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Through September 1, you may cancel your spot at any time and receive a full refund. After September 1, the following cancellation fees apply:
For cancellations received from September 1 - October 31, $200 fee. For cancellations received from November 1 - December 31, $500 fee. After January 1st, 2014: no refund. These fees apply regardless of other SKI BUMS trips for which you are signed up or would like to sign up, and regardless of our wait list status.
View the full SKI BUMS cancellation policy or submit your cancellation >
For cancellations received from September 1 - October 31, $200 fee. For cancellations received from November 1 - December 31, $500 fee. After January 1st, 2014: no refund. These fees apply regardless of other SKI BUMS trips for which you are signed up or would like to sign up, and regardless of our wait list status.
View the full SKI BUMS cancellation policy or submit your cancellation >
Buy travel insurance. We cannot stress this enough.
A travel insurer can provide a refund even when SKI BUMS cannot. Just in case you need to cancel your trip because of work or health reasons, you should purchase travel insurance within 30 days of your initial trip deposit.
There are many travel insurers. We especially recommend travelinsured.com.
A travel insurer can provide a refund even when SKI BUMS cannot. Just in case you need to cancel your trip because of work or health reasons, you should purchase travel insurance within 30 days of your initial trip deposit.
There are many travel insurers. We especially recommend travelinsured.com.
$1399 per person for double occupancy
-- or ---
$1999 per person for single occupancy (there are limited single occupancy spots available)
-- or ---
$1999 per person for single occupancy (there are limited single occupancy spots available)
$500 deposit due at sign up | Sign up for the trip >
Balance due by January 1, 2022 | Make a balance payment >
Late payments are subject to a 5% late-payment fee. It is up to you to submit your payments on time. You may always pay early.
Balance due by January 1, 2022 | Make a balance payment >
Late payments are subject to a 5% late-payment fee. It is up to you to submit your payments on time. You may always pay early.
You may pay with any major credit card, cash or check.
Online payments: We use PayPal to process all online credit card payments. PayPal is the internet's most trusted online payment portal, and you do not need to be a PayPal member to submit a payment. If you would ever like to use PayPal to send a manual payment (from a smartphone, for example), our account address is: payments (at) ski-bums.org.
PayPal mobile apps: iPhone / iPad / iPod Touch | Android
Payment by phone: we use Square Payments to process payments over the phone. To pay by phone, please contact us.
Payment by cash or check: please contact us.
Online payments: We use PayPal to process all online credit card payments. PayPal is the internet's most trusted online payment portal, and you do not need to be a PayPal member to submit a payment. If you would ever like to use PayPal to send a manual payment (from a smartphone, for example), our account address is: payments (at) ski-bums.org.
PayPal mobile apps: iPhone / iPad / iPod Touch | Android
Payment by phone: we use Square Payments to process payments over the phone. To pay by phone, please contact us.
Payment by cash or check: please contact us.
Upon arrival in Utah, all participants receive a detailed itinerary with meeting times, events, & helpful tips. Here is an overview of our trip, to help you think through scheduling, packing, etc.
Tuesday is a travel day. After landing in SLC, you'll probably want to head directly to Snowbird. It's an easy 45-minute drive from the airport to our hotel. (See "Ground Transportation," above.)
After checking in, take some time to relax, hydrate and soak up the mountain atmosphere! Pick up equipment rentals, explore our resort hotel and have a bite to eat.
The official SKI BUMS fun begins at 8 PM. You'll meet the other BUMS at our welcome reception and meet & greet at the hotel. We'll have free pizza. Our trip leaders will hold a brief welcome and info session, and you'll receive your lift tickets, SKI BUMS member tags and the official trip itinerary.
After checking in, take some time to relax, hydrate and soak up the mountain atmosphere! Pick up equipment rentals, explore our resort hotel and have a bite to eat.
The official SKI BUMS fun begins at 8 PM. You'll meet the other BUMS at our welcome reception and meet & greet at the hotel. We'll have free pizza. Our trip leaders will hold a brief welcome and info session, and you'll receive your lift tickets, SKI BUMS member tags and the official trip itinerary.
Our trip leaders design an itinerary that gives you the best way to explore the terrain and get to know your fellow BUMS. It's published in a printed handout and updated on a devoted Twitter feed, with up-to-the-minute announcements you can receive on your cell phone.
