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.

Wasatch Mountains Archives - Page 3 of 4

Snowbird & Wasatch Adaptive Sports Honor Veterans
Snowbird & Wasatch Adaptive Sports Honor Veterans

Snowbird & Wasatch Adaptive Sports Honor Veterans

Saturday December 10th was blustery at the Bird but it didn’t faze local veterans and their families who turned out to receive the appreciation of the resort and Wasatch Adaptive Sports (WAS), along with free passes for a day’s turns. The Honor Guard This was the 10th annual festive lighting of the three trees adjacent to the tram building on the plaza deck, and the crowd of 100 enjoyed hot chocolate along with a healthy blend of gratitude from a nation to its most deserving citizens. Dave Fields, Nancy Searle and Elizabeth Kimball Nancy Searle, long [...]

CanyonBlog2022-12-16T02:48:47+00:00Local Events|

A simple photo
A simple photo

A simple photo

Sometimes a moment appears that captures the essence of a season. To this author what's here is peace, color, and the character of our mountain in fall. Wherever you are, enjoy. And visit us soon.

CanyonBlog2022-10-14T18:14:07+00:00Fall, Local Flavor|

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|

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|

Something Old, Something New; Something Broken, Something Blue
Something Old, Something New; Something Broken, Something Blue

Something Old, Something New; Something Broken, Something Blue

As the saying goes… The new tram cars have arrived at Snowbird. New Red Arrives! In late May, after traveling all the way from Olten, Switzerland by way of exotic Port of Houston, both cars were on hand and waiting to be swapped out. Unfortunately, on May 29th amidst a dusting of late season snow there was an incident and “New Red” was damaged during the first car swap, permanently removing it from transporting happy skiers to the top of Hidden Peak. Old Blue sitting above New Blue Canyon Blog sat down with Snowbird general manager [...]

CanyonBlog2022-06-18T18:14:11+00:00Local Flavor, News, Outdoors|

Interlodge: A History
Interlodge: A History

Interlodge: A History

Ever wonder what Interlodge actually means? Wonder no more. This month’s blog is dedicated to providing answers to all your questions and to help you not only weather that term’s storms but to enjoy your mountain experience to the utmost should you find yourself a part of the Little Cottonwood Canyon experience known as Interlodge. What the term means: It actually refers to the limit placed on residents and guests when inside town limits (or Snowbird properties) with regard to traveling between lodges, homes and resorts. In other words, you cannot travel between them. The word inter literally means between. [...]

CanyonBlog2022-02-10T01:27:48+00:00Common Questions, Local Flavor, Outdoors|

Utah Summer Vacations in Alta-Snowbird
Utah Summer Vacations in Alta-Snowbird

Utah Summer Vacations in Alta-Snowbird

One of the most common misconceptions about ski areas is that there is nothing to do when the snow melts. While that may be true for some locations, the same isn’t for Alta-Snowbird during the Utah summer. What’s more, because of our crisp mountain atmosphere, you won’t find yourself drenched in sweat after a short hike. Now, if you’re planning to enjoy the Utah summer in Alta-Snowbird, you’re going to need a place to stay that has all the amenities to make your getaway a seamless experience. Thankfully, Canyon Services offers a delightful assortment of vacation rentals that come with [...]

Brittany Patraw2021-10-08T20:40:48+00:00Outdoors|

Why You Should Book Your Utah Vacation Rental Now
Why You Should Book Your Utah Vacation Rental Now

Why You Should Book Your Utah Vacation Rental Now

The Wasatch Mountains, one of the nation’s most distinct ranges, serves as an elite skiing and cold-weather getaway destination for those who adore winter sports. However, many may not realize that when the snow melts and the sun shines, the Alta-Snowbird ski area takes on a new persona rife with alpine adventures like hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking—among others. Nestled within the Little Cottonwood Canyon, Canyon Services is already preparing to host a bevy of guests who need a summer retreat. From sprawling mountain prairies to forgotten and hidden gems, there are many reasons to reserve a Utah vacation rental [...]

Brittany Patraw2021-10-08T20:48:06+00:00Common Questions|

Utah Snow: The Greatest Snow on Earth!
Utah Snow: The Greatest Snow on Earth!

Utah Snow: The Greatest Snow on Earth!

Utah's reputation for having the "Greatest Snow On Earth" is possibly one of the most outstanding examples of how marketing and science can shape the way people think of a place. It's no secret that the Utah snow is some of the best on the planet, but some may be asking themselves, "How is it possible?" Parts of the Wasatch Mountains accumulate more snow than anywhere else in North America, but not all the ski areas are the same. While places like Alta-Snowbird get more snow than anywhere else in Utah, some, like Deer Valley, have only modest snow totals [...]

Brittany Patraw2021-10-08T21:06:07+00:00Outdoors|

Embrace the Snow: Utah Winter Getaways
Embrace the Snow: Utah Winter Getaways

Embrace the Snow: Utah Winter Getaways

Making the most of winter is a lifestyle for those of us residing in the Wasatch Mountains. As autumn wanders out the door like the last guest at Thanksgiving dinner, the temperatures fall, the snow piles up, and the Alta-Snowbird ski area will be rife with slopeside patrons. But don't let the prospect of waist-high powder discourage you from enjoying a Utah winter getaway. There's something to be said about the sound of boots crunching on a new layer of snow or being the first person to glide down a mountain on a brisk morning. Now is the time to [...]

Brittany Patraw2021-10-08T21:16:05+00:00Outdoors|