Snowbird, UT – After reports of his passing were erroneously published in newspapers in 1897, American author and humorist Mark Twin was said to have remarked, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort could say the same, as officials at the Utah ski area confirmed today that skiing and snowboarding will again be offered this weekend as originally planned.nSnowbird officials decided in May to extend skiing and riding on the resort’s Little Cloud chairlift until Father’s Day, June 20. Last week, however, they indicated that this past Friday and Sunday could well be their last due to faster than expected snowmelt and, presumably, waning interest amongst local skiers. Official comments appeared on the resort’s website thanking skiers and riders for a great season after the weekend concluded.
Today, however, officials announced that guests may ski and snowboard this weekend.
“We’ve extended the season as a thank you to our diehard skiers and all the fathers that want to get in a few last turns,” resort President Bob Bonar said on Wednesday. “Whether you want to get out on the snow, take in summer activities or listen to live music, the weather looks fantastic for what should be a very special holiday weekend at Snowbird.”
While snow melt was most noticeable on the ski area’s lower flanks, terrain below Little Cloud was technically closed throughout last weekend, when guests were advised to ride the resort’s Aerial Tram back down at the end of the day. Snowpack remains at an ample 76 inches at mid-mountain.
Things, however, will be a bit different this weekend for those skiing The Bird. Most notably, customers this weekend will be limited to one ride up the resort’s Aerial Tram per day, allowing access to Little Cloud lift and skiing on Regulator Johnson, which is considered expert terrain. All additional terrain is closed and will be considered backcountry terrain, and Tram laps will be prohibited, a format presumably to be controlled by Snowbird’s ticket scanning system. Only full day tickets, for a reduced price of $49, will be offered for this special closing weekend of summer skiing, which will bring Snowbird’s season to 189 days, two days short of a record set in 2004-05. Hours this weekend will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
Twelve Utah breweries will gather for Brewfest on Saturday, pouring three ounce samples of local beer for $1 during the day alongside free live music from noon until 8 p.m. Father’s Day features an all-you-can-eat BBQ on the Plaza Deck or holiday brunch at the Atrium Restaurant, both with local bands and a free summer Tram ride (without ski equipment) for dining guests.
Snowbird’s summer activities also kick off on Saturday, with expected offerings to include the Aerial Tram, Alpine Slide, Bungy Trampoline, new Ropes Course, four-station Climbing Wall, ZipRider, Mechanical Bull and Inflatable Castle. Other summer attractions, including mountain biking and ATV tours, will open as snow melt permits.