Current Weather:
Snow
weather 31°

Base Depth:
88-99"

24hr Snowfall:
0

Surface:
Packed powder

Snowbird

State Highway 210, Snowbird, 84092
Phone: 801-933-2222 Snow Report: 801-933-2100 (snow report)
Snowbird Website

by Nicole Pelletier

The crown jewel of the Wasatch Range, Utah’s premiere big mountain skiing and snowboarding can be found at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, home of marathon-length bump runs, heavenly glade skiing, manicured groomed runs and seemingly endless opportunities to explore the nooks and crannies of this alpine wonderland that is just 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City.

Head straight for the resort center to claim a spot in the line for the Aerial Tram, where a scenic ride to the summit opens up to several options for skiing this expansive resort. To get the legs warmed up, a spin back to the valley floor on the intermediate level Chip’s Run is a perfect way to start the day, and Chip’s 2.5 miles of groomed track gives a sense of just how big this mountain really is. Another quick zip up Peruvian Express, and a tunnel ride (yes, you read that correctly, a TUNNEL RIDE!) through the mountain feeds over to the recently opened Mineral Basin area, a backside wonderland that has vastly expanded Snowbird’s 2500 acreage, and includes a link via Baldy Express to Alta ski area (note: special “Alta-Bird” ticket required).

On the front side of Snowbird, experts will want to explore The Cirque, a series of chutes that pour off of the ridge that divides Bald Mountain and Gad Valley. Intermediate skiers love the Little Cloud drainage, while beginners soak up the more sedate Big Emma area. At 27% beginner, 38% intermediate, and 35% advanced/expert terrain, there is something for everyone!

Lunchtime options are numerous at Snowbird, with the on-mountain fuel zone being the popular Mid Gad Lodge with it’s inspired views of Mt Superior. Leisurely diners will want to head for the resort center’s Forklift for a hearty sit-down lunch, while the truly on-the-fly mileage seekers will trail the locals downstairs below The Plaza to the somewhat hidden sandwich counter and deli in the back of the General Grits, Snowbird’s general store and source for all things grocery.

As the lifts swing to a close and the sun drops behind the Wasatch Mountains, find a spot on The Plaza and take in some live music over a few cold ones, then head back to The Cliff Lodge to settle into a relaxing hot tub session, or visit to their high altitude spa for some hard-earned pampering.

To cap off another action packed Utah day, enjoy excellent sushi, a variety of continental dishes and a majestic view of the glowing moonlit mountains from The Aerie, Snowbird’s beloved nightly hot-spot for dinner, drink and fun.

*all photos courtesy of Snowbird

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Current Weather:
Snow
weather 31°

Forecast:
No data available
°

SKI CONDITIONS

Latest Report: 20100309T09:53:00
24hr Snowfall:
0		 Last Snowfall:
Mar 08 - 3"		 Surface:
Packed powder
Base Depth:
88-99"		 Trails Open:
85		 Total Trails:
85
Percent Trails Open:
100%		 Lifts Open:
icon 12		 Total Lifts:
icon 12
Terrain Type:
Beginner:
N/A		 Intermediate:
N/A		 Advanced:
N/A		 Expert:
N/A
Elevation:
weather Peak Elevation:
11000 ft 3353 m Vertical:
3240 ft 988 m Base Elevation:
7760 ft 2365 m		 Total Acres:
2500 Total Miles:
N/A
Longest Run:
Chips Run
2 5 miles		 Easiest Run:
Chickadee		 Steepest Run:
Gad Chutes
Best Bumps:
Peruvian Gulch		 Best Trail Name:
Barry Barry Steep		  
 

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Air Travel

Snowbird is located amongst the rugged peaks of the Wasatch Mountain Range in Little Cottonwood Canyon. It is an incredibly accessible ski resort, being only 47 kilometres (29 miles - 45 minute drive) from Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah.  There are plenty of flights into Salt Lake City from major US cities, and lots of companies offer shuttle transport to the resort. If Snowbird is your only destination for your ski holiday, then hiring a car is not necessary to get there or to get around. If you’re doing a road trip or staying inSalt Lake City then hiring a car may be handy, but not essential.

 

Driving Directions

From Salt Lake City airport: From downtown and the airport go east on I-80, south on I-215, take 6200 South exit (turns into Wasatch Blvd) and then follow the signs to Alta and Snowbird. Little Cottonwood Canyon is very avalanche prone, so sometimes it is closed for avalanche control. Up to date road information is provided on the radio station AM 530.

Ground Transportation

If you're staying in Salt Lake City, you can take the Utah Transit Authority light rail (UTA TRAX) from downtown and transfer to a UTA ski bus. They have frequent pick-ups from multiple stops around the city including 10 different hotels, and it is incredibly cheap - $6 round-trip. The only downside depending upon where you’re staying is that on Sundays, TRAX doesn't run from downtown until after 10 am, so on a powder day you can call a cab to take you to a ski bus stop. There are also park-and-ride stops at the entrance to the canyon where you catch the UTA buses. 

Another alternative to get to Alta is to use a private transportation service such as Canyon Hop. A return trip costs $45 per person with an 8am pick-up.  Canyon Hop also provides transportation between other ski resorts throughout Park City region.

 

The village of Snowbird is small enough to walk around, but there is also a free shuttle to get around. To get to the nearby Alta, either ski over, or UTA offer a free bus service albeit somewhat infrequent. Some of the Alta and Snowbird accommodations also offer shuttles.

Parking Info

Parking is sorted for those staying overnight at Snowbird, but day-trippers need to join the hundreds of others crammed into the day car park. A tip for easy access is to park on the bypass road (go past The Cliff) and then ski down to Blackjack and the village. Alternatively $12 is very well spent by making the most of the valet parking. On a powder day, be prepared for a long trip home with the potential for a major case of traffic back down the hill.