Snowbird, UT –Thanks to pre-season snowfall and a string of solid snowmaking weather, Utah’s Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort announced today that it will be opening one day early this Friday, matching the start of the season of its neighbor, Alta Ski Area.

“We’ve been working hard to prepare the mountain for the opening of what we hope is another spectacular season at Snowbird,” said Dave Fields, Snowbird Vice President of Resort Operations.

Gadzoom chairlift will open at 9 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. Intermediate and advanced terrain will be available on Bassackwards and Big Emma. The remainder of the mountain will be closed to all guests, including hikers, but with a storm in the National Weather Service forecast that’s expected to deliver 18 to 30 inches between Friday night and Saturday, open terrain could expand substantially after the storm’s passage.

All day tickets will be sold Friday at a reduced price of $58. Tickets will also be available for a special online sale for $46 through this Friday, and the ticket will be honored for chairs only through Dec. 23. The online price will not be available at the ticket window.

Snowbird’s shuttle will be running to transport guests to and from Gad Valley and Snowbird Center from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Creekside Day Lodge will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

As of today, Snowbird had received 54 inches of snow season to date.