Snowbird’s Oktoberfest Starts This Weekend: Here’s What To Know

Snowbird’s New Free Oktoberfest Shuttle Service

New this year, Snowbird is offering a free shuttle service in partnership with Snow Country Limo. The shuttles depart from Sandy, Utah, and transport Oktoberfest guests up Little Cottonwood Canyon every Saturday, Sunday, and on Labor Day.

Between August 9 and August 24, the shuttles will run every 80 minutes in each direction. Between August 30 and October 12, the shuttles will run every 40 minutes in each direction.

To make a shuttle reservation, click here.

Don't drive under the influence. Plan a designated driver, or take the shuttle! Little Cottonwood Canyon is a dangerous road all-year long.

A New Clear Bag Oktoberfest Policy

Also new this year, all bags brought onto the Oktoberfest grounds that are larger than 6" by 9" inches must be clear, with exceptions being made for diapers and medical bags.

Clear bags can have transparent vinyl, PVC, or plastic fabric. Clutch bags smaller than 6" inches by 9" are also allowed. Snowbird will sell clear bags at Oktoberfest entrances 1, 2, and 4.

Where To Park at Snowbird’s Oktoberfest

Due to the popularity of Snowbird’s Oktoberfest, the ski resort, on its website, encouraged all visitors to carpool. At entrances 1, 2, and 4, parking will cost $15. Entrance 2 also has valet parking available for $30. Guests can park on the highway near Snowbird, too.

What Is Snowbird’s Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfests, worldwide, date back to the early 1800s, when Munich hosted a celebration honoring the marriage of Prince Regent Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.

The festival, which included horse racing, was a hit, eventually evolving into what we now know as Oktoberfest. Centuries later, Munich continues to host the festival, but many other places, like Snowbird, have their own spin-offs, too. Snowbird's version started in 1972.

At Snowbird, an Oktoberfest biergarten includes traditional German beers alongside alternatives from local Utah breweries. Themed German food, like bratwurst, sauerkraut, and apple strudel, is also available.

In the aptly named Der Marktplatz, guests can browse jewelry, custom woodworking, pottery, and other goods crafted by more than 40 vendors. During Oktoberfest, Snowbird’s summer activities, including the ropes course and mountain coaster, are open.