SNOWBIRD — Many skiers enjoy walking the barren slopes of a resort in the summer.
Ski runs seem different, even steeper, when there's no snow.
Even those who don't ski find that slopes carry a unusual fascination. Yes, people do ski down even the steepest runs . . . some fall and some don't, and once down they go back for more.
For years now, the famed Snowbird tram has made it possible for people to enjoy the summer slopes with a leisurely walk downhill.
It is one of the most popular summertime activities at the Little Cottonwood resort.
After riding the tram up the mountain, step off, walk down the trail and take a hard left at the fork.
That leads down into Gad Valley; a right turn goes to Chips and Peruvian Gulch.
The longest hike is about three miles, but the one most people take, down Peruvian to the base, is a 2 1/2-mile zigzag walk on mountain roads through stands of trees, meadows of wildflowers and across a small stream.
The hike goes from Hidden Peak at 11,000 feet, down to the base lodge at 8,100 feet.
The trails that hikers and skiers come down are the same ones people can also hike up.
Riding up on the tram and hiking down has become an annual tradition with many people.
It is, however, only one of the activities that has turned this ski area into a four-season recreational center.
A growing number of active bikers are opting to ride down the mountain. The ride down is technical and not suggested for novice or beginning riders. The only route open is down Peruvian Gulch.
And a number of people are choosing to make the tram a two-way trip, stopping long enough on the peak to enjoy the views into the Salt Lake and Heber areas, then riding back down.
An all-day tram pass for hikers and sightseers is $14. Tram hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A mountain-bike tram pass is $18. Mountain bikes and helmets can be rented at the resort. Bikers under the age of 18 must have a release form signed by parent or guardian. The fee for guided mountain-bike tours is $35 per hour.
Along with roads around the Snowbird area, riders can also explore summer roads into and around Alta.
Private clinics are held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and run $35.
One of the more popular activities is called a "Coaster Ride."
Here, bikers are shuttled up to Albion Basin, above Alta, and are then led back — coasting and pedaling — to Snowbird.
The trip takes about two hours.
For a casual walk on the mountain, Snowbird built its Barrier Free Trail, a paved half-mile path from the tram building to an overlook in Gad Valley.
This wheelchair-accessible trail includes a number of interpretive signs produced by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
The trail follows a rolling, gentle course.
It passes through stands of pines and aspens and stretches across open hillside meadows.
Dave Fields, communications director, said the tram hikes and Barrier Free Trail are among the more popular summer activities, especially during the Oktoberfest celebration, which runs on weekends from Sept. 2 to Oct. 8.
This will be the 28th year Snowbird has held the cultural exchange.
During the celebration, German lifestyle is presented in song, dance and food.
Climbing is another summertime attraction.
Special sessions are held on Wednesdays on the climbing walls on the Cliff Lodge. Private sessions can be arranged.
For information on all Snowbird activities call 801-933-2147.
E-MAIL: grass@desnews.com