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Big Sky VS Bridger Bowl

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jarnold0723
Posts: 3 - Karma: 16
I'll be a student at Montana State next fall and am looking into where I should try to get a pass at. Just wondering about the parks in both resorts and just anything in general you have to say about either of these places?
Oct 11 2016 3:54PM
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eheath
Posts: 61100 - Karma: 118,255
Well both are going to have "sub par" parks, big skys park will likely have an edge over bridgers park.

Both places have AMAZING skiing, hard to go wrong at either resort.

Obviously bridger is much closer, which would work well for your school schedule most likely. But big sky is only 50ish minutes away so its not that bad.

Bridger is cheaper too, which also makes it more tempting.

If I lived in bozeman I would try to get some sort of pass at each place because I couldn't imagine only going to one of them.
Oct 11 2016 4:10PM
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Swandog7
Posts: 4955 - Karma: 9,019
I talked to a college rep yester day and he said passes ~$120 for Bridger and ~$200 for Big Sky for the season, you could do both reletively easily
Oct 11 2016 4:19PM
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Swandog7
Posts: 4955 - Karma: 9,019
Also shuttles are free to Bridger aND $5 roundtrip for big sky running on every hour
Oct 11 2016 4:20PM
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eheath
Posts: 61100 - Karma: 118,255
Swandog7I talked to a college rep yester day and he said passes ~$120 for Bridger and ~$200 for Big Sky for the season, you could do both reletively easily


I'm not sure who you talked to, but that is not how much a season pass is at either resort.

Bridger for 19-24 years old is $580 right now, goes up to $730 after oct 15 and a midweek pass is $399 until oct 15, $499 after (best deal IMO weekends will likely be crowded)

Big Sky for a college pass is $899 and mon - thurs pass is $499
Oct 11 2016 4:25PM
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Swandog7
Posts: 4955 - Karma: 9,019
eheathI'm not sure who you talked to, but that is not how much a season pass is at either resort.

Bridger for 19-24 years old is $580 right now, goes up to $730 after oct 15 and a midweek pass is $399 until oct 15, $499 after (best deal IMO weekends will likely be crowded)

Big Sky for a college pass is $899 and mon - thurs pass is $499


Wow fuck me. He said that for student discounts. Guess I must have misheard him, I was wondering why it was so cheap haha.
Oct 11 2016 4:36PM
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eheath
Posts: 61100 - Karma: 118,255
Swandog7Wow fuck me. He said that for student discounts. Guess I must have misheard him, I was wondering why it was so cheap haha.


He may have meant $120 off and $200 off regular prices...but looking at the websites thats not entirely true too.

This is all based off of their websites, not sure if MSU has some sort of program or club that gets better deals maybe? But a bridger pass is gonna be 600 at least and big sky is gonna be 800 at least...
Oct 11 2016 4:40PM
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profa_212
Posts: 8633 - Karma: 32,533
you dont go to montana for park dude. If you have a beacon bridger is amazing...but its also smaller. Big sky is larger and has a huge variety of terrain with some outstanding big mountain riding. Big sky has the better park of the two if you really need to ski park.
Oct 11 2016 4:40PM
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Swandog7
Posts: 4955 - Karma: 9,019
eheathHe may have meant $120 off and $200 off regular prices...but looking at the websites thats not entirely true too.

This is all based off of their websites, not sure if MSU has some sort of program or club that gets better deals maybe? But a bridger pass is gonna be 600 at least and big sky is gonna be 800 at least...


you're probably right in general pricing. I was surprised to hear such a low rate. Probably the money I save off a pass. I know the shuttling info I heard right, assuming what he said is correct.
Oct 11 2016 4:43PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9926 - Karma: 9,344
eheathWell both are going to have "sub par" parks, big skys park will likely have an edge over bridgers park.


more than an edge...Big Sky's park is significantly better than Bridgers and it keeps improving every season.

I love park and a kied Moonlight my freshman year at MSU and due to a fuckup in their website got a Big Sky pass for $200, and definitely don't regret not getting a Bridger pass. 95% of kids at MSU go Bridger so anytime I wanted to go it was easy to find a pass/beacon to borrow. It's much harder to do that the other way and borrow Big Sky passes
Oct 11 2016 4:43PM
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Casey
Posts: 7785 - Karma: 23,466
ski.the.eastmore than an edge...Big Sky's park is significantly better than Bridgers and it keeps improving every season.