The on-mountain adventure begins bright and early on Wednesday. We divide into skill level groups that help you identify the other skiers and snowboarders who enjoy the same terrain that you do, and then we divide and conquer the mountain! Learn about our skill level groups. >
We'll begin with a day at Snowbird, just outside our door, and we'll return to Snowbird on Thursday. On Friday, we'll host a daytrip to Brighton, and Saturday and Sunday we'll ski / ride at Snowbird (and Alta, for skiers who would like to upgrade their lift tickets).
In general, you'll spend most of the day in a smallish group of four or five skiers or boarders -- but that's up to you. The BUMS are a social crowd, so it's always easy to find others to join in the fun. You and your group will set your own pace, and it's common to mix it up with a few different groups throughout the week. This is your vacation, so you're always free to break away and do your own thing.
Wednesday night, we'll enjoy a tasty dinner and Utah microbrewery beer tasting at Porcupine Pub & Grille. On Saturday night, we'll have a pre-paid final dinner at Snowbird's lovely Aerie restaurant. Your other nights are free for you to enjoy as you like -- you may want to head down to SLC with your new friends, or take a night to chill out at the on-site restaurants within the Cottonwood Canyons.
The on-mountain adventure begins bright and early on Wednesday. We divide into skill level groups that help you identify the other skiers and snowboarders who enjoy the same terrain that you do, and then we divide and conquer the mountain! Learn about our skill level groups. >
We'll begin with a day at Snowbird, just outside our door, and we'll return to Snowbird on Thursday. On Friday, we'll host a daytrip to Brighton, and Saturday and Sunday we'll ski / ride at Snowbird (and Alta, for skiers who would like to upgrade their lift tickets).
In general, you'll spend most of the day in a smallish group of four or five skiers or boarders -- but that's up to you. The BUMS are a social crowd, so it's always easy to find others to join in the fun. You and your group will set your own pace, and it's common to mix it up with a few different groups throughout the week. This is your vacation, so you're always free to break away and do your own thing.
Wednesday night, we'll enjoy a tasty dinner and Utah microbrewery beer tasting at Porcupine Pub & Grille. On Saturday night, we'll have a pre-paid final dinner at Snowbird's lovely Aerie restaurant. Your other nights are free for you to enjoy as you like -- you may want to head down to SLC with your new friends, or take a night to chill out at the on-site restaurants within the Cottonwood Canyons.
Tuesday, March 25 to Sunday, March 30, 2021
Step outside and you're immediately on the slopes at the ski-in, ski-out Cliff Lodge and Spa at Snowbird. This impressive 550-room property was designed with a devotion to modernist architecture; designers love the strong angles and concrete minimalism. It's got two outdoor pools -- including a famous one on the roof -- three hot tubs, a full-service spa and 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain peaks. It's upscale, cool and convenient, with come-as-you-are comfort and ease.
You may select single or double occupancy. Single rooms have one king; double rooms have two queens. We're happy to arrange roommates for you (see Roommates, below).
You may select single or double occupancy. Single rooms have one king; double rooms have two queens. We're happy to arrange roommates for you (see Roommates, below).
Your trip includes five days of lift tickets. You'll have a 4 day lift ticket for Snowbird (which skiers can upgrade to include the adjoining resort of Alta), plus a one-day ticket for Brighton resort, in neighboring Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Your stay includes a daily delicious hot breakfast buffet in the Aerie restaurant; it's pretty fantastic. We'll have free pizza at our welcome party on the first night. We're also including a delicious pre-paid dinner at Aerie on our final evening. These meals are included; you'll simply pay for your drinks at dinner.
For our other evenings, we'll have group reservations at restaurants in the Cottonwood Canyons, including the local fave Porcupine Pub & Grille, where we'll host a Utah microbrewery beer tasting.
For our other evenings, we'll have group reservations at restaurants in the Cottonwood Canyons, including the local fave Porcupine Pub & Grille, where we'll host a Utah microbrewery beer tasting.
Five night stay at Snowbird, double or single occupancy accommodations | Five days lift tickets | Five breakfasts and two dinners | Ground transfers to / from SLC airport | Use of UTA ski buses | Taxis to / from Friday night dinner | Two professional SKI BUMS trip leaders
As with all SKI BUMS trips, space is limited, and this trip is now sold out.
