Snowbasin Resort, nestled high in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, is a premier winter destination for skiing and snowboarding. The team at Snowbasin Resort invited us to check out the slopes and the facilities and share an honest look at the resort. We had the chance to not only get outdoors and enjoy the skiing but we also had the opportunity to visit the various lodges on the property.
A Look at Utah’s Snowbasin Resort
Offering some of the most expansive terrains in the world, Snowbasin Resort provides visitors with everything from expertly groomed runs to challenging backcountry experiences. With its breathtaking mountain views, top-notch restaurants, and luxury amenities, it’s easy to understand why this resort has been attracting outdoor enthusiasts for decades.
Spanning across three unique mountainsides, Snowbasin Resort boasts three terrain parks and numerous lifts capable of transporting 25,000 people per hour. Visitors can enjoy a variety of runs, such as glades and bowls full of powdery snow or get their adrenaline pumping with chutes that drop more than 1,200 feet vertically.
From beginner slopes to black diamonds for advanced skiers and boarders alike, there’s something for everyone at Snowbasin Resort. Snowbasin Resort is designed as a luxury destination; however, pricing is reasonable, and service is outstanding. The best description of the resort is boujee but inclusive—everyone feels welcome.
Getting Here
If you have a rental car, it’s a quick 35-40 minutes from Ogden to Snowbasin. If you’re not driving, Utah Transit Authority’s Bus 675 runs directly between the two with multiple departures throughout the day (daily times run from 21st Street Hotels between 5:57 a.m. and 2:08 p.m.). The ride is a little over an hour, but the snowy scenery is stunning (it’s like taking a ride inside a snow globe).
Emergency Services
One of the biggest draws of Snowbasin is the significant amount of service departments. You’ll find employees all over the mountain in green jackets (often helping out skiers and snowboarders who need a little extra assistance) and red jackets (emergency assistance members wear red coats with white crosses). If you’re feeling unsafe or uncomfortable, flag down or call any employee, and they’ll ensure you get the help you need (even if this means giving you a ride back down the mountain). Make sure to save the number for ski patrol- 801.620.1017.
More Than Skiing
If you’re more of a “sit in the lounge and enjoy the views” type of winter lover, Snowbasin is actually a fantastic place to sit and relax. The lounges at the base were designed with comfort in mind (just check out those bathrooms), and if you’re waiting for your skiing and snowboarding friends to come down for a meal, you’ve picked a great spot. Meet up in Earl’s Lodge for lunch at Cinnabar before returning to your relaxing afternoon of reading by the fire and living inside a real-life snow globe.
Delicious Dining
It’s entirely possible to spend a day at Snowbasin without actually getting on the slopes. Foodies can easily enjoy a full-on food tour by visiting each lodge and checking out the unique offerings at each spot. The culinary team at Snowbasin has carefully crafted special menus outside of the typical ski lodge fare you’ll find at many other destinations. Each lodge also has its own distinct look and feel, and you’ll even find exotic weekend specials from around the world at John Paul Lodge (in addition to the majestic mountain views).
Terrain Parks
Snowbasin has three terrain parks situated throughout the resort, making it a fantastic place for skiers and snowboarders to practice their skills. Even if you’re relatively new to skiing and snowboarding, there’s one perfect for you. The Littlecat terrain park is located right by the Littlecat lift, and it’s ideal for beginners and small children to practice and get comfortable with rails, boxes and smaller jumps.
Learn & Earn
If you’re concerned about the potential cost-prohibitive nature of skiing, Snowbasin has an excellent solution. The Learn & Earn program is the perfect way for new skiers and snowboarders to gradually integrate themselves into the sport in a comfortable, long-term way that’s reasonably priced. The program takes place over the course of three years, allowing newcomers to build good habits and a complete kit for themselves. Year One includes three lessons, a seasonal rental package and a season pass. Year Two consists of three lessons, a season pass and a seasonal rental package that’s now yours to keep. Year Three includes a season pass and a private lesson.
Spectacular Views
It goes without saying that most ski resorts have some pretty beautiful mountain views. Snowbasin Resort takes that a little bit further with its numerous lifts, including the downloading John Paul Express (perfect for those wanting to visit the lodge without having to worry about the trail back down) and the Needles Gondola (an enclosed ride to Needles Lodge). We even had the chance to hop into the Allen Peak Tram for a quick view of the 2022 Salt Lake City Olympic start shacks and the view from the very top of Allen Peak.
