After the only closing in its history, Oktoberfest has returned to the Wasatch in a big way. Utah’s oldest and greatest festival celebrating all things German, and of course beer, is up and running every Saturday and Sunday through October 17th.
Labor Day weekend is Grand Oktoberfest weekend with the main beer hall tent featuring entertainment from the Polkatones (your correspondent’s favorite, if for no other reason than they have a killer name) and Europa. Both bands were providing fantastic Munich like atmosphere for the crowds looking to get out of the sun for a pint, pretzel and brat.
Daily at 2:10pm you can watch the traditional ceremonial beer barrel arrival escorted by a musical procession and dancers. This isn’t a precision German execution of history, but a crowd supported march into the Oktoberfest Halle. So, feel free to join in.
On the summit, Salzburger Echo (a Utah perennial favorite) returns on selective dates to bring their authentic alpenhorns to Hidden Peak. This is another “not to be missed” experience. Hanging out at 11,000 feet and taking in the view while three handcrafted and lovingly decorated horns echo across Little Cottonwood Canyon will transport you to the Alps. A beer may also help.
Canyon Blog managed to corner Dave Fields, Snowbird’s general manager, while overseeing his many duties ensuring everyone has a safe and memorable time and wouldn’t let him leave till he provided a quote. “We’re so excited to welcome everyone back to Oktoberfest. We really missed it last year and this year has been great fun.” More to come no doubt. Dave and the entire Snowbird team have done a fantastic job of guiding the resort through the challenges of the past two ski seasons. Stay tuned here for the latest on 2021/22 this fall.
Rides and both the Peruvian chairlift and tram are running during the festival so plan for an alpine slide or mountain coaster to break up the day. Snowbird is providing free shuttles for those friends joining you from Salt Lake City or elsewhere who may have raised one “Prost” too many. You of course won’t have that problem because you’ll be staying in one of Canyon Services’ luxury rentals…
With most of the festival weekends still ahead, book a premier property today and escape to where you know you really want to be: Oktoberfest.
