Snowbasin

Those who enjoy wide-open bowl skiing consider Snowbasin a rarely used gem among resorts. Situated northeast of Salt Lake City, it sits on the east side of Utah's Wasatch Range.

Interstate 15, I-80, and I-84 will get motorists into the vicinity of Ogden. Utah Highways 39, 167, and 226 get them the rest of the way. Anyone who flies can use the Salt Lake City International Airport or fly into the Ogden-Hinckley Public Airport. Car rentals and shuttle services can get skiers to the resort in under an hour, traffic permitting.

From Olympic Games to Rare Lift Lines

The Snowbasin ski area began under the design guidance of powder ski pioneer Alf Engen in 1940, making it one of North America's older venues. Its development continued from there, as highlighted by the transformations made to prepare it for hosting downhill events in the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games.

Six peaks (Strawberry, Demoisy, Needles, Mt. Ogden, Allen, and No Name) divide into three distinct areas for visitors to enjoy. From late November through the middle of April, plankers are moved about on the state's most advanced lift system.

The Snowbasin ski area maintains just under a dozen lifts, including a tram, two gondolas, and two surface lifts. Over 14,600 guests an hour can move uphill on this system. Lifties keep things moving, and skiers experience hardly any wait times here.

There are about 3,000 skiable acres at the Snowbasin ski area. Several bowls sit between peaks, and ski bums find cutting fresh tracks possible days after a dump thanks to lower foot traffic through the gate. Speaking of dumps, plenty of snow (350 inches on average each year) accumulates on the mountain. The resort also has snowmaking abilities to supplement nature across 600 acres of the terrain.

Building a Better Park Rat Trap

The renovations at the Snowbasin ski area did not stop in 2002, and the development shows. There are over 100 trails to ski and snowboard, with sections zoned into the slow, family, and restricted areas. Elk Ridge comes in just under three miles in length, making it the longest run here.

Terrain breakdown favors family-oriented skiing and snowboarding, but advanced plankers can enjoy 30-percent of the mountain rated at black diamond or double diamond. Beginners have an impressive 20-percent of the terrain rated green, while the remaining half of the Snowbasin ski area is rated blue for rippers and shredders with a bit of experience.

Several Nordic trails provide access to dedicated terrain, including three beginner-rated paths. There are more than 15 miles of Nordic trails to choose from, keeping guests busy throughout the day. The Snowbasin ski area has The Crazy Kat (beginner), Coyote (intermediate), and Apex (advanced) terrain parks as well.

Between the base at 6,391 feet and the peak elevation of 9,350 feet, a 2,959-foot verticle rise creates plenty of challenges and fun for skiers and snowboarders alike. The terrain at Snowbasin supports a dedicated group of park rats while offering family-oriented winter fun.