Summer is arriving ahead of schedule at Brundage Mountain Resort.

Thanks to some cooperative weather and a whole lot of hard work from the Brundage operations team, the resort will open for a bonus summer weekend on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14 — nearly a week ahead of its previously announced opening day.

Guests can enjoy scenic chairlift rides on the Bluebird Express, dining at Smoky’s Bar & Grill, and early-season mountain biking, with Elk Trail, Growler, Thorn Creek, Hammerhead and South Lodge Lane expected to be open. Additional trail openings can be tracked on the summer trail report webpage.

“Our crew has been working their tails off, and thanks to an early melt-out, we have a chance to get people back on the mountain sooner than expected,” said Ken Rider, general manager of Brundage Mountain Resort. “One of the things I love about being an independent resort is that we can make decisions like this. We ride these trails and hike these trails, too. Kids are getting out of school, summer is here, and we’re ready to get things rolling.”

The early opening arrives just as schools across the region let out for summer break, giving fun loving families, hikers and mountain bikers a chance to kick off their favorite summer adventures right away.

Scenic chairlift rides whisk guests to the 7,640-foot summit. Guests can enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the Bluebird Express, or take one of two mostly flat, half-mile hiking trails along the summit ridge. The short summit walks are suitable for most ages and abilities (wear sturdy footwear) and provide access to some of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region.

The bonus weekend serves as a preview of a full summer season that officially begins Friday, June 19.

Throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy scenic chairlift rides, hiking, lift-served mountain biking, bike rentals and lessons, 18 holes of disc golf, mountainside dining and free TGIF Concerts on Friday evenings.

Bonus Weekend Pricing (June 13-14)
• Scenic Ride Ticket: $10 (regularly $20)
• MTB Ticket: $20 (regularly $45)
• RFID Card: $2.50 (regularly $5)

Backcountry MTB Shuttle is Back and Better Than Ever

Mountain biking remains one of the resort’s signature summer attractions. This summer marks the return of Brundage Mountain’s backcountry bike shuttle program, offering access to both the popular Brundage to Bear Basin Trail and, new this year, shuttle pickups at Goose Creek near Last Chance Campground. Availability is limited, so shuttle reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance.

Brundage Events Run the Gamut

In addition to the free Friday concert series, the resort’s event calendar includes the Cat Track 5K and 10K races and the inaugural Wife Carrying Challenge on July 4, the Ladies AllRide MTB Camp, Twisted Turtle Racing Weekend and the Brundage Auto Show in September. Recurring events include Summit Paint and Sip sessions and a Wednesday Dinner Series featuring a Prime Rib Social each week from July 15 – August 12.

Summer Events

Summer Operating Schedule

Following the bonus weekend, Brundage will operate Friday through Sunday, June 19-21, before transitioning to its peak summer schedule of Wednesday through Sunday beginning June 24. The resort will also operate daily July 1-12, with bonus operating days July 6-7 and Labor Day, Sept. 7. The Bluebird Express runs from 10 am – 4:30 pm on operating days. Smoky’s Bar & Grill will be open 11 am – 5 pm and the Mountain Adventure Center (MAC) is open 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.