2008-11-05 — Snowbird Announces 2nd Earliest Opening Ever

2008-11-05 — Snowbird Announces 2nd Earliest Opening Ever

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SNOWBIRD, UTAH – Continuing the tradition of offering the longest ski season in Utah, Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort will open Friday, Nov. 7. This year’s opening marks the second earliest start to a season in the resort’s 38-year history.

“This storm and the subsequent lake effect have provided a timely blanket of snow in Little Cottonwood Canyon,” said Snowbird President Bob Bonar. “Skiing early season powder is a great way to kick off the season.”

Snowbird will be offering the Aerial Tram and two lifts, Gadzoom and Mid-Gad, to skiers and riders beginning Friday at 9 a.m. Expected open terrain includes Regulator Johnson from the top of Hidden Peak, as well as Big Emma and Bassackwards. Additional lifts and terrain will open as conditions permit. The Snowbird Center and Creekside Lodge will be offering multiple food, merchandise and equipment rental options throughout the weekend.

More than 3 feet of snow has fallen in November, and cold temperatures have allowed snow guns to operate, adding to the already impressive early season snow totals. Last year, Snowbird received 611 inches of The Greatest Snow on Earth® and had a 183-day season with skiing and riding from Nov. 30 to June 22.

Snowbird is offering an early season ticket price of $62 and chair passes will be honored to access the Tram until additional terrain opens. Early season lodging packages are currently available starting at $99/night through much of December.

Snowbird, along with neighboring Alta, was recently named the No. 1 ski destination in North America by Outside Magazine. Recent area improvements include renovations of the Tram Club and the Aerie Sushi Bar, located on the top floor of the Cliff Lodge. Kids 12 and under will ski free at Snowbird for 2008-09 with all lodging packages booked through Snowbird Central Reservations or www.snowbird.com. Snowbird’s Mountain School has also added new pre-season pricing to its private lesson offering.

For more information or to see photos of the current conditions, visit www.snowbird.com. Live shots of the current storm’s snow accumulation can be seen using Snowbird’s SnowCam at www.snowbird.com/snowcam.

For media information or digital images of the snow, contact Jared Ishkanian at (801) 933-2047 or jishkanian@snowbird.com.