One of the great experiences of being in Little Cottonwood Canyon is the opportunity to stop. Not for a bite or beer between runs. And not après ski, per say. What your correspondent is referring to is the opportunity to merely be in the canyon and feel its presence. That only really happens once you aren’t focusing on some task at hand like loading a chair or gearing up. In the evenings and mornings there’s a silence in the canyon. Sure, there may be four thousand skiers split between Alta and Snowbird between 10 and 2, but outside that window the canyon either empties out or the humans are all indoors. One of Canyon Blog’s favorite things is to walk about and take things in. That includes things you can experience by omission, such as noise. Put another way, its absence. It’s peacefully quiet here during those times. To have this experience requires that you not be focused on the madness of the crowds or traffic. And to turn off your computer and put down that ever demanding device that runs your life: the modern smart phone. So come for the skiing or riding certainly. But leave with something else, the experience of stopping time for just a bit and, to quote Paul Simon, enjoy “the sound of silence.”

November 22 nd has landed and departed and it’s great to see the season is underway with Alta’s Collins and Wildcat lifts running before Thanksgiving. Even Alf’s is open for that much needed early season ski leg break for a beer or burger, though you’ll need to rope tow back to the lifts. A first this year was the pre-season upslope availability at Snowbird. Peruvian Gulch was open for skinning and touring followed by that always well-deserved run down. Due to slope prep Gad Valley stayed off limits. Were there shark fins lurking here and there at both resorts? Of course. But that’s what early season is all about… not using your new skis. No worries there though as the coverage is only going to improve with the storm cycle that’s swooping in as your correspondent types this. How much is due in the next 48 hours? Doesn’t matter because more are lined up would claim your blogger. So, where’s all this early opening drivel headed you might ask? Snowbird is opening on Thanksgiving Day, arguably the best holiday proximal to the ski season, and Alta is already underway. Period. That means if you’re not here in one of our properties, on the slopes and enjoying the cold, you might as well add extra scoops of turkey gravy with tryptophan to your holiday meal, pass out on the couch, and slouch into oblivion in front of a football game. So don't comply with the sign below. But you don’t really want to do that anyway, do you?

Winter Archives - Page 2 of 4

Silence and Snow
Silence and Snow

Silence and Snow

One of the great experiences of being in Little Cottonwood Canyon is the opportunity to stop. Not for a bite or beer between runs. And not après ski, per say. What your correspondent is referring to is the opportunity to merely be in the canyon and feel its presence. That only really happens once you aren’t focusing on some task at hand like loading a chair or gearing up. In the evenings and mornings there’s a silence in the canyon. Sure, there may be four thousand skiers split between Alta and Snowbird between 10 and 2, but outside that window [...]

CanyonBlog2025-01-18T02:08:34+00:00Outdoors, Winter|

Enjoy the Convenience of Utah Ski in Ski Out Condos with Canyon Services
Enjoy the Convenience of Utah Ski in Ski Out Condos with Canyon Services

Enjoy the Convenience of Utah Ski in Ski Out Condos with Canyon Services

Skip the extra travel this winter and book one of our Utah ski-in-ski-out condo rentals for the closest access to the epic slopes at Snowbird and Alta Ski Resorts. From our Powder Ridge properties in Alta to The Village at Sugarplum at Snowbird, our condo rentals offer the ultimate convenience for ski enthusiasts. Wake up to scenic mountain views, bundle up, grab your gear, and access epic runs like Whodunnit and Westward Ho just a short distance from your property. At the end of the day, ski back to your rental home, turn on your cozy gas fireplace, and warm up [...]

webservices2025-01-02T19:53:28+00:00Winter|

May the light shine through (with a sprinkling of flakes)
May the light shine through (with a sprinkling of flakes)

May the light shine through (with a sprinkling of flakes)

Well, your correspondent’s investigative journalistic responsibilities include unpolished headlines. So, here’s this month’s: The snow is thin. There’s no denying it. All is not lost, however. Where one opportunity evaporates, another appears. This holiday season’s snowpack means the mountains are empty. Both Alta and Snowbird are spinning most of their lifts so the terrain is there. Alta finally opened Supreme, leaving Mineral Basin as the only closed chair fed slopes in the canyon. What that means is no waiting. Parking reservations are in effect at Alta daily (till 1pm) but Snowbird has spaces every day. Fear not, the Shuttle system [...]

