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.