Snowbasin Skiing & Snowboarding Resort Guide
Snowbasin is one of the many ski and snowboard areas in Utah that are within an hour drive from Salt Lake City. When Salt Lake hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Snowbasin was home to the Super G and Downhill ski races. These races require wide-open, steep slopes, of which Snowbasin has plenty. The ski and snowboard resort has been upgraded over the years to feature modern lift infrastructure as well as extravagant an upscale amenities. Earl’s Lodge for example features ornate chandeliers and marble clad bathrooms. The mountain itself however, has plenty of great skiing and snowboarding for the hardcore powder hounds who may not care for the lodging and embellishments. The mountain has a large percentage of advanced terrain and some expert rated bowls and chutes.
Skiers and snowboarders will find beginner terrain off of the Littlecat, Wildcat and Becker chairlifts. This terrain is not huge, but offers some good learning opportunities. On a clear day, beginners should not miss the opportunity for great views over Ogden and the valley below off of the Needles Gondola, skiers and snowboarders not comfortable with the intermediate and advanced terrain on the way down can download back to the base.
Intermediates has lots of great options to explore at Snowbasin. There are lots of groomed runs off of the Needles and Strawberry gondolas. There is some great terrain for intermediates looking to get off piste and get a taste of powder skiing and snowboarding. Heading off of the groomed runs on Strawberry into the trees, to the skier's right off of the Becker chairlift, and under the Porcupine lift are all good spots to explore.
Advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders will find lots of fun terrain to explore at Snowbasin. Head up the Allen Peak Tram to access the start of the Olympic Downhill course, it’s not normally groomed at the top, however, so you won’t be zooming like the racers. There are fun glades and bowls on either side of the tram. Fresh snow can stay good for days after a storm out on No Name.
Over on the Demoisy Peak side, there are more expert options, as well. A 10-15 minute bootpack accesses the peak itself and runs like Arrowhead, Lone Tree and Flamingo, these steep chutes are challenging and fun.
Driving, Snowbasin is about 40 minutes northeast of Salt Lake City. This may seem way farther than heading up either of the Cottonwood Canyons, however, most of the drive is on I-80 making it go by quickly. The Utah Transit Authority does run a bus to Snowbasin, which takes about 60 minutes from Ogden, or two and a half hours from Salt Lake City.
Travel Resources:
Snowbasin Travel Directions
UTA Ski Bus
Driving, Snowbasin is about 40 minutes northeast of Salt Lake City. This may seem way farther than heading up either of the Cottonwood Canyons, however, most of the drive is on I-80 making it go by quickly. The Utah Transit Authority does run a bus to Snowbasin, which takes about 60 minutes from Ogden, or two and a half hours from Salt Lake City.
Snowbasin Travel Directions
UTA Ski Bus
There is no lodging on the mountain at Snowbasin. This is a bit surprising given the very nice and highly developed day lodges, however, the proximity to Salt Lake city and Ogden make for easy trips to and from the mountain. Huntsville, Eden, and Liberty are the closest towns with lodging.
Snowbasin Lodging Overview
Our Favorite Snowboards for Snowbasin
Local Food Picks
There are plenty of on mountain options for food at Snowbasin. These restaurants and bars keep skiers and snowboarders fueled up and happy for long days of shredding powder. There isn’t much of a apres ski scene here, although the base area restaurant Earl’s and Cinnabar have drinks. Remember, in Utah you have to buy food with your drinks at places like these.On-Mountain Dining
Our Favorite Skis For Snowbasin
Where to Find Lift Tickets to Snowbasin?
Snowbasin ski and snowboard lift tickets are modestly priced, and can be purchased online or in person at the base area. Buying lift tickets online at least 7 days in advance guarantees the cheapest Snowbasin lift tickets. Beginner lift tickets are available for a reduced rate, these tickets allow access to the Littlecat and Becker lifts. Youth and seniors are also eligible for discount Snowbasin lift tickets.Snowbasin Weather Information
Snowbasin doesn’t see the largest snowfall of Utah’s ski and snowboard areas, however, the resort still sees a strong 300” of average annual snowfall. January through March typically see the best snow conditions, with big snowstorms occasionally coming through long into the spring. Snowbasin has large network of snowmaking that helps bolster natural snowfall. Because many of the groomed runs and upper bowls are wide open, it can be tricky to ski Snowbasin during stormy days, because visibility can be low. Ski and snowboard in the trees to find the good snow and visibility during storms.Snowbasin Ski Report
For fewer crowds than other ski and snowboard areas close to Salt Lake City, and some great advanced skiing, Snowbasin is a nice choice. The great views and Olympic racecourse make the more northern resort a fun trip on a longer Utah ski and snowboard vacation, too.
