How to Plan a Trip Ski to Snowbasin, Utah

There’s no doubt about it: Snowbasin has a stacked resume. During the 2002 Winter Olympics, the privately-owned resort hosted the Super-G, Downhill, and combined races; in 2034, it will welcome back some of the world’s best winter athletes for all alpine skiing events. 

The Utah destination was also recently named SKI magazine’s no. 2 ski resort in the West and received recognition in a “Best Restroom” contest — there are crystal and bronze chandeliers — and it boasts a jagged peak that begs comparison to the Matterhorn. One glimpse of the dramatic Needle, and you’re instantly transported to the Swiss Alps. A fondue lunch at the base of the mountain helps set the scene, too. 

First established in 1940, Snowbasin was purchased by the Holding family, who also own Sun Valley Resort, in 1984. Today, it’s one of the oldest continually operated ski areas in the country. The 325 inches of annual snowfall aren’t anything to scoff at either, especially if you’re used to skiing in East Coast conditions. 

Already booking your plane ticket? I thought so. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect ski trip to Snowbasin Resort.

When to Go

According to Krista Clayton, director of the resort’s Ski and Ride School, February is the best time to visit for “great coverage.” Though it changes every year, my visit in mid-December was a bit on the early side; most of the snow was machine-made, and the terrain veered a bit icy and bumpy. On the plus side, it put my carving skills to the test, and I left the slopes definitively more confident in my abilities. 

As with most mountain resorts, Snowbasin tends to draw larger crowds over holiday weekends. If you can squeeze in a trip during the week, you’ll find the lift lines shorter and the runs less congested.

Where to Stay

Compass Rose Lodge

There’s currently no slopeside lodging at Snowbasin, but Huntsville, Utah, where you’ll find Compass Rose Lodge, is a 15-minute drive from the resort. The boutique hotel sits in the middle of the small, Hallmark-esque town, and it’s outfitted with a range of thoughtful amenities. The on-site coffee shop is convenient for an early morning pick-me-up before heading to the resort — guests receive a complimentary breakfast of juice, a breakfast bar, and Greek yogurt —  and the ski-themed lobby is ideal for remote working or relaxing with your travel companions after a day on the slopes. 

The Grand America Hotel

Staying overnight in Salt Lake City is also an option, but you’ll need to set your alarm a bit earlier to be one of the first on the mountain. The Grand America Hotel, sibling property to Snowbasin, is arguably the most luxe choice for a ski weekend — with traditionally decorated rooms, an indoor pool, and 24-hour room service. 

Where to Eat

Earl’s Lodge

Earl’s Lodge is one of the first structures you notice at Snowbasin. The magnificent mountain lodge is even more impressive when you get inside and discover the contrast of the handcrafted logwork with the dramatic Italian chandeliers. Given its location at the resort’s base, it’s ideal for fueling up before your first run or enjoying a station-style lunch. The Cinnabar is another meal option inside the lodge — and it’s here where you’ll find the aforementioned fondue. 

Needles Lodge

Take the Needles Gondola to Needles Lodge, drop your gear off outside, and step indoors for nachos, burgers, pizza, and hearty soups, all paired with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valley. On a bluebird day, grab a cocktail from The Overlook bar and make your way to the patio outside.

John Paul Lodge

The chicken and waffles at John Paul Lodge are high on Clayton’s list, but the food is far from the main event at the sky-high establishment. The Bavarian-style entrees, including bratwurst and a chicken schnitzel melt, come second only to the views. The lodge looks across all of Snowbasin, so even if you aren’t having lunch here, you’ll still want to take the lift up for the experience. 

Where to Après-ski

The Cinnabar

Snowbasin’s après-ski scene is relatively limited. The Cinnabar in Earl’s Lodge, however, is hosting live music from 3 to 6 p.m. on the weekends this season. Local artists, a well-deserved drink, and bubbling fondue? There’s no better way to end a powder day. 

Shooting Star Saloon

If you plan on continuing your après-ski activities after 6 p.m., you’ll need to head off the mountain — specifically to Huntsville. Clayton’s pick is the Shooting Star Saloon, a cash-only landmark housed in a building from the 1850s; it’s purportedly the oldest continually operated saloon west of the Mississippi. Grab a booth or saddle up to the bar, tuck into a burger, and wrap up the day with a game of pool.

How to Ride

Tickets

Adult full-day lift tickets start at $169 during the week and increase to $219 over holidays and weekends. Book tickets at least seven days in advance if you want the best price; you can pick them up at the mountain upon arrival. Snowbasin also offers a season pass (called the Premier Pass) and accepts the Mountain Collective pass, which allows two free days plus unlimited half-price single-day lift tickets after that. Snowbasin is also on the Ikon Pass, and pass holders have seven days of unrestricted access (there are a few blackout dates) and can use a “friends and family” discount on window tickets up to 10 times. 

Rentals

Snowbasin’s rental shop is conveniently located at the base of the mountain, steps from the Needles Gondola and John Paul Express lift. To ensure your gear is ready to go – and you don’t waste any precious time waiting around — reserve your rentals in advance. If you’re already in the area, you can pick everything up between 3 and 5 p.m. the day before your reservation.

Skiing

Snowbasin has 13 lifts — including a high-speed quad, two gondolas, and a tram — to reach its 115 runs, which are spread across distinct zones: Needles, Strawberry, and John Paul. The base area is already at 6,450 feet, and the top elevation reaches 9,465 feet, resulting in a vertical drop of just over 3,000 feet. 

If you’re searching for a beginner-friendly ski resort in Utah, look elsewhere (I suggest Deer Valley). There are only 10 green runs on the entire mountain, and they’re all found in the Needles area. If you do find yourself at Snowbasin and you’re uneasy on your skis or board — or you want to get in a few warmup runs — Clayton recommends sticking to Little Cat with its “wide and very gentle slopes… [and] great views.” For those comfortable taking it up a notch or two, she says that Main Street, a blue run in the Strawberry area, should be perfect for your skillset thanks to its “rolling and wide daily grooming.” 

While there are well over 30 blue pistes at Snowbasin, the majority of the runs are black. That said, those who are right at home on any kind of terrain should explore the John Paul area. “No Name is one of the greatest runs,” says Clayton. “It starts wide open, sort of like a bowl, and funnels you down through the trees.” Of course, if you want to say you’ve skied Olympic-level terrain, the incredibly steep Grizzly Downhill and Wildflower Downhill can be accessed via the John Paul Express lift. 

Programming

Although Snowbasin’s terrain isn’t ideal for kickstarting your ski or snowboarding career, the resort does have an incredible offering for those who are genuinely interested in learning the ropes. The three-year Learn & Earn program is specifically created for adults and children over 4 who have never skied or snowboarded. Prioritizing affordability and inclusivity, the package includes rental gear for the entirety of the season, a season pass (no blackout dates), and group lessons — although the exact offerings are based on where the participant is in the program. The total cost comes out to $699 for Year 1, $799 for Year 2, and $899 for Year 3 — around $2,000 in total savings for adults and $1,300 for children. 

The Ski and Ride School also has private and group lessons for kids and adults, and the team works with Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports (OVAS) to provide adaptive lessons.