6 Tips for Making The Most of Your Day on the Slopes
Author: Riley Whitney
Published Date: 01/10/2023
Read Time: 4 minutes
Defined by world-class skiing and riding and home to some of the most challenging in-bounds terrain in North America, Snowbird is unlike any other ski resort. Whether you're coming here for the first time or call Snowbird home, these few easy steps will help make the most of your Snowbird experience and maximize your daily vertical:
1. Upgrade with Fast Tracks
Why waste time waiting in line? Bypass the line with Fast Tracks, a daily upgrade that provides access to dedicated express lift lanes. With over 18 feet of snow already this season, Fast Tracks allows you to spend more time exploring Snowbird’s 2,500 acres of terrain and less time standing in chilly lift lines. This upgrade is available for day tickets and season passes, including the Ikon Pass and The Mountain Collective Pass. Once you’ve upgraded, you can utilize the express lane at Peruvian, Gadzoom, Gad 2, Little Cloud, Mineral Basin and Baldy chairlifts to get quick access to free powder refills all day. That’s right – All. Day. Long.
Fast Tracks is available in limited quantities daily through April 9, 2023, starting at $59. For guaranteed speed, we recommend booking Fast Tracks in advance online; however, you can upgrade the day of, as available, at the ticket office or online.
2. Stop for Snacks
Charging powder all day without fuel? Impossible. Take a break to grab a snack or delicious meal at one of Snowbird’s 3 on-mountain dining options. Check out The Summit for stunning views atop Hidden Peak while enjoying a hearty lunch, a quick snack or a local microbrew. Stop by Mid-Gad for gourmet burgers and sandwiches while enjoying indoor/outdoor seating. Creekside Café is the place to start your morning with house-made pastries and coffee or enjoy the array of lunch items slopeside.
3. Relax and Restore
The best way to end an all-time day of skiing or riding at Snowbird is to book a stay at one of our 5 stunning lodges. Enjoy the convenience of ski in/ski out at The Cliff Lodge, where you'll find the Cliff Spa, offering relief for sore muscles with yoga classes and stunning alpenglow views from the heated rooftop pool. For an intimate, cozy stay check out The Inn. The Iron Blosam, The Lodge at Snowbird and The Cliff Club offer condominium-style accommodations with heated pools and hot tubs to warm up and unwind after a long day of skiing or riding. No matter your group size, the perfect accommodations await you, making first tracks more accessible and relaxation non-negotiable.
Check out our lodging specials, like the Mountain Vacation package. With 4+ nights of lodging, adults on the booking receive a 4-day lift ticket and kids 12 and under ski for free. The package also includes one complimentary half-day lesson through Snowbird's Mountain School and ground transportation to and from the Salt Lake City International Airport.
4. Download the Snowbird App
The Snowbird App is the key to navigating Snowbird with ease. A one-stop shop for everything from parking reservations to Fast Tracks upgrades to dining options, this is a tool you don’t want to overlook. Check the mountain report, lift status and live webcams from the comfort of your room (or hot tub). Easily find yourself turned around? Not to worry – navigate the mountain in real-time, track other members of your group and compete for stats like most trails, lifts ridden and vertical feet. The lowest vertical buys the first round at The Tram Club!
Snowbird App tip: Add all your friends to your group before you start your ski day. Then you can easily find them once you are on the mountain or reconnect if you split up.
5. Dial In Your Gear
With all the snow we’re receiving, don’t let the mistake of skiing or riding in the wrong gear hold you back. Check out Snowbird Sports for top-of-the-line equipment rentals from industry-leading brands like Dynastar and Rossignol. The option to swap your gear throughout the day in the heart of the Snowbird Center means that you can rip anything from neck-deep powder to heart-stopping groomers all day long. If you have your own equipment, take advantage of expert tuning or the lunchtime edge sharpening & wax special at Creekside Sports, a game-changer for action-packed days of skiing or riding.
6. Carpool
Fire up your best playlist and hop in the car with some friends. Carpooling makes life easier for everyone by combatting congestion in one of Utah’s most remarkable canyons, reducing emissions and keeping parking readily available so you can get on snow faster. This season, we’re excited to offer Canyon Carpool Club, a carpooling incentive program that rewards select drivers and/or riders in vehicles with 4+ passengers on high-traffic weekends, peak-season periods and surprise powder days. Who doesn’t like free stuff?
About The Author
Originally from Lake Mills, Wisconsin, Riley Whitney first came to the Wasatch as a teen to attend Rowmark Ski Academy. After spending 7 years away – from the Northeast to Alaska – Riley has returned to the Wasatch, where she enjoys connecting with friends new and old and exploring the mountains on skis, bikes and her own two feet. She currently works at Snowbird as its Communications and Social Media Coordinator. (Author Photo Credit: Erica Hinck)