Jeff Schmerker
View the Crazys
North of Bridger Bowl ski area, backcountry and cross country skiers can use a series of gated roads to climb into the Bridger Mountains. A suitable goal for a day trip is Ross Pass. Ross Pass it a low point in the near middle of the range, just south of Ross Peak. Park in the large parking area off Bridger Canyon Road where it meets Brackett Creek Road; cross Bridger Canyon road and take the forest road on the left. A map or GPS will be handy here as there are a number of roads in this area; the correct trail will head generally west to the base of the mountain, and then northwest toward the saddle.
From the 7600-foot pass you can see the Gallatin Valley as well as the Bangtail and Crazy mountains. Skiers will want to try and press on toward the chutes coming off Ross Peak, though if the weather is less than ideal or avalanche conditions are not optimal, more gentle open slopes and meadows south of the pass can also be skied. As it’s one of the few low passes in the Bridgers, the wind can howl through the pass here.
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