You must be a registered member to join a SKI BUMS trip; only those who sign up via the SKI BUMS website may join us.
Sign up for SKI BUMS membership >
You must be a registered member to join a SKI BUMS trip; only those who sign up via the SKI BUMS website may join us.
Sign up for SKI BUMS membership >
We are happy to arrange roommates for you. Typically, half of our participants ask us to match them up with a roommate. We'll ask a few easy questions and accommodate your preferences.
Single occupancy: a limited number of single occupancy slots are available. (If our signup form permits you to select one, then a single occupancy slot is available for this trip.)
Single occupancy: a limited number of single occupancy slots are available. (If our signup form permits you to select one, then a single occupancy slot is available for this trip.)
About half of our participants rent skis or snowboards -- in part to avoid traveling with extra bags. We've got a group discount of 20% off at Cliff Sports, located at the base of Snowbird.
On all SKI BUMS trips, we begin by dividing into skill level groups so you can identify those who enjoy the same terrain that you do. See how our groups work >
Beginner: We do not recommend this trip for beginner skiers or beginner snowboarders. There is very little beginner terrain here. If you'd like to ski or ride out West with SKI BUMS, please consider our trips to Banff, Lake Tahoe or Steamboat.
Intermediate: If you've never experienced the gorgeousness of spring skiing and riding, this will be a perfect introduction (see "conditions," below). These resorts will challenge you; a "blue" run at Snowbird is certainly as steep as a "black" run in the Eastern USA. If you're taking your first trip out West, we very strongly urge you to book a lesson for your first day. (Bonus -- there are a handful of LGBT instructors at Snowbird. Contact us and we'll put you in touch!) You'll leave here a stronger skier or boarder than when you arrived.
Advanced: Surely you've been hearing what a mecca Alta and Snowbird are; this is the kind of terrain that will thrill and excite you. The challenge is easily on par with anything you'd find at Jackson Hole or Squaw Valley. What sets Snowbird apart is the consistency of its pitch from top to bottom and its massive snowfalls, which make it possible to ski and ride virtually anything you see. That makes for a real "choose your own adventure" kind of day; you can pick harder lines if you'd like more challenge, or opt for easier routes if you'd like to take a rest. The accessibility is another big plus; Snowbird's tram carries you from bottom to top in 8 minutes.
Expert: What are you waiting for?!?? From glades to chutes to bowls and beyond, this is truly some of the very best, most accessible expert terrain on the planet. Every expert should know this resort.
Beginner: We do not recommend this trip for beginner skiers or beginner snowboarders. There is very little beginner terrain here. If you'd like to ski or ride out West with SKI BUMS, please consider our trips to Banff, Lake Tahoe or Steamboat.
Intermediate: If you've never experienced the gorgeousness of spring skiing and riding, this will be a perfect introduction (see "conditions," below). These resorts will challenge you; a "blue" run at Snowbird is certainly as steep as a "black" run in the Eastern USA. If you're taking your first trip out West, we very strongly urge you to book a lesson for your first day. (Bonus -- there are a handful of LGBT instructors at Snowbird. Contact us and we'll put you in touch!) You'll leave here a stronger skier or boarder than when you arrived.
Advanced: Surely you've been hearing what a mecca Alta and Snowbird are; this is the kind of terrain that will thrill and excite you. The challenge is easily on par with anything you'd find at Jackson Hole or Squaw Valley. What sets Snowbird apart is the consistency of its pitch from top to bottom and its massive snowfalls, which make it possible to ski and ride virtually anything you see. That makes for a real "choose your own adventure" kind of day; you can pick harder lines if you'd like more challenge, or opt for easier routes if you'd like to take a rest. The accessibility is another big plus; Snowbird's tram carries you from bottom to top in 8 minutes.
Expert: What are you waiting for?!?? From glades to chutes to bowls and beyond, this is truly some of the very best, most accessible expert terrain on the planet. Every expert should know this resort.
