SNOWBIRD SKI AND SUMMER RESORT OPENS BREATH-TAKING NEW BIG MTN. TRAIL
Mountain biking trail offers riders a seven-mile downhill adventure
SNOWBIRD, Utah – July 14, 2014 – Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is celebrating the grand opening of its new mountain biking trail – Big Mtn. Trail. The trail will officially open for the public Monday, July 14, at 11:30 a.m. At seven-and-a-half miles and an average grade of eight percent, it is one of the longest, continuous trails in Utah, with breathtaking views from Gad Valley.
The Snowbird Big Mtn. Trail, which was designed and constructed by Utah-based Alpine Trails, starts at the top of the Snowbird Tram (11,000 feet) and traverses much of the Gad Valley area, going through beautiful wooded glades, open awe-inspiring meadows and challenging rocky terrain.
“The Big Mtn. Trail is one of the most scenic and varied trails we have built,” said Ben Blitch, president of Alpine Trails. “The trail is also extremely long and varied. It will be fun for experts and intermediates alike with different aspects, views and terrain. It has five different personalities, which is what makes it such an awesome trail.”
Snowbird and Alpine Trails worked in partnership with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest to create a trail that was both exciting and fun, while respecting viewsheds, watershed concerns and natural areas. The trail was built and will be maintained using mountain bike industry best management practices.
The Big Mtn. Trail is open to bi-directional riding until 11 a.m., at which time the Tram opens and the trail becomes one-way downhill only. The Tram will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for mountain biking.
Snowbird offers a variety of mountain biking instruction for all levels of riding. Although the new trail is classified as an intermediate trail and is recommended for riders with some mountain biking experience, Snowbird does offer a variety of cross country loops at the base of the mountain that are more suited for beginners.
A day pass for mountain biking off the Tram is $29 per day. A Snowbird mountain biking season pass is $125. 2013-14 and 2014-15 Snowbird season pass holders may purchase a mountain biking all-day pass in July for $10 a day. A season pass holder upgrade including mountain biking is $99 per season. Snowbird also offers a full fleet of 2014 specialized dual suspension mountain bikes to rent through Snowbird Sports. Instruction and tours are available. Snowbird All-Day Activity Passes can be upgraded for $10 to include mountain biking. Mountain scooters will not be allowed on Big Mtn. Trail, and it is closed to hiking after 11 a.m.
For more information about mountain biking at Snowbird go to www.snowbird.com or call (801) 933-2418.
