Well hello old man. Old Man Winter, that is. He’s back to stay it seems. I can tell by that twinkle in his eye that glares off of the early morning snowfall. By that thick coat of his that wraps itself around Bozeman’s contours. By that gnarly snow-white beard that gets longer every time I see him. Looks like our torrid little romance with the gorgeous Indian summer has finally reached its breaking point. She really was just a tease anyways.
So here we are, right smack dab in the middle of winter. Now, with all due respect, please spare us all of that whiny-pitched winter blues news. It’s old and tastes bitter. If you are seasonally affected, ahem, then you are in the wrong area code. But by all means, don’t just take my word for it. Lets take a look at what others have to say concerning Bozeman’s credentials, shall we?
The city of Bozeman was ranked in the November issue of Powder Magazine as ‘the number one place to live and ski.’ That’s nationwide. The article went on to say that ‘Bozeman is more affordable than Jackson Hole, less crowded than Salt Lake, and more of a real town then Whistler,’ making it the ‘best place to go if you’re going to be a ski bum.’
Outside Magazine ranked Bozeman among the “25 Dream Towns” and we came in #1 for the best skiing in the West. To land a spot as a dream town, a lot of areas were considered. Some of these include our bustling college campus, our forward-thinking community, our commitment to preserve the spectacular setting, our percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree, cost of living, and our proximity to a gargantuan variety of outdoor activities.
To top off this sundae, Bozeman was also chosen by Skiing Magazine this year as ‘one of the top 10 ski towns in America.’
With that being said, I would suggest making the most out of this ski-tropolis that calls itself Bozeman. If you don’t ski, give it a go. If you don’t drive, be a bum. If you are a little strapped for cash, check out Bridger’s seasonal deals. There is no excuses ladies and gentlemen. Let me give you a run-down of all the nitty gritty morsels that you may want to chew on before the ski hills 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!
