All Things Summer at Snowbird

Image: Otto Solberg

Author: Riley Whitney

Published Date: 08/17/2023

4 Minutes

In the summertime, the same rugged peaks that entice skiers with champagne powder draw adventure enthusiasts for summer fun amid luscious greenery, sprawling wildflowers and, as winter creeps closer, remarkable fall foliage. Whether you live in Salt Lake City or are traveling from afar–Snowbird–packed with over 20 summer activities awaits. With so many options, the struggle isn’t what to do—it’s how to do it all. We're here to help you plan your best-day-ever with a rundown of what summer at Snowbird is all about.

All-Day Activity Pass

Dad and daughter on mountain coaster at Summer Activities at Snowbird

The good times never stop with an All-Day Activity Pass, which provides unlimited access to Scenic Tram Rides, the Mountain Coaster, Alpine Slide, Peruvian Chairlift, Ropes Course, Summer Tubing, Climbing Wall, Bungee Trampoline, Tree Climb, Spider Mountain and more. Purchasing an All-Day Activity pass provides you the best value for the most fun at The Bird. Activities included in an All-Day Activity Pass vary based on height and age, tailoring the experience to fit the needs of you and your younger companions. No matter how old you are, these adrenaline-boosting activities will have you smiling from ear to ear.

To save time so you can do it all, purchase All-Day Activity Passes (and Summer Scenic Tram Ride tickets) online, then utilize our Pick-Up Boxes to skip the ticket window and get to fun faster. Bonus: You also get the best prices when you purchase online.

Summer Scenic Tram Rides

Ride Snowbird’s Aerial Tram to 11,000 feet atop Hidden Peak to enjoy stunning views from panoramic windows and 3'x3' glass floor panels. Once you reach the top, make sure to check out The Summit, Utah’s highest restaurant, for lunch or a snack. If you’re feeling prepared for an additional adventure, consider taking a hike on numerous trails around the resort. Hiking from the top of the Tram can include a casual stroll around Hidden Peak, a walk into Mineral Basin and through the Peruvian Tunnel or an exposed scramble to the top of The Twins. No matter what you’re looking for, a Summer Scenic Tram Ride offers something for everyone, from foodies to adrenaline junkies.

Tram Rooftop Balconies

Summer Scenic Tram Rides on the rooftop balcony at Snowbird

Take your Tram ride to a new level with the new Tram rooftop balconies. While the history of Snowbird’s Tram goes back to its founding in 1971, the new Tram cabins—installed in 2022—feature rooftop balconies that allow passengers to soak in fresh mountain air and 360-degree views. They’re the first and only of their kind in the nation, making this experience even more unique.

Note: The Tram rooftop balconies are a daily add-on product to Snowbird season passes, Scenic Tram Ride tickets or All-Day Activity Passes.

Peruvian Chairlift

Enjoy vibrant scenery, wildflower viewing and wildlife sightings while also accessing Mineral Basin by riding the Peruvian Express chairlift and walking through Peruvian Tunnel. Not only is it the only subterranean ski tunnel in North America, but it also serves as a historic site where guests can view artifacts from Snowbird’s mining-era past. Snowbird averages about 10 degrees colder than the Salt Lake Valley, but it tends to be even cooler in the tunnel, so we recommend that guests who plan on making the trek bring an additional layer. Tickets for the Tram and Peruvian are interchangeable, so guests can ride up one and down the other for a holistic experience.

For the Whole Fam

Family riding the Alpine Slide at Snowbird

The mountains are best enjoyed in the company of friends and family of all ages. Toddlers to adults can enjoy an array of activities together, meaning no one will get left behind on the adventure of a lifetime. Favorites like the Mountain Coaster, Alpine Slide, Bungee Trampoline, Climbing Wall, Tree Climb, Summer Tubing, Gemstone Mining and hiking allow a broad range of ages. While some activities require a bit of extra supervision for the youngest members of your crew, all of them produce guaranteed smiles, whether you’re enjoying mountain scenery on a hike or cruising on the Mountain Coaster .

For Little Ones

Who remembers running wild on the playground as a kid? We do, and we know there’s no playground like the mountains. Designed for the youngest kiddos in your crew, the Mini Ropes Course, Kids’ Inflatable, Spider Mountain, Mini Tree Climb and Kids’ Fishing Pond provide opportunities for play that burn off energy and cultivate memorable experiences in nature. Kids 7 and up can take their play to the next level with the Ropes Course and enjoy adrenaline-inducing activities like the ZipWhipper®.

Hit the Trails

Hiking the Cirque Traverse at Snowbird

While summer activities like the Mountain Coaster might get your heart racing, exploring the mountain on foot or mountain bike provides a different kind of rush. Hiking trails stretch across the mountain and can be accessed from the Snowbird Center, Gad Valley, the top of the Peruvian Chairlift and the top of the Tram. You won’t want to miss wildflower season (usually in mid-July) and fall foliage (usually in mid-October). The  Observation Point Trail , which departs from the Snowbird Center and stretches about .05 miles on a relatively flat, paved and stroller- and wheelchair-accessible trail provides an opportunity for people of an array of ages and abilities to appreciate the natural beauty of Little Cottonwood Canyon. For additional hiking within and around Snowbird, check out our summer trail map  and blog . Mountain bikers can get rowdy on the Big Mountain Trail, a 7.5-mile trail with some of Utah’s most scenic downhill riding, or ride over 7 miles of cross-country trails on the lower mountain. There is no fee for self-guided hiking or mountain biking; however, Snowbird does not currently offer lift-accessed mountain biking.

Elevate Your Experience

Take your experience to new heights by upgrading your Scenic Tram Ride to fly high on the all-new Tram rooftop balconies, then relax at the end of the day by enjoying a treatment or a dip in the rooftop pool at The Cliff Spa . Be sure to check out events like Bend at the Bird –a weekly evening yoga class throughout July—or a Full Moon Sound bath, both of which take place aside The Cliff Spa’s rooftop pool and include spa access and refreshments. Want to get your steps in first? Look no further than Guided Hiking  with Snowbird Mountain Guides—the best way to cover ground and learn more about the natural beauty in and around Snowbird.

Stay a While

Hiking the Cirque Traverse at Snowbird

Whether you’re 3 or 33, summer at Snowbird offers innumerable ways for you to relax and play. Luckily, you can do both—and score big savings—with Snowbird & Save . Relieve the pressure of fitting everything into one day and book lodging through Snowbird to receive 20% off Summer Scenic Tram Ride tickets and All-Day Activity Passes. Don’t forget the additional bonus of staying with us: Beautiful mountain sunsets as you wind down from a day of play in the mountains.

Food for Adventure

You can’t play and recreate all day without stopping to recharge. Snowbird has 12 dining options for guests throughout the summer, sure to please little ones and refined palettes alike. The Aerie and The Wildflower both released all-new menus for the summer, with options like Braised Lamb Pappardelle and Osso Bucco. Insider tip: The Aerie Lounge menu includes a lobster roll that’s as authentic as they come, perfected by the head chef while living in coastal Maine. For a quick option while you’re on the go, check out General Gritts , located on the lower level of the Snowbird Center, for creative sandwiches and a wide variety of snacks.

 

 

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 Whitney 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. 

 

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