Snowbird is best known for what it does in the winter. But did you know you can still enjoy the resort without the skiing, snowboarding and fresh pow?
During the summer, while the valley is baking in the 90-degree temperatures, Snowbird stays at a cool 60 to 70 degrees during the day. Sounds refreshing, huh?
If the temperature isn’t enough to draw you up Little Cottonwood Canyon, maybe Snowbird’s vast array of activities will. The Bird offers everything from mountain biking and yoga to stargazing and trampolines. Something is bound to spark your interest–and if it doesn’t, just stay inside and battle the heat the boring way.
Aerial Tram Rides
A 10-minute ride on Snowbird’s Tram takes you to the top of Hidden Peak and gives you a 360-degree view of the Wasatch Mountains. You can enjoy the breathtaking views and walk or hike for as long as you want. Just be sure to catch the last Tram at 8 p.m. or you’ll be walking down.$12/$18 – Adult Single Ride/All-Day
Hiking
Hike any of Snowbird’s 18 trails and take advantage of the cool weather and green scenery. The trail lengths range from .5 to 4.5 miles and vary in difficulty and terrain. Pick a trail up Gad Valley, Alta, Peruvian or into Mineral Basin–bonus for making it to Hidden Peak. You can take the Tram back down for free. And nothing sounds better than a lift to your car after an exhausting hike.Free
Mountain Biking
Ride on many of the same trails that you can hike on. The easier trails are near the base of the mountain. Experts can ride down from the top of the Tram. (You will have to pay for the Tram ride up.) You can bring your own bike or rent one at Snowbird ($35 for 3 hours, $45 for 6 hours). Free with your own equipment
Yoga
Yoga is good wherever you practice, but your studio probably doesn’t have huge windows with amazing mountain views. It’s worth checking out, and you have nothing to lose. Just make sure to call the night before to reserve your spot. The Cliff Spa is offering this free yoga class through Oct. 25. (801) 933-2225.Free on Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
ZipRider
Feel the need to fly without jumping out of a plane? You can safely glide down the ZipRider’s 1,000 feet of cable while securely strapped into a harness. Probably not worth the wait or money if you’re a die-hard thrill seeker, though.$12 for one ride
Still Need More?
Other activities include the Alpine Slide, Bungy Trampoline, Mechanical Bull, horseback riding, Peruvian Chairlift and Tunnel rides, ATV tours, fishing and rock climbing. Snowbird will also offer a Stargazer Series (Aug. 11, 24, 31, Sept. 7, 14 only) on Hidden Peak. Snowbird’s annual Oktoberfest will run Aug. 25 through Oct. 7 on weekends. For more information, visit Snowbird’s website, www.snowbird.com.