If you would like to book additional nights in Salt Lake City, consider staying downtown SLC to see more of the sights. Kimpton's Hotel Monaco is a great gay-friendly choice. SKI BUMS cannot assist with trip extensions, and we cannot provide roommates for those who are booking additional nights on their own. We do encourage you to coordinate with other trip participants, and our Facebook page is the most enjoyable way to do so.
Air transportation is not included.
Salt Lake City International Airport is the nearest large airport, just 45 minutes from Snowbird. We will have participants who are flying in from multiple destinations, so we do not recommend any one particular flight. Our trip officially begins with a meet & greet cocktail reception with free pizza at 8 PM at our hotel on Tuesday the 25th.
PLANNING YOUR AIR TRAVEL
ARRIVAL | An early afternoon arrival is best. If you arrive before our guaranteed check-in time (3 PM), the hotel can happily store luggage for you while you take some time to explore Snowbird.
DEPARTURE | IMPORTANT | We will be skiing and riding on Sunday. We therefore recommend a Sunday afternoon or evening flight, something after 5 PM. You can set up your ground transfer for any time you like, however; we anticipate that some BUMS will be heading out earlier in the day.
Connect with the other BUMS on Facebook if you'd like to coordinate travel with others.
Salt Lake City International Airport is the nearest large airport, just 45 minutes from Snowbird. We will have participants who are flying in from multiple destinations, so we do not recommend any one particular flight. Our trip officially begins with a meet & greet cocktail reception with free pizza at 8 PM at our hotel on Tuesday the 25th.
PLANNING YOUR AIR TRAVEL
ARRIVAL | An early afternoon arrival is best. If you arrive before our guaranteed check-in time (3 PM), the hotel can happily store luggage for you while you take some time to explore Snowbird.
DEPARTURE | IMPORTANT | We will be skiing and riding on Sunday. We therefore recommend a Sunday afternoon or evening flight, something after 5 PM. You can set up your ground transfer for any time you like, however; we anticipate that some BUMS will be heading out earlier in the day.
Connect with the other BUMS on Facebook if you'd like to coordinate travel with others.
+ Tue Mar 25: Travel day: fly to SLC; check in at our hotel after 3 PM
+ Wed thru Sun: 5 days to ski & snowboard at Snowbird and Brighton, skiers
may also visit Alta
+ Sun Mar 30: Check out at our hotel, depart from SLC
+ Wed thru Sun: 5 days to ski & snowboard at Snowbird and Brighton, skiers
may also visit Alta
+ Sun Mar 30: Check out at our hotel, depart from SLC
Round-trip ground transfers from Canyon Express are included in our trip price. Cars won't be necessary, but if you want to rent one, a 4-wheel drive is mandatory on the mountain roads; during snow storms, police actually set up check-points to prevent you from entering the canyons unless you're driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Snowbird and Alta are consistently named among the very top ski resorts in the USA, ranking #1 in "Overall Satisfaction" in Ski Magazine's 2013 readers' poll. The reasons are crystal clear. More than 500 inches of annual snowfall is the norm here, with big, dry, fluffy dumps continuing well into April and May. (Snowbird has one of the longest seasons in the USA). Alta and Snowbird adjoin at the top, allowing skiers to travel back and forth between the two, offering a combined 4,700 skiable acres. The excitement of the terrain is its other big draw, ranked #1 for "Best Terrain" in Outside Magazine. These resorts are challenging and fun, with big mountain thrills that match any ski resort on the planet. The quality of the skiing and riding are the ultimate draws.
Brighton, which sits just one canyon over, is another SKI BUMS favorite. It's a medium-sized resort with big mountain fun and spectacular views. Everyone loves Brighton.
Brighton, which sits just one canyon over, is another SKI BUMS favorite. It's a medium-sized resort with big mountain fun and spectacular views. Everyone loves Brighton.
Air transportation | Lunches | Three dinners | Skiing or snowboarding instruction | Equipment rentals | Optional upgrade to visit Alta: $30 per day while using your Snowbird lift pass
Airfare booking tips:
Set up a price alert at kayak.com, and watch fares for a while before buying.
How to set up a price alert >
Fares often fluctuate for flights to SLC by as much as $200 USD; a Monday return may provide extra savings. It's very rare for snowstorms to close Salt Lake City's airport.
Set up a price alert at kayak.com, and watch fares for a while before buying.
