Snowbird Summer Activities Start Saturday, June 13

SNOWBIRD, UTAH – Summer fun officially begins at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Saturday, June 13, with the 11 a.m. opening of summer activities for all ages. New for 2009 is the Wasatch Mining Company Gemstone Mine, where participants can strike it rich by panning for real gemstones in Snowbird’s own mining sluice.

“With lots of affordable activities only minutes from Salt Lake City, Snowbird has something for everyone this season,” said Snowbird President Bob Bonar. “This is the most exciting summer lineup we’ve ever offered.”

Snowbird’s summer activity kickoff coincides with the second annual National Get Outdoors Day, June 13, where kids 18 and under receive a free Aerial Tram ride and a session on Snowbird’s four-station climbing wall and Kid’s Inflatables. Information booths featuring Smokey Bear, Utah State Parks information, Wasatch Adaptive Sports, Girl Scouts and other exhibitors will also be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Plaza Deck.

Snowbird’s All-Day Activities Pass, $32 for adults, includes unlimited, daily use of the Aerial Tram, Peruvian Chairlift and Tunnel (weather permitting), Alpine Slide, four-station climbing wall, ZipRider, Bungy Trampoline and Mechanical Bull. A Children’s All-Day Activities Pass, $19 for kids under 75 pounds, is also available and includes unlimited use of the Alpine Slide (with an adult rider), Bungy Trampoline, Aerial Tram and Inflatable Castle and Slide. More information is available at www.snowbird.com.

Horseback and ATV tours in Mineral Basin and the Peruvian Chairlift and Tunnel are scheduled to begin Fourth of July weekend, conditions permitting. Summer hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and early summer season operations will be limited due to heavy snowpack. Other summer activities at Snowbird include hiking, fishing, mountain scooters, mountain biking, the Cliff Spa and patio dining.

The Snowbird Renaissance Center is presenting a number of events and festivals throughout the summer, including the Cool Air Concert Series with free weekend concerts, Grill on the Hill (June 19-21), Mountain Music Festival (July 8-12), Rock and Blues (July 24-26), Tent Revival (Aug. 14-16), and Oktoberfest (weekends and Labor Day Aug. 22-Oct. 11). A full lineup is available at www.snowbirdrc.org.

Snowbird summer Mountain Escape lodging packages start as low as $59 per person and include accommodations and an Aerial Tram or Peruvian Chairlift ride along with a breakfast voucher (based on double occupancy). Call (800) 453-3000 for more information or to book a reservation.

For media information, contact Jared Ishkanian at (801) 933-2047 or jishkanian@snowbird.com. You can also follow Snowbird on Facebook by searching “Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort” or on Twitter under “SnowbirdSki”.