Your Ultimate Guide to Skydiving in Bozeman, Montana (2025)
Alright, adventure junkies, thrill seekers, and people who made a skydiving promise to themselves after their third cup of coffee—welcome. You’ve officially stumbled onto the complete guide to skydiving in Bozeman, Montana—a place so beautiful, you’ll want to jump out of a plane just to get a better look.
I’ve skydived in all kinds of places—deserts, coastlines, even once over a cow field in Nebraska (long story). But Bozeman? Oh boy. It’s next-level stunning. Picture this: snow-dusted mountains, endless skies, rivers winding below you like ribbons of magic… and your face flapping at 120mph as you try to smile for the camera.
So buckle your harness, grab your imaginary parachute cord, and let me walk you through everything you need to know about skydiving in this slice of airborne paradise.
Why Skydive in Bozeman?
Because if you’re gonna throw yourself out of a perfectly good airplane, you might as well do it somewhere jaw-droppingly gorgeous, right?
Bozeman sits smack in the middle of Big Sky Country (and no, that’s not just marketing—it’s legit). From 13,000 feet up, you’ll see the Bridger Mountains, Gallatin Valley, and—on clear days—the gateway to Yellowstone. It’s like your eyes are getting a five-star vacation.
Plus, Bozeman’s high elevation means thinner air and epic views during the floaty parachute part. You’ll feel like you’re flying… because you are.
Best Places for Skydiving in and Around Bozeman
1. Skydive Montana – Three Forks, MT
- Distance from Bozeman: Just a short 30-minute drive
- Jump Altitude: Up to 13,000 feet
- Options: Tandem, AFF (for you brave souls), Static Line
This is the real deal, folks. Skydive Montana is Bozeman’s go-to drop zone and has everything you’d want: experienced instructors, solid aircraft, gorgeous views, and enough safety checks to make even your mom relax.
The instructors are total pros but also super chill—kind of like if a safety officer had a sense of humor and a thousand jumps under their belt. They’ll walk (and fly) you through every step, so whether you’re jumping for the first time or looking to earn your solo wings, you’re in good hands.
Bonus: They offer sweet video packages so you can prove to your friends that yes, you actually did the thing and didn’t chicken out at the door.
2. Are There Other Drop Zones in Bozeman?
Not exactly full-time ones. But occasionally, seasonal pop-ups or event-based skydiving teams swing through the area—especially in summer.
Keep an eye on:
- Adventure Bozeman groups
- University events
- Outdoor festivals and fly-ins
These may offer tandem jumps with traveling teams, but for a sure-thing with pro-level quality, Skydive Montana is your best bet.
When’s the Best Time to Jump?
Montana weather can be a bit moody (like a cat that hasn’t been fed yet), so timing matters.
Best Months:
- June to early September – sunny skies, less wind, and views for days
- Avoid: Spring (muddy + unpredictable), late fall (brr), and wildfire season if the air gets smoky.
Best Time of Day:
Morning jumps usually mean smoother air and fewer clouds. Plus, you’ll have the rest of the day to bask in your new “I jumped from a plane and didn’t panic (much)” energy.
What It’s Like to Jump (AKA: You Against Gravity)
First-timer? Awesome. You’re in for a rush. Here’s how the whole adventure typically goes down:
- Check-in: Sign a waiver that says “Yes, I know what I’m doing is bananas.”
- Training: A short but important crash course (but like… not the actual crash part).
- Suiting Up: Jumpsuit, harness, goggles. You’ll look like an action figure.
- Plane Ride: Weirdly calm. You’ll be nervous. Your instructor will be singing Bon Jovi.
- The Door Opens: Time slows. Wind howls. You make peace with gravity.
- FREEFALL. 30–60 glorious seconds of pure chaos and joy at 120 mph.
- Parachute deploys: Now it’s peaceful again, like floating over a postcard.
- Landing: Smooth, safe, and full of adrenaline-fueled high-fives.
Should You Buy the Video Package?
Short answer: YES.
Long answer: YEEESSSS.
Trust me, nothing beats watching your face turn into a wind-powered pancake at terminal velocity. Plus, you’ll want receipts when you’re telling people about “that one time in Bozeman.”
Most packages include:
- Hand-cam video
- Outside cam (extra, but amazing)
- Edited highlight reel + still photos
10/10 worth it.
Safety & Skydiving Requiremens
Skydiving isn’t as wild-west as you think—it’s actually really safe when done with the pros.
Basic Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Weight limits usually top out at 230 lbs (depending on gear & conditions)
- Must be in reasonably good health (no major heart, back, or sinus issues)
- No recent scuba diving (you don’t want exploding ears at altitude)
Drop zones like Skydive Montana follow USPA (U.S. Parachute Association) rules and are inspected by the FAA, so the safety game is tight.
What to Bring (Besides Guts)
Bring:
- Valid ID
- Comfy athletic clothes
- Closed-toe shoes (no Crocs, my friend)
- Hair tie if you’ve got flowing locks
- A sense of humor and your best scream
Leave at home:
- Jewelry
- Cameras (the pros handle that)
- Burritos eaten 15 minutes before takeoff (again… trust me)
How to Get There + Where to Crash (Post-Jump)
Bozeman’s Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) makes getting here easy. From there:
- It’s a 30–40 min drive to Skydive Montana (Three Forks)
- Car rentals or rideshares are your best bet
Places to Stay:
- Tamarack Inn – Cozy and close to downtown
- Gallatin River Lodge – Great food + fly fishing after your freefall
- Campgrounds – If you’re the “sleep under stars” type
What to Do After You Skydive Like a Legend
Bozeman’s not just about falling from the sky. Once you’re back on solid ground, consider:
- Hiking the “M Trail” (you’ll feel invincible now)
- Soaking in Bozeman Hot Springs
- Whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River
- Telling strangers at the coffee shop you just went skydiving (they’ll love it, probably)
Final Thoughts from 13,000 Feet
Here’s the truth: skydiving is one of the best things you’ll ever do in your life.
And doing it in Bozeman? That’s just showing off.
From the chill instructors to the unbelievable views, this experience will live rent-free in your memory bank forever. Whether you’re facing a fear, checking off a bucket list item, or just chasing a thrill with a great view—Bozeman delivers.
So go ahead. Take the leap.
And when you do—scream your heart out. Laugh. Ugly cry. Smile so hard your goggles fog up.
Because once you’ve seen the world from the clouds, the ground will never look the same again.
