Snowbird is where gravity meets grace. Towering above Little Cottonwood Canyon, this iconic Utah resort is as dramatic as skiing gets. Steep faces, deep snow, and a tram that climbs straight into the clouds—it’s all part of the legend. Locals call it “The Bird,” and for decades it’s been the proving ground for serious skiers chasing perfection. But don’t let its reputation scare you off—Snowbird balances challenge with charm, offering beginner runs, scenic decks, and hot tubs where you can watch avalanches thunder across the peaks.
Quick Stats
- Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah (next to Alta)
- Elevation: 7,760 ft base / 11,000 ft summit
- Vertical Drop: 3,240 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 2,500 acres
- Annual Snowfall: ~500 inches
- Number of Runs: 140+
- Lifts: 14 (including the famous Aerial Tram and new Tram rooftop deck)
- Vibe Check: Steep, soulful, and endlessly spectacular
The Vibe
Snowbird feels like skiing inside a cathedral carved from snow and stone. Every ridge, chute, and basin tells a story of bold lines and big storms. The resort attracts die-hard skiers and riders, but it’s not all intensity—families love the long, scenic groomers, and the base area has become one of Utah’s best spots for après. The Bird has heart: you’ll see old-timers ripping tram laps with the same fire as the twenty-somethings. It’s the definition of ski culture done right.
Must-Ride Runs
🟢 Greens
- Chickadee – gentle slope right at the base, perfect for warm-up laps.
- Middle Emma – wide, forgiving, and great for families.
🟦 Blues
- Chip’s Run – Snowbird’s iconic 2.5-mile cruiser from top to base.
- Mark Malu – long, rolling blue with views deep into the canyon.
- Gadzooks – fun, intermediate bump run when you’re feeling spicy.
♦ Blacks
- Great Scott – one of the most photographed steeps in Utah, pure adrenaline.
- Cirque Traverse to Wilbere Bowl – endless powder stashes after a storm.
- Silver Fox – steep, technical, and a favorite of locals and pros alike.
Après + Town Stays
Après at Snowbird might surprise you—it’s equal parts adventure and comfort, with options for everyone from families to powder fiends.
- The Tram Club – legendary après bar beneath the Aerial Tram; rowdy, loud, and full of stories.
- The Forklift – hearty breakfasts and post-ski burgers right by the base.
- SeventyOne – retro-modern bar and grill with excellent cocktails and throwback décor.
- The Aerie Restaurant & Lounge – fine dining at the Cliff Lodge with panoramic mountain views.
- Wildflower – cozy Italian spot inside the Iron Blosam Lodge.
- Cliff Lodge – Snowbird’s flagship hotel with rooftop hot tubs and direct ski access.
- Lodge at Snowbird – classic alpine charm just steps from the tram plaza.
Travel Tips
Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)—Snowbird is just 30 miles away, making it one of the most accessible world-class ski resorts anywhere. The U.S. 210 canyon road can close for avalanche control, so check conditions before heading up. Parking reservations are recommended on weekends. The Bird is on the Ikon Pass, and a joint ticket lets you ski both Snowbird and Alta (connected by gate). Best months for deep powder: January through March.
Fun Facts
- Snowbird’s Aerial Tram rises 2,900 vertical feet in just 8 minutes.
- The new tram rooftop deck offers a 360° view of Little Cottonwood Canyon.
- Snowbird was founded in 1971 by Ted Johnson and Dick Bass, a Seven Summits legend.
- The Mineral Basin expansion in 1999 doubled the resort’s size.
- Snowbird’s snow is so light and dry that locals call it “The Greatest Snow on Earth.”
Why It Made Our Top 50 List
Snowbird made our list because it captures the spirit of big-mountain skiing better than anywhere in Utah. It’s raw, majestic, and full of soul. Whether you’re tackling Great Scott or sipping a beer on the Tram Club deck as the sun sets over the canyon, you’ll leave changed. The Bird isn’t just a resort—it’s a rite of passage.