It’s once again time for your correspondent to come out from behind his nom de plume as Canyon Blog and become his secret identity as author Dan Schilling. In the spirit of my other profession as book author I’m happy to share that I have coauthored the memoir of the last living miner to have worked in Alta’s silver mines. Very different from my other books. It’s appropriately titled The Last Miner and is available in bookstores or online on March 31 st . It’s the story of Dick Fluehe’s adventures as a young man working in Alta’s mines in the 1950s and the colorful men he worked alongside and learned from. It’s the mining equivalent of floating the Mississippi River with Mark Twain as your guide. If you value Alta and Snowbird and their rich history this book is for you. It’s also funny as hell. That said, if you’re a reader of my dispatches you likely visit our little canyon regularly, so I want to share two opportunities to meet Dick, listen to his fascinating tales and get a signed copy of The Last Miner next month. April 1 st at the venerable King’s English Bookshop at 1565 S 1500 E in Salt Lake City from 6:30-8:30pm Dick will speak, answer questions, and sign books. April 11 th at Snowbird Center’s Cottonwood Room (just below the plaza) from 12:00-2:00pm he’ll also speak and sign books. I will be there as well and speaking for both Dick and myself hope you can find your way to seize the opportunity to meet living history in person. If not, well, buy many copies for your friends and we can call it quits. I’ve included a few photos as enticements including this shot of the authors at the top of Snowbird. You can also learn more by visiting my author page at https://www.danschilling.com/ See you next month when I return to being Canyon Blog and give the last dispatch of the regular ski season. Meantime, thanks for following and happy reading!

Cool air is finally finding its way up the canyon and across the mountaintops here in Little Cottonwood. September is nearly here and fall is on our doorstep and with that your correspondent has his last summer ski run locked on the last patch of snow below Twin Peaks. With skis already on his back, the temperatures led Canyon Blog to Snowbird mountain operations director Jake Treadwell’s door one sunny morning to get the latest on the resort’s big projects for the summer. A very busy man, he graciously agreed to run this skier around the mountain for a closer look. First stop was the new Wilbere lift. With a quad capacity and moving carpet loading system it will more than double the skiers it moves upslope. Loading will now take place within sight of Mid Gad and Gadzoom, making your choice of lifts easier. “The new Wilbere provides a better way to spread skiers and we’re really happy about that. With the new location you can get from the ballpark (the area near the other lifts) to Snowbird center in one chair and six minutes,” he said, adding that construction is running on time. The other major project at the bottom of the resort was to run additional high voltage power lines along the Wilbere stretch to replace 50 year old infrastructure and add redundancy to their power distribution. Next stop was the Mid Gad restaurant replacement. Jake is proud of the new design even though the old one with its venerated “Snowbird logo” timber designs was a landmark loved by many. “The new facility is much better for guests and employees to work and enjoy. The space is more open and cleaner, meaning it’s not cluttered,” he said. The entrance will be on the westside still but there will be a rollup door on the east for easier delivery of supplies. That side will also house the serving area. All mechanical space will be downstairs underneath dining and serving. "What’s really going to be enjoyable is the heated concrete patio near the indoor dining area for guests,” he adds. Before you plan your sunscreen needs for that outdoor Mid Gad beer or cocoa you need to know that the restaurant won’t open this season even though it will look complete. “It will be fully weather proof before the ski and ride season but inside we’ll still be working on it throughout the year so expect the new experience for the 25/26 season.” That’s the news from the top and bottom of the resort. If you’ll pardon the departure, your blogger has a ski run to make to keep his monthly run count going…

Snowbird Vacation Rentals Archives

Birding in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon
Birding in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon

Birding in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon

As you are skiing, hiking, or biking through Little Cottonwood Canyon, you will probably encounter some of our spectacular local wildlife. Among this wildlife are hundreds of species of birds that frequent the canyon, making it a birding hotspot in Utah. Grab your binoculars and head out on the trails, or embark on a guided birding tour with Tracy Aviary and help with their monthly bird surveys. Whether you are an avid bird-watcher or are looking for a fun educational experience for the kids, birdwatching is a perfect activity to add to your vacation itinerary. Reserve a vacation home with [...]

