Photo by Louise Johns

Sustainability

Bridger Bowl has a longstanding commitment to stewardship; from private land holdings to the partnership with Custer-Gallatin National Forest, the ski area maintains a constant effort to reduce environmental impact. Bridger Bowl is committed to operating the ski area in the most socially responsible manner possible. Energy and product purchases, waste stream management and care for the land are conducted in an accountable manner consistent with prudent and environmentally sustainable practices.

This commitment extends to preserving the culture and vitality of Bridger Bowl as a community ski area and maintaining a healthy place for locals and visitors alike to recreate. Recognizing the importance in the community, Bridger Bowl is passionate about preserving the essence of Bridger for future generations.

During the 2018-19 season, data was collected throughout the organization in order to calculate Bridger’s carbon footprint. This data provides a baseline for gauging the performance of future efforts, demonstrates how much change is possible in the short-term, and guides the development of short- and long-term reduction goals. These efforts are spearheaded by the newly formed Green Team, comprised of enthusiastic individuals from across the Bridger Bowl workforce. The Green Team is researching, implementing and advocating for best sustainability practices in the operations of every department. Bridger Bowl joins 194 other ski areas in National Ski Area Association’s Sustainable Slopes Program. As a member of the NSAA Climate Challenge, we completed a ski area greenhouse gas inventory in 18-19 and are committed to ongoing GHG reduction projects.

Want to Stay Informed?

Watch these videos and learn more about sustainability as it relates to Bridger Bowl.

Joining the Petition for Considering Climate Impacts
Climate Change Impact on Bridger Bowl
Large Landscape Connectivity in the Northern Yellowstone Ecosystem
solar panels

Energy

Solar Project

Through grant funding from Northwestern Energy, Bridger Bowl is very proud to have partnered with local provider Onsite Energy and invested in a clean energy solar project with an effort to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel energy. Predominantly directed at reducing consumption for upper mountain lift operations, the project also reduces traditional energy requirements for Deer Park Chalet (DPC). The project will produce up to 68,515 kWh per year of clean energy to fully support DPC’s summer operations. Educational display centers located around the mountain will show real time data so individuals can see what the system is producing.

Lodges

Bridger Bowl is in the process of incorporating energy saving improvements in all lodges by upgrading to LED lighting, motion sensor switches, and Energy Star rated appliances.

Our total clean energy generated to date is equivalent to...

158.6 Metric Tonsof CO2 in the atmosphere2,644 Treesgrown for 10 years

This renewable generation project received funding through the Northwestern Energy Energy Efficiency Plus renewable energy program. The program is established with Universal System Benefits Program Funds collected from all NWE customers in Montana.

Water Management

water treatment project

Water filling stations have been installed in every lodge on the mountain. Bring a water bottle to fill or purchase a refillable, packable one while visiting.

Bathroom sink faucets are being upgraded with WaterSense Technology certified faucets reducing consumption of this precious resource. Toilets across the mountain are low flow, reducing consumption even further.

Since 2012 and funded partially by the MT. Dept. of Environmental Quality, Bridger Bowl has been involved in a research program with the Dept. of Civil Engineering at Montana State University on a two-stage wastewater vertical flow treatment wetland. The successful pilot replaced recirculating sand filters with native plants for nitrogen removal and has helped to build design standards, operational guidelines, and best practices for additional wetland treatment facilities in the region. This cutting-edge technology provides a scalable alternative for wastewater treatment that cuts the energy use of municipal utilities dramatically while preserving the iconic Western landscape.

Composting and recycling

Waste Management

16.7 to 30.5 tons is the amount Bridger Bowl’s recycling program grew over the past two seasons, reducing landfill waste by 13.8 tons!

Bridger Bowl has been committed to recycling for many years and aims to recycle 100% of all recyclable goods. Cardboard is bailed on-site, and glass is crushed and utilized on-site. All lubricant oils, lift grease, fryer fats, large steel, aluminum, wire, plastic, paper, cardboard and magazines are recycled.

In 2020, Bridger Bowl began composting as one means of reducing waste. Partnering with Happy Trash Can Composting, purchasing bear proof bins from Owenhouse Ace Hardware and increasing local sourcing has helped Bridger complete the farm to table circle in the form of compost.

Employees and the ski community have literally "pitched in" to help divert approximately 17.4 tons of compostable material, saving 12 MTCo2e.

Transportation

Park & Ride

Since 2007, Bridger Bowl has leased a parking lot at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds for the use of carpooling and bus riders.

Car Pooling

Guests with three (3) or more in a vehicle have access to parking closer to the lodge. Two events each year award carpooling groups with deeply discounted lift tickets or mountain-wide discounted food and beverage purchases for season passholders.

Bus Transportation

In continual effort to reduce Bridger Bowl’s carbon footprint, bus service is provided FREE OF CHARGE from MSU or the Gallatin County Fairgrounds (at the park & ride lot) for employees and guests.

Bozeman Commuter Project

Joining bozemancommute.org connects riders and drivers to and from Bridger Bowl, saves money on gas, reduces carbon output, and tracks individual efforts. Join today!

Recognition and Awards

2024
EPA Region 8’s Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition Award
2019-23
Annual recipient of Montana EcoStar Pollution Prevention Award
2022
1st recipient Gallatin County Weed Management District Weed Management Award
2021-22
Sustainability Director received NSAA Hero of Sustainability Award
2019-20
Winner of the National Ski Area Association Golden Eagle Award for Environmental Excellence
2019-20
NSAA runner up for Innovation in Sustainability for vertical flow water treatment wetlands
2009
Montana Department of Environmental Quality Certificate of Environmental Excellence
2008
National Geographic’s Greater Yellowstone Region Geo-tourism Map for sustainable practices and service as a non-profit community ski area
2008
Gallatin National Forest Sustainability Achievement Award