Significant Landslide Damages Terrain At Bridger Bowl Ski Area

A significant landslide has impacted the terrain at Bridger Bowl Ski Area, Montana, following a period of heavy rainfall. The incident has resulted in deep erosion and altered several areas of the mountain, prompting warnings for visitors.

Details of the Incident

The landslide at Bridger Bowl was triggered by intense rainstorms that swept through the Bridger Mountain Range. The saturation of the ground added significant weight to the slopes and reduced the friction holding the material in place, leading to the mass movement of rock and debris. While no injuries or major damage to infrastructure such as lift towers or access roads have been reported, the visual impact on the terrain is substantial. Drone footage shared by the ski area reveals deep runnels carved into steeper, cliffy sections of the mountain, along with visible slide debris.

According to local authorities, the landslide was triggered by days of heavy rain saturating the soil across the Bridger Range. Around 4:30 AM, a portion of the eastern slope gave way, sending thousands of tons of rock, mud, and vegetation cascading down into multiple ski runs.

• No injuries were reported, as the ski area is currently closed for the summer season.
• Initial surveys show damage to lift infrastructure, trail systems, and avalanche fencing.
• Geological teams are assessing slope stability to determine risks of further movement.

Bridger Bowl management released a statement urging locals and visitors to avoid the area while recovery efforts are underway. “Safety remains our top priority. We’re working with state geologists and engineers to evaluate the full scope of the damage,” the statement read.

Montana Department of Natural Resources has dispatched experts to assist with terrain analysis and to advise on long-term mitigation strategies. Repair costs are expected to be in the millions, and officials warn that the 2025–2026 ski season may face delays or partial closures.

Impact on Operations and Safety

Bridger Bowl officials are urging extreme caution for anyone recreating on the mountain, particularly in steeper or recently disturbed areas, as there is an ongoing risk of further rockslides. The resort is currently assessing the full extent of the damage and will soon begin mitigation and repair work. The timing of this event, just months before the projected start of the ski season in December, raises questions about potential impacts on trails and overall operations. While the altered terrain could create new features for skiers, it also presents dangerous hazards that need to be addressed before winter.

Climate Change Connection

In their public statements, Bridger Bowl has directly linked this incident to the broader context of climate change. They note that increasing landslide risk is being driven by more intense storms, altered snowpack, wildfire activity, and general warming trends, all of which put pressure on mountain terrain and infrastructure. The resort is emphasizing the need for the community to stay alert and engaged, not only for safety reasons but also to support broader efforts to address these environmental challenges.