webservices2025-04-14T21:17:49+00:00Alta Utah|

Discover Hidden Gems & Unique Activities in Alta Snowbird, Utah
Discover Hidden Gems & Unique Activities in Alta Snowbird, Utah

Discover Hidden Gems & Unique Activities in Alta Snowbird, Utah

Most visitors come to Little Cottonwood Canyon for the epic skiing conditions, but several hidden gems are available for those looking to experience a different side of the canyon. From hiking trails off the beaten path to guided adventures teaching you the region’s history, there is an experience for everyone. Choose Canyon Services as your lodging partner and enjoy easy access to Alta and Snowbird Resorts from your vacation rental. Discover unique activities and hidden gems in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon throughout the seasons: Unique Winter Activities There are many unique ways to experience Alta and Snowbird during winter. Sign [...]

webservices2025-03-27T19:38:02+00:00Alta Utah, Snowbird Utah|

The Last Miner
The Last Miner

The Last Miner

It’s once again time for your correspondent to come out from behind his nom de plume as Canyon Blog and become his secret identity as author Dan Schilling. In the spirit of my other profession as book author I’m happy to share that I have coauthored the memoir of the last living miner to have worked in Alta’s silver mines. Very different from my other books. It’s appropriately titled The Last Miner and is available in bookstores or online on March 31st. It’s the story of Dick Fluehe’s adventures as a young man working in Alta’s mines in the 1950s [...]

CanyonBlog2025-03-22T20:01:31+00:00Announcements, Local Flavor|

Discover Apres Ski Spots at Snowbird and Alta Ski Resorts
Discover Apres Ski Spots at Snowbird and Alta Ski Resorts

Discover Apres Ski Spots at Snowbird and Alta Ski Resorts

Utah winters provide unbeatable conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Stay within a five-minute drive of two of Utah’s best ski resorts, Alta Ski Area and Snowbird, with Canyon Services. After a day on the slopes, head to the resort's on-site restaurants and bars for apres-ski drinks, food, and music. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly spot or a place to grab cocktails with your friends, there is an apres-ski spot for everyone: Snowbird Apres Ski Spots Visit The Atrium, Snowbird’s newest apres-ski spot for cocktails, appetizers, and decadent sandwiches. Listen to live acoustic music here on Thursdays, Fridays, and [...]

webservices2025-02-28T17:59:54+00:00Local Flavor, Winter|

Gearing Up for Utah Winter Weather: Tips to Stay Safe and Warm
Gearing Up for Utah Winter Weather: Tips to Stay Safe and Warm

Gearing Up for Utah Winter Weather: Tips to Stay Safe and Warm

When preparing for your Utah ski vacation, it’s important to be aware of the winter weather conditions. While this weather brings us the Greatest Snow on Earth, it also brings us challenges regarding travel and freezing temperatures. Canyon Services is here to provide you with some helpful tips to stay safe during your winter vacation in the Alta and Snowbird Areas. From driving tips to finding the right gear to keep you warm on the slopes, we have you covered: Drive Safely If you are planning on driving to the Alta and Snowbird area, make sure you are prepared: Check [...]

webservices2025-01-28T22:29:26+00:00Winter|

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|

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|

Snowbird Update
Snowbird Update

Snowbird Update

Cool air is finally finding its way up the canyon and across the mountaintops here in Little Cottonwood. September is nearly here and fall is on our doorstep and with that your correspondent has his last summer ski run locked on the last patch of snow below Twin Peaks. With skis already on his back, the temperatures led Canyon Blog to Snowbird mountain operations director Jake Treadwell’s door one sunny morning to get the latest on the resort’s big projects for the summer. A very busy man, he graciously agreed to run this skier around the mountain for a closer [...]

CanyonBlog2024-09-04T01:29:15+00:00Announcements, Local Events, Outdoors|