Pow Mow Wow
Jack Kerouac became a literary iconoclast through his use of spontaneous prose.
Tom Waits built up a distinctive musical persona by growling out portraits of society’s forgotten people and places. Depending who you ask, Banksy is considered either a cutting-edge artist, a volatile political activist, or an unrepentant vandal. The thing is, each of these icons became icons because they chose a notoriously independent path and never wavered.
If these people were a place, it could easily be Ogden, Utah. If these guys were skiers or snowboarders, you’d probably find them at Powder Mountain.
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/winter_ogden_arch.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=5f936a2322e74b9617e28b312022264d 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/winter_ogden_arch.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=230d51b3b501449db4f0f4b7e0f9f1ab 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/winter_ogden_arch.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=121057a1dc7bba010ea8dff16dd71fab 768w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/winter_ogden_arch.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=d75728a3de1b8de7a4de1cae9d3977bc 1024w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/winter_ogden_arch.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=d456ec81da0b0b896c7682961a8705d1 1200w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/winter_ogden_arch.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1440&s=07e6a756be3f19f398e6b81d37b9db08 1440w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/winter_ogden_arch.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1920&s=a628e470c86efd51adc0f803a8ff1c12 1920w)
More than one travel writer has described Ogden as, “The Other Utah.” The same, famed “Greatest Snow on Earth” that falls on resorts with greater name recognition 40 miles to the south, falls on the 9,000-foot peaks that tower over Ogden. In terms of snow quality and terrain, it’s very much Utah. The “other” part derives from virtually everything else you’ll experience.
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/historic_25th_street_december_2016.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=def6c6aebc5011182f819227bec10373 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/historic_25th_street_december_2016.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=5c2036c26ca00aec029a01aca9140c98 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/historic_25th_street_december_2016.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=10b88186fc6513da565993c6b45c178c 768w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/historic_25th_street_december_2016.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=16abebdc29420313dcf11e556d52bfbb 788w)
In a world of chain restaurants, big box stores, and resort conglomerates proudly built on homogenized sameness, Ogden stands defiant and notoriously independent. Odds are pretty good that you’ll share a chairlift with the guy who owns the independent, downtown pizza joint whose satellite location will slide you a slice at lunch. Your next ride up the mountain could be with the girl who crafts the beer in one of the locally owned breweries that you’ll hit after the lifts shut down. The guy shredding that aggressive line beneath you could easily be the guitar player in the local band that you’ll be listening to in a dive bar later in the evening as you peel labels off of $2 longnecks.
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/powmow-skiutah-hr_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=b841bfaab8841db2dcad7d8f5ed75222 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/powmow-skiutah-hr_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=2c63ab19e6b7070d774276761ef67fa9 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/powmow-skiutah-hr_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=cc6d6fca2265d07159e5af53b70fc246 768w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/powmow-skiutah-hr_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=2ed30d9b4ee575e437bc79389b61ce22 800w)
Despite the cracked and peeling stickers on their cars, trucks, and guitar cases encouraging you to go away, or at least keep your mouth shut about the area, if you’re a semi-decent human being, these wannabe curmudgeons will embrace your presence and probably show you to some of their favorite stashes. In short, unless you make it clear that you want to be treated as an outsider, Ogden is going to assume you’re part of the community and treat you as such.
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/powmow-comeAlone-hr_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=a0c41b4393642f7432cacbd1aaecb7b7 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/powmow-comeAlone-hr_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=2beba4d65fc055cce968f798064a1c32 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/powmow-comeAlone-hr_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=77d4679c9a6de007f658a08efe596a8f 768w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/powmow-comeAlone-hr_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=ba59def1fc08e34338dd197573cf9542 800w)
You don’t get to Powder Mountain on a multi-lane interstate. You get there on a winding two-lane road that is so steep that professional cyclists in the Tour of Utah threatened to boycott the summer race if it ever included the climb again. Pow Mow is a top-down resort, meaning that you park at the top of the mountain with lift service back up after each run.
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/PowMowRoad_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=078522d8ccb7d5d25ac837e50da84694 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/PowMowRoad_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=6e950f864e209eeb50a7777337326526 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/PowMowRoad_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=f565f18baedaa580f02f43841210cd2f 768w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/PowMowRoad_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=9e534b579d1f2f24dcf908f17acf8b9c 800w)
From its 9,000-foot “base area” at what feels like the top of the world with four states visible below, you’ll believe you’re taking in its 8,464-acre expanse, but don’t be fooled. Much of the skiable terrain exists in hidden side canyons that are accessed via snowcat or skinning to earn your turns.
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/PowMowYurt_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=28beb7b1d7ff27a7815128bfdb8ba38d 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/PowMowYurt_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=156d5bef18f879a1abe1304b59fb3132 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/PowMowYurt_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=7ee36f2c239b5adbc5c05d0f7bc4078a 768w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/PowMowYurt_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=216e1a6e2e82c1929c0893dcc93cf150 800w)
First-timers should take advantage of the complimentary mountain tours offered by Pow Mow guides every day at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Meet up outside the Mountain Adventure Yurt. Once you’ve got the lay of the land, enjoy exploring the various open glades and skiable pockets of quaking aspen.
