Beaver Creek Adds Automated Snowmaking Where Its Racecourse Needs It Most
Beaver Creek is upgrading snowmaking on the lower third of Birds of Prey, helping crews prepare for seven World Cup races across two December weekends.
Beaver Creek is adding automated snowmaking to the lower third of its Birds of Prey racecourse, targeting the section most exposed to variable early-season conditions. The Vail Valley Foundation announced the upgrade October 27 as the Colorado resort began making snow ahead of December's World Cup races.
The location explains the investment. The foundation says temperature inversions are more frequent on that lower section, complicating preparation when crews need a consistent race surface. Automation is intended to capture favorable weather windows without waiting for a manual setup at each gun. It improves the crew's response to suitable conditions; it does not remove the need for suitable weather.
A system built around short opportunities
The installation includes 10 SMI Grizzly stick guns with onboard air compressors and six SMI Super Puma fan guns. A weather station, power and hard-wired communications support remote monitoring and operation. Guns can start automatically when conditions allow, putting the emphasis on using available cold periods efficiently.
The foundation expects better water and energy efficiency from the system, but has not attached a verified percentage saving to the announcement. That distinction matters when comparing capital projects: the concrete change here is the equipment and how it operates, while the eventual resource savings will depend on actual use and weather.
Funding comes through the John and Karen Arnold Ski Racing Legacy Fund. That fund has also supported finish-area and spectator improvements, giving this project a place in a broader effort to keep the venue ready for international racing.
What December visitors should separate
The Stifel Birds of Prey festival is scheduled for December 3-13, with seven competitions spread across two weekends of men's and women's racing. General admission to the races is free. Travelers combining spectating with their own skiing should still distinguish the competition schedule from public terrain availability; preparation of a racecourse is not an announcement that it is open for recreational laps.
Beaver Creek says the infrastructure also supports wider early-season mountain operations. For guests, that is a reason to watch the resort's daily terrain updates alongside the event calendar, rather than treating a snowmaking milestone as a guarantee about a particular run.
The organizer's announcement explains the project and December program. Use our Beaver Creek guide to put the venue in the context of a broader mountain trip, then check current operator information before booking around racing or opening terrain.