This is the fourth and final post chronicling my 2011 ski trip to Utah, a pilgrimage that will definitely occur on an annual basis as long as I am able. Snowbird was certainly the biggest as far as the resorts go. 3,200 foot vertical drop and tons of trails. Great skiing (as good as Alta) and it also had the added bonus of the high speed tram which gets you to the top in about five minutes, and this really allows you to get in a lot more downhill time. Although the skiing was just as good as Alta, the lodge lacked the atmosphere of Alta, which is two miles away. It had sort of a 1970's utilitarian feel to it, a concrete and steel creation that seems more at home as part of a freeway overpass or some other sort of municipal infrastructure construction. Still, it was laid out well and was certainly doing what it was designed for. I liked the place very much but still favor Alta. Another minor drawback was the presence of rowdy snowboarders who act like they own the place and felt little need to act courteously with their fellow snow sports enthusiasts. They really did not get too out of hand I suppose, but were overly aggressive at times. Their presence was not in any way missed up the road. I did not take as many pictures here because frankly, I was having too much fun skiing. After Alta, I'd say that this was my favorite Utah resort. Being that you can get a combo lift ticket that allows you to ski both places it is a sure bet that I'll be back here. in fact, you can get a super pass that allows you to ski Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, and Brighton, although I'd just be interested in the first two.
This is the view from the top of the high speed tram. Salt lake city is off to the right.
Out the rear window of the tram is the Snowbird lodge and other village structures .
A better shot of the lodge.
This view is off the back side of the tram...
This shot of me is standing right where the last picture was taken, getting ready to ski down the run.
This is the top, right before I took off down the mountain...
...and at the bottom, looking back up at where I just skied. This is the "bookends traverse" to "white diamonds" that you see in the trailmap below.
Rear of mountain trailmap.
Front view trailmap. My favorite run was a black diamond called "Primrose Path", an over one mile long natural half pipe.
7 comments:
One day we have to have a cup of coffee and I'll regale you with tales of my one and only skiing adventure.
Let's just say Epic Fail... no broken bones, but failure nonetheless...
You just need the right instructor! I taught my son the basics in 1 hour and he was skiing blue runs in two hours. It's too much fun to give up after only one try.
My One and Only Sky Trip was with another Beginner who was Younger than me, Kept Falling and Slowed me Down. It was too Much Like Baby Sitting and it wasn't much Fun.
Skiing is a journey. It takes going more than once, which is why a lot of people quit. If you stick with it for three or four times you start to get the hang of it and then you keep honing your skills and before you know it you are shredding the big mountain. It's the closest thing that I have found to pure freedom. Panoramic views, speed, fear, adrenaline, exhilaration all combine for a wonderful experience.
i like it
Tim, thanks for sharing the pictures...looks amazing!
Blessings,
Ava
xox
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