Photo: Ikon Pass
BUCKLE UP! Snowbird, better known as “The Bird,” and Alta are no joke so you’re going to need all the drinks you can get after a day of shredding. We'd like to preface these resorts are not for beginners and you should definitely come prepared! A short drive from Salt Lake City up Little Cottonwood Canyon, these two resorts sit side by side but do not share a season pass; however, select passes like the IKON and Mountain Collective do allow you to ski both resorts. There is even an open air doorway at the saddle of the mountain that allows you to “switch sides'' at any point in the day which is pretty dang cool.
While these two resorts are connected at the hip, they could not be on more opposite sides of the spectrum. For one, Alta is a skier only resort, similar to Deer Valley in Park City. With tons of highly coveted terrain in hard to get to places, Alta is truly a skiers paradise for the dedicated hikers and skiers. Snowbird is a ski and snowboard resort, but is known for its long traverses, big bowls, and steep runs. While Alta and Snowbird have few chair lifts, you will quickly find that there are an infinite number of ways to get down as almost all terrain is skiable, making these resorts so desirable and fun. Additionally, Alta and Snowbird have the highest elevation compared to its neighboring resorts: Solitude, Brighton, Park City and Deer Valley, making it the premiere destination for the best snow conditions in the Salt Lake City area.
In terms of skiwear, Snowbird and Alta fashion lean more on the side of tech and performance given the advanced and hikeable terrain, think - North Face, Arc'teryx, and Helly Hansen. Most riders are more concerned about the fresh pow and who got the best line. If you are looking for designer ski outfits, furs, and onesies, you should probably consider Deer Valley and Park City Resort which are situated a quick 45 minutes from Little Cottonwood Canyon. Additionally, this canyon does not have a traditional ski town which is another reason to check out the beloved Park City.
Après Ski
*ranked in order from rowdy to chill
The Tram Club | Snowbird Base
This is probably the most iconic spots in the canyon. Once you've skied down to the large patio at the base of Snowbird Center, you can follow the staircase beneath the tram and you'll quickly find the Tram Club. This place is perfectly cozy and cool and often has live music. You may even run into some of your favorite pro all mountain skiers because the bird's the word!
$$ | Walk Up Bar
Peruvian Bar or the “P Dog” | Alta Base
Steps away from the slopes, this place is quaint, cozy, and cool AF. They even serve up fresh popcorn with your drink of choice. While Friday and Saturday afternoons provide your typical weekend hustle & bustle, it’s Sunday’s that really bring the party. Every Sunday, during peak season, you can find local bands jamming from happy hour into the night against the mesmerizing backdrop of Alta ski resort. Locals (and tourists) flock to this watering hole to dance away the Sunday Scaries; and in all honesty, we’d recommend a Monday morning flight for the most optimal experience!
$$ | Walk Up Bar
SeventyOne Lounge | Cliff Lodge
This newly renovated bar at the Cliff Lodge Hotel is mountain chic with a retro mid-century modern twist. Take the Chickadee lift from Snowbird Center and get dropped off at the doors of the Cliff Lodge. Pull up a seat at the swanky bar top and order tasty drinks while you watch the snow fall from the floor to ceiling windows and wait out the canyon traffic. It doesn't hurt that they have fabulous finger foods and delicious shareables.
$$ | Walk Up Bar
The Gulch Pub | Snowpine Lodge
If you're feeling cute and boujee, head over to the Snowpine Lodges’ sophisticated mountain pub. With beautiful leather barstools, stunning views of Alta mountain, and unique craft cocktails - and I quote “sourced locally from the mountain” - you know the drinks and vibe are going to be sheer perfection.
$$$$ | Walk Up Bar
Nightlife
If you are staying at any of the ski in - ski out hotels, there is no true nightlife; however, the après ski bars and hotel restaurants will do the trick if you are looking for a light social scene and a few drinks. Better to rest up for another awesome day of skiing! If you’re into jacuzzi parties, you will always find down to party people drinking through sunset at The Cliff Lodge Spa Hot Tubs which is open air with mountain views.
Where to Stay
If you are looking to stay slopeside at ski in - ski out accommodations, there are a few great options that are within steps from lifts at both Alta and Snowbird: Snowpine Lodge, The Lodge at Snowbird/The Cliff Lodge, The Iron Blosam, The Inn at Snowbird, and The Pervuvian (listed in order from most to least expensive). Not only are they all steps from chairlifts and tram, but almost all have a pool/jacuzzi and restaurant options so you never have to leave the canyon.
For accommodations in Salt Lake City, we’d recommend Airbnb’s and VRBOs in the following neighborhoods as they are all closest to the Little Cottonwood Canyon entrance: Granite, Sandy, Cottonwood Heights.
Getting There
Unless you are driving from a destination within close reach, most people fly into SLC (Salt Lake City International Airport). From the airport, Little Cottonwood Canyon and all ski in - ski out accommodations are roughly a 45-60 minute drive. It is a rarity to ski world class mountains like Alta and Snowbird within such close proximity to a large scale city and airport making this destination so accessible and appealing.