4 Products & Improvements for Snowbird’s Golden Anniversary

Old man winter is awakening from his slumber, autumn leaves are falling and Snowbird is gearing up for its 50th anniversary season. Since first opening in December of 1971 with three lifts and the iconic Tram, Snowbird has seen powder hounds flock to its steep slopes for the last 50 years. Built upon the dreams of Ted Johnson and Dick Bass, the resort continues to thrill with steeps and deeps, enchant with breathtaking views and live up to the legacy that the founders envisioned. 

“My underlying dream for Snowbird is the creation of a year-round resort, which respects and complements the beauty and inspiration of this natural setting – a place dedicated to increasing human understanding through the enhancement of body, mind and spirit.” - Dick Bass

In preparation for the big five-o, Snowbird has announced 4 new products and improvements to invest in the mountain we all love: 

1. Introducing Fast Tracks 

Itching to beat your friend’s vert record and maximize your time on the mountain? Live life in the fast lane with Fast Tracks. A daily upgradable experience, Fast Tracks offers access to dedicated express lanes with limited availability each day. While inventory lasts, any day guest, resort passholder or Ikon passholder may purchase the upgrade in advance online, at the ticket office or by smartphone, starting at $69. Fast Tracks will be available at Peruvian, Gadzoom, Gad 2, Little Cloud, Mineral Basin and Baldy, but will not be included at the Tram.

2. Wyssen Towers 

New for 2021-22, Snowbird installed 4 Wyssen Towers in Mineral Basin. These towers utilize remote explosive devices to perform avalanche mitigation work by triggering an avalanche through a coded command that activates blasting. The new towers are expected to increase the speed of mitigation while also increasing the safety of our employees performing the work. For those of us that love Mineral Basin skiing and riding, these towers are a welcome sight. Don’t forget to check out ismineralopen.com for the latest conditions and updates. 

3. Snowbird Power Systems

In July of 2021, the resort launched Snowbird Power Systems: a cogeneration facility that will supply between 90-100% of the mountain’s power this winter. A one-of-a-kind facility that replaces an original co-gen plant that was built in 1986, the new system produces electricity for the mountain through natural gas and then heats the resort through recycled thermal waste. Snowbird Power Systems will significantly reduce the resort’s dependency on coal and drastically cut carbon emissions while powering the chairlifts, Aerial Tram and even the lodges. 

4. Updated Parking 

This season, Snowbird is updating its parking systems by offering a variety of options for guests. This includes a majority of first-come, first-served free spaces, complemented by the option to pay for reserved self-parking in select lots. Want free parking, you got it. Head on over to Wilbere Hill, Chickadee Hill or the Superior Lot. Want to reserve your spot in advance? Book your space for your desired day in the Lower Gad Valley or Pond Preferred Parking Lots. Want someone else to do the parking for you? Check out the Valet at the Snowbird Center or The Cliff Lodge with or without a reservation. Additionally, Snowbird has expanded its carpool-only parking lots for those with 4+ folks in one vehicle. 

Snowbird’s mining history and pioneer spirit helped to shape the resort to what it is today. A place for skiers and snowboarders, a place for hikers, a place for families and friends to gather. But, most importantly, it’s a place for dreamers. As Snowbird welcomes its golden anniversary with these 4 products and improvements, the resort looks forward to the next 50 years and what new memories these mountains will provide.

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