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Snowbird Ski Holidays

At a glance

  • Big ski area
  • Short transfers
  • Bucket list resort

Great for

  • Experts
  • Powder skiing
  • Snow Sure

Ski Holidays in Snowbird

Vast and wide-ranging terrain, easy accessibility from Salt Lake all covered in some of the finest, driest powder on planet earth.

  • Flight Time
  • 9 hours
  • From London
  • Nearest Airports
  • Denver, Jackson Hole etc.
  • Time zone
  • GMT -5 to -8 hours
  • Language
  • English
  • Currency
  • US Dollar
  • Ski Season
  • Dec - April

Snowbird Stats

Top Altitude
3352m
Bottom Altitude
2365m
Resort Altitude
2468m
Total Piste
2500 acres / 169 runs
Longest Run
8km
Slope Orientation
Vertical Drop
Skiable Vertical
882m
Night Skiing
No
Glacier Skiing
No

A good century before skiers unearthed this powder paradise, fortune-seekers flocked here to make their fortunes in the canyon’s silver mines. A single mine here raked in over $3.8 million in the mineral, the biggest haul of any of the mines in the Rocky mountain range.

Snowbird resort’s founder was just another prospector when he arrived. But setting eyes on Little Cottonwood Canyon’s snowy bowls and swoon-worthy valleys, he recognised true treasure when he saw it: pure, unadulterated, waist-deep pow. Today, “Bird” and the adjoining resort of Alta are ranked the 2nd snowiest areas in the US, after the legendary Cascades. They’re buried in 500 inches of the stuff a year, and ski seasons here have occasionally been known to last until the flare of July 4th fireworks.

Since 2002, an Alta-Snowbird ski pass has covered both Snowbird’s Hidden Peak and Alta’s Sugarloaf Mountain, offering a total 25 lifts and 4700 acres of legendary terrain; almost too much to cover in one trip. Boarders be warned, Alta is one of a number of American resorts operating a strict no-boarding policy – but this hasn’t deterred Snowbird’s avid (intimidatingly accomplished) boarding community.

With such bountiful blessings from M. Nature, the focus here is, no question, on the winter sports. Down in the village, there’s no time for quaint, pine-clad constructions. Large, sensible, avalanche-proof buildings set the tone. There’s also little in the way of a main street; and you won’t catch many holidaymakers on evening strolls between restaurants and bars (which do exist in fair numbers, just tucked away inside). If you’re one of the majority, you’ve come here to ski, and ski hard on expert terrain and the high chance of fresh powder.

What the Bird does, it does well – including for the 2015/16 season, investing over $35 million in remodeling its lodges and upping its snowmaking capabilities.

Winter Sports Ratings

Beginners

Intermediate

Advanced

Snowboarding

Snowbird Transfer Times

Salt Lake City International Airport 29 miles, 40 mins

The nearest airport to Snowbird is Salt Lake City at 47 km or about 40 minutes by car

What's the ski area like in Snowbird?

On paper, runs here are relatively evenly split between beginner, intermediate and advanced… But there’s no doubt that deep powder, steep chutes, challenging bowls and trees are where Snowbird really comes into its own; which is why this resort is on the bucket list of many an expert skier or rider.

That’s not to say that less experienced skiers are left wanting. Once you’re ready to move on from the sheltered environment of Chickadee and the Cliff Lodge, choose between the Baby Thunder area (for families) or the Mid-Gad Lift from which you can find your feet on long green trails like Middle Emma. For a real sense of adventure, take the famous Aerial Tram to the top and jump on the magic carpet through a 600ft tunnel (the only of its kind on the continent). This takes you to Mineral Basin and a slew of novice runs from the top of the Baldy Express lift (though be warned, to get back to base you’ll need to hop back on the tram).

All 9 of Snowbird’s immediate chairlifts lead to intermediate runs, but the top of the Mid-Gad lift is perhaps the best place to start, taking in the mountain scenery on long rolling Big Emma. From here, venture forth up the Tram to explore Hidden Peak and the Peruvian Gulch via the resort’s longest trail, Chip’s Run. This seemingly endless, cruisey number takes skiers back to the Bird for lunch.

