James Delli Gatti
Last month, I decided to take my family to Snowbird for a fun weekend trip that adults and kids could both enjoy. I was in luck! Oktoberfest at Snowbird runs from Aug. 12 – Oct. 15, Noon – 6:30 pm, every Sat & Sun. Vendors of micro brews throughout the region come to show off there creations and wares. The event is filled with activities and entertainment. Read about our fun experience and get out there while it’s still going!
Snowbird, Utah
Snowbird, Utah is a large ski resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon located on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, Utah. If you’ve never been to the city, be sure to check out my sister’s article on the best restaurants and bars in Salt Lake City. Foodie-approved! During the summer, mountain resort Snowbird also continues to be an outdoor Mecca of fun and entertainment. Oktoberfest is the highlight of the Fall season, before the snow sets in. In the wintertime, these mountain peaks are covered with snow, skiers, and snowboarders from all over the world.
Oktoberfest + More
As I mentioned in my recent article on traveling to Alaska, it pays to do a little research beforehand. Once you have an idea of all of the activities Oktoberfest has to offer, you can plan your day accordingly. Check out Snowbird’s website for more information and details. You can book a stay at the resort and purchase all of your tickets and passes online.
Take in Fall Foliage
Our adventure began with a scenic mountain drive up to the beautiful resort. Oktoberfest is not just about the destination, it’s also about the journey! Be sure to take in the windy mountain road, the cool clean mountain air, and the rocky granite cliffs that only the Wasatch Mountains can offer. Not sure what to wear? Take a gander at our favorite 70s-inspired hiking clothes; perfect for taking in Fall foliage. Be sure to dress in layers as the temperature in the mountains drops with the sun.
Family-Friendly + FREE
Upon our arrival to Snowbird, we met up with some friends and headed straight in (admission is free). We entered the resort to the sounds of traditional German music. Vendors and hundreds of visitors from all over the world were enjoying the delicious micro brews and all of the local handmade crafts. Oktoberfest in Snowbird is a family-friendly affair with a variety of foods and activities. Enjoy mountain rides, bounce houses, trampolines, or a gondola that will take you 11,000 feet in elevation to the restaurant at the top of Hidden Peak.
Bratwurst + Scenery
We decided to start our festivities at the event tent where we ordered bratwurst with sauerkraut and cheese pizza for the kids. I enjoyed a delicious Hefeweizen, the music, and all of the entertainment that was provided. When we had our fill here we jumped on the Gondola and went up the mountain. We enjoyed spectacular scenic views of the Oktoberfest below and the mountains above all the way up to the top. At the top, they had already had a light dusting of snow and the views from up there were even more exquisite.
Dine at the Top of a Mountain
At the top of Hidden Peak Mountain there is a restaurant called The Summit (check out the menu here). The Summit offers a casual cafeteria style dining experience with higher end foods that are prepared fresh. While we were up here we ordered some more beer, snacks and hot chocolate. We enjoyed some pleasant conversation and quality time with our family and friends. Surrounded by the scenic beauty and tranquility that only a mountain peak can provide was an excellent backdrop. It was hard to want to leave, but we needed to get on with our adventure. We headed back down the mountain on the gondola excited to experience more of what the park had to offer.
Treat Yourself
My daughter loved the bounce houses, the trampolines, and the mountain rides as well as the rock climbing, rappelling, and even the ropes course. There is plenty to do at Oktoberfest that you can easily make a weekend out of it. We recommend staying at an Airbnb nearby and then treating yourself to a spa treatment at the The Cliff Spa. That is how you can have your cake and eat it too! Airbnbs are very comfortable for a family and is the fraction of the cost of a hotel. Use this link to book your next trip and save an additional $40!
Stay the Weekend
In case you couldn’t tell, our only regret was that we didn’t spend more time here. Two or three days would probably be enough time to experience all that Snowbird has to offer. It was so fun to go to Oktoberfest and enjoy the natural surroundings. I don’t think my family could ever quite get enough of the scenic beauty of this place and its relaxing, fun, and tranquil environment.
Get Your Money’s Worth
The cost of this trip wasn’t exactly cheap. I’ve learned that sometimes you get exactly what you pay for, and I felt like we got our money’s worth. I would definitely recommend a trip to Snowbird to anyone visiting the Salt Lake area. Even when Oktoberfest is not going on, there is still plenty to see and do. From hiking to mountain biking, Gondola rides, and all of the scenic beauty of the mountain peaks, your days will be full. For all of our entertainment and food, I estimated that we spent about 100 to $125 per person for one day. We would have happily paid more to have really done this trip right. Next time!