SUMMER HIGH: Snowbird gives skiers a lift

Just when you’ve toasted to the end of a great season and stashed your skis until fall, the ‘Bird goes and pulls a fast one.

Snowbird officially closed on Monday, ending the longest season in its history. But on Tuesday, the ‘Bird announced the tram would remain open to skiers and snowboarders throughout the summer. The tram carries summer adventurers annually, but has never allowed skiers on board until now.

“This is the first time we’ve done this,” said Snowbird spokeswoman Laura Schaffer. “It just made sense this year to keep it open to skiers and snowboarders with all the snow we received—we’ve totaled 633 inches to date. Essentially, it’s just another way to access the backcountry.”

Skiers and snowboarders must pay $10 for a single tram ride (season passes do not apply), are required to sign a liability waiver, and must have an avalanche beacon, shovel, and partner.

The area has always remained open during the off-season for backcountry use, but the tram offers a new, energy-saving way to reach higher elevations.

“The idea is to give people an opportunity and another way to access the surrounding terrain,” says assistant director of ski patrol Pat Shugart. Patrollers will maintain a presence around the mountain as they do every summer, but the terrain will not patrolled, says Shugart. Accordingly, skiers and snowboarders must accept responsibility and realize the associated risk.

As of Thursday, Snowbird officials reported a 51-inch base, but Schaffer and Shugart both say that good skiing remains—how long that will last is another question.

“With temperatures reaching into the 80’s and 90’s, the snow is melting fast,” says Schaffer, “But Little Cloud Bowl is stilled filled in pretty nicely and Mineral Basin isn’t all that bad either.” Similarly, Shugart believes snow will remain on the higher peaks through the summer.

Although the first day count was not official, Schaffer said four skiers took advantage of the opportunity on Tuesday. So, cheers to the ‘Bird for opening the tram, and cheers to one more activity added to this summer’s list.

Check out www.snowbird.com