Mountain Review: Snowbird, Utah

An in-depth video review of Snowbird, a ski area located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah.

Overall Mountain Score: 81/100 — #1 (tied) of 4 in Utah
---
Snow: 10/10
Resiliency: 9/10
Size: 8/10
Terrain Diversity: 9/10
Challenge: 10/10
Lifts: 7/10
Crowd Flow: 6/10
Facilities: 7/10
Navigation: 6/10
Mountain Aesthetic: 9/10

Follow us on other channels!

[azukib]

Snowbird is my “home resort” and where I learned to ski…… didn’t realized how difficult it is compared to other resorts. Almost peed my pants getting down those “blue in snowbird, black elsewhere” trail on my third day. I thought I just really sucked at learning lol. I’d also add that even the chickadee run has some blue and black lines along the sides that you can explore. It’s actually quite fun for beginners if you like the surprise and adrenaline.

[elliotearles]

I think if I was uncomfortable on advanced runs, I would be pretty worried about getting off the blue trails here. Sometimes those traverses get too narrow or disappear. The first time I went here had absolutely zero vis so we tried to follow a cat track and had no idea where we were going.

[VampguyN]

Snowbird is one of my favorite mountains. But what I remember about it and several others out west; is if you are an intermediate skier or beginner, some of the blue terrain can be steeper and more difficult than you can be used to. Bordering on advanced black terrain.
I could ski the cirque traverse by age 10 or so fortunately.
The tunnel to the bowl never existed when I was there 20 years ago

[williamtell]

My "home" mountains are Crystal Mountain and Whistler. But Alta and Snowbird are maybe my two favorites in the US, I just love the terrain and the snow.

[jackshittle]

I got to go here twice in the early 90's to snowboard. The first time was on my own dime. Then that April we took a Lockheed P-3C Orion from Brunswick, Maine (I was in the Navy for 5 years & served as an aircrewman) to Hill AFB in UT. We got an Air Force van & rooms at the Marriot in Ogden. The entire crew wanted to ski Alta. I tried convincing them to ski at Snowbird but they didn't want to so when we were on Little Cottonwood Canyon Rd they pulled over in front of 'bird, I got out & they told me what time to meet them at for a ride back. It was super warm & sunny. I put Bullfrog sunblock on my face to hastily & when I was done riding I had a hand print on my face lol. MTV was there doing the top 20 video countown & I asked if I could introduce the next video (it was Karen Duffy who was doing it).

We had a great time & flew back to Maine later the next day. I have a poster sized portrait of myself doing a method air off a ledge as a memento. Cheers!

[stevestegman]

I skied Snowbird for the first time after a few inches of powder on Monday. I am a “seasoned” intermediate and have been skiing off and on since the mid-1960’s. It’s big, brawny, and beautiful mountain but don’t be intimidated if you aren’t an expert. Just respect the signs or ski with someone who knows the mountain and knows your ability level.

Last note; get your legs in the best shape they can be; the continuous verticals (off the traverses) of the mountain will beat you up if you don’t!

[coffeephish]

Just the info I was looking for! Well done!

[rmsmith]

This mountain can be intimidating. If you are not a very good skier, go to Alta or Big Cottonwood.

[mtadams]

I love Snowbird and think of Snowbird and Alta as a combo package. I am a strong skier, so I pretty much explore the entire mountain. When I go to Utah its generally just to ski since night life pretty much sucks. Colorado has it beat in the ski vibe area. This all said the Bird is a great place to ski or ride. One thing he did not mention is you can fly in and ski on the same day and also ski on your last day and be at the airport to catch your flight out. Something that I have never been able to do anywhere else.

[kkeelty]

Just got back from skiing a day where the windchill at the summit was at least 20* below zero F. Days prior it was nearly 40* at the base in the sun. Agree with most of your comments. One cool thing about the Basshole is that it essentially takes you through a LCC mining and skiing museum as you stand on the magic carpet on the way to Mineral Basin.
If you haven't been there and are at least an OK intermediate skier, GO! Snowbird is a really great resort, but it is pretty limited for beginners or those making the transition from green to blue runs. Everyone else should be VERY pleased. If you are an expert there are runs there that will challenge you like few resorts are capable of.

[germanylicious]

The lodge had to be built massive bc of Avalanches. All lodges are massive for that reason. To not repeat the 1982 tragedy at Alpine meadows.

[TwinSkiingLiftsRides]

Snowbird’s my favorite of the four Cottonwood Canyons resorts, although the only annoying thing about it is being forced to take Mineral Basin out of the back bowls. The Summit restaurant is a great warming spot, and offers awesome views of both sides, which I really like.

[Vanya]

Front side does not have much in a way of blue runs. Even when I am tired and looking for an easy blue to get me down, black runs are often actually easier way down, just have to stop and catch my breath a few times. I find that 2-3 hours at the Snowbird wears me out just as much as a full day at most other resorts.

[andyburris]

I just got back. I usually ski in CO. Along with Alta It’s an amazing mountain. Your videos really prepared us for a great time, thank you. One remark is the difference between their blue and single black terrain is minimal at times. Especially when comparing a blue and single black that exist in the same bowl. Cheers!

[robmatijevich]

My first trip out West was to Alta, Solitude, and Snowbird in Utah. Loved all three!!

[Livia-skiracer]

I grew up at snowbird on the ski team. I emember skiing get serious chutes at age 7❤

[kevinl]

Snowbird is a horrible resort for beginners, an OK resort for intermediates (lot of better UT options), but probably the best US resort for experts (along with Jackson).... And "powder a few days after a storm". lol Try a few minutes.

[toothnail]

Snowboarder here, rode at The Bird in 2016 and man did I love it!! What a great fun place to ride, I'd go back in a heartbeat BUT lol those crowds tho...??!! Seen some vids on here and the CROWDS look out of control. Peace

[ryandietrich]

The glass on the summit lodge uses non-reflective glass! It is amazing!

[Roguchii]

I've been using your videos as a travel guide to plan my upcoming trip to Utah. I'm in a group of four with myself being the most advanced skier. The others are varying degrees of intermediate. With your advice and reviews we've decided on going to Alta Snowbird and Brighton.