This Is Snowbird... The crown of the powder-filled Wasatch Mountain Resorts.
Nestled in the Little Cottonwood Canyon, adjacent to the connected Alta Resort, Snowbird's
reputation for endless powder, uncrowded slopes and slopeside lodging towers above other Utah resorts.
With an average annual snowfall of more than 500 inches, snowbird is anything but 'average'!
Snowbird boasts the longest season of any other Utah resort with skiing and riding beginning
mid-November and usually running through mid-May. Snowbird's close proximity to Salt Lake City
International Airport means less time traveling and more time on the slopes. Here, 4 days really
means 4 days or winter fun for the whole family.
Canyon History
Long before skiers discovered the powder paradise that is Little
Cottonwood Canyon, miners discovered their own treasure within the rugged confines of the
glacial canyon. The history of Little Cottonwood Canyon and the town of Alta dates back to
the 19th Century, when a soldier in the U.S. Army first prospected for silver in 1869. The
tiny minerals he stumbled upon quickly evolved into a massive industry attracting
fortune-seekers who would otherwise never step foot in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
What the soldier had discovered will go down in history as one of the largest producers
of silver ore in the Wasatch Mountains. Known as the Emma Mine and the namesake for the
Big Emma run in Snowbird's Gad Valley, the soldier's find eventually produced more than
$3.8 million in silver. At its peak, 8,000 people lived and worked in the narrow canyon,
which boasted two smelters, 138 homes, hotels, boarding houses, stores and even a railroad.
The entire town was later destroyed by a series of avalanches.
Slopeside Paradise
Snowbird opened in December of 1971 with three lifts, the Tram,
the Lodge at Snowbird and the Snowbird Center. The Inn (then called the Turamura) was
constructed in 1972, the Cliff Lodge west wing in 1973-74, and the Iron Blosam in the fall
of 1974. In 1986, after years of construction and renovation, an enlarged Cliff Lodge
opened its doors to the public. The Cliff is among the finest resort hotels anywhere
with a world-class health spa, conference center and the world's largest privately
held collection of oriental rugs. The 11-story atrium, which connects the original
building with the new wing, offers a spectacular view. Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort
includes the finest facilities the skiing world has to offer combined with an
unparalleled accessibility to a major metropolitan city and international airport.
Snowbird has also fostered a reputation for its environmental stewardship, for
which it also has been awarded numerous prestigious awards.
Ride A Real Mountain
Long known for its bottomless powder and steep terrain,
Snowbird has fully embraced the jib era with multiple terrain parks and a new Superpipe
creating a one-two punch of world-class big mountain riding as well as park and pipe
features for all abilities. And speaking of ability, should yours not be quite up to snuff,
fear not. Snowbird's Mountain School offers classes for adults and children looking to shred
either venue.
Snowbird Stats and Facts:
- Over 2,500 acres
- Skiable Vertical: 3,240 feet
- Base elevation: 7,760 feet
- Summit elevation: 11,000 feet
- Annual Average Snowfall: 500+ inches - Yes, that's over 41 Feet!!!
Trail Breakdown
- 35% Expert/Advanced
- 38% Intermediate
- 27% Beginner
- Lifts: 1 Tram - 125 person, 4 quads, 6 doubles
- Longest Run: 2.5 miles - Chip's Run
Getting Here
It's Easy! Snowbird is the most accessible world-renowned four season
mountain resort in North America: only 29 miles from Salt Lake City International
Airport, with over 600 daily non-stop flights from most major U.S. cities. Snowbird is a scenic
45-minute drive from the airport, making same-day skiing and flying a reality. Several
transportation companies offer non-stop shuttles from Salt Lake City International Airport
to Snowbird's front door. Once at Snowbird, the only transportation needed is a pair of skis
or a snowboard - the Tram and chairs provide the rest.
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