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 Condo Rentals Archives

Snowbird, Utah Weather: A Month-by-Month Guide
Snowbird, Utah Weather: A Month-by-Month Guide

Snowbird, Utah Weather: A Month-by-Month Guide

When planning your vacation, one of the most important things to consider is the Snowbird, Utah, weather. This impacts everything from when you plan your visit to what you pack in your suitcase. To help you decide between the seasons, our team at Canyon Services has put together this month-by-month guide. Discover the temperature and what to expect each month, and when you have found your match, book your condo rental with Canyon Services! Snowbird, Utah Weather in Winter December Average High Temps: 38°F Average Low Temps: 22°F December is when winter truly sets in, and skiing at Snowbird takes [...]

webservices2026-03-31T21:42:02+00:00Uncategorized|

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|

How to Handle High Elevation During Your Snowbird, Utah Ski Vacation
How to Handle High Elevation During Your Snowbird, Utah Ski Vacation

How to Handle High Elevation During Your Snowbird, Utah Ski Vacation

Alta and Snowbird have some of the highest base elevations in Utah. While that gives us the incredible ski conditions here, it also offers a few challenges for out-of-state travelers who are not used to the elevation. With a little preparation and smart pacing, you can minimize altitude effects and make the most of your Snowbird ski vacation with Canyon Services. This blog is purely for informational purposes only. We are no substitute for a medical professional. If you are at all concerned, please contact a medical provider. Travel Planning Considerations for High Elevation Visits At higher elevations, the air [...]

webservices2026-02-02T18:59:39+00:00Outdoors|

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|

Answering FAQs About the Utah Ski Season: Alta and Snowbird Edition
Answering FAQs About the Utah Ski Season: Alta and Snowbird Edition

Answering FAQs About the Utah Ski Season: Alta and Snowbird Edition

Visitors come from all over the country to experience Utah’s Greatest Snow on Earth. But, for visitors who have never skied here before, you may be wondering what to expect. Canyon Services is here to give you the lowdown and answer your most pressing questions about the Utah ski season. Learn about average snowfall, powder skiing, the best time to visit, where to book equipment, and much more. And when you are ready to hit the slopes, Canyon Services offers the perfect accommodations near the Alta and Snowbird ski resorts! When Does Ski Season Start and End in Utah? The [...]

webservices2025-12-19T22:22:10+00:00Winter|

Sign Up for Utah Winter Tours at the Alta and Snowbird Resorts
Sign Up for Utah Winter Tours at the Alta and Snowbird Resorts

Sign Up for Utah Winter Tours at the Alta and Snowbird Resorts

Located within the Wasatch Mountains, Alta and Snowbird ski resorts offer unforgettable slopes just 30 miles from Salt Lake City. Elevate your ski vacation and book one of the Utah winter tours at these popular ski resorts. Whether you want to ski the backcountry, snowshoe with a naturalist, or learn how to ice climb, there is a tour for everyone. Book your Utah ski vacation with Canyon Services and stay in a vacation rental within a five-minute drive of both Alta and Snowbird! Snowbird Winter Tours Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Snowbird also offers guided tours during the winter months. From [...]

webservices2025-12-01T20:31:18+00:00Winter|

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|