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 2

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 [...]

webservices2022-09-29T21:32:25+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|