I love park and a kied Moonlight my freshman year at MSU and due to a fuckup in their website got a Big Sky pass for $200, and definitely don't regret not getting a Bridger pass. 95% of kids at MSU go Bridger so anytime I wanted to go it was easy to find a pass/beacon to borrow. It's much harder to do that the other way and borrow Big Sky passes


I dunno if it's still like this but they only check passes as the bottom lift at Bridger and usually the lift op was also in charge of checking tickets and didn't give a shit either way...
Oct 11 2016 4:51PM
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Cadenmccullough
Posts: 628 - Karma: 2,647
If you have the money get a pass to both. I get out of class at 12 and then ski at bridger. But ski big sky on weekends. Bridger's Park is small but still pretty fun and has a decently big jump. Big sky has multiple parks that are super fun to hotlap. The two main parks are pretty big with a good amount of features.
Oct 11 2016 11:57PM
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leprechaunsissy
Posts: 645 - Karma: 237
Bridger will be closer and in general better snow. While Bridger offers big terrain, Big Sky technically offers bigger, if snow allows. Park is not a legit consideration at either; each is abundant with big mtn options.
Oct 12 2016 12:57AM
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X_ANKILLA
Posts: 2354 - Karma: -5,295
The BBC will be your favorite thing about Bridger.
Oct 12 2016 10:37AM
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I_liketobutter
Posts: 2664 - Karma: 997
Both are so sick, can't go wrong with either. The benefit of Bridger is you can ski in the morning and still make it to class in the afternoon pretty easily. Definitely did that a ton.

Don't worry about park. Time in MT turns you into an all mtn shredder
Oct 12 2016 11:32AM
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pduncan
Posts: 1131 - Karma: 1,607
eheathI'm not sure who you talked to, but that is not how much a season pass is at either resort.

Bridger for 19-24 years old is $580 right now, goes up to $730 after oct 15 and a midweek pass is $399 until oct 15, $499 after (best deal IMO weekends will likely be crowded)

Big Sky for a college pass is $899 and mon - thurs pass is $499


Im a freshman at Montana State. I have a Big Sky pass and I have been contemplating what to do as far as Bridger. I was thinking midweek pass and with this recommendation Ill probably be getting one for sure. Its nice thats its so close and Ill get to meet way more people.
Oct 12 2016 1:38PM
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jarnold0723
Posts: 3 - Karma: 16
CadenmcculloughIf you have the money get a pass to both. I get out of class at 12 and then ski at bridger. But ski big sky on weekends. Bridger's Park is small but still pretty fun and has a decently big jump. Big sky has multiple parks that are super fun to hotlap. The two main parks are pretty big with a good amount of features.


Is there any trouble finding people who are going up to Big Sky, because I have heard that most MSU students dont get a Big Sky pass? Also is there a Weekday pass for Bridger?
Oct 12 2016 3:05PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9926 - Karma: 9,344
jarnold0723Is there any trouble finding people who are going up to Big Sky, because I have heard that most MSU students dont get a Big Sky pass? Also is there a Weekday pass for Bridger?


way way more people ski Bridger than Big Sky, my freshman year I felt like it was 95% Bridger and 5% Big Sky/Moonlight. Super easy to find rides/borrow passes for Bridger so like I said earlier I would recommend getting a BS pass and borrowing for whenever you want to go to Bridger, since you can't really do that the other way around. Also the good shit at Bridger gets skied off in about 5 minutes vs Big Sky stays fresh significantly longer if you're worried about that
Oct 12 2016 3:19PM
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pduncan
Posts: 1131 - Karma: 1,607
ski.the.eastway way more people ski Bridger than Big Sky, my freshman year I felt like it was 95% Bridger and 5% Big Sky/Moonlight. Super easy to find rides/borrow passes for Bridger so like I said earlier I would recommend getting a BS pass and borrowing for whenever you want to go to Bridger, since you can't really do that the other way around. Also the good shit at Bridger gets skied off in about 5 minutes vs Big Sky stays fresh significantly longer if you're worried about that


Im not gonna mess around with stealing(using other peoples tickets) at Bridger. My buddy did this last year and got caught somehow and ending up having to pay for it plus got the other kids pass suspended for a little bit.
Oct 12 2016 4:01PM
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eheath
Posts: 61100 - Karma: 118,255
ski.the.eastAlso the good shit at Bridger gets skied off in about 5 minutes vs Big Sky stays fresh significantly longer if you're worried about that


Sounds like you don't like hiking ;)
Oct 12 2016 4:03PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9926 - Karma: 9,344
eheathSounds like you don't like hiking ;)


