January is off the charts with powder dropping weekly at rates not measured in decades. The 136 inches recorded in December is the highest total in 40 years for Little Cottonwood. Today the canyon was closed again with Highway 210 blocked by avalanche debris in multiple slide zones. And the howitzers of Alta and Snowbird serve as siren calls to every powder skier within earshot in the pre-dawn hours. But the avalanche artillery is a story for another day… No, faithful readers of Canyon Blog, this month’s installment is all about the pristine powder that lies tantalizingly just beyond the ski area boundary ropes and on the slopes that beckon as you ride Alta’s Supreme Chair or the Mineral Basin lifts. Once again your correspondent has risked life and limb to bring you firsthand reporting of the full Little Cottonwood skiing experience. Though today’s post incorporates Big Cottonwood Canyon for the first time in this space. It all started last Monday when Alta avalanche forecaster/program director Dave “Grom” Richards called Canyon Blog and said, “Let’s go.” “Where?” “Not sure, but you’ll know when you get here,” said the backcountry guide ominously. Canyon Blog’s skied with Grom many times before and one never knows with this guy. So, properly outfitted with avi pack, probe, shovel, beacon and skins we met at Alta and caught the Supreme lift to the top. From there it was a short, but fun, low angle slope ski into Dry Fork which leads to Heber City should one choose to follow it down. Arriving back at the Alta boundary ropes we joined the trekkers hiking the Supreme summit hill to ski Katherine’s, which had just opened. But for us it was a transit toward the pass Sunnyside peak and Mount Wolverine where Grom’s plan was revealed in full. “Let’s drop into Big Cottonwood and we can finish at Brighton,” grinned Grom. Not one to miss out on one upmanship your correspondent added, “Okay, but then we have to hitchhike our way back to Alta.” Agreed, it was off into the white. It should be mentioned here that the terrain, conditions and backcountry experience needed to assess our route and the morning all came into play. Backcountry skiing isn’t something to be taken lightly, and Grom knows all about that having spent his entire career studying snow. But it is something to be experienced. For those readers of this column who enjoy the best lodging in Little Cottonwood, try Snowbird’s backcountry guides https://www.snowbird.com/guiding-tours/backcountry-skiing/ for the experience of a lifetime. That’s because you’ll do it as a ski-in ski-out adventure. As for Grom and your correspondent’s excursion, enjoy this month’s photos that include Canyon Blog’s favorite backcountry critter encounter, the humble porcupine. As for getting back, he’s happy to report that it took a mere two thumbs to arrive in Alta. You have to love skiers, they’ll take pity on anyone, even scruffy middle aged guys.

Alta Snowbird Vacation Rentals Archives - Page 2 of 3

Snowbird Fires up Their Convertibles
Snowbird Fires up Their Convertibles

Snowbird Fires up Their Convertibles

Well, they’re finally here. After much waiting, some minor disasters, a record snowfall year, and a long spring runoff, the balconies for “new blue” and “new, new red” are in place and ready for you. Typical of your correspondent, he used his faux investigative journalist credentials to gain a sneak peek to see if riding on top of the tram cars was worth all the hype on the morning before their grand opening. The answer in a word: yes. Thankfully, the installation went without hitch on June 5th during scheduled tram maintenance. No crane required, merely a cable system to [...]

CanyonBlog2023-06-17T02:39:01+00:00Announcements, News, Summer|

Utah Summer Vacation Ideas: Alta-Snowbird
Utah Summer Vacation Ideas: Alta-Snowbird

Utah Summer Vacation Ideas: Alta-Snowbird

Alta-Snowbird may be known for its winter activities, but our mountain towns offer a year-round vacation destination. During the summer, the mountains come alive with blossoming wildflowers, wildlife roams the Albion Basin, and ski resorts transform into an outdoor recreation oasis. Plan your Utah summer vacation with Canyon Services and discover hiking, fishing, and mountain biking just minutes from your condo rental! Utah Summer Hiking Trails Once the snow melts, Alta Snowbird offers an abundance of hiking trails to explore. Alta offers around 13 miles of trails, ranging from beginner to advanced. Explore the Albion Basin and take in views [...]

