Sugar Bowl Resort Kicks Off 2025-26 Ski Season with New Ski Terrain, Dining Options, and Events

Published on November 29, 2025

With an upgraded service portfolio and improved facilities and activities, Sugar Bowl Resort will commence operations for the 2025-2026 ski season, and will open its doors for the 2025-26 ski season while continuing to undergo renovations under the Revitalization Campaign, a 100 million dollar investment to improve the facilities and operations of the Sugar Bowl Resort. The Sugar Bowl Resort is situated at the pinnacle of Donner Summit, a multi-faceted attraction in the heart of the Sierra Nevada of Sequoia National Park, and is recognized as one of the original and classical ski-in/ski-out facilities in the entire state of California. New dining and expanded community event offerings will round out this season’s service and ski offerings.

In the 1939 winter season, Sugar Bowl Resort opened its doors for the first time. The Sugar Bowl Resort has a loyal following due to its unique service offerings, including a wide variety of outdoor slope options, and a rich active community built around outdoor activities specifically centered to skiing and snowboarding. Increasing the scope of service offerings to a wider audience has required development of amenities to modern luxory. The 2025-2026 season will open to this audience a whole suite of new service offerings.

Revitalized Village Lodge and New Dining Experiences

One of the most anticipated additions this season is the reimagined Village Lodge, which is now home to a variety of new dining options. Among the highlights is Yarrow, a modern, vibrant restaurant that offers a seasonally inspired menu focusing on California’s rich culinary heritage. The restaurant will serve dishes such as lamb meatballs, togarashi fried Brussels sprouts, and duck fat potato rosti, showcasing locally sourced ingredients in every bite.

For après ski and social gatherings, the newly built two-tiered terrace at the lodge offers guests a relaxing space to enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains. The terrace features firepits and expanded seating, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes. Additional dining options include The Belt Room, offering craft cocktails and casual dishes, and the Espresso Lounge, a cozy stop for freshly brewed coffee and baked goods.

In line with its sustainability goals, the resort has made efforts to reduce waste, with the Village Lodge now achieving zero landfill status for the season. The broader resort aims to meet this target by 2026, reinforcing Sugar Bowl’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Expanded Terrain and Upgraded Skiing Facilities

Sugar Bowl Resort is known for its extensive terrain, and this season, guests will enjoy even more space to explore. The resort has expanded its skiable acreage by removing outdated structures, opening up new areas for skiing while improving sightlines and flow. To ensure that snow conditions remain optimal, Sugar Bowl has introduced a new fleet of four groomers, enhancing surface quality across the resort’s four peaks.

In addition to the terrain expansions, the resort’s athlete training facility—Sugar Bowl Parks CA—has undergone significant improvements, including earthworks designed to provide better snow coverage. The facility also features expanded rail and jump lines, offering skiers and snowboarders a world-class training environment that caters to all skill levels.

New Ski and Snowboard Services, Rentals, and Event Calendar

Sugar Bowl Resort has streamlined its services for maximum convenience this year, consolidating all skier services into the Main Lodge. Guests can access guest services, an expanded rental fleet, and the Snowsports School all in one location, making it easier for families, groups, and individual skiers to prepare for a day on the mountain.

For those looking to attend events, Sugar Bowl’s 2025-26 event calendar features competitions, community gatherings, and themed events. Notable events include the Poker Run (January 31), Empowder Women’s Weekend (February 21-22), and the Uphiller (March 14). The resort will also host its annual Silver Belt competition (April 2-5) and the Pond Skim during the Spring Closing Weekend.

Affordable Ticket Options and Season Passes

Sugar Bowl Resort continues to offer affordable ticket options for visitors, including special pricing for opening weekend. Lift tickets will be available for as low as $39 per day (Friday-Sunday) during the opening period. The resort also offers 3-Pack tickets starting at $299 for non-holiday weekdays and $599 for anytime use.

For frequent visitors, season passes are available starting at $559, with benefits including Mountain Collective discounts, 50% off friends-and-family tickets, and access to Royal Gorge XC trails. The resort encourages visitors to purchase lift tickets early to secure the best rates, as prices will increase with demand.

A Community-Focused Destination

Sugar Bowl’s commitment to community extends beyond just its guests. The resort has introduced the Employee Palace, a dedicated space for staff to connect, unwind, and foster a strong sense of community among its team members. This space includes an expanded locker room and lounge area, helping to create a positive and supportive work environment that directly benefits guest service.

Conclusion: Sugar Bowl Resort – A Top Winter Destination in California

With major enhancements in both infrastructure and services, Sugar Bowl Resort is poised to offer an unforgettable 2025-26 ski season for skiers, snowboarders, and families alike. The resort’s new dining experiences, expanded terrain, and full event calendar ensure that there is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for adventure on the slopes or relaxation off them. As one of California’s top winter destinations, Sugar Bowl Resort continues to offer a memorable experience for both first-time visitors and returning guests.