CanyonBlog2024-12-22T00:39:31+00:00Outdoors, Winter|

How to Plan the Perfect Ski Holiday in Utah
How to Plan the Perfect Ski Holiday in Utah

How to Plan the Perfect Ski Holiday in Utah

Perhaps one of the most popular winter activities is skiing. This sport allows you to take in stunning sights with a bit of thrill and excitement. For some of the best skiing in the country, pack your bags and head to Salt Lake City, where you can find both Alta and Snowbird Ski Resorts. However, making your getaway the best it can be takes a little bit of prep work. To help travelers have the best ski holidays in Utah possible, the team at Canyon Services has put together a helpful planning guide. 1. Reserve Your Vacation Rental Winter is [...]

webservices2024-12-02T19:36:53+00:00Winter|

Aaaahh
Aaaahh

Aaaahh

November 22nd has landed and departed and it’s great to see the season is underway with Alta’s Collins and Wildcat lifts running before Thanksgiving. Even Alf’s is open for that much needed early season ski leg break for a beer or burger, though you’ll need to rope tow back to the lifts. A first this year was the pre-season upslope availability at Snowbird. Peruvian Gulch was open for skinning and touring followed by that always well-deserved run down. Due to slope prep Gad Valley stayed off limits. Were there shark fins lurking here and there at both resorts? Of course. [...]

CanyonBlog2024-11-24T00:16:31+00:00Outdoors, Winter|

Perks of Purchasing the Salt Lake Ski Super Pass
Perks of Purchasing the Salt Lake Ski Super Pass

Perks of Purchasing the Salt Lake Ski Super Pass

Make the most of your Utah ski vacation and purchase the Salt Lake Ski Super Pass! This exclusive pass offers discounted lift tickets to Salt Lake’s world-class ski resorts: Alta and Snowbird. Your pass also includes complimentary public transportation and exclusive rental shop discounts to help you make the most of your time on the slopes. Book with Canyon Services and stay within five minutes of the Alta and Snowbird Ski Resorts. Purchase your Super Pass directly from our Guest Portal and read on to discover the perks of this pass: Salt Lake City Super Pass Perks The first step [...]

webservices2024-11-04T20:55:55+00:00Winter|

5 Family Activities in Alta Snowbird Utah
5 Family Activities in Alta Snowbird Utah

5 Family Activities in Alta Snowbird Utah

Nestled in the heart of Utah's Wasatch Mountains, Little Cottonwood Canyon offers a year-round playground for families seeking adventure. Book your family getaway with Canyon Services and stay close to the action with our Alta Snowbird vacation rentals. Our homes sleep anywhere from four to 22 guests, offering plenty of space for families of all sizes to hang out. All of our homes are just five minutes from the Alta and Snowbird Resorts, offering convenient access to a wide range of adventures. From spring wildflower hikes to kid-friendly skiing and summer mountain coasters, there are family activities in Utah for [...]

webservices2024-10-02T20:49:20+00:00Fall, Summer, Winter|

What to Know About the Snowbird Closing Date and Spring Skiing
What to Know About the Snowbird Closing Date and Spring Skiing

What to Know About the Snowbird Closing Date and Spring Skiing

There’s still time to book your Utah ski vacation before the Snowbird closing date. While the closing date changes every year, the resort typically welcomes skiers through Memorial Day, boasting the longest ski season in Utah. Shred the slopes this spring and enjoy reduced ticket prices, fewer skiers at the resort, and beautiful weather. Book your spring ski vacation with Canyon Services and stay within five minutes of the slopes! Snowbird Closing Date Snowbird averages more than 500” of snowfall per year, and Little Cottonwood Canyon is one of the snowiest places in the world! This snowfall has gained Utah [...]

webservices2024-03-29T19:17:56+00:00Winter|

Refuel on the Slopes: Alta Restaurant Guide
Refuel on the Slopes: Alta Restaurant Guide

Refuel on the Slopes: Alta Restaurant Guide

As you ride the epic slopes of the Alta Ski Area, you are sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, several Alta restaurants are available right on the mountain, so you can easily refuel on the slopes. Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast restaurant to start the day or a mid-day cup of coffee to keep you energized, there is something for everyone. Stay with Canyon Services and access the Alta Ski Area and eateries just minutes from your Alta vacation rental: Alta Ski Area Restaurants: On-Mountain Alf’s Restaurant Alf’s Restaurant is the perfect place to take a [...]

webservices2024-03-06T21:50:46+00:00Local Flavor, Winter|

Discover Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing in Northern Utah
Discover Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing in Northern Utah

Discover Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing in Northern Utah

The Salt Lake area is characterized by the Greatest Snow on Earth, offering endless ways to get outside and embrace the winter season. Take a break from the ski lifts and discover exceptional snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in Utah. Slow down and experience the peace and tranquility of our Nordic ski trails. Stay with Canyon Services in the Alta Snowbird area! Cross-County Skiing Near Alta Snowbird The Utah Nordic Alliance, or TUNA, is the best resource to find cross-country ski trails in the Salt Lake City Area. Alta Ski Area Alta is one of the last ski-only resorts in the [...]

webservices2024-02-01T21:28:15+00:00Winter|