I do, and have hiked the ridge countless times, before and during the season. Believe it or not some of the best snow I skied up there was Nov 3rd. Its just not worth skiing Bridger if you're not down to hike. I know you know this but for OPs sake, Schlasmans (beacon required) is really the only lift with great terrain at Bridger and even then its a 10 minute hike from the top of that to the ridge to access the goods. 5 minutes was an exaggeration on my part but the good stuff definitely gets skied off quick, since pretty much everyone in Bozeman is waiting in line @ Schlasmans on a pow day. In my experience Big Sky held good snow for way longer, and even though the terrain isn't quite as playful as the ridge, I always found that better than waiting in a longass line
Oct 12 2016 4:19PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9926 - Karma: 9,344
pduncanIm not gonna mess around with stealing(using other peoples tickets) at Bridger. My buddy did this last year and got caught somehow and ending up having to pay for it plus got the other kids pass suspended for a little bit.


to each his own. All you gotta do is wear a facemask, act like you belong and don't hang around the bottom of the lift for longer than you absolutely have to
Oct 12 2016 4:23PM
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eheath
Posts: 61100 - Karma: 118,255
ski.the.eastI do, and have hiked the ridge countless times, before and during the season. Believe it or not some of the best snow I skied up there was Nov 3rd. Its just not worth skiing Bridger if you're not down to hike. I know you know this but for OPs sake, Schlasmans (beacon required) is really the only lift with great terrain at Bridger and even then its a 10 minute hike from the top of that to the ridge to access the goods. 5 minutes was an exaggeration on my part but the good stuff definitely gets skied off quick, since pretty much everyone in Bozeman is waiting in line @ Schlasmans on a pow day. In my experience Big Sky held good snow for way longer, and even though the terrain isn't quite as playful as the ridge, I always found that better than waiting in a longass line


TBH you're splitting hairs here, both mountains have amazing terrain, BS is just bigger and has more intermediate terrain. I've had awesome days at both resorts with only 4-5" of snow over night, there is endless steep fun terrain, untracked isn't always the "best" terrain and IMO is always a race at any resort. Bridger and Big Skys terrain is so fun to ski with just a fresh layer, not just 2ft of pow.
Oct 12 2016 4:23PM
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Skier_75
Posts: 380 - Karma: 1,805
big sky is so sick. the parks are pretty good, but who cares about park when you have all that terrain and big mountain skiing available
Oct 17 2016 5:47PM
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sodaksteeze
Posts: 102 - Karma: 334
Ill be attending state next fall too, but this thread only makes the pass decision harder. Big sky was world class skiing with an adequate park and good vibes. What's the scale factor between the two resorts?
Oct 17 2016 7:31PM
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profa_212
Posts: 8633 - Karma: 32,533
sodaksteezeIll be attending state next fall too, but this thread only makes the pass decision harder. Big sky was world class skiing with an adequate park and good vibes. What's the scale factor between the two resorts?


Big sky is fucking huge. Bridger is a good deal smaller....but you also have the Ridge at bridger
Oct 17 2016 8:26PM
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milk_man
Posts: 5214 - Karma: 6,494
Big Sky's park(s) are way better. Bridger is better if you're paying by the day because it's about half the price of Big Sky, but I'd say Big Sky would be a better place to get a pass at. You probably won't be able to ski all of it in a whole season. So. Huge.

But Bridger arguably has some better powder... And less people from what I saw. Might as well do both man.
Oct 18 2016 3:59PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9926 - Karma: 9,344
milk_manBut Bridger arguably has some better powder... And less people from what I saw. Might as well do both man.

better snow: yes. Gotta love the BBC! But I definitely disagree that there's less people. You'll find 90% of Bozeman in line @ Schlasmans when there's new snow. You won't find a line anywhere at Big Sky except the tram but I blame that on BS choosing to go with a dinky little 15 person one. When one area is 15 min from Bozeman and one is 45+ it's easy to see why Bridger gets so damn crowded
Oct 18 2016 4:05PM
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_69
Posts: 1772 - Karma: 4,979
Swandog7I talked to a college rep yester day and he said passes ~$120 for Bridger and ~$200 for Big Sky for the season, you could do both reletively easily


I refuse to believe this is true
Oct 18 2016 4:34PM
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Swandog7
Posts: 4955 - Karma: 9,019
AnGaperI refuse to believe this is true


because thats not the correct prices, so don't
Oct 18 2016 4:39PM
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freeballer
Posts: 722 - Karma: 935
wherever you end up getting a pass, leave your park sticks at home. you are about to become a real shredder.
Oct 18 2016 6:36PM
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milk_man
Posts: 5214 - Karma: 6,494
freeballerwherever you end up getting a pass, leave your park sticks at home. you are about to become a real shredder.


