Co-Generation or Combined Heat & Power
See the engines, generators, fans, valves, pipes, and tubes that power the ‘Bird!
In 1986 Snowbird constructed a Co-Generation utility plant in the Cliff Lodge with three gas engines connected to generators that produce power, heat, and hot water for the resort. Take this opportunity to learn about and see the Co-Gen plant that supplies about half of Snowbird’s electrical needs in the winter and 95% of the power during the summer and early fall. Although Snowbird’s power can be interrupted by avalanches, weather, and other factors, these engines and generators work 24/7 to generate enough power and heat for key systems to keep guests comfortable and safe. A team of Snowbird Co-Generation experts will facilitate tour.
Monday, July 15th
8:30am – 10:00am
10:15am – 11:45am
Price: $10
Tram Operations Tour
First opened in 1971, Snowbird's Aerial Tram whisks passengers along a 1.6 mile cable and up 2,900 vertical feet during the 10-minute trip to the top of Hidden Peak. Join the Snowbird team as show you the behind the scenes operations of the Tram.
Monday, July 15th
8:30am – 10:00am
10:15am – 11:45am
Price: $10
Water Management and the Wasatch Drain Tunnel
Need to cool down? Snowbird’s water comes from its own water treatment plant located 500 feet below ground. Sign up for a fascinating walking tour that will take you 500 feet below the mountain to the Wasatch Drain Tunnel. Originally built by the Wasatch Mines Company in 1916 to drain water and improve ore transportation from surrounding mines, it was repurposed in 1985 as a water treatment and pumping plant with a 35 million gallon underground reservoir. Keith Hanson, Gen. Mgr. of the Salt Lake County Service Area #3 (water/sewer district) will lead the tour and explain the operation of this unique water system that provides water for domestic use, snowmaking, and our electrical power plant cooling (Co-Gen). We encourage participants to wear comfortable shoes and clothing as it is cool underground (52 degrees). But there’s no snow!
Monday, July 15th
8:30am – 10:00am
10:15am – 11:4am
Price: $10
PacifiCorp Lake Side 1 & 2 Power Plant Tour
The Lake Side combined-cycle natural gas power plants blend modern technology with environmental stewardship. The two plants share the 65-acre site in Vineyard, Utah, with a generating capability of 558 megawatts of electric power at Lake Side 1 and 645 megawatts at Lake Side 2. Owned and operated by PacifiCorp, Lake Side 1 was commissioned in 2007 and Lake Side 2 was commissioned in 2014.
Thursday, July 18th
9:00am – 1:00pm
Price: $25