One of the enjoyable aspects of life in Little Cottonwood Canyon is its history of female leaders. In your correspondent’s traipsings across the slopes many of his friendships and encounters bring him into contact with amazing individuals who make our canyon happen. With the untimely loss of Snowbird ski patrol director Tina Biddle last fall it got your writer thinking about the other great leaders here that just happen to be women. That makes this season the perfect time to start profiling some of these inspiring individuals. And there is no better place to begin than with another exceptional Snowbird leader, tram foreman Laura Kittilä, pronounced like tequila but transposing the “k” and “t”. Those crazy Finns and their umlauts. Laura has been a part of Snowbird for over 15 years and kindly agreed to chat with Canyon Blog on a slow day in early January. Like most good tales, it starts with a love story. Canyon Blog: “How’d you end up in the States and then at the Bird?” Laura Kittilä: “Well, I followed a guy to Utah from home. And originally, I worked at the planetarium in Salt Lake.” The boy soon dropped out of the picture, but as a Finn she was only too familiar with skiing and a number of her friends frequented the bird. CB: “So, how’d you land on the tram?” LK: “I saw an open house posting and applied. They called the next day, and I found myself as a lifty on Chickadee.” Of course there’s more to the story. After a year on lifts and another doing summer activities she got injured and found herself working the tram gate. Once she got in the cab and started driving the tram, however, she never looked back. Thirteen years later she finds herself running a crew of professionals and loves it. Well, most of it. LK: “Storm days can be a lot. But when it’s over and the sun’s out it makes it worth it to push through the storm cycles.” CB: “So, after all these years why stay here and not go back to Finland?” LK: “The people. The customers and my coworkers.” CB: “Sounds like a lot of people to me.” LK: “I love everyone but definitely need to recharge at the end of the day.” What’s changed across a decade and a half one wonders. “There are a lot more people now. But one thing that’s a big change is when I started on the tram there were only two females, and now half of my crew alone are women.” That is a very cool thing indeed. Not missing an opportunity to put interviewees on the spot, Canyon Blog commenced a new torture when featuring locals: describing themselves in five words or less. Despite the look she gives your correspondent Laura rapidly fires off four. “Friendly. Reliable. Stubborn. Hardworking.” Then, after a short pause, “Finnish.” Anything else she’d like to add? “I am lucky to be here.” Concisely stated, but you’re not as lucky as we are to have you. Kiitos Laura!

Snowbird Utah Archives - Canyon Services

Snowbird Summer Activities Guide: Snowbird Tram, Mountain Coasters, & More
Snowbird Summer Activities Guide: Snowbird Tram, Mountain Coasters, & More

Snowbird Summer Activities Guide: Snowbird Tram, Mountain Coasters, & More

While Snowbird is famous for its winter slopes, the mountain transforms into a premier summer destination once the snow melts. Enjoy the warm weather and experience a wide variety of thrilling activities for the whole family. Ride up the mountain on the Snowbird Tram, experience unlimited fun with the All-Day Activity Pass, hike the extensive network of trails, or simply relax at the Snowbird spa. Whatever your style, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone. Book your stay with Canyon Services and enjoy all these Snowbird summer activities just minutes from your vacation rental. Purchase Tickets to Access Snowbird Summer Activities [...]

webservices2026-06-01T22:14:25+00:00Snowbird Utah, Summer|

The Best Utah Hiking Trails to Explore at Alta and Snowbird Resorts
The Best Utah Hiking Trails to Explore at Alta and Snowbird Resorts

The Best Utah Hiking Trails to Explore at Alta and Snowbird Resorts

Alta and Snowbird are some of the most popular ski resorts in Utah. But did you know that they are also fantastic places to explore Utah hiking trails in the summer? Plan your vacation with Canyon Services and stay at our vacation rentals just minutes from the hiking trails at both resorts. Whether you are looking for an easy hike for the kids or a challenging hike up the mountains, there’s a trail for everyone. Find yours and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Wasatch Mountains this summer! Snowbird, Utah, Hiking Trails Snowbird has an extensive network of [...]

webservices2026-05-05T21:30:38+00:00Alta Utah, Snowbird Utah, Summer|

Blister Review Summit at Snowbird
Blister Review Summit at Snowbird

Blister Review Summit at Snowbird

Canyon Blog joined the Blister Review team on the Snowbird plaza for what proved to be the best gear demo your correspondent ever experienced. To get the inside scoop (and also try some new Faction and Solomon skis) he cornered Blister’s founder Jonathan Ellsworth. Canyon Blog: What is Blister exactly? Jonathan Ellsworth: Our goal is to provide the world’s best consumer products information for all this expensive outdoor equipment. CB: So, how does that work exactly? JE: We do extreme testing year-round, spending up to 30 days with products and then produce a 7-10,000 word summary. I should mention that [...]

