Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Snowbird
Snowbird is consistently ranked in the “Top 5” best ski resorts in America, largely due to its famous powder reserves, incredibly challenging terrain, & long ski season (some years they’re open until July). I’ve written about the best ski resorts in nearby Alta ~ but that’s a ski-only mountain, similar to Deer Valley. Snowbird, on the other hand, allows both snowboarders AND skiers, & their expert terrain is some of the most difficult in the world. This is really a mountain for experienced skiers far more than beginners. With that noted, here are the “Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Snowbird!”
What’s the Biggest Difference between Alta & Snowbird?
While both are known for challenging terrain & impressive powder, Alta has wider, more forgiving runs ~ whereas Snowbird has steeper, narrower canyons (which can be very challenging for beginners).
- Alta is ski-only, while Snowbird allows boarders & skiers.
- Alta closes every year in mid-April, while Snowbird stays open as late as possible: often til mid-May, & sometimes as late as June or July!
- Snowbird also has a huge backside called Mineral Basin, which Alta doesn’t offer.
Overview of Snowbird Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels
The biggest difference between hotels in Snowbird & those in Alta is: hotels in Snowbird are MUCH CHEAPER!! This is because many of Alta’s hotels include food & drink in the cost of the room. Bottom Line: In Alta, you’ll spend around $500/night on lodging, vs. Snowbird, where rooms are often less than $200/night. Pretty fantastic for such a top-tier ski resort…
- The Cliff Lodge & Spa ($189+/night) = Closest to the Slopes with a Great Spa: This is as close to the slopes as you’ll get in Snowbird ~ & they’ve got a nice spa to relax in post-skiing or boarding. This is a better option for couples & adults. But if you’re looking for a full kitchen in the room, you won’t find it here: stay at the Lodge at Snowbird instead.
- The Lodge at Snowbird ($199+/night) = Great for Families on a Budget: You’ve got a *tiny* walk to the slopes here…but not much! Rooms are cheaper than at neighboring Alta, & you’ve got more variety in room-type than at the Cliff Lodge: studios & 1-BR’s give you full kitchens, living rooms, & balconies with mountain views. This is great choice for families & bigger groups.
The Cliff Lodge
The Inn at Snowbird
The Lodge at Snowbird
Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Snowbird
1. The Cliff Lodge ($189+) = Closest to the Slopes
The Cliff Lodge wins the award in Snowbird for closest hotel to the slopes. Combine that with the fact that their spa holds over 30 treatment rooms, plus a rooftop pool & hot tubs with mountain views ~ all for less than $200/night: you’ve got a winning combination. Rooms aren’t as luxurious as those in nearby Deer Valley, but they’re perfectly comfortable for a ski trip. In terms of restaurants, you’ll find a Mexican cantina, gastropub, & a cute coffee shop. You can rent skis here or get them repaired on-site, & there’s a daycare in case you need to leave young ones behind.
Closest Ski Lift: Aerial Tram + Peruvian Express
“The Cliff Lodge has a great location! We enjoyed our week here. Ski-in/ski-out, clean & updated room. Enough restaurants to rotate around. Friendly staff. My husband stayed here a few years ago & was very happy to see that the facility has been upgraded.
– Jojo from King’s Beach, CA
2. The Lodge at Snowbird ($199+) = Best for Families
The main difference between The Lodge at Snowbird & Cliff Lodge is that there’s a *slight* walk from the Lodge at Snowbird to the slopes. It’s not long enough for me not to consider this ski-in/ski-out. There’s also more variety in room-types here, with hotel-style rooms AND condo-offerings ~ which have full kitchens (something Cliff Lodge does NOT). If you’re traveling as a family: book a studio or 1-BR, as these will give you more space, plus a full kitchen, separate living areas, & balconies with mountain views.
The Lodge at Snowbird also has an outdoor pool & hot tub, plus a French-American bistro with a full bar for apres-ski. There’s also a steam room, sauna, & fitness center…& free parking.
Closest Ski Lift: Aerial Tram
“The Lodge at Snowbird was excellent; we had a great stay! The entire staff was very helpful. We’re a family of four with two teen boys, & had the “one-bedroom condo. The room was perfect ~ clean, spacious, fully-equipped, & beautiful view. The hot tub & pool are very nice, as is the sauna. We had ski lockers in the Lodge, but usually used the ski-check at Snowbird Center, just a short walk away.
I highly recommend the Lodge at Snowbird: it was perfect for a family ski vacation!”
– Mary Peraria-Heinrich
Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Snowbird
So the bottom line in Snowbird is: if you’re looking for bigger rooms & kitchens, book at the Lodge at Snowbird. If you’re fine with a typical hotel room & are looking for a nicer spa to unwind in: book the Cliff Lodge.
xoxo Noelia
Read Next: Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Alta
Thanks for this article on great ski hotels at Snowbird. We’re looking to book an adult’s getaway this May, and we don’t care if we have a kitchen in the room – we just want to be as close to the slopes as possible. Do you think the Cliff Lodge is our best option?
Hi Kaia, thanks for your question! So yes, you’re right on: I think the Cliff Lodge & Spa is definitely your best option at Snowbird for getting as close to the slopes as possible. The Lodge at Snowbird requires a short walk, so if proximity is your #1: choose the Cliff Lodge. Have fun! xoxo
I know your article recommends the Lodge at Snowbird for families, but I’m a single mom traveling with two teen (experienced) skiers, and we’re just looking to be as close to the slopes as possible. Seems like the Cliff Lodge is our best bet? Thanks, Allison
Hi Allison! In your case, with two more adult children: I think the Cliff Lodge is a great choice for you. As long as you don’t mind not having a kitchen, it should be a great spot for you to maximize your slope time : )
Thank you very much for sharing, I learned a lot from your article.
You’re welcome! : )