First Lift-Served Terrain Expansion in 30 Years For Bridger Bowl!

Bridger Bowl will be completing the final phase of construction on the new Schlasman's Chairlift scheduled for completion this fall. This chair lift will add 311 acres of new lift-served RIDGE TERRAIN for expert skiers only. Skiers will be required to have an avalanche transceiver to access this lift, partners and shovels are highly recommended. 

Schlasman Revival

On February 10, 1885, sometime between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., a tremendous avalanche ripped down from the top of the Bridger Mountains just north of Saddle Peak. At the base of the steep slope, 4 German coal miners, who had a small nearby claim, were still asleep in their log cabin. The powerful slide buried the mine entrance and destroyed the cabin, killing all four men.

According to the March 19, 1885 Avant Courier, their names were P.J. Schultz, Frank Hassert, James Hassert and P.B. Schlasman. Reports from witnesses said that three of the men appeared to have been killed instantly while they slept, but the body of James Hassert was never found. The recovered bodies were taken away in coffins, but the fourth coffin was left to weather and deteriorate in the bushes along the slide path. All men were bachelors except for P.B. Schlasman, who had a wife and three step-children. The tributary nearby where they mined, was named after him.

As had often occured in those days, many Eurpoean names were phonetically pronounced and spelled. Hence the name Slushman began appearing on Bridger Mountain area maps years ago. Although this ravine will still be indentified with it's current day spelling, it was deemed appropriate to recount the story behind Slushman Ravine and restore its original “Schlasman” spelling in naming the new lift. The recycled Schlasman lift is, ironically, a reconditioned 1976 Doppelmayr double chair, formerly known as the “Peruvian” lift, purchased from Snowbird Ski Resort in Utah.

By all accounts, Schlasman and crew were the first documented avalanche related fatalities in the Bridger Mountains. It is sincerely hoped that all backcountry travelers fully appreciate the significance of this historical fact and commerative naming of this lift.

Sources: March 19, 1885 Avant Courier and Bridger Canyon Cookery Gallatin County Pioneer Museum

The lift has been reconditioned and is being fitted with a brand new cable and chairs amongst other updates and modifications. The lift's vertical rise will be 1,700 feet (400 feet more than Bridger Lift) with a slope length around 3,800 feet. Trail Map

For an optimal unloading area, sight line for the lift operator and protection from the wind, the new Schlasman's Chairlift will terminate approximately 100 vertical feet below the ridgeline. Skiers will have a wide variety of lines and aspects to consider including the expansive Mundy's Bowl just south of the chair. There will be no grooming, marked trails or roads from the top of this lift.

Boundary Policy

Experienced backcountry skiers will have the option of leaving the ski area at designated Forest Service gates and backcountry access zones only. The new Schlasman's Chairlift will provide experienced and prepared skiers the option of exiting the area boundary to access backcountry terrain from the ridge. As well, additional designated zones will be found off the ridge above and north of the Bridger Lift. Please review Bridger Bowl's new 2008-2009 Trail Map that delineates the new ski area boundaries and designated forest service gates and backcountry access zones before planning to access backcountry terrain from Bridger Bowl.

Backcountry travelers beware - Avalanche danger and other life threatening hazards exist beyond the ski area boundary. If you choose to leave the ski area boundary, you are solely responsible for your safety and welfare. There will be NO ski patrol services or avalanche hazard reduction beyond our ski area boundaries. For rescue, call 911 for Gallatin County Search and Rescue. Backcountry rescue may be prolonged, all backcountry travelers are advised to be prepared to survive the night.