PSA: Snowbird Tram & Peruvian Gulch Close 4/18

[Marc_C]

http://www.snowbird.com/tramcables/

The Snowbird Aerial Tram will be closed April 18, 2016 through June 17, 2016 to replace the track cables.

In order to provide a safe work environment for contractors and guests The Aerial Tram and Peruvian Express will be slated for closure on April 18, 2016. All ski runs within these areas including High Baldy Traverse will be closed for skiing and snowboarding. “The safety of all Snowbird guests is our number one priority; the safest and quickest way for us to replace the Aerial Tram track cables requires shutting down Peruvian Gulch entirely” says Dave Fields, Vice President of Resort Operations at Snowbird.

Gad Valley, Little Cloud Bowl, and Mineral Basin will be open in spring of 2016 during the Aerial Tram cabling project. Skiers and riders can still access Hidden Peak via Gadzoom and Little Cloud chairlifts. As a result of increased traffic on these lifts Snowbird plans to make additional snow in Gad Valley this winter in order to keep late-spring skiing and riding going as long as possible. The trifecta of these parts of the mountain will once again ensure that Snowbird will have the longest ski season in Utah. On average Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort receives over 500 inches of annual snowfall, with seasons that have reached the 4th of July multiple times. The Summit, Snowbird’s newest guest facility atop Hidden Peak will remain open for guests during this timeframe, thereby offering mountain-top food, beverage, and retail services to skiers and snowboarders.

 

[Tony Crocker]

If it were me planning, I would certainly choose a different timeframe for that project. September/October maybe?

 

[Admin]

That would coincide with Snowbird's annual Oktoberfest, which I suspect places more demand on the tram than skiing would when other lifts are also available for skiing.

 

[Marc_C]

If it were me planning, I would certainly choose a different timeframe for that project. September/October maybe?

The time at the tail end of the ski season until summer operations is likely the lowest visitation period for the entire year. Snowbird has always scheduled tram maintenance during that window.

 

[Tony Crocker]

Well at least they won't close Gadzoom ridiculously early in this scenario. But overall I'd rather have Peruvian.

Our likely appearance in Utah this season will be second week of April. But we're making no commitments until we see who gets snow the next 3 weeks.

 

[Admin]

Well, if you're here past the 18th you'll just have to ski the resort next door where all key terrain will still be open. :wink:

 

[Tony Crocker]

Actually the resort next door is only open weekends after the 18th. And Supreme closes earlier.

We have to be home the week of the 11th in any case.

 

[Marc_C]

Received this notice from Canyonalerts this morning:

Big Cottonwood Status: Open
Little Cottonwood Status: Open
Apr26 Little Cottonwood 10:00am Delays expected in Little Cottonwood due to over size vehicles from 1000-1500. -CanyonAlerts.org

Fun facts: the track cables weigh 12 lbs per foot. Each cable is 8600'. Trucks will be hauling 20 ton spools up and down Peruvian Gulch.

 

[Admin]

Received this notice from Canyonalerts this morning:

Big Cottonwood Status: Open
Little Cottonwood Status: Open
Apr26 Little Cottonwood 10:00am Delays expected in Little Cottonwood due to over size vehicles from 1000-1500. -CanyonAlerts.org

Fun facts: the track cables weigh 12 lbs per foot. Each cable is 8600'. Trucks will be hauling 20 ton spools up and down Peruvian Gulch.

Photo: https://twitter.com/dfields/status/725025124445868032