Snowbird, Utah
High quality snow and terrain make Snowbird a skier's mountain.
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Ranking No. 3 in Snow and Challenge, Snowbird is the place to push your skiing. Don’t believe me? Check out the highlights from the 2014 Freeride World Tour—yeah you can ski the competition venue. If you’re not quite ready for the double black diamonds, no worries, Snowbird has terrain that “offers something for everyone.” Soak up the sun in Mineral Basin, blast down Chip’s Run, burn your quads on a T-to-B Mach Schnell, and play in the powder glades of Tiger Tail.
Since joining Ikon, the mountain has gotten crowded, with “long lift lines” and “congested canyon traffic.” But with the tram and multiple high-speed quads, Snowbird’s matrix of lifts (No. 8) and 2,500 acres of skiable terrain off er plenty of space to arc your turns once you get out of the base area. With “limited and dated amenities,” Snowbird doesn’t rank well for the off -slope niceties (No. 25 for Dining and No. 26 for Après), but with Salt Lake City just 20 minutes away, the tired, hungry, and thirsty will find everything they need. In other words: If snow and terrain are at the top of your list, consider Snowbird for your next ski vacation. – Mali Noyes
Snowbird’s 2021 Reader Resort Guide Rank: #27 in the West
| Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
| 500″ | 2,500 | 11 | 169 |
- Local Tip: Beat canyon congestion by parking in Entry 1 for a faster exit.
- On-Hill Restaurant: Take a break at the top of Hidden Peak in the new lodge. It’s a great place to warm up on a stormy day or take in the views on a bluebird one.
- Bragging Rights: Show off for the tram on Silver Fox. Can you make it through the rock chute at the bottom? It is steep, committing, and sure to get your heart rate going!
Learn about No. 28 in the West for 2021: Grand Targhee, Wyo.
Read about No. 26: Revelstoke, B.C.
Watch: 2014 Freeride World Tour Highlights – Snowbird
2020 SKI Magazine Reader Resort Survey Rank for Snowbird: 29th in the West
Snowbird packs a punch. Coming in No. 3 for both Snow and Challenge, readers attest, “when the snow is good, there are few places better for steep, challenging, and varied terrain.” With 70 percent black-diamond runs “the advanced terrain is plentiful.” But don’t worry if you’re bringing the family—the 2,500 skiable acres and well-distributed lifts (No. 11) provide “enough variety for beginners and intermediates to enjoy themselves.”
However, the family better enjoy skiing: With few down day activities (No. 29) and “limited” dining and nightlife (No. 26 and 27, respectively), Snowbird doesn’t rank well as a family-friendly resort (No. 34). But with Salt Lake only 20 minutes away, offering “access to city life and restaurants,” it’s the “open bowl powder of Mineral Basin,” the “breathtaking” scenery from the top of the tram (No. 14), and the “great spring skiing” (Snowbird claims the longest season in Utah) that makes the Bird the word. – Mali Noyes
- LUNCH SPOT: A made-to-order sandwich from Gritts—it’s the locals’ go-to for lunch.
- BRAGGING RIGHTS: Great Scott: the entrance is tricky, but the sheltered snow is always rippable.
- GOOD VALUE: The Tram Club’s $5 shot-and-a-beer can’t be beat.
Read More:
SKI Magazine’s 2019 Review of Snowbird, Utah
In addition to offering up some of the most exciting and beloved skiing in Little Cottonwood Canyon—if you haven’t experienced the iconic Cirque off the tram, you should—Snowbird has it going on.
Upgrades galore for 2019, in the form of what amounts to an overhaul of the aerial tram base and the lower village, will transform the visitor experience. Look for a full facelift at the Snowbird Center, Cliff Lodge west wing and dining upgrades, and, oh, the resort joins the Ikon Pass.
- Dinner Reservation: The Aerie’s menu is diverse—you can order anything from a fried-chicken sandwich to elk meatloaf. But do try the truffle parmesan fries.
- On-Mountain Eats: Going into its third season, the Summit, located at the top of the tram, serves up artisan pizzas, microbrews, and 360-degree views of the Wasatch.
- Off-the-Map Trail: Tiger Tail has glades and 40-degree steeps. And since it’s tougher to get to it sees less traffic, meaning powder stashes stay fresh longer.
Read More:
Resorts of the Year 2019: Utah
Resorts of the Year 2019: West
Ikon Pass Resorts
Mountain Collective Resorts
