5 Insider Tips to Enjoying Snowbird's Oktoberfest

After over 50 years of Oktoberfest celebrations, we’ve learned a thing or two. To kick off another season of prosts, brats, brews and good times with friends, we've broken down 5 tips to navigate Oktoberfest like a pro. Grab your lederhosen or dirndl and prepare to polka your way from Hidden Peak to the Plaza Deck.

1. First Things First 

Utah’s original Oktoberfest began in 1972, and we’ve been slinging brats and brews ever since. The festival runs from Noon to 6 pm Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day from August 10 to October 13, 2024. Admission is free; however, guests must pay to park in Snowbird parking lots. 

From face painting and summer activities to live music, Oktoberfest at Snowbird is family-friendly, so bring your whole crew up to escape the heat in the Salt Lake Valley and enjoy this long-standing cultural celebration. Every weekend of the festival has different events—make sure to check out the events calendar before heading up to see a complete schedule of events, including live music lineups.

2. Secure Your Room 

There is no better way to experience Oktoberfest at Snowbird than staying amid it all. Soak in the fun all day, then soak in an incredible down-canyon sunset to top off your evening. Booking lodging before coming up to Oktoberfest allows you to skip the drive home and settle into a restful night's sleep while unlocking big savings on summer activities through Snowbird & Save.

Choose between 2 Oktoberfest-specific packages to make the most of your celebration: the Brewer's Dinner Dine & Stay or the Prost Package. Enjoy a Tram ride to Hidden Peak, an educational beer tasting from a local brewery, a paired meal and live music at a Brewer's Dinner—held on select Fridays—then stay the weekend to explore all Oktoberfest has to offer with the Brewer's Dinner Dine & Stay. Alternatively, opt for the Prost Package, which includes lodging, a $25 food and beverage credit per night and 2 Oktoberfest souvenir cups. 

3. Start Your Day Egg-cellently 

Snowbird’s Oktoberfest begins at noon, so make sure to start your day the right way with a decadent breakfast at SeventyOne. Before enjoying some brews on the mountain, treat yourself to treat yourself to SeventyOne's lavish all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet to fuel up before polkaing all afternoon. 

While enjoying your mountainside breakfast, you can make reservations for dinner at The Aerie, the Steak Pit or the Wildflower. Restaurants can get busy on Oktoberfest evenings, so it’s better to be safe and plan ahead than to end up waiting for a table later on. You can make reservations online or by calling 801.933.2222. 

4. Skip The Wait & Save On Tickets

Between summer activities and Oktoberfest events, time flies all too quickly. Don’t waste it waiting in line at the ticket window. Instead, purchase tickets for Scenic Tram Rides or All-Day Activity Passes online and head to our Pick-Up Boxes, located on the Plaza Deck next to the Ticket Window, to retrieve them. Scan the QR code provided in your confirmation email for your tickets to dispense in seconds, then embark on adrenaline-pumping activities, like the ZipWhipper® or Mountain Coaster, between brats. Plus, when you purchase in advance online, you're guaranteed the best price.

 

5. Plan Ahead

We have a few Oktoberfest hacks to make your experience as seamless and adventurous as possible:

• Have you been to Snowbird’s Oktoberfest before and already have a mug? Bring it! You can reuse any Snowbird Oktoberfest mug (even if it dates back to 1972) and get the refill price. Remember, this only applies to Snowbird Oktoberfest mugs. If you don't have a mug already, you'll be able to choose from multiple sizes at the festival. 
• The Alphorns at The Summit are a must-see! Take the Tram up early so you have time to grab a pretzel and another brew at The Summit before the music starts. Make sure to finish your beer before your ride because alcohol is not allowed on the Tram. 
• The Oktoberfest Halle has live music and games for both kids and adults. Join in on the fun by participating in yodeling and polka contests, or see if you can prove your strength and compete in the stein-holding competition. 
• The beer tents on the Skier’s Bridge and Dick Bass Terrace are little-known secrets. These tents usually aren’t as crowded, so you can grab a beer faster and make the most of your time at the festival.  
• Spark your creativity with Live Art Installations, located near Chickadee Hill. Watch as local artists bring large-form Snowbird logos to life, each with their own unique style. 

Tip: Use the Oktoberfest Map to navigate around the festival grounds.

We hope these insider tips help you to make the most of your trip to Snowbird’s Oktoberfest. Explore the resort on your own, get your face painted or end your day with a mellow hike on the Observation Point Trail. Endless amounts of activities await at The Bird, so grab some friends and make your way to the mountains for a weekend filled with polka, scenic views and all the brats your heart desires. 

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