Snowbird Bliss

Posted on by

Its been 16 years since I’ve been skiing in Utah and after two days of hard skiing I realize what a mistake it has been not coming again sooner.  I love skiing out West and I especially love Snowbird. The fluffy white powder (averages 500 inches per season) and serendipitous deep blue sky is enough to make anyone love winter. In my opinion, Snowbird is one of the best ski areas out West.

Located in the heart of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Little Cottonwood Canyon only a mile down canyon from the Alta ski resort, Snowbird is a picturesque place with little development. The ski area is 2,500 acres with 168 runs and a terrain ranging from 27 percent beginner, 38 percent intermediate and 35 percent advanced/expert. The top elevation of the resort is at 11,000-foot Hidden Peak in which you can ride up in a large 125-person Tram in seven minutes flat. The views of the snow-capped peaks in all directions are breathtaking.

Landing on a cloudy day over the Great Salt Lake is amazing.

It has been a short, three-generational trip with my daughter Sophia and father. The conditions have been amazing with the most snow in the country and unseasonably warm weather. It has been a fantastic break from winter back in Minnesota. There is nothing better than being in the mountains whether it be walking, hiking, skiing or even just having a picnic. Here are a few shots from the trip.

There she is…my girl on top of the snow mound.

Grandpa and Granddaughter get ready to face the hill

The first morning was a little cloudy but it cleared up and was sensational.

Of course he had to take her down a black diamond. Some things never change.

Riding the lift

Mom and daughter (yep that is me!)

Down we go!

The first day was wonderful! But by four o’clock we were done and it was time to have a local beer on tap. Nothing like a cold beer after a long day of skiing!

Day two was equally fantastic especially in the morning when we have perfect conditions. No wind, bright blue sky and lots and lots of open terrain.

A silly selfie

Gorgeous blue sky

The crowd awaits

Done for the day

We had a wonderful time together experiencing the big mountains of Snowbird. The problem with skiing in the big mountains is you never stop wanting to do it again.

 

30 thoughts on “Snowbird Bliss”

  1. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    We really do follow each other all over the earth! I was in Deer Valley, Utah, the weekend before! Same conditions – good snow, lots of sun and decent warmth, and great local beers, of course!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Ha ha! Love it! So what do you do for work in Chicago? Do you have kids?

      Reply ↓
      • lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
        lexklein on said:

        I teach at a bilingual college in the Pilsen/Little Village area. It’s a great job and I have summers and January off, leaving lots of time for hiking and travel. Three kids, but college-age and/or out of the house. I loved traveling and trekking (and skiing!) with them as kids, but sharing these as an adult is even more special (when they can go, which is rarely these days). Have fun on your next trip – I just have 4 long weekend ones planned before summer, and then …. ?? working on that now!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Wonderful! What language do you teach? Sounds like a wonderful job!

      • lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
        lexklein on said:

        I teach writing classes in both Spanish and English. I love the job … and the breaks!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Wow that is wonderful! It sounds like a great job! I speak French and tried to learn Spanish but it was harder at my age. I hardly use my french and wish I knew Spanish. Hopefully some day I can learn it better!

  2. syzumba – Mechanicsburg, PA – I love to laugh and make others do the same. Try to be light hearted and faithful to what matters in my life and my family's. I love the outdoors and hiking and special needs children are dear to my heart.
    syzumba on said:

    Beautiful scenery and mountains. Thanks for sharing. Brought back memories of when I skied way back in high school. But my mountains were little I’m sure. I’m in PA.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! It was gorgeous there and I already miss it!

      Reply ↓
  3. Angeline Suze – Love travel and photography. Living in Northern California. Photos of locations visited are personal file photos. I’m on Instagram: suze.munoz
    Angeline M on said:

    That picture you titled Down We Go is gorgeous! What a wonderful trip for the three of you.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Angeline! It was the first time my dad has been able to ski again since Cancer. We had a lovely time!!!

      Reply ↓
  4. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Looks like you had a fabulous time. How great to have three generations together on the slopes.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      It was wonderful Sue and so awesome we could all go together!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!!!

      Reply ↓
  6. Marilyn Albright – Home Based in Sterling, Alaska – Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula has been home for more than 40 years. My husband, David, and I live on 10 acres of forest near the town of Soldotna. We are more or less retired, meaning we are retired from gainful employment but not from life! Our son lives in Australia and our daughter in Colorado. Photography, fiber arts, reading, and hiking/walking are some of my interests, and David shares my love of gardening, camping, cooking, and traveling, plus he is our tech expert.
    Marilyn Albright on said:

    Great photos of a really fun trip! I can tell because everyone is wearing a big smile!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Marilyn! It was wonderful!

      Reply ↓
  7. Sas – Cardiff, UK – I'm vegan. I love to travel. I challenge myself to visit at least one new place and try at least one new activity every year. When I'm not writing, I like to ski, rock climb, keep fit and bodyboard.
    Sas on said:

    I love that you have a resort named Snowbird! I’ve just got back from a weeks skiing myself. Our conditions weren’t as good as yours unfortunately, but I’ll be posting about it soon.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Me too! It is a fabulous ski area!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy!

      Reply ↓

  9. Skiing is something I have not had the privilege to try, although I think it would be fun and great exercise.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I love to ski and started when I was three here in the small hills of MN.

      Reply ↓
  10. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    Looks like you all had great fun, Nicole. Those mountains are spectacular. Such beauty! I like your silly selfie. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sylvia! We had a wonderful time!

      Reply ↓
  11. Black Cloud – I create postings that reflect the things that interest and stimulate me in the world of food, drink and travel. I'm a professional winemaker making wines for Serendipity Winery and partner in the creation of Black Cloud wines. BlackCloud makes handcrafted small-batch Pinot Noirs unique to select vineyards of British Columbia. I also act as a consultant to new and established winery operations.
    Black Cloud on said:

    Love the ‘Bird. Went there once for three days and it was one of the best.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Me too! it is such a wonderful ski resort! Love it!

      Reply ↓

  12. So wonderful for all three of you. Your father seems to be doing great, getting back to all the activities he loves. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn! It was the first time he skied in two years. So far so good. WE keep positive! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  13. Looks like a fun trip! I’ve never actually tried skiing and the older I get, the more I worry about broken bones etc! I keep promising myself that I will have to try it one day though 😉

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      It was wonderful Emily! I started skiing when I was three and I’ve started my kids this young too. Living in a cold climate here in MN where we get lots of snow, skiing is a must. Our hills aren’t huge but Lindsey Vonn started her racing career here believe it or not and moved to Colorado when she was a preteen. So we do have lots of good places to learn! You should try! Never too old 🙂

      Reply ↓

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.