The words “gem” and “secret” make frequent appearances in the reader comments about Snowbasin. That’s no shock, considering the resort’s location near Ogden is just far enough from the Cottonwoods and Park City to keep it out of the limelight, and its 3,000 vertical and 3,000 acres of uncrowded terrain make it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. There is plenty of grooming, but the secret to Snowbasin lies in exploring the snow beyond the corduroy. Check out the terrain off the Strawberry Express Gondola. It’s packed with mellow to advanced open slopes to practice your off-piste technique. At the end of the day, grub up at the excellent soup station in John Paul Lodge or the carvery at Earl’s Lodge at the base, both of which help the resort nab an impressive No. 3 for On-Mountain Food.  — Gavin Gibson

APRES SPOT >> In the nearby town of Huntsville, Utah, the Shooting Star Saloon serves up one of the best burgers around, and the post- ski scene is rowdy enough to entertain.

WHAT’S NEW >> The halfpipe is being moved to a new location, eliminating traffic problems at the bottom of the hill.

MANDATORY RUN >> The Olympic Grizzly Downhill is perfect for adventure seekers looking to test their skills. It’s a pure adrenaline rush from the top of the resort to the bottom.