The first time Brianna descended a ski slope she was 6 months old. Brianna’s Dad continued piggy-backing her down the mountain, zipped into his backpack, until she was old enough to click into her first pair of skis at age 3. Brianna called Snowbird Resort her home mountain, carrying on a family tradition that began with her grandfather after his first trip to the area in the 1980s and continues on today.

Originally from Philadelphia, Brianna has spent time living in New York City, Denver, and most recently, Los Angeles. Brianna works in finance, but surfing and skiing are central to her life, as well. Having spent the majority of her life visiting Snowbird with her family, the ski area holds a special place in Brianna’s heart, which is why we were so excited to get the inside scoop from her!

Nestled into the Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowbird Resort is a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City, in Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range. Snowbird offers skiers and snowboarders 2,500 acres of world-class terrain; Receiving an average of 500 inches of snow per season and outfitted with full amenities, activities, and dining options, the resort is truly a winter playground.

Ski Spots

With 3,240 vertical feet of award-winning terrain, skiers and riders of all ability levels can enjoy the bottomless Utah powder and unbeatable, lift-accessible skiing that Snowbird has to offer. The resort boasts the longest ski season in all of Utah, running 10 chairlifts and the iconsummit tram from Nov-May. Between trees, steeps, and wide open bowls, Snowbird has a little bit of everything.

Little Cloud

Of all of the lifts at Snowbird, Brianna’s favorite place to ski is off of Little Cloud chair. This 4-person, high-speed chairlift provides access to Little Cloud Bowl and Mineral Basin, which sit directly below the American Fork Twin Peaks. The 3 1⁄2 minute ride from the bottom to the top brings skiers and riders to miles of open terrain; a no-brainer on a powder day. For first tracks, Brianna makes sure to ride Little Cloud to hit a trail called “Hoop’s”.

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Aerial Tram

Another staple slope at the resort is off of the infamous Snowbird Tram. Transporting skiers and riders along a 1.6 mile cable and up 2,900 vertical feet, the 10-minute ride to the top of Hidden Peak gives riders access to what Brianna describes as, ‘some of the best skiing in Utah.’

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Where To Stay

One of the aspects of Snowbird that makes it so unique is its location within the Little Cottonwood Canyon. Home to both Snowbird and Alta, the Canyon has prevented large-scale development in the hopes of preserving its roots. However, this success at conservation has led to limited options as far as places to stay, so Brianna recommends planning ahead as much as possible. A hot spot for massive snow storms, Snowbird can only be accessed via Canyon Road or State Route 210. Because the area is prone to avalanches, this access road tends to close during heavy snowfall. In order to ensure a powder day, it’s best to stay within the canyon.

The Cliff Lodge

Brianna’s favorite place to stay at Snowbird is the Cliff Lodge. When a major snowstorm hits and the canyon road closes, only those staying at the Cliff Lodge and nearby residences will have access to the mountain--can you say private powder day? Considered one of North America’s most iconic ski lodges, the Cliff Lodge is located at the base of Snowbird, giving riders vista views of the majestic mountains and surrounding canyon. With ski-in/ski-out access, the Cliff Lodge offers convenient lodging with luxurious accommodations and facilities, plus an on-site ski rental and repair shop with complimentary ski lockers. Relax after a long day on the slopes in Cliff Lodge’s outdoor pool and hot tubs.

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The Inn at Snowbird

Located a short distance from the base of the mountain, the Inn at Snowbird is a cozy lodge that offers accommodations for 2 to 10 guests in rooms ranging from single bedrooms to studios with a loft and attached bedroom. While it is not ski-in/ski-out, each unit at The Inn at Snowbird includes a kitchen and fireplace. With an outdoor pool, dining options, and fitness facility, the Inn at Snowbird is another excellent option for staying within the canyon.

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Where to Après in Snowbird

While every ski day tends to end with some après, a day at Snowbird will crank up your appetite tenfold. With a variety of on-site options, the choice is yours for where you want to enjoy your post-ski snack and beverage. Between the base of the mountain plaza to the more off the beaten path establishments, the folks at Snowbird know how to enjoy après.

The Birdfeeder

Whether you’re looking for a midday snack or a celebratory beverage, the Birdfeeder is high on the list of Après spots at Snowbird. Located right on the Plaza Deck, skiers and riders can grab beers, burgers, and sandwiches at this casual eatery. Brianna agrees that there’s nothing better than getting to the bottom of a tram lap and having snacks and beverages an arms length away. Enjoy the plaza atmosphere and congregate for live music and a lively après vibe!

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The Tram Car

For a classic pizza and a beer, head to the Tram Car. Located on Level 2 at the Snowbird Center, this is your one-stop pizza shop, perfect for that mid-day ski fuel. Take advantage of the daily specials and grab a slice to-go so that you don’t miss a run!

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Other Activities

While the main reason most visitors come to Snowbird is for its exceptional skiing, the area offers plenty of other fun, outdoor activities. This four-season resort includes winter and summer options such as hiking, mountain biking, sight-seeing, and live music. There are also several highly-esteemed spa facilities offering a variety of services plus pool and hot tub accessibility.

Cliff Spa

After a long day of skiing, Brianna’s favorite activity to do is relax at the Cliff Spa. With jaw-dropping views all around, guests can unwind at the rooftop pool or hot tub before taking advantage of the many spa services offered. For sore and tired ski legs, be sure to book a massage with her highly recommended therapist, Andre- Brianna swears he works wonders! With 21 treatment rooms, a yoga studio, and a fitness center, guests can make a full day out of a Cliff Spa experience.

@thecliffspa

Scenic Tram Ride

For unbeatable views from the highest point at Snowbird, ride the Aerial Tram for breathtaking vistas of the Wasatch mountain range and Little Cottonwood Canyon. After enjoying the 1.6 mile cable ride, enjoy a mountaintop meal at The Summit restaurant. With an exciting tram revamp coming up, guests will soon be able to ride on the rooftop balcony!

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Where to Eat

Brianna reports that the dining options available to visitors of Little Cottonwood Canyon are both high-quality and easily accessible. From traditional Italian to Mexican to sushi, there is a wide array of cuisine at the ready. While there isn’t an overabundance of restaurants in the areas surrounding Snowbird, the staples that are in the Canyon offer excellent food and beverages choices that will satisfy your needs after a long day of skiing.

The Steak Pit

Ever since she was a kid, Brianna and her family have been making the short walk from their lodging to the Steak Pit restaurant in Snowbird Center. While heralded as top-notch eatery, the Steak Pit provides patrons with an easy-going atmosphere and an extensive menu consisting of locally-sourced meat and fish. In order to ensure a meal here, be sure to make a reservation!

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The ForkLift

For a delicious breakfast to fuel your morning runs, Brianna highly recommends the Forklift. A Snowbird classic, this conveniently located breakfast and lunch spot is situated right next to the Aerial Tram. Focusing on contemporary comfort food, this traditional American Bistro offers an array of breakfast options, soups, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. With outdoor seating, it can also be a bustling après-ski scene in the winter.

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Brianna Blumenthal

Halfdays community member Brianna Blumenthal lives in Los Angeles, and grew up on skis. Originally from Philadelphia, Brianna and her family took yearly trips to Snowbird, Utah throughout her childhood. An avid surfer and skier, Brianna takes all the free time she can get from her job in finance to get outdoors!