Powderbird Heli-Skiing in Utah

Did you know that you could go heli-skiing in Snowbird, Utah? Snowbird, Utah, is located in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains in Cottonwood Canyon. It’s an area that’s well-known for its amazing traditional skiing and heli-skiing. In fact, have you heard of Powderbird? Powerbird is Utah’s premier heli-skiing operator, and they have their own helipad at the Snowbird Resort. Just imagine flying into the Salt Lake City Utah International Airport either on a commercial flight or in your own airplane, renting a car, and driving a mere 45 minutes to Snowbird Ski Resort to enjoy a weekend or a week of amazing skiing at the resort. Let’s take a look at what makes this ski resort in Utah so amazing.

How Snowbird, UT Got Its Start

When you think of a snowbird, you probably think of someone who leaves the cold temperatures of the north for someplace warmer down south. However, in Utah, the name Snowbird refers to an unincorporated mountain town that’s known for its fantastic traditional skiing and heli-skiing.

The area got its start with Alta, Utah, which began as a small mining town that grew to 8,000 people. Today, it’s a ski area with a year-round population of 226, but in 1954, a man named Ted Johnson arrived to begin working at the Alta Rustler Lodge.

It didn’t take Ted long to become enamored with the area, and he envisioned an amazing ski resort in what is now Snowbird. By 1965, Ted and his wife were busy buying up mining claims in the area with the goal of building the Snowbird Ski Resort. By 1969, Ted has secured funding after piquing the interest of Dick Bass, who was already a Vail Mountain investor. With that funding, Snowbird opened in 1971 with three chairlifts and a tram.

In 1973, the West Wing of the Cliff Lodge opened. By 1986, the Cliff Lodge was ready for an expansion, and an additional 352 rooms were constructed. In 2005, the ski resort became home to the first ski tunnel in North America, the Peruvian. In 2015, Snowbird opened The Summit on Hidden Peak, and during the 2021/2022 ski season, Snowbird celebrated its 50th anniversary.

What’s on Snowbird’s Mountain?

The Snowbird Ski Resort spans an impressive 2,500 acres that encompasses impressive peaks, snowy bowls, and lots of groomed ski trails. The mountains are known for their powder and steep skiing that will test your skills. Snowbird has gotten 332 inches of snowfall this season, and that includes an impressive 58 new inches in the week ending February 23, 2025. The base depth currently sits at 107 inches.

Heli-skiing at Snowbird with Powderbird

If you’re looking for a unique skiing adventure, then look no further than Powderbird helicopter skiing. Powderbird operates a helipad skibase at Snowbird called the Powderbird Heliport, and they’re the only heli-ski provider allowed to operate in Utah. Skiers can choose from single and multi-day heli-skiing packages.

Powderbird offers several different packages, including 2-day, 3-night excursions, 3-day, 4-night excursions, single-day trips for private groups and single-day individual seats. This means that skiers have the opportunity to book as a group or as an individual. If an individual books a trip, Powerbird will attach them to a group with similar ski experience in order to ensure that they have an excellent time.

What’s a Heli-Skiing Day Like?

When you decide to go heli-skiing with Powderbird, you can expect to be fed an awesome breakfast at the heliport. Once you’ve completed breakfast, Powderbird will host a safety briefing so that you know how to stay safe on the trails and what to do in the event of an emergency. After the safety briefing, you’ll get geared up and board the helicopter for your amazing mountain ski destination.

Once at your skiing destination, the helicopter will land, and you’ll depart the aircraft with your ski-gear. A Powderbird guide will introduce the trail and answer any questions before leading you down the mountain. At the end of the day, you’ll be flown back to the lodge, where you can enjoy dinner or head on to your next adventure if you only chose a single-day excursion.

Staying at The Cliff Lodge

The Cliff Lodge has ski-in and ski-out access, and heli-ski guests with Powderbird get the best of both worlds. They can heli-ski from some of the most amazing mountain peaks, or if the weather doesn’t permit flying, they can ski at Snowbird with a trained Powderbird guide.

The Cliff Lodge offers easy access to the pedestrian village. It has on-site ski gear that can be rented, a ski gear repair shop, day lockers, an exercise room, and a daycare. Guests of the lodge can enjoy complimentary WiFi, room service, and a concierge.

Spend a Day at the Cliff Lodge Spa

The Cliff Spa offers unparalleled relaxation on the top floors of the lodge. After a day on the trails, relax and unwind with a professional massage, body wrap, mani-pedi, and/or a facial. The spa also offers many salon services, including haircuts, haircare, and lashes. You’re sure to look and feel your best after a few hours at the spa.

Dining at the Snowbird Resort

There are plenty of places to eat at the Snowbird Resort. One of their most unique eateries is the SeventyOne. This restaurant pays homage to the year the resort opened and offers wonderful comfort food with a 70s twist. Some guest favorites include hot and cold cereal, made-to-order omelets, and honey-baked ham for breakfast. Lunch favorites include southwest chicken wings, crab rangoon, French onion soup, Black Angus beef burgers, pizza, and lobster pot pie. Dinner favorites include Ahi Poke nachos, five-cheese lasagna, bison stroganoff, and southern fried chicken.

Of course, if you’re looking for steak, you’ll want to check out the Steak Pit located in Snowbird Center. They’re open for dinner. Guest favorites include bacon-wrapped scallops, shrimp cocktail, king crab, New York strip steaks, filet mignon, and Waygu.

If you’re looking for Italian food, you’ll want to try the Wildflower, located at the Iron Blosam on level 3. They’re open for dinner. Guest favorites include marinated olives, eggplant fries, wild mushroom risotto, classic Italian pizzas, pasta alla vodka and shrimp and clam sauce.

Shopping at Cliff Lodge

In addition to a spa, traditional skiing, heli-skiing, and amazing dining, you can also go shopping. The Cliff Lodge is home to Cliff Sundries and Cliff Sports. Cliff Sundries sells logoed t-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts, as well as toiletries and snacks. Cliff Sports sells a range of clothing and accessories, from t-shirts and sweatshirts to boots and gear. They also offer equipment rental.

Snowbird is a skier’s paradise and is great for the whole family. There are beginner trails and ski lessons, and for guests who are too young to ski, they offer a daycare center. Singles, couples, and families can even enjoy their mountain orientation tours. Are you ready to take a heli-skiing vacation in Snowbird, Utah? We certainly are at APN!