Worldwide Ski Resorts • USA • Snowbird
Overview
The Utah resort of Snowbird shares its slopes with the neighbouring town of Alta. This combination has resulted in the creation of one of the largest and diverse lift linked ski areas in the entire United States. The town is rather a sprawl of apartment blocks, shops, bars, restaurants and all the other facilities that you would reasonably expect to find in a resort of this calibre, and the overall impression is rather stark and utilitarian. That said, it has been built for convenience.
Most of the accommodation lies within easy walking distance of the town facilities — including the main lift station and doorstep skiing is the rule rather than the exception. Local accommodation includes some very good quality hotels as well as a number of comfortable lodges in condominium blocks. There is also a wide variety of restaurants within the town that provide good food at affordable prices.
Profile
The town stands at 2470m beneath the Hidden Peak mountain. There are 2,500 acres of pisted runs that are served by 13 lifts. The combined slopes of Alta and Snowbird together provide 4,700 acres of piste and a served by 26 lifts. With an average snowfall of 500 inches per year, good cover is virtually guaranteed and in any case there are 75 acres of snowmaking facilities that ensure the busier runs are always covered. This is a great place for expert skiers.
With deep powder off piste and plenty of steep double black diamonds combined with heli-skiing and backcountry tours, Snowbird is a heaven on earth for skiers with top skills. Intermediates of all abilities will find a wealth of slopes to suit every requirement. Boarders will also enjoy the off piste country on the local slopes and at Snowbird’s two terrain parks, but are not permitted on the Alta slopes. Beginners can enjoy learning on the dedicated Mountain Learning Area with its nearby progression run. Ski schools here are excellent and run a variety of special programmes including women only sessions and classes for the over 50s. Facilities for the children are also very good. Cross country skiers will not find any designated trails at this resort.
Mountain Information
The slopes are all in excess of 2300m and are predominantly north facing. The highest point of Hidden Peak is reached via the Aerial Tram from the town. Some of the best skiing for experts and intermediates alike can be found over in the Gad Valley. Experts should head for Cirque Ridge, where the extremely steep gullies of Silver Fox and Great Scott offer some of the best powder skiing to be found. The Mach Schnell is an awesome run down through the trees and is also a must for the intrepid expert. Intermediates will find that the country around the Gad II lift provides some testing, but manageable skiing and that Mineral Basin offers some excellent cruising opportunities.
Apres Ski
If you come to Snowbird looking for a riotous après ski scene then you will be disappointed. It is a generally restrained sort of place, although there are a number of bars that get quite lively in the evenings, notably The Tram Club and the Keyhole.
USA Resort Guide
Resort Information • Snowbird
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Resort Height | 2470m |
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Top Station | 3355m |
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Bottom Station | 2410m |
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Vertical Descent | 945m |
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Drag Lifts | 0 |
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Chair Lifts | 8 |
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High Capacity | 1 |
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Opening Dates | Nov - April |
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Rating Expert | 10 |
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Rating Intermediate | 8 |
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Rating Beginner | 6 |
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Apres Ski Rating | 9 |
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Snow Reliability | 9 |
