Snowbird’s tribute to the German festival has entered its 50th year. To celebrate half a century of beer and brats and, lest we neglect, the polka, and what’s become truly a Little Cottonwood institution, one must come up canyon. The question becomes, how does one experience Oktoberfest to the fullest while simultaneously dodging the largest crowds?
It’s a good question, and one your correspondent has spent years in crafting his response. First, there’s the parking consideration. Oh wait, that doesn’t apply to you because you’ll be enjoying the best digs in the canyon thanks to your reservation with Canyon Services. This puts you within easy walking distance to all the best of the fest. And should you need a lift back, if you’re in the Village upslope, Snowbird has shuttles that can return you safely. Otherwise, you’re a scant few meters from a nap or quiet view.
But that’s the last step to your perfect day. Let’s start at the beginning. Here’s how your correspondent did it. First, if you enjoy a good walk, try and make the trek up mountain around 7 or 8AM. Regardless of how long it takes you, you can either catch the Peruvian chairlift or the “New Blue” tram car down. Remember, it’s always free to go down slope (Tram starts at 11:00 and the Peruvian chair at 12:00).
Canyon blog encountered this pair of does and two frisky chipmunks on his stroll. That second chippy clearly has love in mind. It’s one of the great benefits of an early hike that you can catch the wildlife being, well, wild. That’s because you’ll find fewer people on the trails first thing.
Then there’s this. Catching that first tram at 11:15 or 11:45 puts you back at the plaza before high noon. This is where earning that first beer comes in. Because the tram only carries people down every 30 minutes on the 15s, you’ll be free from the big crowds in the car.
And because you’re immersed in the festival by noon, you’ll see these size crowds. Believe it or not, this was Saturday Labor Day weekend. No lines, live music already on tap, and as you can see from this happy couple, dirndl and lederhosen are already out and about. Canyon Blog didn’t get their names or how many years they’ve attended, but you can bet it’s not their first fest. Nor last. And don’t let it be yours either, unless you’ve never attended. In which case, make that Canyon Services lodging reservation today and make it your first. Prost!
