Snowbird Ski Resort -- Featured Runs and Video Tour

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.

Chip's Run
Descents from the tram are for the intermediate to advanced skier. Chip’s Run, a groomed cat track and trail, is the easiest route down and lets you access the eastern portion of the resort. It is well marked with blue squares and happens to be the longest run at Snowbird at 2.5 miles.
View of the Cirque
Heading down under the tram and to the left will give you access to the ‘Cirque,’ Little Cloud Chair and the western part of the resort. Regulator Johnson is a steep run that is usually groomed. Traverse skiers left and find fields of powder and/or moguls. Traverse skiers right and follow the ridge to the Cirque, where many locals hunt for their favorite secret stash. If steeps and cliffs are your thing, choose your route carefully off the Cirque Traverse.

Tree Chutes Under Gad 2
When the Road to Provo opens off the Little Cloud Chair, there is usually a free for all on a powder day for first tracks down Shireen and Last Choice. When that area gets crowded, follow Bassackwards or Lunch run to the Gad 2 lift. Directly below this lift are some killer tree runs, including S.T.H. and Gadzooks. For the intermediate skier or rider, Bananas (skier’s right off the chair) is a long, rolling groomer with choices to go off trail into the trees. Take skier’s left to Election or Upper Bassackwards for steep groomers and choice tree runs.

Snowbird’s Peruvian Tunnel is the only one of its kind in North America. Skiers are able to access Mineral Basin from Peruvian Gulch via a 600 foot conveyer belt without restriction from the weather. This helps when conditions limit operation of the Tram, but also transports beginner and intermediate skiers that aren’t comfortable descending the steep slopes of Hidden Peak into the green friendly areas of Mineral Basin. Descend Bassanova or Lupin Loop to get to Baldy Express, which services several green runs and provides SKIERs access to Alta with the purchase of the AltaBird lift ticket. When its time to call it a day, find the hidden powder in the trees on the lower half of the mountain off of the GadZoom and Wilbere lifts.
Big Emma

Overall, Snowbird offers challenging terrain while providing plenty of signage to help the skier or snowboarder get down the mountain safely. Skiing or boarding at Snowbird will test your skills, no matter how long you have been riding. Don’t forget the après ski at El Chanate (taco specials Mon – Thurs) and the Tram Club. Pick up a “What’s up @ the ‘bird” info sheet at the Snowbird Center and other select locations to find info on the latest groomed runs, weather, snow conditions and daily specials and activities.

Watch Video Tour of Snowbird