How to set up a price alert >
Fares often fluctuate for flights to SLC by as much as $200 USD; a Monday return may provide extra savings. It's very rare for snowstorms to close Salt Lake City's airport.
Sunday is our final day of skiing and riding; you'll be free to use our hotel to shower and change before heading home. You can schedule your complimentary ground transfer for whatever time works best for you. Feel free to post a message on our Facebook Wall if you'd like to coordinate travel with other BUMS!
Our rooms are guaranteed after 3 PM Tuesday. You'll simply visit the front desk and check-in under your own name. if you'd like to arrive earlier, the hotel can store your luggage for you.
Some of the world's greatest terrain… right outside your door.
When you awaken to stunning mountain views at Snowbird, you quickly see how much the term ski-in, ski-out completely changes your morning routine. Simply just pick up your equipment, step outside…. and down the hill you go. You're on the slopes.
This year's trip to Utah is set to be our greatest one yet; we've got five nights at the modern Cliff Lodge & Spa at Snowbird, with five days of skiing and riding at Snowbird, Brighton and neighboring Alta. This is some of the greatest terrain on the planet, covered in heaps of famous Utah powder. And most incredibly, we've got it all for an amazing price.
Add your name to the wait list >
When you awaken to stunning mountain views at Snowbird, you quickly see how much the term ski-in, ski-out completely changes your morning routine. Simply just pick up your equipment, step outside…. and down the hill you go. You're on the slopes.
This year's trip to Utah is set to be our greatest one yet; we've got five nights at the modern Cliff Lodge & Spa at Snowbird, with five days of skiing and riding at Snowbird, Brighton and neighboring Alta. This is some of the greatest terrain on the planet, covered in heaps of famous Utah powder. And most incredibly, we've got it all for an amazing price.
Add your name to the wait list >
Cars won't be necessary for this trip; there are free public buses which serve the ski resorts in the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.
Snowbird is literally outside our door. Alta is accessible by chair lift, or a five minute drive up the road. Brighton is a 45 minute drive away.
Snowbird is literally outside our door. Alta is accessible by chair lift, or a five minute drive up the road. Brighton is a 45 minute drive away.
We want to make it easy to connect with other SKI BUMS members who have signed up for trips -- or are thinking about coming. New this season, we've got specific Facebook groups dedicated to each major trip, and they're open to anyone.
If you're curious about this trip -- or want to see who's coming, simply sign up here >
If you're curious about this trip -- or want to see who's coming, simply sign up here >
Alta does not permit snowboarding.
For this reason, a day at Alta is built into our trip as an optional upgrade ($30). On previous SKI BUMS trips, some of our snowboarders simply switch to skis for a day at Alta, but you won't need to decide until we're there. It's super easy to rent skis for a day, but you may be having so much fun at the Bird that Alta doesn't even cross your mind. Snowbird is very popular with boarders.
Snowboarders will also love our day at Brighton; it's one of Utah's most popular snowboarding spots.
For this reason, a day at Alta is built into our trip as an optional upgrade ($30). On previous SKI BUMS trips, some of our snowboarders simply switch to skis for a day at Alta, but you won't need to decide until we're there. It's super easy to rent skis for a day, but you may be having so much fun at the Bird that Alta doesn't even cross your mind. Snowbird is very popular with boarders.
Snowboarders will also love our day at Brighton; it's one of Utah's most popular snowboarding spots.
Snowbird | View the trail map >
While we can't predict the weather, historically the last week in March is a gorgeous time to ski and ride in the Wasatch. Typically, this week brings fresh snowstorms followed by days of spring sun. Big dumps of snow are common; on average, March is Utah's snowiest month. Snowbird and Alta's high altitude above 10,0000 feet keeps the pow dry and soft; if things warm up, the base will get soft and springy yet the upper altitudes keep their cool with lots of north-facing slopes. At the end of the day, you can sit outdoors for sunny après-ski in a t-shirt. In summary, it's a fantastic time to visit.
We highly recommend this trip for skiers who live outside the USA. Alta and Snowbird are two of the very best resorts in America; they're well worth a visit from abroad. Late March / early April is also an ideal time to visit nearby Las Vegas or Utah's stunning national parks. Contact us if you'd like some additional recommendations -- or post a message on Facebook!