By far the best the Bird has to offer is in the form of advanced terrain, with black diamond and double black diamond runs streaming down both sides of the mountain. Regulator Johnson remains a favourite among groomers (it’s one of the steepest trails in the US). Rugged, rock-strewn runs are a local specialty, and gullies like Great Scott and Silver Fox off the Cirque ridge are guaranteed to make your stomach drop. With the off-trail opportunities famously as good in nearby Alta as here (skiers come to blows over which resort is better), the possibilities are endless. If you’re lucky, the resort will still be running its “mountain host” programme; complimentary morning tours of the mountain to show you the best bits.

Boarders, don’t be put off by Alta’s snowboarding ban. Snowbird more than makes up for its less-friendly neighbour with two snow parks (one for beginners and one for experts), a 375ft superpipe and a variety of natural terrain that’s hard to beat.

Which other ski resorts are near to Snowbird?

The nearest ski resorts to Snowbird include Alta, Park City, Deer Valley.

Ski Area Facts

LocationUtah, USA
Established1971
Downhill2500 acres / 169 runs
Lift Pass$106 -116 (adult pass per day)

Beginner Slopes

27%

Intermediate Skiing

38%

Advance & Expert Terrain

35%

Snowboarding Trails

2500 acres / 169 runs100%

Snowbird Restaurants

Snowbird Après Ski

Snowbird Activites for Non-skiers

Clothing Food & Souvenir Shops

There are over a dozen shops in each of the various Snowbird complexes. The resort's retail outlets offer children's clothing, jewelery, ski rentals, Snowbird's own clothing line, and everyday necessities. On Level 2 of Snowbird Tommyknockers sells unique jewelery and objects d'art. Southwestern and Native American artwork and jewelery, local pottery, and fossils are sold at the Mountain Color Gallery.

Marco Polo's Silk Road Treasures on Level C in the Cliff Lodge is the place to find beautiful Oriental rugs, statuary, fine art and many other treasures sourced by Snowbird's owner, Dick Bass, who travels the globe to find them. Images in the same location is a unique store for both men and women, featuring dress and casual wear, sports and ski wear from the finest European and American designers.

There are several ski and snowboarding shops including Christy Sports, a full-service ski shop with a complete selection of ski equipment, technical and fashion skiwear, and accessories for adults and children. Cliff Sports sells exclusive fashion wear, technical sportswear, equipment and accessories, and operates a ski tuning centre. Cliff Sports Accessories is the place to find all sorts of skiing and snowboarding essentials such as gloves, hats, sunglasses, goggles, helmets and ski poles.

The Legend Demo Center offers an extensive collection of ski equipment, while the Kuhl Haus houses alternative fashion and active sportswear. General Gritts is a combination deli, grocery, liquor, wine and convenience store. There's also the Powder Shots photographic store and Cliff Sundries for magazines, newspapers, many unique gifts, and sundry needs.

Finally the Snowbird Gift Shop has a collection of gifts and souvenirs unique to Snowbird and the state of Utah, whilst Wings is Snowbird's official signature clothing shop with unique and fashionable apparel featuring Snowbird's distinctive trademark.

Best Time to Visit Snowbird

A walloping 500 inches (12.8m) of snow plasters the Bird every year, meaning sudden powder days are more than a possibility. Thanks to a phenomenon called the “lake effect”, winds passing over the Great Salt Lake gather moisture before moving up through Little Cottonwood Canyon and releasing their bounty. The result: the longest ski season in Utah, lasting from mid-November through May (occasionally until July).

Historically February and March have seen the most snowfall, and a well-developed base make these months a good time to visit. That said, this is famously snow-sure Utah, and snow dumps are also common in November and April – with the added benefits of early season (fewer crowds) and late season (t-shirt weather) conditions. December is usually the coolest month with average lows of -9ºC, while April sees milder lows of around -4ºC.

What's Snowbird like at Christmas?

If all you want for Christmas is snow, snow and more snow, Christmas in Snowbird is sure to deliver, with previous years including bonfires, fireworks and a tram-riding Santa to top it all off.

What's Snowbird like in the New Year?

Torchlit parades have traditionally kicked off the New Year in Snowbird, before your pick of the live music or candlelit dinner options in the resort’s bars and lodges.

