Who We Are?
Welcome To
Friends On Hill
Educational
Friends On Hill will teach the community about all things skiing and snowboarding. Holding classes and meet-ups and workshops on proper mountain safety, proper mountain etiquette, Tree Well Safety, Avalanche safety. We will work with local ski patrol and existing programs around the community to help us educate our participants and community.
Charitable
Friends On Hill provides financial support to learn how to ski and snowboard for underprivileged adults within the community. We will focus on adults with low income/assets. Winters are long, cold and dark in Montana. Being able to experience the joys of skiing and snowboarding will be greatly beneficial to the community.
Turns Made Better, Together.
Our Story
Friends On Hill was founded with a simple goal: to bring people together and foster new friendships within the Bozeman community. Our journey began with the idea of offering an informal opportunity for individuals to connect while enjoying the beauty of the mountains. We hosted free, no-sign-up meetups where participants could share a chairlift ride at Bridger Bowl—creating a space for both locals and newcomers to meet and form lasting relationships.
As we continued to grow, we realized that the joy and camaraderie we shared on the mountain could be extended to even more individuals—especially those who faced financial barriers preventing them from experiencing skiing and snowboarding. This realization led us to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and our mission evolved to focus on breaking down financial obstacles for those who would otherwise be unable to access these experiences.
Through our Community Learn To Ride Program, we offer adults who lack the financial means the opportunity to learn to ski and snowboard, free of charge. Paired with the same Learning Group and Instructor for the entirety of the Program, this unique, shared experience not only empowers individuals to enjoy the mountains but also fosters personal growth, perseverance, and community.
As part of our commitment to the community, Friends On Hill also focuses on educating participants about safety and proper etiquette in the mountains. We recognize that creating an inclusive, safe environment for all is crucial, which is why we plan to partner with local organizations and businesses to host free workshops, safety classes, and community meetups. These programs will provide participants with essential knowledge, from safety protocols to mountain etiquette, ensuring everyone can enjoy the outdoors responsibly and confidently.
Join us, as we break down the barriers and build up the community, one chair(lift) ride at a time!
team members
Get To Know The Team
Brendan DeOrsey
Founder / Director
Brendan DeOrsey
My name is Brendan DeOrsey, and I am the founder of Friends On Hill. Growing up in Vermont, I was always outside—riding bikes, spending time at the lake, or snowboarding on weekends during the winter. After graduating high school in 2012, I packed my bags and moved out West to study at Montana State University. I’ve been in Bozeman ever since, enjoying everything this incredible town has to offer. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors or cruising around town, I’ve stayed true to my love for the active lifestyle.
Professionally, I work as a stone mason in Bozeman and Big Sky. I enjoy the creative freedom this career allows, working with my hands to build structures that will last for years to come. Fun fact: I actually met Caylob through stone masonry!
Having lived in Bozeman for over a decade, I’ve seen the community grow rapidly, and I’ve had the pleasure of making many friends along the way. However, with that growth, I’ve also seen
the challenges of maintaining meaningful connections. This led me to start Friends On Hill—a way to meet new people and build a sense of community. Combining my love for snowboarding and spending quality time with friends, I began hosting a weekly Community Ride Day at Bridger Bowl. These events were about bringing people together on and off the mountain, with the goal of connecting through shared experiences. Our focus was never on who the best skier or snowboarder was—it was about sharing the joy of the sport and getting to know new people, all while enjoying a 10-minute chairlift ride together.
These Community Ride Days further ignited my passion for community building and inspired me to take Friends On Hill to the next level. I wanted everyone to have the chance to experience
the thrill and camaraderie that skiing and snowboarding bring into our lives. However, with the rising costs of these sports, I knew it would be difficult for some to participate without assistance. That’s when I began the process of turning Friends On Hill into a non-profit
organization—to help provide access to skiing and snowboarding for those who might otherwise be excluded due to financial barriers.
I am deeply committed to building a supportive, inclusive community—one chairlift ride at a time.
Turns Made Better, Together.
Bjørk Hagensen
Treasurer
Bjørk Hagensen
My name is Bjørk Hagensen, and I’ve been skiing since I was a child. I’m fortunate to call Bridger Bowl my home mountain, but I also enjoy night skiing at Great Divide and spending sunny days with friends at Showdown Mountain. I’m passionate about exploring the backcountry and love bringing my dog, Pippi, along for the adventure—she’s the perfect companion.
I grew up between Norway and Bozeman, and I graduated from the Winter Sports School in Park City, Utah. For college, I moved to Anchorage where I was part of the cross-country ski team. Unfortunately, an injury cut my athletic career short, and I returned to Bozeman, where I now enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, biking, and fishing. When I’m indoors, I stay engaged with podcasts or books, and I also love tapping into my creative side through art projects, puzzles, and sewing.
Over the years, many of my friends have moved away, which is why Friends On Hill came into my life at just the right time. It’s provided me with a consistent and enjoyable way to stay connected with others during the ski season. While each weekly meetup is different, I know they always offer a chance to create new memories, meet new people, and strengthen the sense of community that I truly value.
I’m excited to see Friends On Hill continue to grow, and I look forward to meeting more amazing individuals in the future. Let’s make some turns together!
Bjørk Hagensen
Treasurer
Caylob Wilverding
Program Director
Caylob Wilverding
My name is Caylob Wilverding, and I’m 31 years old, originally from Townsend, MT. Growing up, I was always outside—whether I was skateboarding around town with friends or just enjoying whatever adventure came my way. After graduating, I moved to Bozeman in 2013, and shortly after, I started working as a Stone Mason. It’s been a rewarding journey working with rocks, and I’ve continued doing it on and off since then.
When it comes to hobbies, snowboarding is hands down my biggest passion. It’s something that brings me so much joy, and I’m fortunate to get out on the slopes whenever I can. Hanging out with friends is a close second. That’s why Friends On Hill holds such a special place for me—it’s the perfect way to combine both of my favorite things: snowboarding and making lasting memories with friends.
As the oldest of four boys, I’m no stranger to chaos and adventure! I have a 3-year-old rescue dog named Carmen from Texas. She may hate the cold, but she LOVES the snow. When we’re not out exploring, you can find us taking long rides around Montana’s back roads, enjoying the beauty of the woods and all the stunning scenery the state has to offer.
Besides snowboarding, I’m a big fan of skateboarding. The freedom that comes with both sports is something I really appreciate—whether it’s carving down the mountain or shredding at the skatepark, there’s just a special kind of joy in it. I’ve made some incredible memories and lasting friendships through these hobbies, and they’ve shaped who I am today. There’s no wrong way to do either—just different ways to enjoy the ride.
While snowboarding and skateboarding are my top hobbies, I’m always excited to learn new things and take on new challenges. Every day brings the potential for something new, and Friends On Hill is a perfect way to explore that.
