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.
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!
Ha ha! Love it! So what do you do for work in Chicago? Do you have kids?
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!
Wonderful! What language do you teach? Sounds like a wonderful job!
I teach writing classes in both Spanish and English. I love the job … and the breaks!
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!
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.
Thank you! It was gorgeous there and I already miss it!
That picture you titled Down We Go is gorgeous! What a wonderful trip for the three of you.
Thanks Angeline! It was the first time my dad has been able to ski again since Cancer. We had a lovely time!!!
Looks like you had a fabulous time. How great to have three generations together on the slopes.
It was wonderful Sue and so awesome we could all go together!
Stunning vistas.
Thanks!!!
Great photos of a really fun trip! I can tell because everyone is wearing a big smile!
Thanks Marilyn! It was wonderful!
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.
Me too! It is a fabulous ski area!
Beautiful mountain views! What a fun sky trip. 🙂
Thanks Amy!
Skiing is something I have not had the privilege to try, although I think it would be fun and great exercise.
I love to ski and started when I was three here in the small hills of MN.
Looks like you all had great fun, Nicole. Those mountains are spectacular. Such beauty! I like your silly selfie. 🙂
Thanks Sylvia! We had a wonderful time!
Love the ‘Bird. Went there once for three days and it was one of the best.
Me too! it is such a wonderful ski resort! Love it!
So wonderful for all three of you. Your father seems to be doing great, getting back to all the activities he loves. 🙂
Thanks LuAnn! It was the first time he skied in two years. So far so good. WE keep positive! 🙂
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 😉
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 🙂