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Ski Snowbird

Here is some useful information for guests to ponder before they ski snowbird.

Can I bring my pet to Snowbird?

You can ski Snowbird and Board Snowbird all you want – but please leave Bowser at home.  NO pets are allowed in Little Cottonwood Canyon, in the lodges, condominiums or homes, or kept in vehicles during your ski or hiking day, except by special permit (canyon residents, rescue, and assistance dogs). Little Cottonwood Canyon is part of the Salt Lake City Protected Watershed. The snow and stream water from this canyon is a primary source of drinking water for visitors and residents here at Snowbird and in the Salt Lake Valley. For more information visit www.keepitpure.com

What is Snowbird’s elevation?

When you ski Snowbird, you will find a base elevation, at the Snowbird Center, of 8,100 feet. Snowbird’s highest point is at Hidden Peak, where the tram docks—a whopping 11,000 feet.  Skiing Snowbird from the top of the Tram is really an experience.

Besides skiing and snowboarding, what other winter activities are available?

Snowbird offers a wide variety of winter activities for the whole family! Stop by Snowbird’s Activity Center for snowshoe rentals and guided snowshoe tours, avalanche locator drills, backcountry skills clinics and tours (offered by Snowbird’s own professional ski patrollers), First Tracks tram rides, luging, night skiing and snowboarding, snow cat skiing, guided snowmobile tours in Mineral Basin and more! We also offer adaptive sports accommodations, ice skating, tubing, weekly showings of popular ski and snowboard movies, races and competitions, mountain school camps, over 10 great restaurants and eateries, and over 10 shops to browse through. Enjoy world-renowned spa services at Snowbird’s Cliff Spa, including massages, wraps, yoga and dance classes, weight room, full service salon, exclusive rooftop pool and hot tub. Celebrate your holidays at Snowbird, with unforgettable Christmas & New Year’s Eve celebrations that include torchlight parades and fireworks.

Do I need 4-wheel drive or snow tires? What other forms of transportation are there?

By law, snow tires or chains are required on all vehicles entering the canyon from November 1st to May 1st. During heavy snowstorms, the canyon may be temporarily restricted to 4WD or chain-equipped vehicles only. When you are going to Ski Snowbird or Ski Alta, we recommend Canyon Transportation, a convenient shuttle servicing Salt Lake International Airport, Little Cottonwood Canyon and elsewhere in the Salt Lake Valley. Make shuttle reservations through Canyon Transportation directly at (800) 255-1841 or www.canyontransport.com.  

In addition, we recommend the UTA Ski Bus, which travels to the resort frequently throughout the day. For UTA Ski Bus fares and information call BUS-INFO or visit www.rideuta.com.  When you ski using the Salt Lake Super Pass (which Canyon Services provides to its guests) you can ride UTA free.


When can I call for lodging reservations? Is there a toll-free number for lodging reservations?

Once you have decided to Ski Snowbird, you can call Canyon Services Reservations from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.    We rent luxury vacation condominiums and homes nestled between Alta and Snowbird Ski resorts.    Our toll free number is 800-562-2888 and our web address is www.canyonservices.com.  You can also e-mail us at canyon@exmission.com.


How difficult is Snowbird’s terrain?

Skiing Snowbird can be as difficult or as easy as your ability demands.   If you are a Beginner you can ski Snowbird’s great snow bunny runs, which comprises 27% of the total ski terrain – more than a quarter of all the runs.   If you wish to Ski Snowbird’s more advanced runs – you will find 38% of the terrain is Intermediate and  35% is Advanced.  No matter what your level of ability, you will have a great time skiing Snowbird.

How much do tickets cost?

Canyon Services will be happy to assist their lodging guests with the Salt Lake Super Pass, which saves money at four resorts.  You can Ski Snowbird, Ski Alta, Ski Solitude or Ski Brighton – all with one low cost pass. 

Does Snowbird or Alta have medical facilities? Is there a pharmacy?

Snowbird’s ski patrollers and Alta’s Ski Patrollers are professionally trained in Outdoor Emergency Care. Additionally, there is a fully staffed medical clinic, located in the Snowbird Center and open daily during the winter season, as well as the Alta Medical Clinic located in the lower level and back of Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge – just off the main Alta parking lot.  The Snowbird Center operates pharmacy on level two, inside “Center Sundries.”

Is there a post office?

There are two United States Post Offices in the canyon for Snowbird and Alta Skiers and Boarders.  One is located in the Snowbird Center on level two, inside “Center Sundries” the other in the Town of Alta – across the main highway from Alta’s Rustler Lodge. 

Is Snowbird a ski-in, ski-out resort?  How about Alta?

Yes, from some properties.  Canyon Services offers a variety of great ski-in, ski-out options to the Tram at Snowbird Center.  The View and The Village at Sugarplum are two favorite condominium vacation rental destinations.  From Canyon Services Powder Ridge, guests can ski-in, ski-out to the Wildcat lift at Alta Ski Area. 

Are there child care centers?

While you ski Snowbird your youngster can enjoy Camp Snowbird, a state-licensed, fully staffed child-care center, for children age 6 weeks to 12 years old. They offer full and half-day programs for kids, including skiing, lunch, activities and more. Advance reservations are required. For more information, call Camp Snowbird directly at (801) 933-2256.

While you ski Alta, you can take advantage of Vesle Barne Child Care Center, located in the Albion Lift Ticket Center.  Vesle Barne is also a state licensed child care facility for young infants and toddlers.  Alta’s Ski School provides skiing opportunities for children of all ages. 

What dining options are available at Snowbird and Alta?

After you have a great day of skiing Snowbird and Alta, you will find that Snowbird has over 10 restaurants, as well as several convenience eateries.  Alta has several good places for lunch – some require reservations – and a couple of great options for dinner – see the services page of our web-site for more detailed information.    We DO recommend that you make reservations in advance of your trip during peak times.