Sugar Bowl Resort Launches a New Era on Donner Summit
Sugar Bowl Resort is entering the 2025/26 winter season with its biggest transformation in eight decades. California’s oldest ski destination has unveiled major upgrades across its Village Lodge, mountain terrain, and guest amenities—marking a pivotal moment in its $100 million revitalization campaign. For a resort founded in 1939, this isn’t about reinvention. It’s about preserving soul while embracing progress.
“This next phase of our revitalization project reflects everything we love about Sugar Bowl and its authentic mountain culture, diverse skiing, and community spirit,” said Bridget Legnavsky, CEO of Sugar Bowl Resort. “We’re improving the experience for guests and employees while protecting the historical character that makes this place unlike any other.”
Reimagined Village Lodge: Dining Meets Heritage
The Village Lodge—long a hub for skiers finishing their day—has been completely refreshed. The new centerpiece is Yarrow, a restaurant curated by Bay Area chef Traci Des Jardins and sommelier Clay Reynolds. It’s a modern space that celebrates California’s regional flavors with dishes like Lamb Meatballs with labneh and mint chimichurri, Togarashi Fried Brussels Sprouts, and Duck Fat Potato Rosti. The goal is simple: food that feels refined but still mountain-comfortable.
Next door, The Terrace introduces a two-tiered outdoor deck with firepits, expanded seating, and QR-code ordering for easy service—an ideal setting for a post-run drink or a quiet lunch with panoramic views. The Belt Room adds a lively après-ski atmosphere, serving craft cocktails and casual bites, while the Espresso Lounge provides fresh-baked goods and Equator Coffee for early risers or those taking a mid-mountain break.
The entire Village Lodge has also reached a major environmental milestone—achieving zero landfill status. Every material and process has been reviewed to eliminate single-use waste. The rest of the resort is scheduled to reach the same status by the end of the 2026/27 season, solidifying Sugar Bowl’s position as one of California’s most sustainability-focused ski operations.
Modern Comfort Below Deck
Beneath the Lodge, new amenities await. A state-of-the-art locker facility features digital access, boot dryers, and expanded storage. The renovated Rathskeller now serves as a warm, flexible space where guests can relax or work remotely before heading back to the slopes.
On-Mountain Improvements: More Space, Smoother Rides
Sugar Bowl’s mountain team has reshaped sections of the terrain, removing outdated structures to open new lines and improve natural flow. Four new groomers are now part of the resort’s fleet, creating better snow surfaces and consistent runs across all four peaks.
The Sugar Bowl Parks CA facility, home to freestyle and competition training, has received a significant boost. Earthworks were completed this summer to ensure deeper snow coverage and smoother transitions. Expanded jump lines and rails mean riders of all levels—from beginners to pros—will see new ways to progress.
The resort’s Main Lodge has also been reorganized for simplicity. Guest services, rentals, and the Snowsports School are now located together for convenience. A new rental fleet offers more high-performance gear, reducing the need to bring equipment from home. The recently completed Employee Palace gives staff a purpose-built locker and lounge area, a thoughtful upgrade for those who keep the mountain running through long winter days.
Events, Races, and Local Traditions
The 2025/26 calendar is packed with competitions and community favorites. Sugar Bowl will host Far West races, USASA Slopestyle and Rail Jam events, the Futures Tour, and the CNISSF Championships. Fan-favorite gatherings return as well—Poker Run on January 31, Empowder Women’s Weekend on February 21–22, and the Pond Skim to close out spring with laughs and costumes.
These events have long been part of Sugar Bowl’s DNA, bringing together locals, athletes, and visitors who share an appreciation for both competition and camaraderie.
Tickets, Passes, and Pricing
The resort is offering several ways to experience the new season. Opening weekend lift tickets are priced at $39 per day, with 3-Packs available for $299 (Sunday–Friday, non-holiday) or $599 for any day. Midweek Lift Tickets purchased online are $89, while Season Passes start at $559 and include Mountain Collective discounts, 50% off friends-and-family tickets, and optional Royal Gorge XC access. It’s a model that blends flexibility with affordability—something smaller, independent resorts often excel at.
A Mountain Rooted in History, Focused on the Future
Sugar Bowl has always had a distinctive feel compared to larger corporate resorts. It’s independent, locally owned, and grounded in a sense of place. Its 86-year legacy has been built on community and character rather than scale. Yet the resort’s investment signals a forward-thinking approach that doesn’t trade authenticity for progress.
It’s refreshing to see a mountain resort evolve without losing its story—preserving the charm that made it iconic, even as it builds toward the next chapter. The gondola upgrade coming in Spring 2026 and the future Main Lodge transformation show that this project isn’t about short-term upgrades—it’s a long-term commitment to a legacy that still feels alive.
Skiers and riders heading up to Donner Summit this season won’t just find better snow and newer lifts—they’ll find a resort that’s proving tradition and innovation can share the same mountain.
