The Skiers' Guide to Snowbasin

Tucked away in Utah's stunning Wasatch Mountains, Snowbasin Resort is a true skier's paradise that remains something of a hidden gem despite its Olympic pedigree. The resort sits approximately 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, offering exceptional skiing without the crowds of some of Utah's more famous destinations.

Snowbasin stretches from a base elevation of 1965.96m up to an impressive 2849.88m, providing a substantial vertical drop that caters to all ability levels. With 118 runs spread across its expansive terrain, there's plenty of space to explore. Our Snomad community rates Snowbasin highly with an overall rating of 4.44/5.

A user who is an advanced snowboarder said, "This place is a hidden gem. I wasn't even planning on going but there was a ton of traffic to snowbird so we audibled last minute. The mountain was so much fun, minimal lines, and pretty wide open."

Snowbasin's 118 runs break down into 11 beginner, 39 intermediate, and 61 advanced trails, offering something for everyone. The mountain is served by 3 gondolas and 3 chairlifts that efficiently move skiers around the resort, earning 4.44/5 for lift efficiency.

The resort scores impressively for beginners (5.00/5), intermediates (4.10/5), and especially advanced skiers (4.67/5) and experts (4.28/5).

Xi, an expert skier, notes: "It is definitely on the more groomer side for the terrain they offer. Their runs are mostly open and wide, making them a great option to practice carving." This is reflected in the resort's outstanding 4.57/5 for groomed runs.

For those seeking adventure beyond the piste, Snowbasin doesn't disappoint with its 4.30/5 for off-piste terrain and 4.32/5 for powder zones. Holger, an expert skier, shared: "I even found some decent powder turns 7 days after the last snowfall."

The resort also boasts excellent 4.04/5 for tree skiing and solid 3.56/5 for mogul fields, making it a versatile mountain for varied skiing preferences.

While Snowbasin scores a respectable 3.66/5 for eating out, the resort is known for quality over quantity. Many Snomad users comment on the excellent standard of the mountain dining, even if it comes at a premium.

Casey, an advanced skier, reports: "Day lodges are magnificent and the food is great but pricey as usual." This sentiment is echoed by Loretta who mentions: "Dining is pricey but it is unmatched for a ski resort."

One particularly enthusiastic review from Holger states: "The on mountain food and drink options at this resort are better than any other I have been to as well. It is not cheap, but everything we tried was really good."

The resort features several mountain lodges with varied dining options. Xander, an advanced snowboarder, recommends: "The best is the chicken waffles in the John Paul lodge," while Alexander raves about the "cheesy fries" which are "heaven on earth!"

Snowbasin's après scene scores 3.71/5 for après-ski, suggesting a more laid-back atmosphere compared to some party-oriented resorts. Ryan, an expert skier, notes: "I love Snowbasin but I wish they invested more into their après options. The lodges close almost immediately after the lifts do making it hard to enjoy a full day up there."

While there might be bars and beer options at every lodge, as Loretta points out, the après scene is not Snowbasin's main attraction. The focus here is more on the quality of skiing rather than partying afterward.

For those who value a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere over a thumping party scene, this might be a positive. The resort scores well for 3.78/5 for quiet slopes, which extends to the overall vibe of the resort.

Families are in for a treat at Snowbasin, with the resort scoring an exceptional 4.50/5 for family friendliness. Elizabeth, a beginner skier, confirms this: "Overall family friendly and beginner friendly ski resort. I have enjoying my journey in learning here and have loved taking breaks in their nice lodges as well."

The ski school receives excellent reviews with 4.03/5 for ski school quality. Kaden, an advanced snowboarder, notes: "Very family friendly with ski patrol constantly on the watch to ensure kids or beginners safety."

Michael, an intermediate skier, elaborates: "The terrain is friendly to beginners and experts alike, all you have to do is choose the right areas. I received lessons from Snowbasin and all of their instructors are very accommodating, but they also push you to do things that they know you can do."

Tai, a beginner skier, specifically highlights the resort's learning program: "I participated in Snowbasin's Earn and Learn program. The program is amazing and a great value. The ski school is fantastic and the instructors are patient, kind, and give you the skills you need to be comfortable starting out your ski journey."

Accommodation is one area where Snowbasin scores a more modest 3.30/5 for accommodation options. One of the key points mentioned by several reviewers is the lack of on-site lodging.

Randy, an expert skier, points out: "No hotels or motels close by so you have to stay in Ogden." This can make Snowbasin more of a day trip destination for many visitors, though this also contributes to its uncrowded feel.

Ian, an intermediate skier, suggests: "Stay in Eden for timeshare accommodation." The distance from accommodation to the slopes means that having a vehicle is important, though the resort does provide excellent shuttle services from the parking areas to the base.

Michael Trottier notes that "parking is free and plentiful," while Loretta adds that the "parking is the best I've seen anywhere, including the shuttle service from all the parking lots."

Snowbasin's environmental initiatives appear to focus primarily on operational efficiency rather than headline-grabbing green programs. While the resort doesn't extensively promote specific sustainability credentials, several reviewers note the efficient shuttle system from parking areas, which helps reduce individual vehicle movement.

The resort's modern lift system, including gondolas and high-speed chairlifts, contributes to energy efficiency in mountain operations. However, its lower elevation compared to other Utah resorts (as mentioned by Loretta) can affect snow conditions, potentially requiring more snowmaking intervention.

Limited public information is available on specific environmental certification programs or renewable energy use at Snowbasin, suggesting this may be an area for future development as sustainability becomes increasingly important to the skiing community.