Snowbird

Closed
Meimei Ma
SnowPak Local Insider
Meimei Ma
Pros
  • Great challenging terrain for intermediate and expert skiers
  • Connected to Alta (only good if you're a skier)
  • Efficient lift system and long ski seasons
Cons
  • Not suited for beginners along with limited dining, nightlife and lodging options

Snowbird Ski Packages

Lodging + Lift Tickets Discount Price
Park Inn by Radisson Salt Lake City Midvale
2 x Adult 2-day Lift Ticket
21% off $550
Crystal Inn Hotel & Suites Midvalley
2 x Adult 2-day Lift Ticket
20% off $697
The Snowpine Lodge
2 x Adult 2-day Lift Ticket
17% off $1,504

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Overall

4

Visit Snowbird, and you’ll quickly learn why so many professional freeriders and extreme skiers call it home. The terrain is as rugged as you’ll find anywhere so even the most experienced shredders will get a rush going down challenging lines. And let’s not forget about the snow! In a normal year, Snowbird and its neighbor, Alta, get 500 in of the “greatest snow on earth” dumped onto the highest resort terrain in Utah. The mountain gets the lion’s share of the magical stuff and can sometimes get twice as much snow as nearby resorts in a single storm! The trees, bowls and chutes will hide these powder stashes for days, just waiting for you to draw your lines.

Best month to go

Mid- February to early March

Snowbird’s season typically begins no later than early December. Even though Mother Nature delivers an almost unbelievable amount of snow, the ski resort still maintains some snowmaking equipment to make sure they’re able to get some groomers open before the blizzards come. You don’t need to be there that early though. January is when you’ll see a good coverage of snow on the advanced and expert runs at Snowbird. The season lasts as long as there is snow, so it’s common for the lifts to run through late May and beyond. We like to visit mid-February to early March, when there’s plenty of snow and sunshine. That said, if you’re lucky, you can catch a powder storm later in the season and skip the hustle and bustle of the holiday season which means cheaper lodgings. If you find yourself at Snowbird late into the season, follow the sun over the course of the day to find the best conditions.

FLY TO

Salt Lake International Airport

SHUTTLE TO

Snowbird (45 minutes)

Base of Snowbird (Walk)

  • Made up of four resort owned lodging including one ski-in/ski-out
  • Great for skiing at Alta
  • Small convenience store

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Base of Alta (1-2 mi)

  • Neighboring ski resort with five convenient lodges
  • Great for skiing at both mountains
  • Breakfast and dinner included

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Between Alta and Snowbird (1-2 mi)

  • Condos and vacation rentals
  • Lack the convenience of prepared meals at Alta
  • Easy access to the slopes

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Salt Lake City (25-30 mi)

  • Cheaper and wider selection of lodging options than Snowbird
  • Convenient base for skiing at other resorts
  • Small risk of road closure due to heavy snowfall

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For beginners

Although over a quarter of the Snowbird mountain is rated for beginners, the easy terrain isn't very accessible for the inexperienced and the progression to more advanced terrain is abrupt. If you're a never-ever, give Alta or Park City a shot instead!

More beginners tips

For intermediates

There's plenty on offer for intermediates across the resort but more adventurous skiers and snowboarders should check out the Mineral Basin. Our pick would be Lupine Loop into Bassanova then take the Path to Paradise to Junior's Powder Paradise. Snowbird has some intense yet wide blue runs, surrounded by black diamond terrain and stunning views of the Wasatch Range!

More intermediates tips

For experts

From steeps and chutes to trees and bowls, Snowbird is truly an expert's playground. Hoop's is our winner here; it's a black diamond off the Knucklehead Traverse that's also north facing on the upper mountain so the pow there stays fresh late into the season.

More experts tips

Find freshies

Few people head out to Little Cloud and Gad 2, making them perfect for finding the fresh stuff, even days after a storm. Be sure to also check out the powder bowls of Mineral Basin!

Ditch the crowds

Queues for the aerial tram begin at 8.30am, so either get there at 8:00am or take the Peruvian lift for some superb skiing at Peruvian Gulch or continue into the tunnel through to the Mineral Basin (backside) area.

Non skiers

The small town with limited options at Snowbird could leave non-skiers rather bored here. However, there are loads of attractions in Salt Lake City, just 30 to 45 minutes away.

Families

If you have inexperienced beginners in your family, Snowbird might not be the best resort as the beginner terrain is quite limited. Additionally, getting to and from lodging and parking isn't easy either. The town of Snowbird is also small with limited dining and shopping.

Save up to 33% when you book a Snowbird package!

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Snowbird Reviews

Fabulous 4.2 / 5
based on 84 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Superb!5 / 5Nov 08, 2017
CColton
advanced skier
Snowbird is the best resort in the United States. It's only issue is the level of crowd, it's really busy on weekends and holidays. Too busy, it takes always Business. ... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 08, 2017
BWBill W.
advanced skier
It's snowbird... it's steep, has amazing snow and terrain. Not a good beginners hill. Lines can suck and new snow gets skiied out fast. Its still one of the best ski hills around. ... More
Good!3.6 / 5Nov 08, 2017
JJeremy
advanced skier
So good. Steep, long runs, heaps of snow, great terrain, easy access from SLC airport. If you get a powder day (which is probably pretty likely), you can just do laps on the tram and get heaps of ski miles in. Not much of a village or apres. ... More
Good!3.8 / 5Nov 07, 2017
NCNathan C.
advanced skier
Snowbird is awesome. The terrane is incredible. Not a beginners resort. Powder days can be super crowded and it can take a while to get the mountain open, but overall I like this place... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 07, 2017
LBLarry B.
advanced skier
a little less crowded on a powder day would be nice! easier access to back country . some side country to access from the lifts . better parking options. more reasonable food options on mountain ... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Nov 07, 2017
SSid
advanced snowboarder
Tram, Tram,Tram 8 minutes to 11k that's all that needs to be said. This mountain has it all steep and deep. The best people on the planet. Chips run 2.5 miles got to love it. Cliffs,groomers,moguls,trees, fantasy mountain. Plus it's in Utah so you get that fluffy powder.... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 06, 2017
SPStuart P.
advanced skier
I️ had an amazing time at snowbird. The snow was amazing. The people were friendly and extremely accommodating. The amenities where top notch I️ loved the different activities that were offered. I️ would recommend it to everyone. ... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 06, 2017
JMJeremy M.
advanced snowboarder
This is home. It's things like the 1 star Too Avanced campaign that I love riding the bird. Steep and deep is what keeps me coming back. Between the world class terrain, amazing backcountry and sidecountry access,option to ride Alta as well through the Alta/Bird Connection at Mt Baldy, and the worlds best snow. What could be better for the avid big... More
Good!3.7 / 5Nov 05, 2017
RSRyan S.
expert skier
Two words: Super Gnarly. Some of the biggest and baddest terrain both out and in bounds in the United States. You can be booted up and on the hill within an hour of landing in SLC airport as well. Certainly not for the casual skier or faint of heart, but an enthusiast's dream! ... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 05, 2017
JHJohn H.
expert skier
Best/most accessible terrain in the U.S. Qualty of the snow - even into May - is outstanding. Best value in North America as well. Can't say enough good things about this resort!... More