SNOWBIRD, UT - Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is opening parts of Gad Valley on Saturday, Nov. 26, for the start of the 2016/17 ski season. Snowmaking operations at Snowbird have been aided by winter storm systems in the last 10 days, allowing for ski terrain to open during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. In the last 24 hours Snowbird has received more than a foot of new snow.
"We would like to thank Mother Nature for giving us a bounty of cold weather snd substantial snowfall this week," said Dave Fields, Vice President of Resort Operations. "The immediate forecast looks to deliver more storms to Snowbird in the next seven days, which will increase our ability to open more skiable acres to Snowbird guests".
On Saturday, Nov. 26, Gadzoom lift will access Middle Bassackwards and Roger's Run. The Chickadee chairlift is also scheduled to open, delivering skiers and snowboarders to terrain more favorable to beginner and intermediate skill levels.
The Snowbird Aerial Tram will operate until Sunday, Nov. 27, from 11a.m. until 5 p.m. for foot passenger traffic only.
Ticket prices for opening weekend at Snowbird will be as follows; Adults $74, Youth (10 years of age and younger) $35, Seniors $62, Chickadee only tickets $27. Tickets can be purchased online at snowbird.com, Creekside Ticket Office or on the third level of the Snowbird Center.
Snowbird is currently renovating the Creekside Lodge and the first two levels of The Cliff Lodge as part of ongoing capital improvement projects around the resort. Creekside Lodge will grow to almost 22,000 square feet, more than doubling the size of the building. Once completed, the Creekside Lodge will headquarter the Snowbird Mountain School locals' multi-week programs such as Adventure Team and Expedition Team. Students will also enjoy easier access to beginning terrain from Creekside Lodge by the installation of a 500-foot covered conveyor lift that will deliver skiers and snowboarders to terrain around the Baby Thunder chairlift. Creekside will also now be home to the Wasatch Adaptive Sports program. After remodeling the guest rooms in the east wing of the Cliff Lodge last year, Snowbird is now remodeling the hotel's conference space, entry, lobby and Atrium Restaurant.
Snowbird averages over 500 inches a year, and has the longest season of any resort in Utah.