Snowbasin is the place where expansive terrain meets family-friendly amenities. Ranked the #1 ski resort in the U.S. by Ski Magazine, USA Today, and Outside Magazine for 2024-2025. Known for its world-class lodges & slopes and as the official Alpine Skiing venue for the 2034 Winter Olympics, Snowbasin has a reputation that few resorts can match.
What truly sets this Utah resort apart goes beyond its accolades. Snowbasin is renowned for offering some of the finest on-mountain dining in the country, impeccably groomed intermediate trails, exceptional snow quality, and a variety of terrain for advanced and expert skiers. Whether you’re looking to escape the crowds, plan a group getaway, or enjoy a family ski day, Snowbasin has something for everyone to enjoy.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a stress-free, unforgettable family ski trip, from terrain tips to nearby accommodations and insider travel advice.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- 3000 feet vertical drop
- 9370 ft Summit elevation
- 3000 acres of skiable terrain
- Top tier on mountain dining & facilities
- Best for Families and Powderhounds
- 300 inches of snow annually
- IKON Pass
“Uncrowded slopes, thrilling runs, and luxurious lodges; a day at Snowbasin is pure bliss”
Why it’s awesome
The Greatest Snow on Earth®
Utah’s trademarked “Greatest Snow on Earth®” slogan isn’t just marketing—it’s science. The powder has a perfect light and dry composition that feels divine to ski through. The state’s unique geography is to thank for its legendary powder. As Pacific storms cross the Sierra Nevada, they lose much of their moisture, leaving lighter, drier snow by the time they reach Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. This low moisture snow is soft, fluffy, and perfect for skiing. The Wasatch Range’s high elevation, cold temperatures, and ideal orientation ensure heavy snowfall and preserve its quality. With consistent storms, dry air, and perfect terrain, Utah’s snow has earned its reputation among skiers and snowboarders worldwide.
While Snowbasin may receive slightly less snowfall than its Cottonwood Canyon counterparts, its annual average of over 300 inches is still impressive. The mountain’s expansive terrain offers a sense of openness, and its lighter crowds mean you can often discover untouched powder stashes long after a storm.
Terrain of Snowbasin
Snowbasin has rolled out upgrades that make the resort even better for families and crowd control including wider beginner trails, parking improvements, and enhanced ski lifts designed to reduce wait times. Snowbasin is divided into three main zones. John Paul, Needles, and Strawberry.
Beginners and Families: Needles Zone
The recently upgraded Becker and Wildcat Lifts were designed with families in mind, making the experience more enjoyable and accessible for everyone. Most green trails are designated slow zones, with Bear Hollow starting the dedicated family zone. Both Bear Hollow and Snowshoe have been widened in recent upgrades to accommodate families, complementing the enhancements to the Becker Lift.
Once you’re ready to tackle intermediate terrain, hop on the Needles Gondola and plan your route down a mix of green and blue trails. This area is perfect for families, offering a diverse range of terrain with trails that conveniently lead to a central hub, making it easy to navigate and regroup. There are even a few black diamond trails here to test your skills, this area has something for everyone.
Intermediate-Advanced Terrain: Strawberry Zone
The Strawberry area features the Strawberry Gondola and the DeMoisy Express, offering a mix of terrain for all skill levels. The Strawberry Gondola takes you to a higher elevation, where you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the Great Salt Lake. From there, advanced and expert skiers can explore challenging runs like Sister’s Bowl or The Walrus. For those seeking a more moderate experience, a network of advanced black and intermediate blue trails allows for a smooth descent back to the lift area.
Lone Tree and Middle Bowl Cirque are pretty gnarly too if you don’t mind a short hike.
The DeMoisy Express, a recently upgraded six-person lift, is one of several major improvements to the resort’s infrastructure in recent years. From the top, you can choose from a variety of blue trails, either heading down to the Needles area or looping back to continue exploring the Strawberry terrain.
