13. Snowbird Resort, Utah
13. Snowbird Resort, Utah

To put it simply, Snowbird is the place to push your skiing. Don’t believe us? 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 and 2,500 acres of skiable terrain offer plenty of space to arc your turns once you get out of the base area. With limited and dated amenities, Snowbird isn’t know for its off-slope niceties, 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

No. 13 in the West: Snowbird, Utah
Snowbird Mountain Stats
Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
500″ | 2,500 | 11 | 169 |
Snowbird Pass Info
Snowbird is on the Ikon Pass. Pass holders get 7 days at the resort; Base Pass holders get 5 blackout-restricted days.
Trip Planning
From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Snowbird, Utah.
What’s New
Snowbird debuts its Mountain Center this season, intended to be a one-stop-shop for skiers to do everything from booking lessons to making dinner reservations to securing a seat on a Snowbird Mountain Guides heli trip. It will be located on level 2 of the Snowbird Center.
A new Kids Freeloader Pass provides a free season pass to youth 18 and under when linked to an adult pass. The incredible deal is intended to break down the barrier of entry to skiing.
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!
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.
Dinner Pick
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.
To put it simply, Snowbird is the place to push your skiing. Don’t believe us? 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 and 2,500 acres of skiable terrain offer plenty of space to arc your turns once you get out of the base area. With limited and dated amenities, Snowbird isn’t know for its off-slope niceties, 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

No. 13 in the West: Snowbird, Utah
Snowbird Mountain Stats
Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
500″ | 2,500 | 11 | 169 |
Snowbird Pass Info
Snowbird is on the Ikon Pass. Pass holders get 7 days at the resort; Base Pass holders get 5 blackout-restricted days.
Trip Planning
From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Snowbird, Utah.
What’s New
Snowbird debuts its Mountain Center this season, intended to be a one-stop-shop for skiers to do everything from booking lessons to making dinner reservations to securing a seat on a Snowbird Mountain Guides heli trip. It will be located on level 2 of the Snowbird Center.
A new Kids Freeloader Pass provides a free season pass to youth 18 and under when linked to an adult pass. The incredible deal is intended to break down the barrier of entry to skiing.
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!
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.
Dinner Pick
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.