Snowbird Ski Resort- Powder Hound Mecca
Are you a greedy powder hound? Us too! So when we’ve got a hankering for snow and lots of it – which is 24/7 come to think of it – we know it’s Snowbird ski time.
Between Snowbird and neighbouring Alta Resort, there’s 4,700 acres of breathtaking ski terrain. It’s little wonder, then, that Snowbird ski recently earned itself an OnTheSnow award (more on that later…)
And when you’re not getting your Snowbird ski on, the Utah resort also offers some of our favourite après ski. The popular Cliff Lodge boasts a rooftop spa where you can watch the sun as it sets over the picture-perfect granite peaks and canyon – an experience not to be missed.
What’s in a name?
Snowbird Resort first opened in 1971 with some 100 trails. Since then, even more runs have been added.
Coming up with 100 names off the cuff can’t have been easy, so the powers that be tapped into the area’s rich (and raunchy) mining history and wealth of colourful locals. Resort owner Dick Bass’ Naming Party social event even sold some names off to the highest bidder.
So next time you pootle down Chip’s Run, spare a thought for the son of Bass’ friend who lost his life in the Vietnam War. Taking it slow on the Big Emma easy run? The original Big Emma was actually a madam and she was… Well, you see what they did there.
Then there’s Bananas, Tiger Tale, and Harper’s Ferry – all courtesy of the Naming Party. And Regulator Johnson and Black Jack, named after mines.
Ladies, prepare to be smitten with the story that inspired Alice Avenue; it was named after Bass’ wife, who he calls “sweet Alice from Dallas.” Awww.
Want more trail names? Courtesy of Ski & Snowboard News…
• Silver Fox was named for Ted Johnson, whose hair was prematurely grey
• Rothman Way took its name from the Rothman family who have a home in the canyon
• Local resident Barry McLean named Barry Barry Steep
• Junior’s Powder Paradise is a nod to Junior Bounous, ski pioneer and the resort’s first ski school director
Snowbird Resort: Voted 2012 Best Overall Resort in North America
When it comes to the awesome that is Snowbird, don’t just take our word for it. The resort was recently voted Best Overall Resort in North America by the readers of snow sports bible OnTheSnow.com.
Snowbird also took home the Best Terrain in the Rockies gong.
Patrick Crawford, OnTheSnow’s Global Content Director, said of the award: “Snowbird pulled out the top honours this year, because the resort delivers everything its visitors expect, both in terms of terrain and overall experience.
“And the fact that it also won for Best Terrain in the Rockies just underlines the strength of this resort – great skiing in one of North America’s most iconic ski regions.”