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Powder-Mountain-2016-2017-Ski-Season-Photo-Credit-Jeremiah-Watts-53_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=b90d932e03a5781ea5dd71e0ab26e5bc 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Powder-Mountain-2016-2017-Ski-Season-Photo-Credit-Jeremiah-Watts-53_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=afbd206ec899d21fa748660c8c1863fd 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Powder-Mountain-2016-2017-Ski-Season-Photo-Credit-Jeremiah-Watts-53_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=3ad0f487545204f5e2df1b6c0e5398d9 768w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Powder-Mountain-2016-2017-Ski-Season-Photo-Credit-Jeremiah-Watts-53_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=eb6391fa318e7751e3c0a748afb1d870 800w)
When the legs need a break and the lungs need a breather, pull up a chair in the Powder Keg…a chair, not an entire table. Make new friends at a shared table in this intimate pub and grill that will fill your belly with noodles in hot broth, freshly grilled burgers, and plenty of beer on tap. It will also fill your ears with live music most afternoons. On days when the powder is dumping…and there are several of these days…the Powder Keg is the place to hang out while the plows clear the road for your trip back down the mountain.
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Shooting-Star-Saloon.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=e7065ae3a519b841b16e130e28aa8047 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Shooting-Star-Saloon.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=2f27f3770f10cf5695b3337b0fe72c8c 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Shooting-Star-Saloon.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=032aa0d7f68a05a94c72000792312dff 768w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Shooting-Star-Saloon.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=2f934ea93d97fcf74b0ee154f5c5642c 800w)
Once your white-knuckle drive gets you back to Ogden Valley, you may be ready to hit either New World Distillery to pick up a bottle of locally crafted gin, vodka, or agave spirits (tequila), or Shooting Star Saloon…the oldest, continually operating saloon west of the Mississippi River. Yeah, they pretty much ignored the whole Prohibition era in Ogden Valley and kept pouring, hence the phrase. “the other Utah.”
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Social-Axe_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=f43c2085000308ba7e3d3b7f25488f39 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Social-Axe_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=1a3fb43ff0e4f4545c561f6ef7f2bbf4 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Social-Axe_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=4e15bbecf3f74a884ae1c335abbecadb 768w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Social-Axe_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=e888fcbb8facc545f20ea6e3245abf8c 800w)
Or keep heading down Ogden Canyon and back to town where independent dining, nightlife, music, and other entertainment options abound. Did someone say “competitive axe throwing?”
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Slackwater_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=ae0ee9f8d6ad93705d57f9af6c228ae7 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Slackwater_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=37661e153dba1567b45e2f78630a58af 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Slackwater_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=817818a32740da3674fb4f9d1a1aebab 768w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Slackwater_3e6430add3bc82ebbe3813f3071b7d3a.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=4c13479664471d77765450df8677a532 800w)
If you want to hook up with some of the new friends you met on the mountain, your best bet is probably Slackwater. This locals’ favorite has the largest beer selection in the area (over 300) as well as some of the best food and live music in town. If you’re wanting to switch things up, head to Tona for what is consistently recognized as the best sushi in the state of Utah, or Hearth on 25th for locally sourced, gourmet wild game dishes and signature cocktails.
![](https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/25th_high_res_file.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=f6459734bf41888386c52a6573c7f3a4 320w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/25th_high_res_file.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=793ffbb17e34454a0388ccef2f8cabc9 540w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/25th_high_res_file.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=5859d493b9277d43e1a3ada85537b5bf 768w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/25th_high_res_file.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1024&s=d1135fe57f1538ff5310bd506a34d805 1024w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/25th_high_res_file.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=4de66998542c0e235508c7788dd2a593 1200w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/25th_high_res_file.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1440&s=35e5d1855d0b4517fb30f8814e4ea84b 1440w, https://visit-ogden.imgix.net/images/25th_high_res_file.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1920&s=162de0d899fccc51848a264c9d9d3209 1920w)
Whatever you do, spend some time exploring Ogden’s Historic 25th Street. During the rough and tumble days of passenger rail travel, the street was home to bootleggers, gamblers, and prostitutes. While the gambling halls, brothels, and opium dens have faded away, there’s still plenty of grit to be experienced in the eclectic mix of art galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars ranging from swanky to dive.
Lodging around Ogden runs the gamut from national hotel chains to boutique properties to vacation rentals by owner. VisitOgden.com is the best place to check available lodging, dining, and entertainment options. How convenient that you’re already here!
If you’re looking for a ski/snowboard vacation that is like everybody else’s, we could point you to dozens of destinations that will satisfy. If you’re looking to take your own path and write your own story, we welcome you to Notoriously Independent Ogden, Utah.
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