CanyonBlog2026-04-17T03:07:55+00:00Interviews, Local Events, Snowbird Utah|

Little Cottonwood’s Newest Master Gunner
Little Cottonwood’s Newest Master Gunner

Little Cottonwood’s Newest Master Gunner

Canyon Blog sat down (well stood around some field artillery actually) with the canyon’s newest master gunner, Margie V. Master gunners are responsible for overseeing the 105mm howitzers in the canyon that mitigate avalanche risk, and you owe them more than you might realize because that’s what allows Highway 210 to open when you want it to most. As part of your correspondent’s continued feature of canyon leaders who happen to be female, there are few that are more respected. So, how’s one become a master gunner then? Read on. Canyon Blog: Is this something you planned on doing when [...]

CanyonBlog2026-03-01T02:03:29+00:00Interviews, Snowbird Utah, Winter|

The Perks of Spring Skiing in Utah: Snowbird Edition
The Perks of Spring Skiing in Utah: Snowbird Edition

The Perks of Spring Skiing in Utah: Snowbird Edition

Don’t pack up your winter gear just yet! Join us for the epic spring skiing season in Utah at Snowbird Mountain Resort. With the longest ski season in Utah, Snowbird is the perfect place to enjoy warm weather, fewer crowds, and epic corn snow. Stay within a five-minute drive of the resort with Canyon Services and easily access the slopes during your stay. Whether you are an avid skier or learning the sport for the first time, spring is the perfect time to plan your Utah ski vacation. Bluebird Days Spring brings warmer weather and longer days at Snowbird. But there [...]

webservices2026-02-27T21:59:29+00:00Outdoors, Snowbird Utah|

Our Favorite Finn
Our Favorite Finn

Our Favorite Finn

One of the enjoyable aspects of life in Little Cottonwood Canyon is its history of female leaders. In your correspondent’s traipsings across the slopes many of his friendships and encounters bring him into contact with amazing individuals who make our canyon happen. With the untimely loss of Snowbird ski patrol director Tina Biddle last fall it got your writer thinking about the other great leaders here that just happen to be women. That makes this season the perfect time to start profiling some of these inspiring individuals. And there is no better place to begin than with another exceptional Snowbird [...]

CanyonBlog2026-01-13T18:16:35+00:00Interviews, Outdoors, Snowbird Utah, Winter|

Plan a Family Ski Vacation in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon
Plan a Family Ski Vacation in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon

Plan a Family Ski Vacation in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon

Winter is approaching fast. Book a family ski vacation in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon and discover fun for the whole family at Alta and Snowbird resorts. Ski down beginner-friendly slopes, sign the kids up for ski lessons, ride the winter gondola up the mountain, and unwind together in your Canyon Services condo rental. All of our properties are located just a five-minute drive away from both resorts, offering a convenient basecamp for your winter vacation. Whether you are traveling with toddlers or teens, we offer the perfect destination for a family ski vacation in Utah! Skiing for All Skill Levels [...]

webservices2025-11-03T21:47:45+00:00Snowbird Utah, Winter|

From Slopes to Serenity: Snowbird Spa Relaxation
From Slopes to Serenity: Snowbird Spa Relaxation

From Slopes to Serenity: Snowbird Spa Relaxation

After a day of shredding the ski slopes or hiking mountain trails, the spa at Snowbird resort offers the perfect place to relax and unwind. Feel your aches and pains melt away with a massage, body treatment, or facial customized to your unique needs. Then, elevate your wellness experience with complimentary amenities like a rooftop pool, eucalyptus steam room, and yoga classes. Book your session online and find lodging near Snowbird with Canyon Services. All of our vacation homes are within a five-minute drive of Snowbird, offering convenience and comfort for your mountain getaway! Amenities at The Cliff Spa Look [...]

webservices2025-09-30T21:29:49+00:00Snowbird Utah|

Mid Gad Dining has Arrived!
Mid Gad Dining has Arrived!

Mid Gad Dining has Arrived!

Canyon Blog took the opportunity to coerce three of Snowbird’s finest to provide a tour of the new Mid Gad restaurant as the finishing touches fall into place. It’s amazing what a little backsheesh can do. Jake Treadwell, mountain ops director, and two of your correspondent’s favorite mountain ops leaders, Johanna and Mel, took time out of their day for your benefit. Alright, perhaps for the Canyon Blog’s benefit. The first thing you’ll notice this winter when you come sliding up is the wide open and radiant heated deck. That’s right folks, enjoy that frosty beer (more on that in [...]

CanyonBlog2025-09-28T23:19:06+00:00Announcements, Local Flavor, News, Snowbird Utah, Winter|

Where is Snowbird Ski Resort? And Why Should You Visit?
Where is Snowbird Ski Resort? And Why Should You Visit?

Where is Snowbird Ski Resort? And Why Should You Visit?

If you have never visited Snowbird, you may be asking yourself where is Snowbird ski resort? How do I get there? And what are the best things to do there? Canyon Services is here to answer all your questions and give you tips for planning your next Utah vacation at Snowbird. With our collection of Snowbird vacation rentals, you can access fun in the mountains just minutes away. Whether you are joining us for Oktoberfest or the epic ski season, we have everything you need to experience Snowbird throughout the year! Where is Snowbird, Utah? Snowbird Ski Resort is located [...]

webservices2025-08-20T21:48:52+00:00Snowbird Utah|