Canyon
- Hyalite Canyon
- Sunset Hills & Highland Glen
- Bridger Creek Golf Course
- Sacajawea Middle School Athletic Fields
Visit the Bridger Ski Foundation website for detailed maps!
Backcountry Skiing
If you're the type of person who likes to do things your own way and is not afraid to get a little lost in nature, backcountry skiing might be a great fit for you! Backcountry skiing is all about exploring beyond the ski resort and finding fresh snow and quiet, beautiful views. You start by hiking up the mountain, which makes the ride down even more rewarding. With the right gear and safety know-how, it’s an incredible way to experience the mountains on your own terms!
Here are a few popular spots for backcountry skiing near Bozeman:
Find more location-specific information about backcountry skiing here!
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