Several weeks ago, I had my first experience skiing at Alta, Utah and quickly became addicted! I gave up my little snowboarding experience and traded it all in to switch to skiing. Because of my new found love of this sport, I was on the hunt to find another ski resort in Utah.
Luckily, I was stumbled onto Snowbasin and had the opportunity to visit and test out a couple of their runs, eat yummy food, and enjoy the ‘Snowbasin experience.’ Because of my very beginner status, I wanted to create a complete guide for all my fellow first-timers!
Where Is Snowbasin In Utah
Snowbasin is just a short, 45 minute drive from Salt Lake City. If you’re flying into town, I would fly into the SLC Airport and pick up your rental car from there. The exact address is 3925 Snow Basin Rd, Huntsville, UT 84317
Who Can Visit Snowbasin
Everyone! Different from Alta (where I skied the first time), Snowbasin allows both skiers and snowboarders to come and join the fun.
Where To Ski
Although there aren’t an overwhelming number of beginner runs, there is still plenty of space for you to practice/learn. The first place I would start is Powder Puff. You’ll jump onto Littlecat Express and ski/snowboard back down to the base. It’s the perfect length and difficulty level for all beginners skiers.
In addition, you can also take the Littlecat Express and ski back down through the terrain park. The terrain park has small hills and jumps for when you’re feeling a little bit more daring.
After you feel confident, take the Becker lift up to the top and enjoy the beginner/intermediate mountain terrain. It was a bit intimidating while riding the lift because of the length of the ride and how high up the mountain it was taking us.
However, I was very relieved once we started skiing that they had many sections that were labeled as “SLOW” and were family-friendly areas. Overall the run was pretty beginner friendly yet provided enough opportunity to really push yourself to get better.
Where To Eat At Snowbasin
I had someone DM on instagram after posting about my trip to Snowbasin and told me that she sometimes goes up to Snowbasin…just for the food!haha I’ve got to tell you, I can’t really blame her. With so many yummy options, it’s hard not to come just for the food.
There are three lodges on the resort that you’ll have the option to choose from. All have somewhat different choices, but you’ll for sure find something that your entire party will like.
Earl’s Lodge
This is the most popular lodge probably due to its’ location right at the base of the mountain. You can order anything ranging from soup, pizza, chicken fingers, cheese fries, etc. You also have you choice of hot beverages like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. It can get quite busy so if you can’t find a table, try looking outside on the patio or down in the basement.
Inside Earl’s Lodge you’ll also find the Cinnabar, a family-friendly dining room with “incredible gastro-pub style cuisine and a full complement of spirits, wine and local craft beers. Serving up lunch and après ski entertainment with free music Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3:30pm – 6:00pm.” You can find their menu here.
John Paul Lodge
A lot of beginners don’t know that they can go up to the John Paul Lodge because of the more experienced terrain you’ll encounter on your way back down. However, don’t let that stop you from enjoying their amazing Belgium waffles! You can simply ride back down on the lift once you’re done dining. Check out the full menu from the John Paul Lodge here.
Pro-tip- The John Paul Lodge offers an incredible view! If you’re a photographer or simply want a great photo, this would be a great spot.
Needles Lodge
To get to the Needles Lodge, you’ll need to take the gondola ride to the very top of the mountain. Similar to the John Paul Lodge, just ride back down if you don’t feel like you can ski/snowboard to the base of the mountain. The Needles Lodge offers a Grille/Pizza, Southwest & Pita, and a Salad & Soup Menu. Check out the full menu here.
Strawberry Cafe
You’ll find Strawberry Cafe at the base of the Strawberry Gondola. I would recommend stopping here if you’re looking for a quick stop just to refuel. You’ll find soups, sandwiches, pastries, and plenty of beverages that you can enjoy either inside the gondola ride on the way up or sitting at their outdoor picnic tables. See their full menu here.
Where To Stay
There are no options on the actual property of Snowbasin Resort where you can book a room/cabin, however you do have choices in the surrounding area.
If you’d like to stay in town, I’d book a hotel in Ogden, UT as that is the closest major city. You could also book a place in the nearby Huntsville Area like the Mountain Luxury Lodging and Lakeside Resort Properties, Wolf Creek Rentals, and the new Compass Rose Lodge.
Where To Park
Snowbasin does offer free parking to guests with a large parking lot adjacent to Earl’s Lodge. However, if you visit on a busy day and don’t make it up in the morning, plan on being directed to the overflow lot.
Luckily, there have shuttles working quickly to transport people back and forth from the parking lot to the resort. We only waited in line for 5 minutes before we were picked up.
Renting Gear
Usually as a beginner skier, you might not have gear that you’ve purchased quite yet. If that’s the case, Snowbasin Resort has on-site rentals for skiers and snowboarders. They are all really friendly and help you pick out the correct sizes for your boots, poles, etc. You can check gear rental prices here.
Lessons/Finding an Instructor-
Whether you’re looking for private lessons, youth programs, adult group lessons or even a women’s group, Snowbasin has got you covered. This resort offers lessons and classes that you can join if you’re looking for additional help. You can find more information here.
I hope your beginner experience at Snowbasin Resort will be as excellent as ours was!
Snowbasin Resort provided us passes and rentals. All opinions remain my own.
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