Snowbird, Utah – Due to recent warm temperatures, rain and rapid snowpack melting in the past week, Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort announced today that they are closed for the 2008/09 season, and will not be reopening this weekend as previously planned.

Snowcat operators spent most of the day working on some areas of Little Cloud that had very little snow, large rocks and, in one case, a small river. Unfortunately, they were not able to ensure enough coverage for safe, skiable terrain. The Little Cottonwood Canyon resort received 621 inches of snowfall this season and offered skiing and riding for 194 days, the longest in Utah.

“Despite our plans and the hard work of our snowcat operators, we won’t be able to offer any more skiing and riding this spring. The recent rain and warm temperatures have dropped the snowpack more than we expected,” said Snowbird President Bob Bonar. “We thank our season passholders and guests for a great season, and look forward to an amazing summer line-up here at Snowbird.”

The Utah resort is currently offering summer Tram operations for foot passengers daily, with operating hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Summer activities including the new Wasatch Mining Company Gemstone Mine, Peruvian Chairlift and Tunnel, Alpine Slide, four-station climbing wall, ZipRider, Bungy Trampoline, Mechanical Bull and Inflatables, are scheduled to begin Saturday, June 13. Hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (except for the Peruvian Chairlift and Tunnel which closes at 5 p.m.) and activities may be limited. Horseback and ATV tours are tentatively scheduled to begin Fourth of July weekend, conditions permitting.

The Snowbird Renaissance Center is also presenting a number of festivals throughout the summer, beginning with Grill on the Hill, June 19-21, and Brewfest on June 21. Other highlights include the Snowbird Mountain Music Festival, July 8-12, at the new outdoor Peruvian Terrace venue, featuring the Cowboy Junkies, Son Volt, Old 97’s and more. For a complete summer lineup of events and ticket information, please visit http://www.snowbirdrc.org.

Season passes are on sale now at http://www.snowbird.com.