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An iconic destination

History of Snowbasin Ski Resort

A wealth of winter activities for visitors of all ages and skill levels.

Snowbasin Ski Resort is an iconic destination in the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah, and has been part of the skiing landscape since 1940. Located just 40 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, Snowbasin offers a wealth of winter activities for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Its unique combination of stunning scenery, world-class facilities, and first-rate ski terrain has long made it a favorite among winter sports fans.

Early History

The history of Snowbasin Ski Resort is as old as the Wasatch Mountains themselves, with the area’s first settlers arriving in Utah in 1847. The early pioneers quickly recognized the immense potential of these mountains for outdoor recreation, and the Snowbasin area became an increasingly popular destination for skiers and snowboarders.

In 1940, the Wasatch Ski Club opened Snowbasin as a ski area. The club operated it for nearly two decades before selling it to Earl Holding in 1956.

Under Holding’s leadership, Snowbasin was transformed into one of the premier winter resorts in North America. He invested heavily in infrastructure and equipment upgrades, making Snowbasin one of the best-equipped ski resorts in the region. It also became known for its excellent and well-maintained slopes, which were designed to provide a challenging and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Snowbasin Ski Resort Through The Years

In the 1990s, Snowbasin began to invest in its infrastructure and facilities even further. A new high-speed tramway was built in 1997, connecting the resort with nearby Ogden Valley. This allowed visitors from all over Utah and beyond to easily access the slopes of Snowbasin without having to drive up a winding mountain road.

In 2000, Snowbasin became the site of the Olympic alpine events. This increased its international recognition and saw a dramatic increase in visitors from all over the world. Over the years, more than $100 million has been spent on improving and expanding its facilities and amenities. Today, Snowbasin Ski Resort offers more than 3,000 acres of ski terrain, four terrain parks, over 50 runs, and world-class snowmaking capabilities.

In 2002, Snowbasin was chosen to host the giant slalom and super-G events of the 2002 Winter Olympics. The resort rose to the occasion, providing world-class terrain and facilities for athletes from all over the globe. Even after the Olympics were over, Snowbasin continued to attract a wide variety of winter sports fans thanks to its excellent ski runs, terrain parks, and other amenities.

Snowbasin is also home to a variety of unique shops and restaurants, as well as an expansive mountain village complete with a luxurious spa and lodging options for all budgets. In 2020, Snowbasin opened the Needles Gondola, the biggest ski lift in Utah. The gondola provides a breathtaking view of the Wasatch Mountains and is a great way to access Snowbasin’s incredible terrain.

The Resort Today

Today, Snowbasin Ski Resort is owned by Alta Ski Lifts Inc., an international firm that owns several other ski areas around the world. It remains one of Utah’s most popular resorts, drawing thousands of visitors every year from all across the globe.

Snowbasin offers a wide range of activities for its guests, including skiing and snowboarding, tubing and sledding, as well as a variety of family-friendly activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. The resort also features a number of retail stores and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.

The resort has become especially well-known for its award-winning winter sports events. It was the site of the alpine skiing events for the 2002 Winter Olympics and hosts a variety of annual competitions, such as the USASA Snowboard Nationals and the World Pro Ski Tour.

Snowbasin is also known for its commitment to sustainability. It has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including using efficient snow-making equipment and adopting renewable energy sources as part of its operations.

With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Snowbasin Ski Resort remains an iconic destination for skiers and snowboarders alike. With its stunning natural beauty, world-class facilities, and top-notch winter sports events, the resort continues to draw visitors from all over the world. Snowbasin truly is an experience like no other.

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