The Peruvian Tunnel At Utah's Snowbird Resort Is The Only One Of Its Kind In North America
By Catherine Armstrong|Published October 10, 2020
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Catherine Armstrong
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
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Utah is known far and wide for its world-class skiing, and locals know that our ski resorts are also great places to visit during the off-season. After the ski season is over, Snowbird Resort is a favorite for spring/summer/fall hiking and summer activities.
Whether you visit during the ski season or during off-season months, you definitely need to take a journey through Snowbird’s Peruvian Tunnel. It cuts right through the mountain, and it’s the only ski tunnel in all of North America.
Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowbird Resort is one of the most beautiful spots in the Beehive State.
The resort is also home to the only ski tunnel in North America!
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The tunnel was constructed in 2014-2015 to provide easier access to Mineral Basin on the back side of the resort. Construction took place over two summers and cost $1.4 million.
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The tunnel is 600 feet long, and it's accessible year-round. During the summer, visitors can take a stroll along the sidewalk; in the winter, skiers hop on the moving sidewalk.
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Throughout the tunnel, you'll find a treasure trove of local history.
Check out vintage photos that show what the mountain looked like long before Snowbird and Alta resorts were built here.
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The area has a rich mining history, and you'll find old mining equipment and information about the mining industry as you make your way through the tunnel.
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When you emerge, you'll be treated to stunning views of Mineral Basin. If you're a skier, you'll be in black-diamond heaven here. You'll find a couple intermediate runs, but most of the ski runs in Mineral Basin are rated as black diamond or double-black diamond.
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To reach the Peruvian Tunnel, take the Peruvian Express Chairlift, which goes 2,400 feet up the mountain.
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During winter months, skiers can head down the mountain from the lift, or take a ride through the tunnel to ski Mineral Basin. In summer months, visitors can take the lift up through early October, when it closes for maintenance to prepare for the ski season.
After the Peruvian Express closes for winter prep, hikers can still make the trek up the mountain to walk through the tunnel.
It's a strenuous hike, but the views are worth the effort!
The other way to reach the Peruvian Tunnel is by taking the Aerial Tram up to the summit, then skiing or walking down to its entrance from either side of the mountain.
The Aerial Tram briefly closes every year for maintenance between mid-October and opening day - check the resort's website for details.
Check out Snowbird Resort’s website, and if you love to hang out there year-round, give its Facebook page a follow so you can get the latest resort updates.
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