Winter Like A Local In Ogden, Utah

In 2023, Powder Mountain and Snowbasin ranked #1 and #2, respectively, in Ski Magazine’s Top 30 Ski Resorts in the West. Located at 9,000 feet, Powder Mountain is a unique top-down resort with expansive terrain and more than 9,000 acres to explore. For the easiest trip, take the UTA Ski Bus. If driving, use a four-wheel-drive vehicle, carry tire chains, and check road conditions before heading up. Always respect boundary markers, and join a complimentary daily resort tour at 10 a.m. to get familiar with the mountain.

North Fork Park is maintained throughout the winter by Ogden Nordic as the area’s premiere cross-country ski area with groomed trails for both traditional and skate skiers. It also attracts snowshoers, hikers and fat bikers.

The most important thing to remember at North Fork Park is to respect the designated areas for each activity. Never hike, snowshoe or fat bike on traditional cross-country ski trails. Fat bike tire width should be no less than 3.7 inches and pressures should be adjusted to existing snow conditions (2-4 psi for soft snow, 3-8 psi for hard snow) and avoid leaving ruts deeper than one inch.

Give any wildlife (particularly moose) encountered abundant space and keep dogs on leash and under control. Wild animals are already running on low reserves through the winter and any aggravation is incredibly taxing.

Keep any fires within designated areas and minimize their impacts.

Pineview Reservoir is a popular ice skating and ice fishing location once ice thickness reaches 4 inches. Let it get to 6 inches if you plan to use a snowmobile or ATV. Use no larger than an 8-inch auger for ice fishing holes, and be aware of your surroundings as Search & Rescue teams have been known to make larger holes for ice rescue training purposes.

Be prepared for prolonged exposure to cold temperatures and winds, particularly during early morning and evening hours.

Slow your roll through Ogden Canyon as it rarely sees direct sunlight during the winter. Icy conditions may exist, even on warm days and the narrow nature of the road means snow gets piled high from passing snowplows, reducing visibility around corners. Be especially alert of residents pulling out of narrow driveways.

Beware of that short line on your map connecting North Ogden and Liberty in Ogden Valley. It might look like the quickest way to North Fork Park, Nordic Valley or Powder Mountain, but it can get pretty sketchy. The road is incredibly steep, narrow, and winding and avalanche danger poses a real threat throughout the winter. If you’re intent on driving over North Ogden Divide, see the recommendations above for Powder Mountain Road…four-wheel drive, tire chains, low gear, etc.

The abundant lower elevation trails just east of Ogden and along the Ogden River can be inviting for those seeking less gear-intensive adventures in the winter. Even after large storms, the trails are typically packed down by users within a few hours. It’s always a good idea to have a pair of Yak-Tracks (or similar traction devices) in your pack. While trails in sun-exposed areas may be navigable with regular footwear, they are often iced up on north-facing slopes and can become more treacherous than expected.

Additionally, during thawing periods, sections of trail may become muddy. Avoid using trails when muddy if at all possible. If your winter hike unexpectedly comes upon a section of muddy trail, go “through” and not “around” so as not to inadvertently widen the trail or damage vegetation.

Most winter outdoor adventures in the Ogden area are going to end downtown…whether it’s strolling through our galleries and shops or enjoying a bit of après ski live music and food and drinks at our local watering holes.

Just keep this in mind: The Sun is far to the south during winter in Ogden. That means the shade from our historic buildings on the south side of our streets prevents the sun from ever hitting the sidewalk. It often warms snow on rooftops, only to cascade down and turn to ice below. Business and restaurant owners do their best to de-ice the areas in front of their buildings, but keep your eyes open for icy spots and stick to the sunny side of the street when possible.

If you can learn these nuggets of information, you’re halfway to being an Ogden local. To finish your journey, pay us a visit and let us treat you like one.