This month, Bridger Bowl, Montana, wrote on social media that it has "chosen to remain independent," eliminating a reciprocal partner program that offered deals to other mountains with the purchase of a season pass and vice versa.
These benefits varied, offering anything from half-off tickets to free tickets, ski area dependent. During the 2023-2024 season, Bridger partnered with Alta, Bogus Basin, Grand Targhee, and Soldier Mountain.
Despite low snowfall this past winter, Bridger Bowl had its second-highest season of skier visits, influencing the decision to end partner benefits, which, according to the ski area's website, stemmed from a desire to preserve "the quality of the experience on the hill."
"There is more demand than supply, particularly with the growth in our area," said Erin O'Connor, Bridger's Marketing & Communication Director. "The value of less crowded slopes, lift lines, and parking lots outweighs the ability to go to another ski area or have visiting pass holders come to Bridger."
According to O'Connor, Bridger sent a survey to its pass holders "regarding reciprocals" to gauge the community's feeling about the program. "The majority response of those who answered was to preserve the experience at Bridger Bowl," O'Connor said, alongside noting that most Bridger pass holders didn't use the partner program.
One local skier explained on social media that they thought the survey only referred to mega pass products—like the Ikon or Epic Pass—instead of partnerships with "small, local ski resorts near Bozeman. I think the two are very different." The skier urged Bridger to bring back partner benefits.
"So we don't get free days at any other mountains, but we're paying the same amount for a pass?" another commenter concerned about the decision wrote. "Make it make sense, Bridger."
Others lauded the change: "Too bad more ski areas don't think like this. Kudos to you."
Separate from the partner program, Bridger's stance on mega-pass participation remains steadfast. After the 2020-2021 season, the ski area ended a deal with Powder Alliance and won't join any similar programs next winter.
"Our independence far outweighs the money made by joining a mega pass," said O'Connor, explaining that Bridger is a non-profit committed to "quality, affordability, and sustainability in a way that best serves our community."
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