Why Ogden, Utah, is the Best Place to Plan Your Winter Getaway This Year

Snowbasin Resort, Powder Mountain, and Nordic Valley Ski Resort are only 30 minutes from Ogden, home to dozens of locally owned restaurants and shops.

“Skiing in Ogden is incredible,” stated one visitor. “At Snowbasin, you get breathtaking views of the Great Salt Lake, the aspen runs at Powder Mountain are approachable for all skiing levels, and Nordic Valley is perfect for those learning to ski and ride. This is the perfect place to ski no matter your ability.”

Here is what visitors need to know and what they can look forward to when planning a winter vacation to Ogden, Utah:

Located 35 minutes south of Ogden, the Salt Lake International Airport is a Delta hub with service from most major airlines. Once on the ground, visitors can pick up a rental car, catch an uberSKI, or hop on the FrontRunner train to reach some incredible skiing in less than an hour.

Plenty of historic inns, charming B&Bs, funky vacation rentals, and traditional hotels are in the vicinity, both in the city of Ogden or nearby canyons. Unlike most ski destinations, hotel prices drop on weekends, giving visitors cash for more experiences.

The Compass Rose Lodge is a must-see when staying in Ogden Valley. This boutique-style hotel is one of two in the country built around a high-tech telescope where guests can explore Ogden Valley’s nearby International Dark-Sky Park in great detail. Views of the rings of Saturn or Jupiter's Galilean Moons and spectacular deep-sky objects, including galaxies, nebulae, and globular clusters, await those seeking to peer into space. Visitors can even take a snapshot of the galaxy home with them.

See the complete list of accommodations at www.visitogden.com/places-to-stay.

Snowbasin

Located only 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, Snowbasin Resort combines 3,000 acres of world-class skiing with luxurious lodges and amenities. The resort opened in 1940 and is one of the oldest operating ski areas in the United States. It proudly hosted the 2002 Olympic Games’ Downhill, Combined, and Super-G races. Snowbasin Resort’s uncrowded slopes offer adventure seekers of all abilities wide open bowls, steep chutes, evergreen forested gullies, and beautiful, long rolling groomers. The resort’s majestic lodges feature stunning views, grand fireplaces, and marble finishes. To top off the experience, Snowbasin Resort’s award-winning restaurants feature a variety of cuisine from locally sourced ingredients in their five slopeside restaurants. Snowbasin Resortoffers both at an incredible value for those who like luxury with their adventure.

Powder Mountain

Powder Mountain guarantees an uncrowded skiing experience by capping day passes to 1,500 per day and season passes at 3,000. These caps mean skiers can experience the grandeur of the most spacious ski area in the United States, with 8,464 skiable acres. Without the crowds, Powder Mountain offers a unique opportunity for skiers and riders of all levels to experience their adventure within expansive boundaries. The resort also offers amazing guide adventures and uses unconventional lifts like buses, snowcats, and human power to access untouched, pristine Utah powder snow.

Nordic Valley

Built in 1968, Nordic Valley is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and small-resort feel. Between Snowbasin Resort and Powder Mountain, Nordic Valley offers a variety of skill levels to accommodate each skier and snowboarder. Approximately 20 percent of the mountain is appropriate for beginners, 50 percent for intermediate skiers, and 20 percent for advanced skill levels. Nordic Valley also offers night skiing with 100 percent of the mountain under the lights.

Après is a staple in Ogden. Visitors can enjoy local restaurants, music, and attractions that can’t be found anywhere else. Downtown Ogden is continuously expanding with new restaurants, bars, and shops, some of which are in areas of revitalization and development.

When choosing a destination to ski, après offerings should be as important as the resort you pick. Après is a staple in Ogden. This is the time to enjoy local food, support local musicians, and discover your home away from home.

Visitors can also enjoy murals and local art in the up-and-coming Nine Rails Creative District. The Nine Rails Creative District is between Washington Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue from 24th to 26th Street. It is expected to expand west to Historic 25th Street, north to The Junction, and east into the East-Central neighborhood, connecting to hotels, shopping, and dining.

You can start planning your trip by visiting our trip planner.