SNOWBIRD, Utah - Skiers at Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort have a new nest at the top of the mountains. On Saturday, the resort opened the doors on The Summit Lodge, an oasis on the top of snowy Hidden Peak.
The 23,000 square foot lodge takes advantage of 360-degree views atop the mountain. Resort general manager Bob Bonar said those views are one of the primary reasons they built the lodge. He hopes it becomes a place for the community to come and enjoy the top of the world.
“I like to say it’s a place for everybody,” said Bonar. “It’s for Snowbird skiers, snowboarders, hikers, mountain bikers.”
The new lodge features a cafeteria-style restaurant, retail store and banquet space, but skiers and snowboarders say it mostly gives them another place to relax and take in the breath-taking views.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” said Snowbird regular Melissa McGibbins. “It’s just kind of a fun place to hang out and it adds depth and character to the mountain.”
The Summit Lodge was actually the vision of Snowbird’s original founders Dick Bass and Ted Johnson. The lodge took close to two years to build, mostly because of its location.
“It’s a very, very technical site,” said Bonar. “Very difficult to get all the materials, the concrete and everything up here. So, we’re very appreciative of all the crews that worked so hard to make it happen.”
The new construction is a part of $35 million in capital improvement projects going on up at Snowbird resort for the 2015/16 season.
The lodge is accessible year round through the resort’s tram, weather permitting.
