Snowbird, Utah facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snowbird |
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One of two cable cars composing the Aerial Tram at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort approaches the top station on top of Hidden Peak at an elevation of 11,000 feet
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 Snowbird
Location in Utah
Snowbird
Location in the United States
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| Location | Wasatch National Forest Little Cottonwood Canyon Salt Lake County, Utah  United States |
| Nearest city | Sandy: 4 miles (6 km) Salt Lake City: 29 mi (47 km) |
| Coordinates | 40°34′52″N 111°39′23″W / 40.58111°N 111.65639°W |
| Vertical | 3,240 ft (988 m) |
| Top elevation | 11,000 ft (3,353 m) |
| Base elevation | 7,760 ft (2,365 m) lowest chairlift 8,100 feet (2,469 m) main base area |
| Skiable area | 2,500 acres (10.1 km2) |
| Runs | 169 27% easiest 38% more difficult 35% most difficult |
| Longest run | 2.5 miles (4.0 km) Chip's Run |
| Lift system | 13 lifts: 1 tram 6 hi-speed quad chairs 4 double chairs 2 surface lifts |
| Lift capacity | 17,400 per hour |
| Terrain parks | 1 |
| Snowfall | 500 in (1,270 cm), average record: 838 in (2,130 cm), (2023, as of the 4th of June) |
| Night skiing | limited |
Snowbird is a popular mountain resort located in Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah, United States. It's part of the Rocky Mountains and is close to Salt Lake City. Snowbird is most famous for its amazing alpine skiing and snowboarding areas. The resort first opened its doors in December 1971.
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History of Snowbird
The area around Little Cottonwood Canyon has a long history. In the 1800s, a soldier found silver here in 1869. This led to a big mining industry. The "Emma Mine" became very famous and produced a lot of silver.
At one point, about 8,000 people lived and worked in the canyon. There were homes, hotels, stores, and even a railroad. Sadly, a series of avalanches later destroyed the entire town.
Snowbird is a resort that's open in both winter and summer. It's best known for its incredible powder snow for skiing and snowboarding. In warmer months, people come for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. The resort has ski lifts, hotels, restaurants, and other shops.
Most of Snowbird is built on land that is privately owned. This is different from many other ski areas in Utah.
The idea for Snowbird came from Ted Johnson. He had managed a nearby lodge for about ten years. In 1969, he met Dick Bass, an oilman from Texas. They worked together to create Snowbird, which opened in 1971. A few years later, Ted Johnson sold his share to Dick Bass.
In 2014, the ownership changed again. Ian Cumming became the main owner, with Dick Bass still involved. Both Dick Bass and Ted Johnson passed away in later years.
The Tram Club, a popular spot at Snowbird, closed in 2021. But don't worry, it reopened in December 2022!
Skiing and Snowboarding at Snowbird
Snowbird resort is located in the beautiful Wasatch-Cache National Forest. It's about 29 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport. It's also just 4 miles east of the town of Sandy. The resort first welcomed guests in December 1971.
Snowbird is right next to another famous ski area called Alta Ski Area. Since 2002, you can buy a special pass that lets you ski at both resorts! This means you get access to a huge area with 26 ski lifts. However, only skiers can use the joint pass, because Alta does not allow snowboarders.
Both Snowbird and Alta get over 500 inches of snow each year! This is because of something called the "lake effect" from the Great Salt Lake. This makes their snow very dry and powdery, which skiers and snowboarders love. It's some of the best powder snow in the world!
Snowbird usually stays open for skiing until late May. Sometimes, if there's a lot of snow, you can even ski there until the Fourth of July! This makes Snowbird have one of the longest ski seasons in Utah.
The resort has a skiable area of 2,500 acres. The highest point, Hidden Peak, is over 11,000 feet high. You can reach Hidden Peak using a special aerial tram from the base area.
Snowbird covers three main areas: Peruvian Gulch, Gad Valley, and Mineral Basin. Ski magazines often praise Snowbird for its amazing snow, varied terrain, and how easy it is to get to from the airport.
In May 2011, Snowbird had a record-breaking 776 inches of snow! Snowbird is known for its challenging slopes. Many runs are for "intermediates only" or even more difficult. The most challenging part of the mountain is the cirque traverse, which is only for expert skiers.
Lifts and Tunnels
Snowbird has 10 chairlifts, including high-speed quads and double chairs. It also has a surface lift and an aerial tram.
One unique feature is a 600-foot long tunnel. This tunnel has a one-way conveyor belt inside! It connects the Peruvian Gulch area to Mineral Basin. This makes it easier for beginners and intermediate skiers to explore new parts of the mountain. The tunnel is the only one of its kind in North America. It's also useful when strong winds make it unsafe to use the aerial tram. Inside the tunnel, you can see pictures and learn about how it was built.
Resort Facilities
Snowbird has four main places to stay: the Iron Blosam, the Inn, the Lodge at Snowbird, and the Cliff Lodge. The resort also has gift shops, restaurants, arcades, and pools. There's even a spa on the rooftop! A new restaurant was built at Hidden Peak in 2015.
The resort also has large meeting spaces. This includes 31 meeting rooms and a big Event Center that's used in the summer.
Summer Fun at Snowbird
Even though Snowbird is famous for skiing, it's also a great place to visit in the summer! When the snow melts, you can enjoy many different activities. Here are some of the most popular summer activities:
- The Alpine Slide: This is a dual track that goes down the Chickadee ski slope. It has twists, turns, and tunnels! Kids aged 7 and up can ride alone. Younger kids (3-6) can ride on an adult's lap.
- The Mountain Coaster: This coaster is 3,120 feet long and can hold up to two riders. It's located near the Peruvian Express chairlift. Riders must be at least 3 years old. To ride alone, you need to be 54 inches tall.
- Summer Tubing: This is like snow tubing, but for warm weather! It's located near The Cliff Lodge. You need to be at least 4 years old and 40 inches tall to participate.
- The Vertical Drop: This is a 50-foot tower where you experience a "Big Drop." You free-fall for nine feet before slowly lowering to the ground. You need to weigh between 44 and 285 pounds to try this.
- Ropes Courses: Near the Chickadee bowl, you can try a ropes course while wearing a harness. You'll walk high above the ground and see amazing views! You need to be at least 48 inches tall, weigh under 300 pounds, and wear closed-toe shoes. There's also a Mini Ropes Course for younger kids (2-6 years old) who are under 130 pounds. This one is guided by a parent.
Awards and Recognition
Snowbird has won many awards over the years! Skiing Magazine once ranked the Alta-Snowbird area as the second best in North America. They also said it was the best in the United States for two seasons in a row.
SKI Magazine gave Snowbird gold medals for its snow, easy access, challenging terrain, beautiful scenery, weather, and lifts. It was ranked third in North America for snow and fourth for challenging terrain.
Outside magazine named Alta-Snowbird the number one ski spot in North America in 2008. More recently, ZRankings rated Snowbird as the fourth best ski resort in North America. Snowbird's snow and weather are considered among the best in the world for skiing. ZRankings even said Snowbird's snow was the second best in North America!
Two of Snowbird's ski instructors, Rob Sogard and Nancy Thoreson, were named among SKI Magazine's Top 100 instructors.
Images for kids
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The Salt Lake Valley from Snowbird
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Snowbird Tram to 11,000 ft.
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Skiing in Snowbird
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Snowbird mid-June 2003
