BOZEMAN – Ahead of its 10th winter, Crosscut Mountain Sports Center has announced plans to build a new community lodge at its Bridger Canyon Base Area and a permanent home for Montana Outdoor Science School (MOSS). Both projects are scheduled for completion in December 2028.

The new lodge will be approximately 4,800 square feet, with a 2,000-square-foot community room, a fireplace area, expanded rental and retail space, and four indoor bathrooms. Construction is planned for summer 2028.

Crosscut will also relocate its current Nordic & Trail Center building, built by Bohart Cross Country Ski Ranch, to its Outdoor Education Area, where it will become MOSS’s long-term home base and open more opportunities for youth and school programs. MOSS has brought outdoor science education to children since 1994 and sees more than 5,500 student visits a year.

The projects reflect Crosscut’s growth over the past decade. Its trails, programs, and facilities now support more than 70,000 user days annually, while its infrastructure was built for a much smaller organization. Crosscut works with more than 30 schools and 25 partner organizations each year and provides more than $145,000 annually in scholarships and fee assistance.

“A decade ago, this community came together to protect a special place in Bridger Canyon,” said Angie Weikert, Crosscut’s executive director. “More people than ever now use Crosscut, and we want every one of them to have a warm, welcoming indoor space to gather.”

“I’m so excited about the new community building,” said Fay Johnson, a Crosscut neighbor, former staff member, donor, and volunteer. “One of the things I love most about Crosscut is the community that has grown around this special place. As more people enjoy Crosscut year-round, we’ve outgrown our existing structure. Having a beautiful, welcoming place where friends can gather, warm up, change clothes, and connect after time on the trails will all just add to the magic of the Crosscut experience.”

The projects are part of Crosscut’s $5 million 10th Anniversary Capital Campaign, which has raised $2 million so far, including a first $1 million match.

Longtime Crosscut supporters Terry Thompson and Mike Simmonds have committed $2 million in matching gifts. The first $1 million has been unlocked, bringing the campaign to $2 million, or 40% of its goal. They are now challenging the community to raise another $1 million by Dec. 31, 2026. When that goal is met, they will contribute a second $1 million, bringing the campaign to $4 million, or 80% of its goal. Every gift made through Dec. 31 is matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $1 million.

“Crosscut brings people together, and this campaign gives our growing community more room to connect,” said Terry Thompson. “We’re excited to help create a welcoming lodge where people can prepare for adventures, share stories from the trails, and gather as friends. It’s an investment in the community we love, today and for generations to come.”

Gifts of $500 or more will be recognized inside the new lodge, and naming opportunities are available for larger gifts. Details and donation options are at crosscutmt.org/campaign.

About Crosscut Mountain Sports Center

Crosscut is a nonprofit outdoor center 17 miles north of Bozeman, next to Bridger Bowl. On 500 acres in the Bridger Range, it brings people together in winter and summer for cross-country skiing, biathlon, mountain biking, trail running, and outdoor education, for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Crosscut maintains 53 miles of trails.