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!”
Snowbird is known for its deep powder & steep, challenging terrain.
What’s the Biggest Difference between Alta & Snowbird? While both are known for challenging terrain & impressive powder, Alta is known for wider, slightly more forgiving runs ~ whereas Snowbird has steeper, narrower canyons (which can prove very challenging for beginners). Alta is ski-only, while Snowbird allows both 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.
As you can see from the trail map: there is VERY little beginner or even intermediate terrain at Snowbird. This is an ADVANCED & expert mountain, primarily,
Overview of Snowbird Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels
The biggest difference between hotels in Snowbird compared to those in Alta is: hotels in Snowbird are MUCH CHEAPER!! This is partly because many of Alta’s hotels include food & drink in the cost of the room. The bottom line: in Alta, you’ll spend around $500/night on lodging, vs. Snowbird, where you can find rooms for less than $200/night. Which is pretty fantastic for such a top-tier ski resort…
- The Cliff Lodge & Spa ($189+/night) = CLOSEST TO THE SLOPES WITH A SPA: This is as close to the slopes as you’re going to get in Snowbird ~ & they’ve got a nice spa to relax in post-skiing or boarding. I find this to be 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) = BEST FOR FAMILIES ON A BUDGET: You’ve got a *tiny* walk to the slopes here…but not much! Rooms here are cheaper than at neighboring Alta, & you’ve got more variety in room-type than the Cliff Lodge: studios & 1-BR’s give you full kitchens, living rooms, & balconies with mountain views ~ a 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 the closest hotel to the slopes. When you 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 you’ll find in nearby Deer Valley, but they’re perfectly comfortable for a ski trip. In terms of restaurants, you’ll find a Mexican cantina, a gastropub, & a cute coffee shop. You can also rent skis or get them repaired on-site, & there’s a daycare at the hotel in case you need to leave young ones behind.
Closest Ski Lift: Aerial Tram + Peruvian Express
The Cliff Lodge is the CLOSEST hotel in Snowbird to the slopes. Photo by Visit Salt Lake City.
Rooms here aren’t luxurious: but they’re perfectly comfortable.
Their outdoor pool has beautiful views of the slopes. Photo by Ski Utah.
What separates The Cliff Lodge from the Lodge at Snowbird is their renowned spa…
“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 just a *slight* walk from the Lodge at Snowbird to the lift & slopes. It’s not long enough, however, for me not to consider this ski-in/ski-out. You’ve also got more variety in room types here, with both hotel-style rooms AND condo-type offerings ~ which offer full kitchens (something Cliff Lodge does NOT). If you’re traveling as a family or with a bigger group: book a studio or 1-BR, as these will give you bigger footprints, 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 some good apres-ski. There’s also a steam room, sauna, & fitness center…plus free parking.
Closest Ski Lift: Aerial Tram
Clean, modern, & comfortable rooms at the Lodge at Snowbird. Families may want to consider reserving their studios or 1-bedroom condo units ~ which add full kitchens. Photo by Expedia.
The Lodge at Snowbird sits right by the Aerial Tram, & is just a short walk from ski rentals. Photo by Visit Snowbird.
“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 at the Lodge are very nice, as is the sauna. We had ski lockers in the Lodge, but usually used the ski-check at Snowbird Center, which was just a short walk away.
I highly recommend the Lodge at Snowbird: it was perfect for family ski vacation!”
– Mary Peraria-Heinrich
Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Snowbird
So the bottom line with ski lodging 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 at the end of the day: book the Cliff Lodge.
And if you don’t mind a slightly longer walk to the slopes: the Inn at Snowbird is one more option that’s just a little further away….
xoxo Noelia
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