John Siphers
Google
We enjoyed a relaxing several days at Snowbird this past week. The food (except alcohol, of course) is included in the room charge, and every meal really was exceptional. They even prepare a bag lunch for you every morning that you can take with you as you explore the area. The lodge itself has great views and there are plenty of spots around the grounds where you can relax with a good book while viewing the nearby hillsides. With dining included in the cost of the room, I felt that the Snowbird rates were really a good value. Relative to activities, do some research before you go so you won’t waste time trying to develop your itinerary on the fly (in areas that have sketchy cell service). There are tennis courts on site, but you will likely be driving to just about everything else that you do in the area. Snowbird keeps a few basic kayaks, canoes, and SUPs at Lake Santeetlah (a short drive away) which make for a pleasant way to spend some time, and there are other boating and fishing rental companies doing business on the lake as well. The lodge has some mountain bikes for guest use, but they’re a bit challenging to use unless you’re able to transport them to a nearby trail. If you’re planning to hike, check recent reviews on line to determine where you want to go; we found that some of the Forest Service trails in the Kilmer Forest (other than the Memorial Loop) were extremely overgrown and not enjoyable. Some of the trails on the Cherohala Skyway were a bit better. The Skyway and other driving routes offer sightseeing opportunities, so if that’s your preference you will want to research which route caters to your interests. In summary, the lodge, staff, and food were all outstanding, and the nearby outdoor activities are quite varied – but you need to do your homework first.