Of all the amazing events at Utah ski resorts each year, Snowbird’s Oktoberfest is the crown jewel of fall in the mountains. While the Little Cottonwood Canyon location might not quite be Munich, it’s our own small slice of this Bavarian tradition here in Northern Utah. Oktoberfest is a super fun, all-ages way to connect with friends in the mountains, complete with local breweries, traditional German food and fare, and plenty of entertainment such as live music, polka dancing and a little friendly competition.
Follow along as I run you through my ideal day with all the tips and tricks for How to Oktoberfest like an LCC local. One of the best things about a day at Oktoberfest is that it’s a one-stop shop for your mountain adventures.
Arrive early!
Oktoberfest kicks off each day at noon, but why not sneak in some extra mountain time with a hike and really earn those beers and brats? I like to do this by starting my day with a hike to Hidden Peak. You can find the route via the Peruvian Gulch Trailhead by taking Entry #4 to the Bypass Road and beyond the Cliff Lodge. There is plenty of roadside parking and a clearly marked trail. Remember, ski season is just around the corner, so this is a great way to take advantage of a day at Snowbird. Not only will you be rewarded with amazing views from the peak - including the quintessential down canyon viewpoint – but you can also take advantage of a free tram ride back to the Snowbird base area!
Now let’s talk about why you’re really at Oktoberfest; the food and beer! While all the Snowbird Center classics like the Snowbird Birdfeeder and the Snowbird General Gritts deli are still available, the specialty tents that only appear during Oktoberfest are not to be missed. I’m talking fry tent with everything from poutine to chili-cheese fries, a waffle tent with your choice of powdered sugar, Nutella, fruit, cream, or even bacon, and the grill tent serving up the best-smoked brisket you can find. The more traditional German classics like schnitzel, strudel, spatzle, sauerkraut and pretzels can be found at the Oktoberfest Halle, where a continuous stream of music, polka dancing, and an abundance of competitions will have you raising a glass and laughing all afternoon.
Although there are over 50 different types of beer to be had at Oktoberfest, the Official Beer of Ski Utah – Last One Down Lager from local Salt Lake City brewery, Wasatch Brew Pub – can also be found at Snowbird’s Oktoberfest. Try it with a “first one up, last one down” attitude to start training for the long days skiing or riding on the mountain, complete with après at your favorite slopeside spot. Keep in mind that Official Snowbird Glassware is required to fill up your glass, but you only need to buy a Single Glass Stein once to have a great draft price year-over-year.
Because I love a good beer fest and want to sample as many breweries and varieties as possible, I always plan to stay at Snowbird. There is a Prost Package available that includes food credits, glasses and a room, but if you're a Snowbird season pass holder who hit the qualifying purchase deadline, it's a great way to take advantage of your free night at the Snowbird The Cliff Lodge as part of Snowbird’s pass perks and to make sure you’re being a responsible drinker.
With thousands of visitors to Snowbird over the course of Oktoberfest, it’s important to know and understand the policies in place both at the resort, in Little Cottonwood Canyon, and in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The full policies for the event can be found at the bottom of this page, but some key reminders:
- Oktoberfest runs from August 10–October 13 from 12noon to 6 pm, Saturday/Sunday & Labor Day
- There are no pets allowed at the resort or within Little Cottonwood Canyon as a protected watershed.
- Oktoberfest is CASHLESS at all points of sale throughout the resort and the event.
- Admission to Oktoberfest is free, but parking at the resort is $12 per car.
