The verdict is in! Snowbasin Resort was officially ranked the #1 ski resort in America for 2025. These rankings come from top industry media outlets like SKI Magazine’s 2025 Reader’s Resort Guide, USA TODAY’s 10Best, and Outside Magazine’s Top 50 Ski Resorts.
Around 45 minutes north of Salt Lake City between Huntsville and Ogden, Utah, Snowbasin spans over 3,000 acres and averages 325 inches of snowfall each year. It’s known for its Olympic legacy—having hosted the 2002 downhill events and set to host part of the upcoming 2034 Games.
If you’re wanting to experience the mountain that everyone’s talking about, here’s everything you need to know when planning your upcoming trip!
Lift Tickets, Lessons, and Rentals
Adult full-day passes range from $179 on weekdays to $229 on weekends and holidays, and youth, senior, and half-day options are available. All lift tickets can be purchased online with pre-purchased tickets picked up at Meadow Yurt by scanning the barcode from your confirmation email.
Enhance your performance and book a lesson at the award-winning Snow Sports School. They offer private and group lessons for all levels, including family private sessions, where a personal instructor tailors the experience to your family’s goals.
Head to the Grizzly Center if you still need gear, you’ll find top-tier Salomon equipment available to rent. They break it down into packages such as youth, basic, or demo, which range from $43–$74 per day. This includes everything from skis or boards to boots, poles, and helmets. Rentals can also be picked up the afternoon before your reservation!
Where to Stay
Unlike many major resorts, Snowbasin does not offer on-premise lodging. They like to focus more on a high-end mountain experiences paired with nearby lodging options. Depending on the experience you’re after, the nearby towns offer plenty of places to stay. Here are just a few to compare:
- Closest to the Slopes – Just 15 minutes away, the Compass Rose Lodge in Huntsville has boutique charm with 15 beautiful rooms and local touches like the HALO Observatory. But for a more romantic retreat, the Alaskan Inn and Spa, 20 minutes from the base of the mountain, offers private themed cabins and spa packages.
- Downtown Salt Lake City – Snowbasin Resort has two sister properties both located about 40 miles from the mountain.
- The Grand America Hotel – European elegance with handcrafted furnishings and fine dining at Laurel Brasserie & Bar.
- The Little America Hotel – Traditional ambiance with modern comfort and features an indoor/outdoor pool.
Getting There and Around
Accessibility is one of Snowbasin’s advantages and the resort has been repeatedly recognized for its ease of access. Once guests arrive, they can use five complimentary parking lots, including carpool-priority sections on weekends and holidays, and take free shuttles from the parking areas to the base. Snowbasin also partners with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), offering $10 round-trip fares with daily routes between Ogden, Davis County, and Huntsville.
The most important thing to consider is road closures. As the season and snowfall picks up, roads may become dangerous which will affect travel times. Keep an eye out in advance so you can plan accordingly.
Dining
After a few runs or a full day on the resort, Snowbasin offers six dining areas and two full-service restaurants.
- The Cinnabar – A warm lounge with gastropub-inspired plates and live music.
- Earl’s Lodge – The resort’s main lodge with an impressive selection of international cuisine.
- Needles Lodge – Accessible via the Needles Gondola and The Overlook offers elevated comfort food in their 21+ only restaurant.
- John Paul Lodge – A guest favorite for its panoramic views and hearty Bavarian-style meals.
But if you’re looking to finally escape the mountainside, head to Historic 25th Street in downtown Ogden to try top ranked restaurants according to Tripadvisor.
- Tona Sushi Bar & Grill is a Japanese eatery known for its inventive rolls and locally sourced ingredients.
- Slackwater Pub & Pizzeria serves up artisan pizzas, craft beers, and live music on weekends.
Plan For Your Goals
Snowbasin Resort continues to offer world-class skiing but prides itself on its genuine hospitality. With luxurious experiences for everyone, it’s worth checking out why it continues to be a top-ranked resort destination! If you’d like help reviewing your financial plan to accommodate more trips and a love for travel, we’re here to work with you!
Sources:
- https://www.snowbasin.com/
- https://www.snowbasin.com/discover/no-1-resort-in-america/
- https://www.skimag.com/ski-resort-life/resort-guide-2025/best-ski-resorts-united-states-2025/
- https://www.skimag.com/ski-resort-life/resort-guide-2025/the-top-30-ski-resorts-in-the-west-2025/
- https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-ski-resort/
- https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/best-ski-resorts-north-america/
- https://www.grandamerica.com/
- https://saltlake.littleamerica.com/
- https://www.visitogden.com/places-to-stay/
- https://www.femalefoodie.com/restaurant-reviews/best-ogden-restaurants/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g57090-d839218-Reviews-Tona-Ogden_Utah.html
- https://www.visitogden.com/directory/tona-sushi-bar-grill/
- https://www.visitogden.com/directory/slackwater-pub-pizzeria/