What's Snowbird like in Half-Term?

Half Term in Snowbird is a popular one, with families and friends making the most of the month’s legendary powder falls.

What's Snowbird like at Easter?

If Easter in Snowbird this year is anything like the last, you’re in for a culinary treat with special brunches across the resort and an Easter egg hunt at Chickadee

Snowbird Snow Conditions

Snow Report, History & Forecast

View our detailed Snowbird snow report to see skiing confitions now. Our Snowbird snow history shows you what snow depths have been in recent years month-by-month. If you're visiting soon, use the Snowbird snow forecast to see predicted snowfall over the coming days.

  • Sunny skies Today
  • Sunny skies Sunday
  • Sunny skies Monday
  • Sunny skies Tuesday
  • Sunny skies Wednesday
  • Sunny skies Thursday
  • Current snow depth at top
    266 cm
  • Alternate Text
  • Current snow depth at base
    102 cm

With full and half-day programs for kids including skiing, lunch, activities and more, the Camp Snowbird Center ensures everyone’s taken care of. Budding skiers meanwhile, will be inspired by the Mountain School’s dynamic instructors. See if they’re still offering “Kids Ski Free” passes (for the under 6’s) which can mean considerable savings. Once you’re on the mountain, the Baby Thunder area’s challenging greens, enchanting tree runs and hidden areas like the Mini Miners Camp are the perfect place to practice together.

Round off the day with a family ice-skating session on the Lodge’s outdoor rink, or if you haven’t had your fill of thrills on the mountain, try out the tubing hill just next door.

For parents in need of a little me-time, in-room evening babysitting is also an option in many of the local lodges –s o you can make the most of the Bird’s culinary options (and the Aerie’s extensive wine list…).

Three basins, one of the US’s largest ski areas and a good mix of terrain all make the Bird brilliant for groups of mixed or advanced ability. Take things easy on the powder playground of Mineral Basin or challenge each other on the long tree-lined runs from the Little Cloud lift. It’s been said that the elevation is generally so good at Snowbird, it can turn an intermediate into a black run skier before the end of the trip – reason to celebrate, then, with beers and live music at the Tram Club.

For a ski trip that you’ll never forget, pool your funds and test out your new ski skills on a guided snowcat tour of the upper American Fork Canyon.

Snowbird
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Ski Extras

How much is a ski pass in Snowbird

Maximum and minimum adult Snowbird lift pass prices ranged from $498 to $774 for 6 days access to the Snowbird ski lift system at the start of the 2025 winter season. Our lift passes are part of a packaged Snowbird holiday with accommodation, so prices vary depending on chalet or hotel suppliers. Confirm price for the lift ticket before booking your holiday.

Lift Tickets Child Adult Senior
1 Day Price $57 - $61 $119 - $129 $59 - $109
6 Day Price $240 - $342 $498 - $774 N / A
Age Range 7 - 12 13 - 64 65+

Getting to Snowbird

Most of our ski holidays to Snowbird packaged with flights include airport transfers. We can also arrange private transfers to Snowbird from nearby airports

How long does it take to fly to Snowbird from the UK?

Flights from London take about 9 hours to Denver, Jackson Hole etc.. This table shows approximate transfer times to Snowbird from the nearest airports, smaller airports can be more prone to delays.

Airport Distance Transfer Time
Salt Lake City 47 km 40 minutes

How long is the transfer from nearest United States train station to Snowbird?

The transfer time from alpine train stations are generally shorter than from airports, Call us for details of Snowbird transfers.

Station Distance Transfer Time
Salt Lake City 40 km 40 minutes

Snowbird Maps

Snowbird piste map
Click to Enlarge

Snowbird Ski Holiday Resources

Need help choose your Snowbird ski holiday? Call us on 020 7770 6888 or click Enquire - we love to help!

Enquire

Similar Ski Resorts to Snowbird in United States


Every Sno holiday packaged with flights is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. All our suppliers are ATOL bonded, so your money is safe. In addition to this, payments for your holiday are held in trust, by NatWest bank and the Travel Trust, who insure every booking against supplier failure.

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© 2025 SNO Group Ltd • company no. 5995288 • VAT no. 946 9394 63 SNO, Apsley House, 176 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 2SH.

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