Bridger Bowl ended the 2025-26 ski season three weeks early due to a historically dry winter and a dangerously thin snowpack. The mountain recorded 138 inches of snow versus an average near 300 inches, leading management to shut down lifts early and send hundreds of seasonal employees home without pay. General Manager Hiram Towle said the closure was unavoidable because of 70-degree days and insufficient snow, while acknowledging the impact on workers. To reduce the financial harm, leadership proposed paying seasonal employees their standard end-of-year bonus plus additional compensation for the shortened season. The board approved the plan and directed management to do more, and Towle reported strong employee appreciation and a high return rate reflecting the resort’s relationship with staff.
"Bridger Bowl ended its 2025-26 ski season three weeks ahead of schedule after a historically dry winter, but the resort moved quickly to soften the financial blow for its seasonal workforce. According to KBZK Bozeman, the mountain recorded just 138 inches of snow this season against an average of roughly 300 inches. That shortfall forced management to shut down lifts early and send hundreds of seasonal employees home without pay."
"General Manager Hiram Towle said the decision to close was unavoidable given 70-degree days and a dangerously thin snowpack, but acknowledged the toll it took on workers. In response, Bridger Bowl's leadership brought a proposal to the board requesting that seasonal employees receive their standard end-of-year bonus plus an additional payment to compensate for the shortened season. The board not only approved the move but pushed management to do even more."
""It was met with quite a bit of rejoicing. We had a lot of employees reach out to say thank you, and I know it did make an impact." - General Manager Hiram Towle"
"During peak season, Bridger Bowl employs between 400 and 500 workers. Towle credited the staff as central to the resort's success and said a high employee return rate reflects the strength of that relationship. While we don't know the specific bonus amounts, it's clear that this action is far beyond what most ski resorts in the country have done for their employees following what was undeniably a brutal winter."
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