Bridger Bowl is a big-hearted 2,000-acre ski area comprising wide-open terrain and a variety of runs that'll keep piste-lovers of all skill levels drunk on the sheer volume of skiable terrain. Flanked by two large bowls to the north and south, this university-owned resort receives 350 inches of annual snowfall, blanketing a vertical rise of some 2,600 vertiginous feet—all within a ten-minute drive from the college town of Bozeman, Montana.

With Montana State University nearby, the nonprofit ski area sees its fair share of daring youngsters, and most in this breed flock toward the renowned Ridge, the state's more extreme piste, replete with steep chutes, radical cliffs, and open snowfields. To access the terrain, skiers and boarders must endure a 400-vertical-foot hike after disembarking the Bridger Lift. They must also posses an avalanche transceiver, a shovel, a partner, knowledge of the terrain, and expert-level skills.

Don't let this banner double-black terrain convince you that the Bowl is way out of your (or your kids') league; one-quarter of Bridger's runs is designated beginner, and over one-third is intermediate. The resort also specializes in private instruction for preschoolers, group lessons for kids and adults, a variety of workshops, and therapeutic recreation for disabled and special-needs children and adults.

To match Bozeman's dynamic, lively atmosphere, Bridger Bowl keeps itself busy with a wide variety of on-site events. For the highly competitive, Bridger hosts a handful of ski and snowboard competitions, like the Bridger Gully Free Ride and the Pinhead Classic.

Some of the downsides: The terrain park is rather

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Bridger Bowl is a big-hearted 2,000-acre ski area comprising wide-open terrain and a variety of runs that'll keep piste-lovers of all skill levels drunk on the sheer volume of skiable terrain. Flanked by two large bowls to the north and south, this university-owned resort receives 350 inches of annual snowfall, blanketing a vertical rise of some 2,600 vertiginous feet—all within a ten-minute drive from the college town of Bozeman, Montana.

With Montana State University nearby, the nonprofit ski area sees its fair share of daring youngsters, and most in this breed flock toward the renowned Ridge, the state's more extreme piste, replete with steep chutes, radical cliffs, and open snowfields. To access the terrain, skiers and boarders must endure a 400-vertical-foot hike after disembarking the Bridger Lift. They must also posses an avalanche transceiver, a shovel, a partner, knowledge of the terrain, and expert-level skills.

Don't let this banner double-black terrain convince you that the Bowl is way out of your (or your kids') league; one-quarter of Bridger's runs is designated beginner, and over one-third is intermediate. The resort also specializes in private instruction for preschoolers, group lessons for kids and adults, a variety of workshops, and therapeutic recreation for disabled and special-needs children and adults.

To match Bozeman's dynamic, lively atmosphere, Bridger Bowl keeps itself busy with a wide variety of on-site events. For the highly competitive, Bridger hosts a handful of ski and snowboard competitions, like the Bridger Gully Free Ride and the Pinhead Classic.

Some of the downsides: The terrain park is rather small, though it does have rails, boxes, and a variety of snow features. The park is located between the Bridger and Deer Park lifts in the meadow above Boot Hill. The opening date and operation of the park is contingent on natural snowfall, but if conditions cooperate, it's open seven days a week. Some of the lifts are also quite old and slow, though improvements are on the horizon. But between the breathtaking views, snowboarding allowed on the whole mountain, and the close proximity to Bozeman and its various restaurants, bars, and hotels, these are modest hardships, easily endured.

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