Snowbasin
Snowbasin Ski Resort ReviewSnowbasin is one of the most professionally run ski resorts in the world and is described by locals as ‘the last best mountain in the USA’. It is a skier’s paradise and the quality of staff and services is second to none. And with no on mountain accommodation, its world class terrain sees relatively little skier traffic.
Even though Snowbasin is one of the oldest ski resorts in the United States, there are no remnants left of a bygone era. Significant investment has been made into the lift infrastructure including a tram, two gondolas and an express quad. You don’t ever need to get cold on the lifts at Snowbasin. The resort has also added extravagant day lodges and vast snowmaking facilities, although with 400 inches (10.2 metres) of snow a year, Mother Nature does most of the work.
Olympics
Like other
Utah ski resorts, the profile of Snowbasin has been heightened as a result of the 2002 Winter Olympics, although the popularity of the resort seems to be restricted to locals so there are no issues of over-crowding. The over-the-top day lodges were built in time for the Olympics, and they seem to suggest that Snowbasin wanted to pose to the world. At the Olympics the resort hosted the Downhill and Super G which says a lot about the terrain at Snowbasin – plenty of vertical and fantastic wide runs with lots of pitch.
Ski and Snowboard Terrain The
Snowbasin ski area is large with 1,141 hectares of terrain and 104 designated runs. There is a bias towards the black run skier with 30% expert and 34% advanced terrain, serving up everything that good skiers want in a mountain. Intermediates can choose from a range of wide cruisers, and there is adequate terrain for skiing novices. Three terrain parks and a superpipe keep the tricksters entertained.
Where is Snowbasin?
Snowbasin is located in the Upper Ogden Valley area of Utah, 53km (33 miles) north of
Salt Lake City, 26km (17 miles) east of Ogden, and 15 minutes drive from Eden at the base of the
Powder Mountain ski area.
Snowbasin Accommodation
On-mountain accommodation is not available at Snowbasin, with lodging options in nearby Ogden Valley in Huntsville or Eden, or a greater choice available in Ogden (45 minutes away) or
Salt Lake City (1:20 hours away). The other option is to
stay at Powder Mountain.
Facilities
The
day lodges are incredibly plush. Snowbasin claims that the day lodges are the essence of rustic chic, but they possibly need to look up “rustic” in the dictionary. The buildings have chandeliers, sun decks, grandiose fire places, and incredibly swanky dining chairs. The day lodges are so nice that you feel bad walking in with your ski or snowboard boots on.
Why Ski or Snowboard at Snowbasin?
Snowbasin is a bit of a sleepy giant. Even though it’s a large ski resort with great snow and terrain and first class facilities, it is still somewhat of an unknown snow destination. It doesn’t get the same crowds as
Park City or
Snowbird. This of course is of great benefit to powderhounds who are happy not to share the powder with the unwashed masses!
Tours
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Solo Skiers & Boarders Tour
Visit 6 of Utah's best ski resorts and hang out with like minded people. 9 days lift tickets, 12 nights twin share accommodation at Park City, airport & resort transfers. Must be 21 or older for this tour.
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