Small Utah Resort Offers Big Family Fun

Small Utah Resort Offers Big Family Fun
Gondolas take skiers to the top of the mountain at the Snowbasin Resort in Ogden, Utah. (Margot Black)
1/2/2022
Updated:
1/5/2022

For learning how to snowboard and ski, Snowbasin is the perfect resort to make winter-sports lovers out of your whole family. Nestled behind Mount Ogden in Utah, it’s easily accessible from both Ogden and Salt Lake City.

From their single-day lessons to their three-year Learn & Earn program, Snowbasin offers award-winning programs for all ages and ability levels. The Learn & Earn Program features a season-long instruction package that includes three lessons, a seasonal rental package, and a season pass upon completion.

My teenage son took snowboarding lessons and was soon zipping around on his own. My ski lessons were with Jay, a retired Air Force colonel with more than 37 years of skiing experience under his belt. His passion for the sport, coupled with his bountiful enthusiasm and encouragement, made the lesson all the more rewarding. We both felt safe exploring the terrain in high-quality rental gear.

The author's son tries snowboarding at the Snowbasin Resort in Ogden, Utah. (Margot Black)
The author's son tries snowboarding at the Snowbasin Resort in Ogden, Utah. (Margot Black)

One aspect that distinguishes Snowbasin from other resorts our family has visited is that it’s set up to ensure that you enjoy your learning time in comfort and with convenience. Ample bathrooms and abundant space to get your gear and meet up with your group are among the details that made a big impact on our overall experience.

Additionally, fewer crowds come to Snowbasin Resort compared to the other larger resorts in Utah. It’s reassuring to know that you'll be spending way more time on the slopes than standing in lift lines. This effortless appeal is precisely what makes the resort such an ideal place for learning and exploration. Three excellent mountain lodges are visually stunning, complete with Italian Murano chandeliers that frame the windows as you gaze out onto the slopes.

Skiers prepare for a lesson with Jay at the Snowbasin Resort in Ogden, Utah. (Margot Black)
Skiers prepare for a lesson with Jay at the Snowbasin Resort in Ogden, Utah. (Margot Black)

The mountain town of Ogden provided just the right atmosphere to make the most out of our first-time vacation in Utah. If you’re looking for a community where you can base your learning, this small town has big benefits.

Ogden is easy to navigate while being fun to explore, and because it’s so easily manageable, it provides a big payoff to families who want to commit to learning how to ski and snowboard. Because the roads were so well maintained, driving to Snowbasin from Ogden was super easy even though it was snowing.

The culinary highlight of our trip was definitely indulging in the gourmet food from Hearth on 25th, one of Ogden’s most upscale restaurants. The menu here explodes with creativity and a diverse variety of foods to sample. I enjoyed my sparkling lavender-flavored cocktail alongside a sensational vinegar and olive oil tasting, and the braised lamb shank and king salmon with honey balsamic glaze were off-the-charts delicious. This farm-to-fork family restaurant is a treasure.

When You Go

We flew into Ogden on Avelo Airlines (AveloAir.com) and stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites Ogden (Hilton.com/en/hotels/ogduthx-hampton-suites-ogden). A gym, hot tub, and breakfast made the hotel an ideal spot for a family.

Hearth on 25 Restaurant: Hearth25.com

Union Grill: UnionGrillOgden.com

Margot Black is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at Creators.com. Copyright 2022 Creators.com

Margot Black is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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