Other activities (Area code 801)

Snowbird operates a tubing hill daily from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ice skating is available at the Cliff Lodge on an outdoor rink; skate rentals available. You can go night skiing for free on the Chickadee novice slope outside the Cliff Lodge on Wednesday and Friday until 8:30 p.m. Snowmobile tours zip you through the awesome backcountry of Mineral Basin. Snowbird also offers guided backcountry tours with the resort's ski patrollers. All tours are dependent upon weather conditions, ability level and time availability; reservations required. Or be adventurous in-bounds with First Tracks, a guided tour of the mountain for a select few before the lifts open to the public, starting at 7:45 a.m. The program is designed for experts; reservations required. For all activities at the resort, call the Activity Center (933-2147) for information and reservations. They can also help arrange off-mountain activities.

Snowbird is making an important contribution to promote backcountry safety awareness: An Avalanche Rescue Training Center, which simulates finding buried avalanche victims, is free for anyone who wants to practice. Users select the number of “victims” for their practice session at the control panel and then receive computer-generated feedback at the completion of their search for buried transmitters. Hey, it’s free, and your life—and your friends’ lives—are worth more than that, so take advantage of it. Call Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, (801) 933-2156.

Little Cottonwood Canyon has spectacular helicopter skiing available from Wasatch Powderbird Guides (800-974-4354; 742-2800) based between Snowbird and Alta.

The 27,000-square-foot Cliff Spa and Salon (933-2225 for the spa, 933-2268 for the salon), on the top floor of the hotel has 23 treatment rooms and a variety of treatments for body, face, hair and nails. You'll also find an exercise facility, a rooftop pool and hot tub and extensive yoga classes.

There is also a tubing hill, backcountry tourrs, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and free night skiing.

For information on entertainment, contact Entertainment & Special Events (933-2110).

A champion shopper will finish off the dozen or so shops in half a day. However, the Salt Lake Valley, where you'll find more extensive shopping, is a short drive away.

Other activities can be found in Salt Lake City.