Summer 2022 is a season of significant change or so it seems. First there was the excitement (and drama) of Snowbird’s tram car swap, which is up and running thankfully. Now it’s Alta’s turn to crank the improvement competition up a notch. Your correspondent sat down with Alta Ski Lift general Manager Mike Maughan to learn just what’s up in the upper reaches of Little Cottonwood. He started big. “Covid highlighted a number of things for us in the past two years. One being lift congestion especially on Sunnyside. Even when we’d run Albion chair it didn’t disperse the crowds enough to give the ski experience people expect from us,” he stated, summing up the frequent conditions on that part of the mountain, especially on morning weekends. So, what’s to be done about a legacy condition? “We’re in the midst of installing a replacement for Sunnyside with a highspeed detachable six pack.” The new chair will have a nine second interval (the original Sunnyside was six) but should still nearly double the uphill flow of happy skiers. Construction’s proceeding at pace despite some supply chain challenges. The original Albion chair remains for the time being as an insurance policy just in case the unexpected appears from over the horizon. However, once the new chair is fully operational it will be removed entirely. In other Alta news he shared that Alta’s new parking reservation program was more successful at alleviating parking lot hassles and frustrations. “There were a lot of early skeptics but working in conjunction with the town of Alta I’m really pleased with how it went. It’s improved the ski experience because people know they have a place to park,” he said. Alta’s parking cost remains $25 per vehicle. Of course as a frequent Canyon Services customer parking is never a problem for you, dear reader. Over the summer Alta Ski Lifts are also doing some slope and grading improvements off Supreme lift near Grand Junction. For this reason the new lift construction areas of the mountain will be closed this summer, including lower Albion Basin. There’s still plenty of trails across the slopes and throughout Snowbird’s terrain. And remember, dining is available year-round now in Alta at the revamped Snowpine Lodge. They even have live music most weekends. So book a flight and join us at one of our beautiful properties for some summer sun and see for yourself what the upcoming winter has in store.

Alta Snowbird Lodging Archives - Page 2 of 3

A Dispatch from the Trenches
A Dispatch from the Trenches

A Dispatch from the Trenches

Well, much as your correspondent hates cliches, this is one for the record books. Snowbird passed its all-time season snowfall record yesterday which was 782”. As of this morning, where Canyon Blog remains trapped in Alta, they’re standing at 805”. And it hasn’t stopped. Alta is sitting on, or rather under, 874”. It was only one week ago today that this space was reporting 764 Alta inches. If public math serves that’s 110” of new in a week. In April. The day before yesterday’s interlodge was one of the top three ski days of this powder hound’s career, someone who [...]

CanyonBlog2023-04-05T17:57:46+00:00Outdoors, Winter|

Plan a Wellness Retreat in Utah at Alta Snowbird
Plan a Wellness Retreat in Utah at Alta Snowbird

Plan a Wellness Retreat in Utah at Alta Snowbird

After a day of shredding the slopes, there’s no better place to end the day than a local spa. Let your aches and pains from skiing dissipate with a revitalizing massage, facial, or body treatment. Or skip the slopes and plan a wellness retreat in Utah and focus on healing your mind, body, and spirit throughout your getaway. Many of our Canyon Services vacation rentals offer private hot tubs so you can continue your wellness retreat in the comfort of your rental home! The Cliff Spa at Snowbird The Cliff Spa is located within the Snowbird ski resort, offering easy [...]

webservices2023-03-09T21:54:26+00:00Winter|

When is the Best Time to Ski in Utah?
When is the Best Time to Ski in Utah?

When is the Best Time to Ski in Utah?

With skiing available half the year in Utah, many skiers may ask themselves, when is the best time to ski in Utah? Some skiers prefer the deep powder of winter, while others prefer to ski away from the crowds during the spring. Regardless of your ski style, there is never a wrong time to plan your ski vacation at the Alta Snowbird ski areas. And since Snowbird is known for having the longest ski season in the state, there is still time to shred our legendary slopes! Choose Canyon Services to host your ski vacation and enjoy ski access to [...]

webservices2023-02-28T21:24:43+00:00Winter|

Heli-skiing with Powderbird’s 50th Year
Heli-skiing with Powderbird’s 50th Year

Heli-skiing with Powderbird’s 50th Year

Followers of Canyon Blog will undoubtedly be aware of the helicopters that often nest just off the bypass road between Snowbird and Alta. And that they support Little Cottonwood Canyon’s heli-skiing. What you will not likely understand though is how heli-skiing works or even how to go about dipping a ski into the aviation facilitated snow pond. Despite 30 years of helicopter work in his military career your correspondent has to sheepishly admit that they’d never considered heli-skiing and assumed (incorrectly) that it was somehow out of his reach. To rectify this terrible oversight, he sat down with VP of [...]

