What if there was a resort in Utah where you can ski on the same courses as Olympic legends? What if there was a resort that was so accessible that it has won awards from skiing publications? What if there was a resort that featured some of the most beautiful views and some of the best on-mountain dining in the West? What if we told you that all of this was available at the same place?
Snowbasin is one of the best ski resorts in the Utah, and considering that Utah is known for having the “Greatest Snow on Earth,” that makes it one of the best ski resorts in the world. With winter quickly approaching, it’s time to think about where you’ll be hitting the slopes.
Here are five reasons to choose Snowbasin.
Award-winning access
There are a lot of options for skiing near Salt Lake City, with 11 resorts located within an hour’s drive. But many of them are located in areas that are subject to canyon closures and other accessibility issues. This is where Snowbasin really stands out, as it is located just 45 minutes away on an easy drive up I-15. Multiple routes to the resort make it accessible all winter, even on powder days. Ski Magazine gave Snowbasin its award for Best Access in the West in 2019, praising the resort for being “super easy to get to” and for its “quick and efficient lift system.” Snowbasin also offers free parking in multiple locations and complimentary shuttles to the base area. There are also public transportation options via bus to get to the resort.
History and Olympic legacy
With a history dating back to 1940, Snowbasin is one of the oldest continually operating ski resorts in North America. Alf Engen, the pioneer of powder skiing, helped with the establishment of Snowbasin on the eastern slope of beautiful Mount Ogden.
Snowbasin is one of a select group of resorts in the world that has hosted the Olympic downhill, which is widely considered one of the premier events of the Winter Olympics. Skiing legends Kjetil Andre Aamodt and Janica Kostelic won Olympic gold medals at the 2002 Salt Lake City games, and American Bode Miller won silver—his first Olympic medal—in the combined event, all at Snowbasin.
The famed Grizzly men’s downhill course was designed by 1972 downhill Olympic gold medalist Bernhard Russi, and it features a vertical drop of nearly 3000 feet. The Wildflower women’s downhill course offers a vertical drop of over 2600 feet. These runs are still in place today and are available for guests interested in experiencing an Olympic downhill course.
(Snowbasin) At Snowbasin, we are committed to always stride towards sustainability.
World-class skiing, lifts and lodges
Snowbasin offers 3000 acres of skiable terrain and 3000 vertical feet, and it has over 100 runs for skiers of every age and skill level. Snowbasin’s well-groomed runs were rated as No. 3 in the West by Ski Magazine. About 20% of the runs are of easier difficulty, about 50% are intermediate, and about 30% are expert, so every skier has plenty of options.
The lift system is the most advanced in Utah, as it features everything from magic carpets to gondolas, high-speed lifts and a tram. Notably, the Needles Gondola provides access from the base area to the Needles Lodge and the largest variety of beginner and intermediate terrain. The Strawberry Gondola offers access to spacious bowls and lengthy groomed runs. Visitors can use the John Paul Express to reach the famous Grizzly and Wildflower runs that were the sites of the 2002 Winter Olympics downhill events. And they can ascend even higher on the Allen Peak Tram to enjoy stunning 360-degree views of multiple states.
When you are ready to take a break from skiing, you can enjoy three luxurious lodges that offer great food and gorgeous views of the mountain and the surrounding area. Earl’s Lodge is located in the base area, and Needles Lodge and John Paul Lodge are located on the mountain at the top of Needles Gondola and the John Paul Express, respectively. Visitors can enjoy what Ski Magazine describes as “some of the best on-mountain eats in the industry,” rating Snowbasin as No. 3 in the West in this category. Slopeside dining options and on-mountain picnic tables are also available for those who would like to quickly refuel and then get right back to the slopes.
Upgrades coming this winter
Snowbasin is already a world-class resort, but it’s committed to getting even better. There are a number of exciting upgrades that are coming for the winter 2021-2022 season. The biggest of these upgrades is the new Middle Bowl Express lift, which should be finished before Christmas. This high-speed, six-person lift will cut ride times by over half from 12 minutes to less than six minutes. The top terminal finishes above Needles Lodge and will provide easy access to the lodge from that location.
Snowbasin already offers the most parking of any Utah resort, and it is expanding its parking even further. A total of 350 new parking stalls will be added to the existing parking areas, and construction will be completed before opening day of the winter season. Finally, Snowbasin has added a pair of new fire pits to Earl’s Plaza, bringing the total number of fire pits to three.
(Snowbasin) Winter is almost here. Buy your season pass now and save up to $400 with preseason pricing. Prices increase November 30th
Season passes now on sale:
With winter just around the corner, now is the ideal time to buy a season pass and save money by getting it at preseason pricing. Save up to $400 by purchasing your pass by Cyber Monday. There are a number of options that include the Premier Pass that features no blackout dates, as well as value passes and the Sun and Snow Pass that offers skiing at both Snowbasin and Sun Valley in Idaho. For more information or to purchase a season pass, please visit the Snowbasin website.