Advanced-Expert Terrain: John Paul Zone
The John Paul zone, serviced by the John Paul Express and the Allen Peak Tram, offers primarily advanced to expert terrain. Standing at an elevation of 9,465 feet, Allen Peak provides stunning views of Mount Ogden and access to the iconic Grizzly and Wildflower Downhill courses, famously used during the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games.
The area also features steep glades. While the terrain in Mt. Ogden Bowl and the No Name area is considered restricted due to avalanche risks, these zones can offer incredible runs when the gates are open. With nearly 3,000 feet of vertical descent, you can carve through untouched glades and fresh powder all the way to the base.
Check out the Snowbasin Mountain Map and plan your routes!
Photo Courtesy of SkiUtah
Après Ski & Surrounding Area
The Town of Ogden
The village at Snowbasin is pretty nonexistent so your après options will centered around Ogden or Salt Lake City. Ogden is much closer and definitely where I recommend staying. The town of Ogden has some pretty great spots for après food, live music, shows, and activities for groups and families.
Bars & Restaurants
Funk ‘n Dive Bar
Voted the best dive bar in the USA in 2019 and best bar in Ogden multiple times. This is the place for local live music, cheap drinks, and whole lot of fun. They host weekly events such as poker nights, adult trivia, karaoke, and comedians.
Slackwater Ogden
Likely the best pizza in Ogden, served fresh with the perfect crispy crust. Pair your meal with a huge selection of craft beers and enjoy the live music.
Harp and Hound
This 21+ bar has pretty epic weekly food deals. Steak dinner Monday, taco Tuesday, pizza Wednesday and cheap brunch drinks Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the pub grub, cocktails, beer selection and live music.
Social Axe Throwing
Simple as show up and throw some axes. You’ll have a coach who shows you how to throw properly.
Kamikazes – House of Rock
On the corner of 24th and Adams avenue this former church hosts some lively rock shows, karaoke, Greek cuisine, and a full bar.
Photo Courtesy of Funk ‘n Dive Bar
Family Activities at the Salomon Center
Let’s talk about a place where the coolest family and group activities are collected into one area for you to choose the best way to make memories on your trip. That place is the Salomon Center. Here, you will find everything from arcades to indoor sky diving
Skinny Dogz
The complete fun center with bowling, arcade, billiards, and laser tag. This place is straight awesome and the entire family will have a blast. They have various party packages as well if you want to bring a larger group.
iRock
Climb a 55 foot tall rock wall for less than $20. Say less.
iFly Utah
Indoor Skydiving. Yes you read that right, Suit up and get up to 10 minutes of flight at this indoor skydiving experience.
Flowrider Utah
It might seem a bit exhausting to go from snowboarding to classic water surfing but if you’re up for get some indoor surfing lessons or show off your skills at Flowrider.
Photo Courtesy of Skinny Dogz
Live Events
If you’re seeking live theater, indie films, or comedy, Ogden has plenty to offer. Explore the schedules for professional theater and events to find something that aligns with your visit. With three live event venues and regular comedy shows, there’s no shortage of entertainment to enjoy.
Salt Lake City
For those staying in Salt Lake City or who just want to experience what the city has to offer checkout The Complete Après Guide to Salt Lake City.
Snowbasin Lodging
There are no on site lodges currently at Snowbasin. This is supposed to be changing in the coming years however for now you can decide between staying in Ogden, Huntsville, or Salt Lake City.
Ogden is your best bet for some solid and affordable options and anywhere from a 20 to 30 minute drive from Snowbasin. Huntsville is fairly close at around a 15 minute drive and a good place to stay if you want an small Utah town feel.
The UTA Bus Service two routes to Snowbasin. The 677 Route from Layton Station runs from the area south of Ogden while the 675 Route from Ogden Central runs from the middle of Ogden. The bus is pretty good and $5 each way. Check out the best options on where to stay below.
