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, planning to open in 100 days or less, are located 30 minutes from Ogden which is also home to dozens of locally owned restaurants and shops.

“Skiing in Ogden is absolutely incredible,” stated Sydnie Furton with Visit Ogden. “At Snowbasin you get amazing 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 flexibility to spend extra cash on more experiences.

Opening in December, the Compass Rose Lodge will be Ogden Valley’s newest hotel. This 15-room boutique 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 farther 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

Snowbasin’s mountain operations team worked over the summer grading and widening the existing Mt. Ogden Bowl Road, creating a more consistent pitch that will enable earlier grooming in the season to provide intermediate-level skiers and riders with a better experience coming down from John Paul Lodge.

The team also completed the first stage of a renovation to Earl’s Lodge, located at the base of the mountain. The first stage expands seating in the Cinnabar, allowing more guests to enjoy the full bar and gastro pub-style food while listening to live music on the weekends. This renovation is the start to a couple year renovation expanding seating in the lodge.

From December to April, snow enthusiasts flying Alaska Airlines into Salt Lake International can ski, snowboard or take a scenic gondola for free at Snowbasin Resort within 24 hours of landing at the Salt Lake International Airport Tuesday through Thursday. The motto is “Fly Alaska, Ski Free.”

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. Roosters Brewing Co. has been brewing beer out of its restaurant on Historic 25th Street since 1995. This fall, it will open a brewery in West Ogden, near the home of Enve Composites and other recreation/cycling manufacturers. Located adjacent to the Ogden River Parkway, the site features a mile of spur trail leading to the new brewery.

“When choosing a destination to ski, après offerings should be just as important as the resort you are picking,” stated Furton. “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.