People from around the world come to Bozeman, Montana, to experience world-class skiing at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort. Although both ski areas are easily accessible from Bozeman, one of the best things about Bridger is its proximity to town: this winter wonderland is only 16 miles from downtown, truly right in Bozeman’s backyard. Here’s what you need to know about getting to Bridger Bowl when you visit. We can’t wait to see you!
Getting Around by Car
If you’re flying to get here, you’ll be arriving at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), which offers direct flights from all major US cities. It’s only about a 10-15 minute ride from the airport to town, and you’ll get to enjoy exquisite mountain scenery from the moment you touch down.
If you want to make the most out of your vacation before or after hitting the slopes, renting a car might be the way to go. Although it is possible to get around Bozeman and up to Bridger without a car, having one will allow you to more easily access downtown, the MSU campus, and all the unique districts in Bozeman (like the Cannery District or Midtown), plus surrounding towns and of course, Bridger Bowl. During the winter months, a vehicle equipped with all-wheel drive is essential in order to safely navigate snowy terrain. If you choose to rent a car, be sure you’re prepared to drive in difficult conditions, and remember to bank a little more time into your itinerary so you can be safe and go slow.
There are also rideshare and taxi options available, and it is possible to get to the mountain without having a car of your own.
Directions to Bridger Bowl
No matter how you get to the resort, you’ll be treated to spectacular views along the way, and if you’re lucky, you might even see some elk. If you’re driving on your own, we suggest leaving early to avoid a line of cars as you get closer to the resort. Most importantly, drive with caution under icy conditions. Take your time and arrive safely. Here’s how to get there:
From downtown Bozeman, turn north on Rouse Avenue, which will take you all the way to Bridger Bowl. (Yes, it’s that simple!) As you head north of town, the road will curve east and turn into Bridger Canyon Drive, taking you along the east side of the Bridger Mountain Range. Just past mile marker 15, turn left into the Bridger Bowl Road.
Public Transportation
To reduce traffic on Bridger Canyon Road and free up parking, Bridger Bowl offers a free bus service that picks up skiers from the fairgrounds or the Montana State University Student Union Building. The Park N’ Ride lot at the fairgrounds is now located off of Tamarack Street instead of Oak Street. The bus runs more frequently on the weekends when the mountain is the busiest, but there are also midweek options available. You find current bus schedules on the Bridger Bowl website or by downloading their app. If you’re staying at a hotel and don’t have a rental car, we suggest inquiring about shuttle service to get you to and from the pick-up spot for free.
Using Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are now about as ubiquitous in Bozeman as they are in most other towns, and it is an option to use one of these services to get up the hill. Riders bringing their own skis or snowboards might want to try UberSKI, which offers vehicles equipped with either a ski rack or a truck bed. Expect a minimal pickup fee on top of regular Uber rates, and be sure to double-check availability, as service is limited in some areas.
Visiting Bozeman and Bridger Bowl is an experience you don’t want to miss. After you get your fill of excellent skiing (or maybe in between ski sessions), you’ll find the activities, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife in Bozeman will offer plenty of fun and adventure off the ski hill, too. Be sure to check out Bozeman's vibrant downtown district for its rich heritage and small-town charm.
Ready to start planning the complete Bozeman experience? Get started now at Visitbozeman.com.
If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles:
- Bozeman's Ski Area Comparison: Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort
- 7 Tips for Planning a Ski Trip of a Lifetime
- 5 Ways to Save on Your Bozeman Ski Trip
In our never-ending quest to keep up with all things new in Bozeman, we have been producing content for years and can't possibly update every blog when new businesses open or existing businesses close. Please reference the publish date and do your own due diligence when making plans.