Sarah Reinke2023-05-24T20:01:46+00:00Summer|

Easy Hikes in Utah: Alta Snowbird Hiking
Easy Hikes in Utah: Alta Snowbird Hiking

Easy Hikes in Utah: Alta Snowbird Hiking

Utah’s Alta Snowbird region is not just for winter ski trips; our mountain towns are also a great place to take the kids this summer! Soak up the sunshine with easy hikes in Utah that wind past beautiful lakes, awe-inspiring vistas, blossoming wildflowers, and cascading waterfalls. Whether you are looking for a stroller-friendly path or a longer trail for older kids, there is endless exploration awaiting in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Choose Canyon Services to host your Utah summer getaway and access adventure just outside your door! Observation Point Trail The Observation Point Trail is a free, paved, flat, and stroller-friendly [...]

webservices2023-04-28T17:33:14+00:00Outdoors, Summer|

Drop What You’re Doing (an emergency announcement)
Drop What You’re Doing (an emergency announcement)

Drop What You’re Doing (an emergency announcement)

Rarely does Canyon Blog issue public service announcements, but such are the dire circumstances that it’s demanded of your correspondent in the interests of your health and mental state of mind. With that out of the way, here’s the deal. Whatever you’re doing, and regardless of where, you simply need to stop, book a flight, toss on a few layers of gear, and slap some fiberglass or carbon to the bottom of your feet. As your correspondent writes this (March 29th) Alta is reporting 764” for the season, but that’s simply not going to be true by the time you [...]

CanyonBlog2023-03-31T01:29:04+00:00Outdoors, Winter|

Rush Out Here and Then Slow Down
Rush Out Here and Then Slow Down

Rush Out Here and Then Slow Down

The snow continues to drop in Little Cottonwood Canyon and the skiing is beyond compare. And by that, your correspondent does mean anywhere. Readers of this space are only too familiar with the superiority of Wasatch powder and the fact that leasing one of our properties puts you into a skin-in ski-out experience not available anywhere else. To prove that point your faithful investigative journalist is winging his way to Austria and Norway to compare this season’s snow with other world class destinations. Such is his dedication to his profession, but he digresses and will report back on that when [...]

CanyonBlog2023-03-03T21:35:18+00:00Outdoors, Winter|

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|

Outa Bounds
Outa Bounds

Outa Bounds

January is off the charts with powder dropping weekly at rates not measured in decades. The 136 inches recorded in December is the highest total in 40 years for Little Cottonwood. Today the canyon was closed again with Highway 210 blocked by avalanche debris in multiple slide zones. And the howitzers of Alta and Snowbird serve as siren calls to every powder skier within earshot in the pre-dawn hours. But the avalanche artillery is a story for another day… No, faithful readers of Canyon Blog, this month’s installment is all about the pristine powder that lies tantalizingly just beyond the [...]

CanyonBlog2023-01-12T05:01:53+00:00Local Flavor, Outdoors, Winter|

The Best Alta Snowbird Vacation Rentals for Winter
The Best Alta Snowbird Vacation Rentals for Winter

The Best Alta Snowbird Vacation Rentals for Winter

Utah ski season has returned, and it’s time to plan your winter vacation in the greatest snow on earth! Canyon Services makes it easy to stay where you play with our condos right next to Alta and Snowbird Ski Resorts. All of our Alta Snowbird vacation rentals are on the complimentary ski shuttle loop and within a five-minute drive of both resorts, offering the convenience and freedom to ski all of the nearby slopes without driving. Read on to find the perfect property for your winter getaway and discover the benefits of choosing Canyon Services! Village at Sugarplum The Village [...]

webservices2022-11-30T17:40:26+00:00Winter|

Alta VS Snowbird: Which is Right for You?
Alta VS Snowbird: Which is Right for You?

Alta VS Snowbird: Which is Right for You?

Did you know that two of North America’s best ski resorts can be found just miles apart in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon? Alta and Snowbird are known for having some of the greatest snow on Earth, and deciding between the two can be challenging. When choosing between Alta vs. Snowbird, consider your experience level, what amenities you are looking for, skiable terrain, and lodging options. No matter which resort you decide to visit this winter, Canyon Services puts you within a five-minute drive of both resorts. Read on to learn about the differences between our Utah ski areas and discover [...]

webservices2022-10-28T21:23:41+00:00Winter|

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|