Beaver Creek Adds Automated Snowmaking for Stifel Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup

Credit Eric Dunn

The new system will help build the lower third of Birds of Prey, where early-season conditions can make snowmaking less reliable.

Last December, warm early-season conditions created snowmaking challenges at Birds of Prey’s traditional finish. As a result, organizers adjusted the course starts and finishes and removed one scheduled downhill.

This fall, Beaver Creek installed 16 automated snow guns for the lower third of the course. The Vail Valley Foundation says that section is especially sensitive to variable early-season conditions and temperature inversions.

The resort began snowmaking overnight for the 2026–27 season. Meanwhile, the new system is designed to help crews build a more consistent race surface while using less energy and water ahead of the Stifel Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup, Dec. 3–13.

Automated equipment for the lower course

The fleet includes 10 SMI Grizzly stick guns with onboard air compressors and six SMI Super Puma fan guns. The installation also includes a new weather station, six concrete vaults and 10 metal shelters.

In addition, crews installed about 4,500 feet of trenched power and hard-lined communications. Operators can monitor and control every gun remotely. Each gun also starts automatically when conditions allow.

That automation removes the need for manual setup. As a result, crews can capture snowmaking windows as they open. The Vail Valley Foundation says the system can reduce the water and energy needed to produce a race-ready surface.

Legacy fund supports the upgrade

The John and Karen Arnold Ski Racing Legacy Fund enabled the project. The fund supports the long-term future of ski racing in the Vail Valley and helps keep Birds of Prey free to spectators.

“This is more than a snowmaking upgrade,” said Mike Imhof, president and CEO of the Vail Valley Foundation. He described the project as a long-term investment in the community, athletes and ski racing fans.

The fund has also supported other improvements at the venue. For example, regrading the finish area reduced the amount of manufactured snow needed each season. The gift has also helped improve grandstands, spectator infrastructure and John and Karen Arnold Red Tail Stadium.

The fund is part of the Vail Valley Foundation’s $74 million Empowering Possibility Capital Campaign. The grandstands remain free to spectators.

Seven races across two weekends

The Stifel Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup will feature seven races, the most in event history. Women made their historic debut on the course in 2024. This December, they return for three races alongside four men’s races.

• Men: Downhill, Dec. 3 and 4; super-G, Dec. 5; giant slalom, Dec. 6
• Women: Downhill, Dec. 11 and 12; super-G, Dec. 13

Beyond the racing, the two-week festival will include free live music, athlete autograph sessions, sponsor activations and Beers of Prey. ILLENIUM is also scheduled to perform at Vail’s Dobson Arena.