Have you ever been to 11,000 feet and taken in the view of the valley from above? Many skiers and snowboarders have when they take the Snowbird tram to the top of Hidden Peak. The peak provides views that shouldn’t be missed. If snow sports and hiking uphill isn’t your thing, Snowbird has a summer activity for you. Escape the sweltering heat of the valley and take a trip up Big Cottonwood Canyon to visit Snowbird ski and summer resort.
Snowbird is open for the summer from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and provides shade and mountain air with temperatures ranging 10-20 degrees cooler than the valley. Pack a lunch, bring the family and friends but leave the animals behind as Big Cottonwood Canyon is part of the Salt Lake City protected watershed.
The tram is a fully enclosed aerial cabin and was first put into service in 1971. In the winter up to 90 skiers and snowboarders cram in to be taken up 2900 vertical feet for a 10 minute trip to the summit. In the summer it provides foot passengers with a lot more elbow room and open windows letting fresh air in as you look for wildlife on the cliff walls. The tram operates every 30 minutes and can be a simple site seeing venture or used to access hiking trails all around the summit and back down to the lodge. There is still a lot of snow on the mountain in spots and certain areas are predicted to stick around till next winter. Wear good hiking boots or shoes; bring plenty of water, a jacket and trail map.
You can by a one ride adult ticket for $14 or an all day for $20. Children 7-16 can ride for $12 for a one ride and $16 all day and any kids six and under ride for free.
Snowbird has a good menu of activities to offer at the lodge – ranging from head-to-head racing down Chickadee on the alpine slide, a ropes course, climbing wall, mechanical bull and zip rider. That’s not all. They have summer concerts, festivals and the very popular Oktoberfest. With so much to do, it’s hard to pick which activities to go with. Adults can buy an all day activity pass for $39 and kids 75 lbs. and under are only $24.
Hours and events are subject to change depending on the weather and time of season. Be sure to visit them online for more info at snowbird.com/events/summeractivities.html.
