Snowbird is a world-renowned ski resort and unincorporated community located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, approximately 29 miles (47 km) southeast of Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. Situated in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains, Snowbird is celebrated for its abundant snowfall, challenging terrain, and extensive vertical drop, making it a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
History
The concept for Snowbird originated with Ted Johnson, a local skier and real estate developer, who saw the potential for a major ski area in Little Cottonwood Canyon. He partnered with Dick Bass, a Texas businessman and mountaineer, who purchased the property in 1969. Construction began shortly thereafter, and Snowbird officially opened on December 23, 1971. The resort was designed from the outset to be a comprehensive, year-round destination, a vision that Bass championed throughout his ownership.
Ski Resort Features
Snowbird is known for its diverse terrain, which caters to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, though it is particularly favored by advanced and expert riders.
- Terrain: The resort spans approximately 2,500 acres (10 km²) of skiable terrain, featuring wide-open bowls, steep chutes, moguls, gladed runs, and groomed cruisers. The highest lift-served point is Hidden Peak at 11,000 feet (3,353 m), with a base elevation of 7,760 feet (2,365 m), offering a vertical drop of 3,240 feet (988 m).
- Snowfall: Snowbird is famous for its prodigious amounts of light, dry powder snow, often referred to as "The Greatest Snow on Earth." It averages over 500 inches (1,270 cm) of snowfall annually, making for one of the longest ski seasons in North America, typically from mid-November to late May or even June.
- Lifts: A distinctive feature of Snowbird is its Aerial Tram, which can transport 125 people to Hidden Peak in approximately eight minutes. In addition to the tram, the resort operates several high-speed detachable quad chairs, a gondola (Peruvian Express Gondola), and other fixed-grip lifts.
- Interconnect: Snowbird offers an interconnect pass with its neighboring resort, Alta Ski Area, allowing skiers (Alta does not permit snowboarding) to access additional terrain and explore both mountains on the same day via the Peruvian Gulch and Mineral Basin.
Summer and Year-Round Activities
While renowned for winter sports, Snowbird operates as a full-service mountain resort year-round. Summer activities include:
- Scenic Tram Rides: Offering panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains.
- Mountain Biking: Extensive trail networks for various skill levels.
- Hiking: Access to numerous trails, including portions of the Wasatch Crest Trail.
- Ropes Course and Zip Line: Adventure activities for families and individuals.
- Alpine Slide: A gravity-fed slide providing a thrilling descent.
- Events: Snowbird hosts various summer festivals, concerts, and art shows.
Facilities and Accommodations
Snowbird features several lodging options, ranging from condominiums to full-service hotels. The most prominent is The Cliff Lodge and Spa, an iconic architecturally distinctive hotel offering luxurious accommodations, dining, and a world-class spa with rooftop pools and hot tubs. Other lodging includes The Lodge at Snowbird, Iron Blosam Lodge, and Condominium Lodging. The resort also provides multiple dining establishments, retail shops, and convention facilities.
Environmental and Conservation Efforts
Given its location within a pristine mountain environment, Snowbird has demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship. Efforts include renewable energy initiatives, sustainable resort operations, and participation in conservation programs aimed at preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Access
Snowbird is easily accessible, located approximately 45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) via State Route 210, which winds up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Regular shuttle services and public transportation (Utah Transit Authority ski buses during winter) connect the resort to the Salt Lake Valley.