Does Ogden, Utah Skiing Live Up to the Hype?

The State of Utah’s phased approach to lifting stay-at-home restrictions allows businesses to resume operations under state, county and municipal health guidelines while allowing each business to determine their own timeline and policies. Please refer to the State and County guidelines at http://www.webermorganhealth.org/coronavirus/ for a complete list of recommendations and requirements.

The skiing and snowboarding around Ogden, Utah has been featured prominently by National Geographic Adventure, Outside, Backcountry, Powder, Ski Magazine, Esquire, USA Today, the Boston Globe, Thrillist, and countless other reputable publications. But does it really live up to the hype? 

Here are 6 Reasons to avoid an Ogden, Utah trip this winter.

1. Too much snow.

The 500+ inches of annual snowfall isn’t just confined to Snowbasin and Powder Mountain. Around Ogden, they expect you to actually drive in the stuff! Unless, of course, you utilize the Ski Bus service from downtown which drops you off right at the front of each resort. But if you’re not wrestling your gear across a snow-covered parking lot, does it even really count as skiing?

2. Lift lines are too short.

Unless you ski every day, you probably need that time spent in long lift lines between runs to catch your breath and let your legs recover. The problem with skiing around Ogden is that they get you back to the top of the mountain too quickly.

3. Lack of overpriced boutiques.

Ogden has a shortage of stores selling faux cowboy hats. If you want to stroll the streets in a cowboy hat, they make you purchase it at an actual farm and ranch store…and since it’s the real deal, there’s a good chance that a local rancher will stop you on the street and ask if you got your last crop of hay in before the freeze. Oh, and don’t even attempt to find those furry boots around Ogden.

4. Other visitors often mistake you for a local.

Since everyone treats you like a local around Ogden, other out-of-towners will probably ask you for directions or recommendations. Keep the Yelp!, TripAdvisor, and Google apps open on your phone, or study the Visit Ogden website so you don’t get caught off guard.

5. Tendency to overeat and drink too much.

If you plan on spending your normal ski trip food and drink budget in Ogden, expect to gain weight. The affordability and range of options for après ski sustenance means you won’t be cutting corners or calories.

6. Too accessible.

With the SLC International Airport located less than 40 miles from Ogden, you won’t have that “quality time” in the car with your family and friends. Chances are, you won’t even have time to figure out the good radio stations.