Snowbird is targeting Friday, November 27, for the start of its 2026-27 ski season, conditions permitting. The Utah resort is preparing for its 56th winter with several mountain improvements, a new dining option and a busy event calendar featuring the return of the Freeride World Tour.
New Chickadee Chairlift and Learning Area Improvements
One of the biggest changes this winter will be the new Chickadee Chairlift. The fixed-grip quad replaces one of Snowbird’s original lifts, increasing capacity to four passengers per chair. The resort also completed extensive grading work throughout the surrounding learning area to improve accessibility and create better flow for beginner skiers and snowboarders.
“Chickadee has been where generations of Snowbird skiers and riders took their first turns, and these improvements create a more comfortable and enjoyable learning experience for the next generation.” – Dave Fields, Snowbird’s president and general manager.
Another returning attraction is The Nest, Snowbird’s rebuilt mid-mountain restaurant in Gad Valley. After opening in December 2025, the 355-seat restaurant is preparing for its second winter. The facility features a heated outdoor deck and panoramic views of Gad Valley and Little Cottonwood Canyon. It also received a 2026 AIA Utah Architecture Award Honor.
Snowbird is adding another food option with Big Emma’s Sugar Shack, a new shop inside the Snowbird Center. The location will serve candy, soft-serve ice cream and dirty sodas.
Freeride World Tour Returns to Snowbird
The resort’s event calendar also has several major attractions. Most notably, the Freeride World Tour will return to Snowbird for the first time since 2014. The 2027 FWT Finals at the YETI Snowbird Pro presented by Stifel will take place March 16-22, with the world’s top freeride athletes competing on Mount Baldy.
Snowbird has hosted freeride competitions since 1998, making the tour’s return a notable moment for the resort.
Snowbird Introduces First Women’s Ski Week
Snowbird will also host its first-ever Women’s Ski Week from March 7-13. The community-focused event will feature free on-mountain group rides, gear demonstrations, speakers, films, meetups and giveaways. Additional programming is expected to be announced closer to the event.
With a new lift, improved beginner terrain and an exciting spring event schedule, Snowbird is giving visitors several reasons to look forward to the upcoming season. More information about opening day and mountain conditions is available at Snowbird’s official website.