CanyonBlog2023-02-17T18:57:05+00:00Interviews, Local Flavor, Outdoors, Winter|

Annual Alta Snowbird Events to Plan Your Vacation Around
Annual Alta Snowbird Events to Plan Your Vacation Around

Annual Alta Snowbird Events to Plan Your Vacation Around

There is always something exciting happening near the Alta Snowbird Ski resorts! Make your getaway extra memorable by planning your visit around one of our annual Alta and Snowbird events. From Utah’s biggest Oktoberfest celebration to wildflower festivals and holiday torchlight parades, there is something for everyone throughout the year! No matter when you plan your visit, Canyon Services puts you close to the action, with our vacation rentals offering direct access to endless adventures in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Subaru WinterFest: March Subaru WinterFest is an annual concert bringing nationally recognized Americana, bluegrass, indie, and electronic musicians to the mountains. [...]

webservices2023-02-01T21:53:38+00:00Local Events|

How to Travel from Salt Lake City to Snowbird in Winter
How to Travel from Salt Lake City to Snowbird in Winter

How to Travel from Salt Lake City to Snowbird in Winter

Whether you are a Salt Lake City local or flying into the city, Canyon Services is here to give you the best tips on winter travel to Alta Snowbird. There are many ways to get from Salt Lake City to Snowbird, whether you want the freedom to drive yourself or the convenience of a shuttle from the airport. Book your transportation on our Canyon Services website with our partners, Alta Shuttle, Canyon Transportation, and Enterprise car rentals. Once you have arrived, you will discover the perfect Alta Snowbird vacation homes just five minutes from both ski resorts! Alta Shuttle Alta [...]

webservices2022-12-16T20:53:19+00:00Winter|

An Interview with Alta’s Lift Operations Supervisor Shannon Corey
An Interview with Alta’s Lift Operations Supervisor Shannon Corey

An Interview with Alta’s Lift Operations Supervisor Shannon Corey

Your correspondent had the opportunity to sit down with the most important person on Alta’s mountain if you’re here to ski. What got him thinking about this interview was Alta’s splicing of cable on the Collins chairlift this summer. More on that in a moment. But first, our interview subject. Shannon Corey is a fourth generation non-LDS Utahn who learned to ski from the Albion lift when she was seven. In addition to the usual mountain upbringing she played the piano from an early age (hold that thought because we’ll come back to it). After completing a degree in anthropology [...]

CanyonBlog2022-10-04T17:52:48+00:00Local Flavor, Outdoors, Winter|

Fall Little Cottonwood Canyon Hikes in Utah
Fall Little Cottonwood Canyon Hikes in Utah

Fall Little Cottonwood Canyon Hikes in Utah

Snowbird is best known for having the longest ski season in Utah, but did you know that the resort is also home to Utah’s largest Oktoberfest? Join us in the mountains this fall for Oktoberfest, and while you’re here, we encourage you to lace up your hiking boots and take in the season’s splendor. Witness the vibrant foliage, glistening lakes, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring vistas this fall with one of the Little Cottonwood Canyon hikes. Canyon Services has been serving Little Cottonwood Canyon for over 35 years with our collection of vacation homes. Read on to learn more about the [...]

webservices2024-10-02T14:40:00+00:00Fall|

Experience Fall in Utah near Alta/Snowbird
Experience Fall in Utah near Alta/Snowbird

Experience Fall in Utah near Alta/Snowbird

Fall in Utah is right around the corner, and we invite you to celebrate the season’s magic with us at Canyon Services. We are located at the base of Snowbird, which hosts an epic Oktoberfest celebration every year that is not to be missed. In addition to the Oktoberfest festivities, we are just half an hour away from unlimited fall fun in Salt Lake City. Spend the season hiking through fall foliage, exploring haunted houses, solving corn mazes, sipping apple cider, and picking out the best pumpkin for jack o lanterns. Fall in Utah is short-lived, so plan your getaway [...]

webservices2022-08-19T21:13:35+00:00Fall|

Alta’s Six Pack
Alta’s Six Pack

Alta’s Six Pack

Summer 2022 is a season of significant change or so it seems. First there was the excitement (and drama) of Snowbird’s tram car swap, which is up and running thankfully. Now it’s Alta’s turn to crank the improvement competition up a notch. Your correspondent sat down with Alta Ski Lift general Manager Mike Maughan to learn just what’s up in the upper reaches of Little Cottonwood. He started big. “Covid highlighted a number of things for us in the past two years. One being lift congestion especially on Sunnyside. Even when we’d run Albion chair it didn’t disperse the crowds [...]

CanyonBlog2022-08-10T02:43:16+00:00Local Flavor, News, Outdoors, Summer|