Snowbasin’s tagline is “A Sun Valley Resort,” to tout its connection to owner Earl Holding’s more glamorous destination. It just as easily could be “The best resort you’ve never skied.” Readers seem befuddled by all the space, with one asking, “Where is everyone?” Probably in Little Cottonwood Canyon, trying to find a secret stash. Snowbasin is a secret stash. “Unbelievable snow and skiing, with zero crowds,” a reader applauds. With nearly 3,000 acres and 3,000 vertical feet, Snowbasin delivers the goods without the fuss: There isn’t any lodging or even a traditional base village, and the nearest social options, such as they are, are in Ogden, 15 miles distant. “No place to relax,” is a common complaint. One certainly can relax with friends over a gourmet lunch in the “crazy-luxurious daylodge,” a vestige of the 2002 Winter Olympics. “Broke a leg here in 2002,” a reader says. “Been back every year since.”
/ What’s New / Twenty new features—many of them constructed from recycled material—will be added to the three progressive terrain parks; The Winter Dew Tour lands Jan 15–17.
/ Don’t Miss / The blue cheese fondue in the Cinnabar Lounge. Check out the marbled bathrooms on the way.
/ Mandatory Run / How many chances do you get to ski an Olympic racecourse? Hit the Grizzly Downhill and imagine the cheering crowds.
