Snowbird and sister resort Alta have consistently topped national resort rankings. The appeal: world-class amenities, 500 inches of light Utah powder per year, and generally exhilarating expert runs. In the heart of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Snowbird's steep slopes stretch straight up from the bottom of Little Cottonwood Canyon to the top of the 11,000-foot high Hidden Peak. A quick 8-minute tram ride from the canyon floor gives skiers and riders a visual sampling of the plunging cliffs and steep thrills to come – runs sure to make the blood rush, heart stop . . . and improve technique. The base area Cliff Lodge has an 11-story atrium, and if that doesn't impress, the lodge's celebrated dinning options or world-class spa will certainly do the trick.
Snowbird is a challenging mountain divided into three areas: Peruvian Gulch, Gad Valley and Mineral Basin. Experts looking for a thrill can take the 125-person tram up to the Cirque, a wide-open plunging run that leads into the steep bowls and tree-lined chutes of Upper Silver Fox, Great Scott or Upper Cirque. Great Scott is actually one of the steepest runs in the country. For moguls, head to Peruvian or Gad II lifts. The mountain is ideal for freeriding, especially when the snow is plentiful. Snowbird offers riders steep, long lines that challenge and thrill. On the backside of the mountain, Mineral Basin offers up vast bowls, cliffs and smooth groomers that make the area feel like a large natural terrain park. An expert terrain park is served by the Baby Thunder Lift. You will find some of the biggest tabletops on Tiny Tiger Trail, in addition to boxes, hits and rails. Big Emma run is home to Snowbird's 400-foot-long superpipe, which is near a small beginner terrain park. While the mountain is a favorite of expert skiers and riders, there are also beginner and intermediate options – and even family-only ski areas. Novices should head to Second South or the Baby Thunder areas.
13 lifts.
$$$$ (Very Expensive)89 runs - 27% beginner, 38% intermediate, 35% expert. Longest run is 18,500 feet.
Mountain Statistics: 3,000 feet vertical drop, 11,000 feet summit elevation, 2,500 acres, average annual accumulation 500 inches.