Snowbird

When debating about places to stay for your upcoming ski trip to Utah, one of the most important questions is “Where is it located?” Imagine being 20 minutes from Salt Lake International airport, 15 minutes from the nightlife and restaurants of downtown, and within 25 minutes from 4 world class ski resorts. The location is Cottonwood Heights, UT.

Nestled between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon, Cottonwood Heights offers skiers easy access to the freeway, ski areas, restaurants and alternate activities, often at a meaningful discount from the prices in Park City. Skiers can find everything they need close by, including public transportation to Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird and Alta, ski rentals at the Lifthouse and AJ Motion Sports, grocery shopping at Smiths, Dan’s and Whole Foods, as well as restaurants like Porcupine Pub and Grill, Market Street Grill and Café Trio.

The Snowbird Tram. Is there a better way to start your day skiing at this legendary resort located in Little Cottonwood Canyon? In 10 minutes, you are hauled up 2900 vertical feet to the top of Hidden Peak, elevation 11,000 feet. The buzz on the standing room only, tightly packed tram builds the excitement for the first run. Those with a window view scope out the runs below and decide where to find the best powder. Before the tram docks at the top, the operator quiets the crowd to fill in the skiers and riders on the snow conditions, trail openings, easier routes, and après ski specials. Once off the tram, you are greeted with 360 degree views that are arguably the best at any ski resort in the area. Step into your skis or board and get ready to ride the greatest snow on earth.

Nothing beats a utah powder ski day. Here's a video of a cruiser run at snowbird called "Election". You can reach this run off the Gad II lift. This is a great run for intermediate skiers or if you just want to take a break from the steeps and take in the scenery at Snowbird.

A blue sky, fresh powder day at Snowbird. Watch the helmet camera video, of skiing in Little Cloud Bowl at Snowbird. Little Cloud Bowl offers wide open glade skiing. The bowl is best skied early in the morning on a powder day. Often times, the "Road to Provo" run will be closed due to avalanche danger and open days after a big storm. If you're lucky, you can get fresh tracks days after it snows. Little Cloud Bowl is for Intermediate and Advanced skiers. Also there tend to be some large wind lips in the bowl, if you looking to catch some air. (HUGE air on "the Wave")

SNOWBIRD, UTAH – Continuing the tradition of offering the longest ski season in Utah, Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort will open Friday, Nov. 7. This year’s opening marks the second earliest start to a season in the resort’s 38-year history.

“This storm and the subsequent lake effect have provided a timely blanket of snow in Little Cottonwood Canyon,” said Snowbird President Bob Bonar. “Skiing early season powder is a great way to kick off the season.”

Snowbird will be offering the Aerial Tram and two lifts, Gadzoom and Mid-Gad, to skiers and riders beginning Friday at 9 a.m. Expected open terrain includes Regulator Johnson from the top of Hidden Peak, as well as Big Emma and Bassackwards. Additional lifts and terrain will open as conditions permit. The Snowbird Center and Creekside Lodge will be offering multiple food, merchandise and equipment rental options throughout the weekend.

Snowbird is now allowing scooters and mountain bikes access to the tram. You still need to pay for a tram ride and/or rent a mountain bike or scooter (if you don't have one). The mountain bike trails at Snowbird are steep and challenging, just like the skiing/riding. If you're just getting started don't worry, they have bike trails for all ability levels.

Visit www.snowbird.com/events/summeractivities/mtnbiking.html for more information.