Snowbird is known for steep runs, fall line chutes, and long continuous slopes. Yet while renowned as a “skier’s mountain” for those whose motto tends to be – go hard or go home, Snowbird is also one of the few areas where the terrain is almost equally divided between beginner, intermediate and advanced, meaning there is something for everyone.
The ski area expands across three main bowls or drainages, Mineral Basin, Peruvian Gulch, and Gad Valley, serviced by 11 lifts. Each of these areas can be accessed in their entirety by riding Snowbird’s iconic tram to the top of Hidden Peak’s 10,990 feet (3,350 m) summit.
Unlike many challenging resorts, Snowbird does not require advanced skiers to have inside knowledge or ski with a local simply to find the goods: the majority of top drops are accessed by taking the Aerial Tram, then scooting along the ridgelines above Mineral Basin, Peruvian Gulch and Gad Valley from where all the ‘exciting stuff’ is clearly visible. Drop into whichever chute or slope takes your fancy. Mineral Basin’s double diamond chutes, steeps, and cliffs are particularly challenging.
Intermediate runs are found off most of the lower lifts, while the Baby Thunder area close to the Creekside base is solely dedicated to family and beginner skiing. Children absolutely love the Mini Mining Camp located off the Baby Thunder Lift where instructors focus on teaching balance skills on the tree trails. Beginner skiers can even enjoy the expansive beauty of Snowbird’s Mineral Basin via the Tram.
Mountain Stats
| Skiable Terrain | 2,500 acres (1011 hectares) |
| Vertical | 988 m (3,240 ft) |
| Top Elevation | 3,353 m (11,000 ft) |
| Base Elevation | 2,365 m (7,760 ft) |
| Average Snowfall | 1,270 cm (500 in/41 ft) |
| Beginner Terrain | 27% |
| Intermediate Terrain | 38% |
| Advanced Terrain | 35% |
| Trails | 169 |
| Parks | 1 |
| Winter lifts Total | 14 |
| Gondolas Trams | 1 |
| Chair Lifts | 10 |
| Surface Lifts | 3 |
| Lift Capacity | 17,400 |
| Longest Run | 4.0 km (2.5 mi) |
| Mountain Restaurants | 16 |
| Season Opens | 24 November, 2018 |
| Season Closes | 24 May, 2019 (Estimated) |