Snowbird, UT – Forty years of Snowbird history are being celebrated this month with a Birthday Bash and the Utah ski and snowboard resort’s annual Summit Gala.

“Snowbird has become an iconic Utah destination, and we are delighted to celebrate 40 years of pristine powder skiing, Tram rides and family vacations.” said Bob Bonar, President of Snowbird and one of six Snowbird employees recently recognized for 40 years of Snowbird service.

The Birthday Bash will take place on the same day Snowbird opened in 1971, Friday, Dec. 23 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on the Plaza Deck. Snowbird will offer $40 lift tickets for the day, as well as food and beverage specials. The celebration will include a hula hoop contest and prizes for the best 70s costume contest and for the Snowbird guest with the most Snowbird season passes. DJ Knucklz will be spinning 70s music, and guests may enter a raffle drawing.

The Summit Gala will take place Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 5:30 p.m. Snowbird’s founders, Ted Johnson and Dick Bass, will speak during dinner, and live music will be provided by Imagine: The Beatles Tribute Band. Another highlight of the evening will be the presentation of a new video called “Hatching the Bird,” documenting the opening of Snowbird. Tickets to the Gala cost $125 per person, or $1,000 for a table of 10. Proceeds will benefit the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, Snowbird Sports Education Foundation and Wasatch Adaptive Sports. Tickets may be purchased at store.snowbird.com/gala/.

Snowbird has become an important fixture in the community since Ted Johnson and Dick Bass opened Snowbird in 1971. The resort is continually improving, with the complete renovation of The Cliff Lodge, expansion into Mineral Basin, a connection to Alta, a world-class spa, and most recently a record-breaking 783” of snow during the 2010-11 season. Dick Bass’ dream of “the creation of a year-round resort, which respects and complements the beauty and inspiration of this natural setting – a place dedicated to increasing human understanding through the enhancement of body, mind and spirit,” has become a reality.

Snowbird’s Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 24 at dusk. A traditional Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony will take place each night at 4:45 p.m. from Dec. 20 through Dec. 27.