Snowbird

Western United States Ski Resorts, Utah Ski Resorts

Visit The Wasatch

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About Snowbird

If the world’s best powder, epic terrain, magnificent views, family-friendly skiing zones, world-class lodging options and a handful of great restaurants sound like an experience you’re dying to have, then the decision to book a Snowbird ski vacation is a no-brainer. Everyone from hardcore, expert skiers to families with varying levels of ability will highly enjoy skiing at Snowbird (8% beginner, 26% intermediate and 66 % advanced), though keep in mind that Snowbird is more geared toward advanced skiers. Additionally, Snowbird is located very close to the skier's only Alta ski resort, which is also a world-class experience you don't want to miss. By car, skiers can get from the Salt Lake City International Airport to the Snowbird Tram Dock in just under 45 minutes—only 32 miles away.

The best thing to do in Snowbird is ski or snowboard, or other mountain-related outdoor activities. After that, party-goers and shoppers may be disappointed in Snowbird’s offerings. But again, Snowbird is a self-contained resort where the No. 1 focus is the ski area’s epic terrain. The Snowbird outdoor activities are just as good as its skiing. Guests have a nice array of options, such as Snowbird Mountain Guide Snowcat skiing and Powderbird heli-skiing in the breathtaking Wasatch mountains for all levels of experience.

5 best things about Snowbird according to our Mountain Travel Experts

Legendary snowfall and terrainIconic aerial tram viewsMineral basin for wide open bowlsThe Cliff SpaIncredible snow making capabilities

Where to stay in Snowbird

The narrow and steep mountains that line Little Cottonwood Canyon, the canyon that’s home to Snowbird and Alta, have prevented large-scale development of the area. So there’s isn’t an overabundance of Snowbird lodging options, but those that do exist offer incredible experiences that can be had nowhere else but Snowbird.

Experts' Pick

The Cliff Lodge and Spa

Experts' Pick

Lodge at Snowbird

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Trail maps

How to get to Snowbird

Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), the closest major airport with extensive flight options. Snowbird sits about 29–31 miles from SLC, and the scenic drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon (SR-210) usually takes around 40–45 minutes by car (under good conditions). Experts list Little Cottonwood Canyon as the primary route into the resort, emphasizing that visitors should follow this canyon road from the Salt Lake Valley to reach the resort.

Snowbird also makes car-free travel easy with public transit. Snowbird season passes include free UTA Ski Bus access for the winter season, automatically added to your Bird Card, making the UTA Ski Bus a cost-effective way to reach Snowbird and nearby Alta Ski Area without driving. The UTA Ski Bus serves stops at Snowbird and Alta from valley park-and-ride lots and connects with TRAX light rail stations, helping travelers avoid canyon traffic. For those who prefer direct service, private shuttle companies and rideshare options from SLC Airport to the resort area are readily available.

Getting around

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Ski Bus serves Snowbird and Alta via Route 994 and supplemental Canyon Service buses CS1/CS2; rides are included free with most season passes (Ikon, Snowbird season pass, Ski Super Pass) when you tap your pass onboard, or otherwise cost about $5 per trip. Once at Snowbird/Alta stops, the Alta Town Shuttle and Resort/Night Shuttles circulate free between lodges, Snowbird, and Alta base areas. Within Snowbird itself, you can walk or take resort shuttles; the area is compact. Snowbird’s 14 lifts include an Aerial Tram and multiple high-speed chairlifts to move skiers around the mountain efficiently. Taxis, rideshares and private shuttles from Salt Lake City also serve the canyon if you prefer direct transport.

Skiing in Snowbird

With the terrain type—beginner at 6 percent, intermediate at 26 percent and expert at 66 percent—every skier will find trails perfect for them. Beginners have multiple designated “learn to ski” areas, one near the base area Snowbird Center, one off of the Baby Thunder Lift, and one just below Mid Gad Lift.

Children will absolutely love the Mini Mining Camp located off of the Baby Thunder Lift. Here they’ll learn important balancing skills on the tree trails, and have a blast snaking around the mini camp. Beginner skiers can even enjoy the expansive beauty of Snowbird’s Mineral Basin via the Tram.

Beginner Skiing in Snowbird:

Snowbird, a world-class powder destination has a smaller but well-defined beginner terrain. While Snowbird beginner skiing isn’t necessarily what the resort is known for, it’s actually quite impressive with 8 percent of the resort’s 2,500 acres designated as beginner. Plus, few beginners get to enjoy views of the rugged, epic mountains of the Wasatch and magnificent, wide-open bowls.

