History Lessons Bored Through the Mountain

The entrance to the Peruvian Tunnel at Snowbird is a 600' tunnel that provides access from the Peruvian Lift to Mineral Basin.  But as we learned through our visit it provides so much more....

Skiers enter the tunnel after unloading from the Peruvian Lift.  A conveyor belt takes them through in quick fashion over to Mineral Basin to enjoy skiing within the large bowl.  Artifacts from Utah's past mining history line the tunnel as well as photographs depicting life back in the late 1800's through to present day skiing.

On our visit we were to meet our friends Chip and Maggie as well as Dick.  Chip met Dick by chance while hiking through the mountains around Alta and Snowbird.  Dick starting working in the mines when he was a young lad the age of 15.  His recollection of his time working in the mines was sharp.  We heard telling stories that accompany the artifacts and photographs bringing them to life.

 Chip hikes around the mountains searching for "rust" as he calls it.  His excitement for this project is infectious and drew us all in.

 To hear Chip and Dick recollect times on these mountains was a treat.  We knew of the mining throughout this region on our first visit to Utah back in the early 80's.  But this was extra special and in depth bringing an awareness to the rich history within these mountains.

 Each item we passed Chip would offer a story of how, where and when he found it, as well as how many "guys" he had to muster to get each piece off the mountain!

Generations of miners' history will be brought to life for skiers and hikers as they make their way through the tunnel bringing awareness of the life these mountains hold.  

It was a delight to be able to tour through with Dick along with Maggie and Chip....

a special day indeed.

enjoy,

k