Don’t be overwhelmed with options, Contact Skizi to get your hassle-free custom itinerary.
Mid Range Accommodation
Hampton Inn Salt Lake City/Layton
Free breakfast, comfortable stay, and rooms which sleep up to 5. The Hampton Inn is a solid, comfortable choice that is walking distance to bars and restaurants in the Layton area.
The hotel is also walking distance from the Woodland Park Drive stop on Route 677 to Snowbasin, meaning you don’t even need to drive to the slopes. The shuttle from the hotel costs $5 each way.
Courtyard Ogden
A clean, comfortable stay in downtown Ogden. This hotel is around the corner from the historic 25th street where you’ll find restaurants, shops, and the Ogden Amphitheater. You’ll find ski storage, free breakfast, a pool, hot tub, bar, and rooms which sleep up to 4.
About half a mile from the Ogden Canyon Park and Ride Lot on UTA Route 675. Park in the large parking area and ride directly up to Snowbasin. This lot is the last pickup stop on the route and the first drop off, meaning you’ll ride directly to and from Snowbasin.
Hilton Garden Inn Ogden UT
Right next to Junction Plaza and a UTA bus stop right outside. Walk to family activities at the Salomon Center such as indoor surfing, indoor skydiving, rock climbing, laser tag, bowling and more. This affordable hotel is pet friendly with a bar, breakfast, and pool.
This Hilton has rooms which sleep up to 4. The 23rd St & Washington Blvd on UTA route 675 is right outside of the hotel.
Budget Accommodation
Motel 6 Ogden
The best deal you’re going to find. This motel is 3 blocks from the 12th and Washington stop on UTA Route 675. Alternatively you drive to the park and ride lot about 1.3 miles down the street.
This motel has rooms which sleep up to 4, a pool, and is in proximity to nearby downtown Ogden for restaurants, shopping, and activities.
Cost Breakdown: 4-5 Days
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lift Tickets | ~$400/4 days (multi-day pass discounts available, IKON and Flex Pass). |
| Accommodations | ~$1200/ 5 nights depending on choice of lodging. |
| Gear Rentals | ~$320/4 days if needed (or BYO gear). |
| Food & Drinks | ~$60–$120/day (options range from casual eats to fine dining). |
| Transportation | ~$60 roundtrip from SLC |
Total for 5 days: ~$1800–$2800, depending on your lodging and dining preferences.
5 Days BYOG w/ Pass in Budget accommodation can surely cost less than $1000 per person. Contact Skizi to find you the best deals at no cost to you.
Getting There
Snowbasin Parking
At this time there are no on mountain lodging options for Snowbasin. This is supposed to change in the near future however for now you’ll have to either drive or ride the UTA ski bus.
They have the most free parking of any resort in Utah at 3925 E. Snowbasin Road in Huntsville, Utah. No reservation required.
Lots A through E are reserved for carpoolers with three or more people on the weekends and holidays until 11:00am which adds to the family friendliness of the resort. On weekdays Lot A is reserved for carpoolers.
Fastest Route
- Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport(SLC), then drive 45 minutes
- Transfer from the Airport
- The SLC area has excellent transportation options to the resorts in the area. Most options are under $100 for a roundtrip or the UTA Ski Bus for as low as $5.
- Transfer Companies
- UTA Ski Bus
- Canyon Transport
- Utah Mountain Shuttle
- Uber & Lyft
Other Options
- Fly into Provo Airport (PVU), then drive 90 minutes.
- If you are trying to beat the crowds, rent your own vehicle, and can get a good flights into Provo Airport then this option could work for you.
- The Provo Airport is smaller, a bit further from Snowbasin, and transportation is not as easily accessible.
Contact Skizi
Get your custom itinerary and reservations secured. If you want awesome snow, solid terrain, or an excellent family ski trip without spending huge amounts of money then now is the time to secure your trip to Snowbasin Resort.
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