America’s second largest nonprofit ski area plans significant changes to its lift layout under a proposed 2025 master plan. Located near fast-growing Bozeman, Bridger Bowl proposes to add an expansion lift called Bradley Meadows, an infill lift called Pierre’s Knob 2 and three smaller lifts serving beginner trails and terrain parks. The plan was prepared by SE Group and is still undergoing finishing touches.

Bridger Bowl remains the continent’s third largest ski area without a detachable lift and that distinction is unlikely to change, though specific lift types have not been released. The first major project is a lift in Bradley Meadows, a carryover from Bridger Bowl’s 2015 Master Plan Update. This lift would service advanced terrain to the north of the existing Alpine triple. Bradley Meadows lies within Bridger’s existing Special Use Permit area in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest and includes several new trails. As part of the lift-served expansion, Bridger would construct a patrol only platter lift to the ridge, supplementing an existing patrol platter used for avalanche hazard reduction work. A new rope tow is also planned to service a terrain park between Alpine and Powder.

A second new chairlift carries the working name Pierre’s Knob 2 and would access terrain between Pierre’s Knob and Schlasman’s. These two chairs are quite far apart and require significant traversing to transit between them. The new lift would service several new trails on the south side of the mountain. All told, additional developed trails in Bradley Meadows and Pierre’s Knob 2 would encompass 70 acres.

Bridger Bowl also plans to expand its offering for beginners. Much of Bridger’s existing beginner terrain is located in high traffic areas near existing lifts. A more secluded beginner pod is planned, which would require a modest expansion of Bridger’s Special Use Permit area and a new chairlift. A second, shorter beginner chairlift is planned closer to the Virginia City lift. Interestingly, the current Snowflake lift used to run in a similar alignment before it was moved in 2017. The plan also includes major enhancements to snowmaking, a new night skiing program, lodge upgrades and additional parking.

The Bridger Ski Foundation plans to host two community open houses to solicit feedback on its proposed master plan. The first one, to be held at the ski area on February 27th, will include season passholders and members. A second open house is open to anyone on March 1st in Bozeman. You can also submit feedback online before the Master Development Plan is formally submitted to the Forest Service for acceptance.