With three beginner zones to choose from, novice skiers are sure to find a comfortable area to learn the basics or progress their skills. Most “first timers” prefer Chickadee, the beginner area and lift next to The Cliff Lodge. The short, gentle slope is perfect for beginners to practice wedge turns, stopping and proper chairlift technique. Kids and more experienced beginners will prefer the “Baby Thunder Family Area” off of the Baby Thunder Lift.

There are several novice runs, plus child-friendly “mini mining camp” tree trails for kids to practice their balance and looking ahead. The Mountain School Learning Area off of the Gadzooks Lift is another great place for beginners to practice their skills, as well as take in the mountain scenery.

Snowbird beginner skiing has one experience that no other resort can offer. More experienced beginners can enjoy the mountain to its full potential, and take the Snowbird’s famed Tram to the top and then jump on the magic carpet which travels through a tunnel and accesses Mineral Basin.

Out of the tunnel, beginner skiers can meander down Lupine Loop and take Baldy Express lift to the top, for some more novice runs, like Claim Jumper, Luckey Boy and Bird’s Nest. To head back to Snowbird’s base area, beginners should head back up Hidden Peak lift and download on the Tram. Beginners cannot access novice terrain from the Hidden Valley summit.

Expert Skiing in Snowbird:

If leg-burning steeps, epic bowls, spine-tingling chutes, every-sized cliff you can imagine, oh, and some of the best powder skiing in North America, sounds like a ski vacation up your alley, then the Snowbird expert skiing offerings are sure to please. With expert skiing composing 66 percent of Snowbird’s 2,500 acres, the terrain options feel endless.

On powder days, most locals will avoid the long Tram lines, opting for the Peruvian Express lift, which gets them to the goods much faster. Peruvian Gulch offers expert skiing and is the location of the Freeride World Tour Championship event. From the lift, you can cut into the High Baldy Traverse and access the Fields of Glory, and further down, the open powder fields around BlackJack Traverse. If you do opt for the Tram, be sure to take advantage of the Cirque Traverese. From there, you have your pick of which side of the resort you want to ski. Drop off the ridge skier’s right for Middle Cirque, which offers small, fun chutes and steep skiing. Drop in higher, on skier’s left for Regulator Johnson, where you’ll find open, powder fields, great for arching turns. If you stay on the traverse, further down you’ll find Wilbere Bowl, which offers well-spaced, small pines, steeps and interesting terrain nuggets.

Access Gad Valley and its smaller bowls via the Little Cloud Lift or Gad 2 Lift. Little Cloud will drop you off at the Road to Provo on skier's right off the lift. From Road to Provo you can get into the short, narrow Rasta Chutes, or stay high and head into the wide, open space of Baldy Bowl. Gad 2 Lift accesses the Red Lens Line and Thunder Bowl.

For expansive bowl skiing, drop intothe famed Mineral Basin, which you can access from the top of Little Cloud Lift, the Tram, or Peruvian Express via the Tunnel. Cliff jumpers have options in Hamilton Cliffs and Flora Cliffs, found on skier’s right side of the basin. Expert skiers looking to take it up a notch have “extreme” options in the Bookends, which are accessed via a traverse, on skier’s right side of the bowl, and in Livin’ the Dream, which is a series of chutes on the backside of Alta’s Mount Baldy. If you’re just looking to pick your way down this gorgeous basin, then Chamonix Chutes and Lone Star are great options.

Family vacations in Snowbird

Snowbird’s Mountain School offers ski and snowboard lessons for children as young as age 3, with programs tailored to age and ability so kids build confidence and safety skills on the snow. Children not ready for full-day skiing can enjoy Superior Childcare, a state-licensed childcare facility for ages 6 weeks to 12 years, located in The Cliff Lodge with a variety of play and rest areas and engaging activities. Advanced reservations are recommended to secure spots while parents or older kids enjoy runs together. Snowbird’s gentle beginner terrain such as the Chickadee area provides an accessible first ski environment, while family-friendly dining and mountain-side cafés make meal breaks easy. These snow experiences foster joy and progression as your family explores the mountain together.

When the lifts stop spinning, Snowbird keeps the fun going off the slopes as well. Families can ride the iconic Aerial Tram up to Hidden Peak for panoramic views and back down, creating memories even non-skiers will love. Snowbird’s winter activities include scenic tram rides that offer a slower-paced way to experience the snowy Wasatch landscapes together. Heated outdoor pools and hot tubs at slopeside lodges provide a relaxing break after a day of adventure.

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