As winter wraps itself around our curvy natural state, we are compelled to accessorize with an arsenal of winter gear. Dusting off those sorels gives me an odd sense of pleasure, as if I am unholstering a life saving piece of integral warfare. Thermal underwear and socks are searched for in the bottoms of dressers and bins, and upon being found, proudly take their places as body armor. A flurry of hats, scarves, and mittens take the front lines, almost as if they are trying to confuse the stone-cold winter rival with a variety of shapes and colors.
In all honesty, regardless of how prepared we are for winter here in Montana, it is rather daunting at times. Making its way effortlessly past our militant layers of fabric, the frigid air still finds our ears and whispers. Putting a metaphorical rhyme to winters cool breath may sound something like this:
“We are here together you and I,
that feverish summer well’s run dry.
She came in hot and went out cold,
Teased you a bit just like fools gold.
Now you’re left with me, my friend
With any season, I will gladly contend.
Tell me, what is your hearts delight,
And please, by all means, be forthright.
Is it weaving through a bed of trees
Bouncing off powder on two skis?
Maybe you prefer to ride a board
Shredding through terrain unexplored.
Either way, if that’s your love,
These types of things that I speak of,
Take my frosty hand and follow me,
Bundle up tight, and lets go ski.”
Bozeman, as most of us already know, has built a nice fat repertoire when it comes to voluptuous hillsides of powder. Our credentials are popping at the seams with magazines gleaming of our nationally top-ranked ski terrain.
So, excuses being for the birds, I would suggest making the most out of this ski-tropolis that calls itself Bozeman. If you don’t ski, pick it up this year. There’s no time like the present, right? If you don’t drive, be a bum! Don’t feel bad either, because Bozeman was declared as being the “best place to go if you’re a ski bum” by Powder Magazine. If you are strapped for cash, make some necessary cut backs and save for a day of rosy cheeked shredding by checking out Bridger’s deals. You won’t be disappointed.
With all due respect, and unless you are a small child, lets keep those winter blues whines down to a small roar, shall we? I promise you that those sad nasal-pitched snivels are old news and taste just as bad as they sound. If you are seasonally affected, ahem, you my friend are in the wrong area code. With that being said, lets gear up for ski season, and find out for ourselves why we are ranked as one of the top ski towns in America.
Let me give you a run-down of all the nitty gritty morsels that you may want to chew on as the ski hills begin to open.
First up on Bozeman’s line of big triple threats is Bridger Bowl. Opening December 10th, lift ticket prices for adults are 39$/half day and 47$/full day. A standard season pass will run you $665 while a midday season pass comes in at $465. A couple deals to consider include the ten-time pass for $350 or look into MSU’s RIDE-ON card. This card is $30 and it allows you to ski all season for $39/full day and provides many discounted and free days throughout the season as well. The closest and most reasonably priced ski resort of the three, Bridger is a 16 mile drive Northeast of Bozeman. Check it out at www.bridgerbowl.com.
Next up to the plate is Big Sky Resort. Opening November 25th, lift ticket prices for adults are $55/full day through December 10. After the 10th, lift ticket prices for adults are $61/full day with valid MSU ID. A couple deals to consider is the Gold Direct-to-Lift Pass going for $899 for college students and the Frequent Sky Card for $139 which offers you 14 free days of skiing and $20 off the regular season window rate.
Ski 3800 acres, the most acres of rideable terrain you will find in the area. For more information, check out www.bigskyresort.com.
We also have our hidden gem, Moonlight Basin. Opening December 11th, lift ticket prices for college adults are $44/half day and $49/full day. College students can score a season pass for only $545. Shell out $450 if you can swing a mid day week pass! This resort will offer you beautiful uncrowded ski terrain. For more information, go to www.moonlightbasin.com.
For a season pass that combines both Big Sky and Moonlight into over 5,500 acres of downhill terrain, 27 combined lifts, and 220+ trails, take a look at the ‘Biggest Skiing in America’ ticket prices.
Its time to play, happy trails everyone!