I had to shred the whole mountain on my Domains.. But it worked out fine :)
Oct 18 2016 11:07PM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
Big Sky doooood
Oct 19 2016 12:41AM
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Hodor
Posts: 503 - Karma: 2,578
Big sky is mind blowing. Bridger is the bomb ass dank ass. Can't go wrong at either but if you want park go big sky. Honestly I think with the amount of terrain, headwaters and lack of any crowds big sky has the upper hand over all.
Oct 19 2016 1:11AM
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freeballer
Posts: 722 - Karma: 935
HodorBig sky is mind blowing. Bridger is the bomb ass dank ass. Can't go wrong at either but if you want park go big sky. Honestly I think with the amount of terrain, headwaters and lack of any crowds big sky has the upper hand over all.

Headwaters is dope, and scary.
Oct 19 2016 10:58AM
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sodaksteeze
Posts: 102 - Karma: 334
What's the best place to hike up and ski around bozeman in early/mid November?
Oct 19 2016 12:51PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9926 - Karma: 9,344
sodaksteezeWhat's the best place to hike up and ski around bozeman in early/mid November?


I'd say park in that little parking lot midway up Bridger Bowl Rd and hike the rest of the way to the ridge. I did it November 4th 2014 and it's still some of the deepest snow I've ever skied. By November I found it too hard to access Fairy Lake by car, unless you have a sled Bridger is way easier

https://instagram.com/p/gZNWKmCW4L/
Oct 19 2016 2:10PM
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AngryGramps
Posts: 242 - Karma: 701
sodaksteezeWhat's the best place to hike up and ski around bozeman in early/mid November?


fairy is in right now. make sure you have 4 wheel drive and somebody who knows whats up with snow driving. also watch the avy conditions up there around now, they can be more complex than your typical early season shredding, and make sure the people your skiing with know their shit. when I was a freshman in the dorms i def met some shady people who didn't have rescue skills or gear but hit fairy hard anyway....last year two people got caught in the bowl to the north in october and thankfully didn't get fully buried
Oct 20 2016 12:59PM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
WattMoodfairy is in right now. make sure you have 4 wheel drive and somebody who knows whats up with snow driving. also watch the avy conditions up there around now, they can be more complex than your typical early season shredding, and make sure the people your skiing with know their shit. when I was a freshman in the dorms i def met some shady people who didn't have rescue skills or gear but hit fairy hard anyway....last year two people got caught in the bowl to the north in october and thankfully didn't get fully buried


Watt speaks the truth!
Oct 20 2016 2:58PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,166
Been to Bridger on a pow day, blew my mind.

Have only been to Big Sky once when there was decent snow/pow and it was good. The peak was white out and the tram closed and shedhorn lift was down so that sucked. Otherwise only been there when it was near spring like conditions, but that's fun too.

In my experiences, I've had better skiing at Bridger. Plus it's cheaper.
Oct 20 2016 4:04PM
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Daph
Posts: 5978 - Karma: 5,005
Lots of good points in this thread. I'm obviously biased but I've spent a fair amount of time at both mountains and they both have very different things to offer.

Bridger:
still has the mom and pop hill vibe, very "core", if you're into hiking for some short but puckering lines the ridge is mindblowing. short drive, cheaper option. good snow but after 10am you have to hike to find anything that isn't tracked out. park is minimal, runs are short especially considering all the lifts are fixed grips so they take a while. Lines for the lifts that service the good terrain get pretty long on pow days.

Big Sky:
Huge variety of terrain, minimal crowds except the tram line (only takes 15 people up at a time). Giant big mountain lines, headwaters are insanely burly, lots of stuff to ride even if the snow sucks. Decent park, getting better each season, not on par with utah or colorado yet but still not horrible to hot lap. Two new lifts this year replacing some super old, slow janky ones. More expensive and further away. Not as many students ski there so finding a ride isn't quite as easy but you'll have plenty of time when you get to MSU before the ski hills open to figure out who is skiing where and get some decent carpools locked down.

You can't go wrong with either option. If you do go the bridger route, get a sky card. Gives you some free days at big sky when bridger is closed and is well worth the $80ish bucks.
Oct 20 2016 8:26PM
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sodaksteeze
Posts: 102 - Karma: 334
I'll be in Bozeman the week of the 7th of November, would greatly appreciate somebody who would hike for some turns with me!
Oct 21 2016 8:40PM
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