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

Located on Interstate 15, just 35 miles north of Salt Lake City, the Ogden area is the perfect destination for high adventure play, laid-back downtown exploration, and group getaways. You can fly directly into Ogden-Hinckley Airport, where Breeze Airways offers convenient service between Ogden and Orange County, California. Flying in and out of Ogden has never been easier! Rental cars are available through Young Subaru and Hertz for exploring the area at your own pace.

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

Plenty of historic inns, charming B&Bs, vacation rentals, and traditional hotels are in the vicinity, both in the city of Ogden and 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.

Snowbasin: Located only 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, Snowbasin Resort combines 3,000 acres of world-class skiing, luxurious lodges, and award-winning dining. The resort opened in 1940 and is one of the oldest operating ski areas in the United States. A host of the 2002 Olympic Games’ Downhill, the resort offers terrain for all skill levels, from steep chutes to long, groomed runs.

Powder Mountain: They guarantee an uncrowded skiing experience with 8,464 skiable acres. Limited daily and season passes help preserve its uncrowded feel, while expansive terrain, guided adventures, and unique lift systems offer access to amazing guided adventures and use unconventional lifts like buses, snowcats, and human power to access untouched, pristine Utah powder snow.

Nordic Valley: Offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with terrain for all skill levels. Its small-resort feel, beginner-friendly runs, and mountain-wide night skiing make it a great option for families and skiers looking for a relaxed experience.

When choosing a destination to ski, après offerings should be as important as the resort you pick. 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.

You 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.