Posted: 11/02/2022
Three world-class ski resorts tucked in the Wasatch Mountains near Ogden, Utah, are hidden gems seeking to be discovered by outdoor-enthusiasts this winter season. Snowbasin Resort, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley Ski Resort, they are located 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 how 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:
Getting Here
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 to reach some incredible skiing in less than an hour.
Staying Here
Plenty of historic inns, charming B&Bs, funky vacation rentals and traditional hotels are in the vicinity, both in the city of Ogden or up the nearby canyons. Unlike most ski destinations, hotel prices drop on the weekend, 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 hotels 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 full list of accommodations at www.visitogden.com/places-to-stay.
Mountain News
Snowbasin
Located only 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, Snowbasin Resort combines 3,000 acres of world-class skiing with luxurious lodges and amenities. Steeped in history, 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 dining restaurants features a variety of cuisine from locally sourced ingredients in their five slopeside restaurants. For those who like luxury with their adventure, Snowbasin Resort offers both at an incredible value.
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 personal adventure within expansive boundaries. The resort also offers unique 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. Situated 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
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 just as important as the resort you are picking. 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 the area between Washington Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue from 24th to 26th streets. It is expected to extend west to Historic 25th Street, north to The Junction, and east into the East-Central neighborhood, connecting to hotels, shopping and dining.
Start planning your trip by visiting our trip planner.