This article was originally published in the Outdoors print issue of The Daily Utah Chronicle, originally in stands on September 23, 2024. It has not been updated and some information may be out of date.
Snowbird’s Oktoberfest isn’t just beer and bratwursts. It’s a celebration of 52 years of tradition, an opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors and a marketplace for Salt Lake’s local businesses.
This year, Snowbird’s 52nd annual Oktoberfest offers food, drinks, live music, shopping and fun for the whole family.
Oktoberfest’s Origins
Although Oktoberfest is known for its drinking culture, Kelsey James, Snowbird’s assistant marketing director, said this event has much more to offer.
“[Oktoberfest] exposes Snowbird and being in the mountains to a different type of guest,” James said. “You don’t need to be an outdoor professional. [Snowbird] is a challenging mountain in the wintertime, and people find value in what’s in their backyard.”
Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany, on Oct. 12, 1810, and by the late 20th century, it had evolved into the festival it is today.
According to its website, Snowbird celebrated its first Oktoberfest on Labor Day, 1972. Art Brogli, operator of the Snowbird tram, serenaded guests and employees during their ride up to Hidden Peak. Meanwhile, band leader Horst Fiedel overheard Brogli entertaining riders, which sparked the idea of celebrating Oktoberfest. Soon after, the festivities began.
“It started very small and was more of a familial event. And over time it just became a tradition, and people would expect it year over year. We still have a lot of the core group of Germans that started it in 1972 here today,” James said.
More information about Oktoberfest’s origins can be found on Snowbird’s website.
Der Marktplatz
James said Snowbird aims to provide a well-rounded experience for guests, which Der Marktplatz offers.
Over 50 local vendors occupy Der Marktplatz at Snowbird’s Oktoberfest, offering everything from handmade jewelry to kids’ toys.
“We’re always looking for new vendors, and [we’re] really wanting to focus more on local craftspeople that are making things versus reselling things,” James said.
Megan Oliver, silversmith and founder of Crooked Trails Silver, explained her reason for leaving her job as a public school teacher and pursuing her love for all things silver and gold.
“I just love creating pieces that make people feel like their most beautiful and confident self,” she said.
Oliver is a self-proclaimed lover of the outdoors, and her business reflects that. According to its website, Crooked Trails Silver’s products are hypoallergenic, sourced sustainably and made to last a lifetime.
“I like Oktoberfest because the vibes are so good,” Oliver said. “I just want to bring my business to an area where it can get some good exposure, and everyone here is so kind and willing to support small businesses.”
Matt Chirico, founder of Crooked Shed Woodworks, explained his choice to return to Oktoberfest for a second year.
“There’s a lot of people who get a little loose with their money,” Chirico said. “At the end of the day, I sell a lot of things that people want that they don’t want to spend the money on, so people are happy to splurge.”
Crooked Shed offers a variety of handmade wooden products, such as cutting boards, kitchen utensils, cribbage boards, pens and bolo ties.
The business fulfills a dream Chirico had since taking a woodshop class in high school. He started his business out of a 100-year-old crooked shed in his backyard, which he later named his business after, according to Crooked Shed Woodworks’ website.
Prost to Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest Halle offers traditional German polka music played by bands from across the U.S. However, the stage outside on Chickadee Hill offers anything from indie folk to rock music, depending on the weekend.
“The lawn this time of year is the perfect place to grab a beer, bring a blanket and watch music,” James said.
Guests of all ages can enjoy the recently expanded ropes course, tram, alpine slide, mountain coaster and hiking available at Snowbird. The Oktoberfest Halle is open to all ages, and kid-oriented games are available inside throughout the afternoon, James added.
Many of the beer tents at the festival offer non-alcoholic options such as slushies and non-alcoholic beer. However, for those who choose to partake in drinking, Snowbird asks that guests do not drink and drive. Snowbird offers a “Free Ride Down” program, which offers free rides down the canyon every hour, on the hour from 3-8 p.m.
“Yes, there’s beer everywhere, but there’s so many options and fun activities beyond that,” James said.
Oktoberfest is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. and is held from Aug. 10 to Oct. 13.
