Beaver Creek Resort in Colorado has installed 16 new automated snow guns on its famous Birds of Prey racecourse as it prepares to host the largest World Cup ski racing event in the venue’s history this December.
The Vail Valley Foundation announced the upgrade October 27, calling it the most substantial improvement to the racecourse’s snowmaking infrastructure in recent years. The new system will cover the lower third of Birds of Prey, an area particularly vulnerable to unpredictable early-season temperatures.
The installation includes 10 SMI Grizzly stick guns equipped with onboard air compressors and six SMI Super Puma fan guns. Crews also installed six concrete vaults, 10 metal shelters, a new weather station and approximately 4,500 feet of underground power and communication lines.
All 16 snow guns can be monitored and operated remotely, automatically starting whenever temperatures and conditions permit snowmaking. The system is designed to reduce water and energy consumption while helping crews produce a more consistent racing surface.
Snowmaking Upgrades Follow Challenging 2025 World Cup
The improvements come after unusually warm conditions created significant problems for last December’s World Cup races at Beaver Creek.
Organizers were forced to remove one downhill race from the 2025 schedule and modify the course’s starting and finishing positions because of insufficient snowmaking conditions near the traditional finish area.
The new automated system specifically targets that lower section of the course, where temperature inversions can complicate snowmaking operations.
The improvements were funded through the John and Karen Arnold Ski Racing Legacy Fund, which has also supported upgrades to the finish area, grandstands and spectator facilities.
Mike Imhof, president and CEO of the Vail Valley Foundation, emphasized the importance of the investment as the event prepares for a record-setting year.
“As we prepare for our biggest Birds of Prey festival ever, with seven competitions across two weekends of men’s and women’s racing, there is no better time to invest in the future of this event.”
Beaver Creek Prepares for Seven World Cup Races
The 2026 Stifel Birds of Prey World Cup will feature seven races between December 3 and 13, the most competitions held on the Birds of Prey course since its debut in 1997.
The men’s competition will take place December 3-6, featuring two downhill races, a super-G and a giant slalom. The women will compete December 11-13, with two downhills and a super-G.
The expanded schedule builds on the historic introduction of women’s World Cup racing on Birds of Prey in 2024.
General admission to all seven races will remain free, with spectators able to watch from the John and Karen Arnold Red Tail Stadium. The festival will also feature free live music, athlete autograph sessions and additional entertainment throughout Beaver Creek Village.
Beaver Creek has already begun snowmaking for the 2026-27 winter season and is scheduled to open November 25, weather and conditions permitting.
