Update: Snowbird will open back up for two days this Saturday and Sunday the 19th and 20th. Here’s the press release from Snowbird:
Snowbird Extends Skiing Through This Weekend
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SNOWBIRD, UTAH –Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort will offer two more days of skiing and riding this weekend, officials announced today. Limited, expert skiing from Hidden Peak will be offered Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., extending the 2009/10 season to 189 total days. The Little Cottonwood Canyon resort will also kick off summer activities on Saturday, along with Brewfest, free live music and special Father’s Day brunch options on Sunday.
“We’ve extended the season as a thank you to our diehard skiers and all the fathers that want to get in a few last turns,” said resort President Bob Bonar. “Whether you want to get out on the snow, take in summer activities or listen to live music, the weather looks fantastic for what should be a very special holiday weekend at Snowbird.”
Customers will be limited to one ride up the Aerial Tram per day, allowing access to Little Cloud lift and skiing on Regulator Johnson. All additional terrain is closed and will be considered backcountry terrain. Skiers are strongly encouraged to ride the Tram back down to the base of Snowbird, and customers are advised that expert ability is required to navigate the late season terrain. Only full day tickets, for a reduced price of $49, will be offered for this special closing weekend of summer skiing.
Twelve Utah breweries will gather for Brewfest on June 19, pouring three ounce samples of local beer for $1 during the day alongside free live music from noon until 8 p.m. Father’s Day features an all-you-can-eat BBQ on the Plaza Deck or holiday brunch at the Atrium Restaurant, both with local bands and a free summer Tram ride (without ski equipment) for dining guests.
Snowbird’s summer activities also kick off on Saturday, with expected offerings to include the Aerial Tram, Alpine Slide, Bungy Trampoline, new Ropes Course, four-station Climbing Wall, ZipRider, Mechanical Bull and Inflatable Castle. More information is available at www.snowbird.com.
For media information, contact Jared Ishkanian at (801) 933-2047 or jishkanian@snowbird.com. You can also follow Snowbird on Facebook by searching “Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort” or on Twitter under “SnowbirdSki”.
Original Article:
Snowbird, the last of the ski resorts to remain open in Utah for the 2010 season, will likely close this weekend with the final day being June 13. Because of high temperatures during the last week (along with heavy rain) the snowpack melted off the upper mountain super fast.
The giant snowmelt caused several floods in the Salt Lake Valley as both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons overflowed their banks as water levels rose higher than anyone has seen since the early 1980s. What was once skiable snow became a torrent of water that filled people’s basements, turned parks into ponds and clogged drainages with dead trees, branches and boulders.
The massive change in weather means spring has sprung, but Snowbird officials haven’t completely written off the season quite yet. Evaluations of the snowpack will take place next week and if there is enough quality snow left, they may open back up for June 19th and 20th.
So all you hardcore skiers keep your fingers crossed for that, because otherwise Sunday the 13th will be the last ski day of the 2010 season in Utah. Keep checking Snowbird’s website for the latest updates.