Ski resort of the week: Snowbird

History: The resort opened in December 1971 with three lifts, the tram, the Snowbird Center and one lodge, the Lodge at Snowbird. Over the next three years it would add three lodges. In 1986, the resort renovated and expanded its main overnight center, the Cliff Lodge. In 1997, Snowbird entered the high-speed era by introducing the Gadzoom lift in Gad Valley. The next big step was to expand its skiable acres in 1999 with the opening of Mineral Basin on the back side of Bald Mountain. In 2000, it opened the Baldy Express chairlift, which linked with Alta. Today, skiers have access to both resorts and a combined 4,700 acres of skiing.

What you probably know: Without question, the most popular run at the resort is Big Emma — it's long, wide open, always well-groomed and has a comfortable pitch for all levels of skiers. Chips Run, with swings to the east off the tram, is the longest single run, 2.5 miles, and another of the popular routes, especially with intermediate skiers. Over the years the resort has become well-known for its challenging slopes; among them is Great Scott, in the Upper Cirque. It is one of the steepest runs in North America.

On busy days, people tend to congregate into areas they know best, which would include the Gadzoom lift and the aerial tram. During the week, these lifts are seldom crowded.

It's no secret, either, that when it snows, skiers arrive early and stay late, and when the sun shines and the slopes are groomed they take their time arriving and take a more casual approach to the sport.

When it comes time for a break or a meal, there are a number of popular stops, like the Forklift for breakfast, the Mid-Gad Lodge midway up Gad Valley and Rendezvous Cafeteria in the Snowbird Center for lunch, and the Aerie Restaurant in the Cliff Lodge for dinner.

What you may not know: Yet to be discovered by skiers is Mineral Basin. Almost any time of day, weekends or weekdays, there's open space to ski and short lift lines. This is a wide-open bowl, with some chutes and tree shots and great powder after a storm. It is best suited for intermediate and expert skiers. It's also the pathway to the Alta connection. For the better skiers, some good getaway runs are in the cirque in Peruvian Gulch, which includes the Great Scott run.

On busy days, when skiers are heading for the tram and Gadzoom, local skiers often head for Gad 2, which begins midmountain and lands across the bowl from the tram. It offers access to some good cruising runs and, for the better skiers, some good tree skiing.