As the Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) builds out its first-ever headquarters, it’s clear that this is more than a building. The Base will be a home for the BSF community and the next generation of skiers and snowboarders in the Gallatin Valley.
BSF Freestyle Program Director Mike Papke explains that, “For a long time our programs have operated out of parking lots, trucks, and temporary spaces. The Base finally gives our athletes a place they can call home.”
Finally, our athletes and coaches will have a space that belongs to them—a place to gather, grow, and build lasting connections within the BSF community. In a day and age when kids have lost many of those “third spaces” – places outside of school and home where they belong – the new headquarters gives them a physical space for the relationships that matter, with mentors and support. BSF athletes have never had a place to start the day together or a place to return to after time spent on snow. The Base represents stability, belonging, and the continued growth of our programs.
This is also a place where athletes can continue to develop and refine their skills. The space will allow teams to meet for group workouts, runs, and trampoline sessions. The new Base facility will feature two full-sized fly-bed trampolines, giving athletes a dedicated space to safely work on tricks, build aerial awareness, and develop the confidence needed for progression on snow. This type of off-snow training is an important tool for athletes looking to take their skills to the next level.
Freeski Program Director Cody Ling shared his excitement about the new facility, saying, “I am most excited about our new trampoline training facility that we will have on site. This will help athletes excel in the off season while continuing to grow closer as teammates. Having facilities like this are key for success and I am so stoked to see where it takes the club.”
For Freeride, Freeski, and Freestyle athletes, trampolines are a key tool for learning new skills. They provide a focused training environment where athletes can safely practice rotations, body control, and air awareness—skills that, once mastered, they can translate directly to performance on snow. Of course, they’re fun too.
With a dedicated space, BSF will be able to bring athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters together in ways that simply weren’t possible in the past.
The community wax room and staging area will have benches and work areas for community wax nights. And the Base’s large gathering room provides opportunities for parent and athlete meetings, athlete-led events, mental health programming, and fundraisers that bring the entire community together. Having a central gathering place in town, near the trails, opens the door for countless ideas and traditions that can continue to grow year after year. Even the simple act of having a seating area where kids can hang out and work on their homework provides immense value
As Mike shared, “This space opens the door for a lot of creativity—from film nights and athlete presentations to team gatherings that celebrate the season.” The Base will allow the BSF community to come together not just for training, but to celebrate the sport, the athletes, and the culture that make the club so special. And for a generation that is facing mounting mental health pressures and isolation, this kind of safe space can help keep them engaged in healthy habits and a family-like support system.
At the end of the day, The Base represents a shared vision for the future of the Bridger Ski Foundation and the athletes who will grow through its programs. It will be a place where friendships are built, skills are developed, and the culture of BSF continues to thrive. From intentional gatherings to impromptu interactions, the Base will serve as the heart of the club for years to come. Most importantly, it will give our athletes something truly special—a place where they belong. Here’s to the next 90 years of skiing and riding.
BSF has just $700,000 left to raise to complete the Base. Please make a gift today to bring this vision to life.
