Snowbasin & /Powder Mountain

by Stacy Hickman

HOME EVENTS SKI TIPS WANT ADS GREAT SKIER LINKS SKI CLUBS RACING ADVERTISING EMPLOYMENT

The greatest snow on earth is the theme of Utah skiing. We had been to Park City several times, so we decided to ski the areas around Ogden, UT. Ogden is a small town, only 45 minutes from Salt Lake City. There are many inexpensive chain hotels in Ogden but I recommend either the Marriott or the Crowne Plaza. They are both beautiful hotels with large rooms, ski storage and walking distance to historic 25^th street. The Marriott offers more amenities(indoor pool, Jacuzzi, a better bar) than the Crowne Plaza.

Cars are a must if you are basing yourself in Ogden. They have no shuttle service to the ski areas. Most hotels have on site parking or free valet parking.

SKIING

Day 1 We decided to hit Snowbasin, which is owned by Sun Valley and was the host of the 2002 Olympic Alpine speed events and Paraolympic events. We hoped to match the tracks of the world's best skiers but the low snowfall left everything under the John Paul lift closed. However, Snowbasin offers quite a bit of beginner and intermediate terrain with just enough roll and pitch to make for a good day to ease into another ski season. Snowbasin is the ultimate destination for the intermediate skier/rider. Tons of cruisers and groomed long runs.

The main lift is a gondola featuring cars named after famous Olympic alpine skiing champions. The big question at Snowbasin is do I ride alone or with others in the gondola. There is never a lift line even on the weekends. I recommend the Needles Lodge at thetop of Middle Bowl for lunch or a snack. The lodge is less than a year old and has beautiful wood paneling, huge fireplace and elevators down to the lower level. The restaurant offers every meal a skier could want but the prices are a little steep.

The new day lodge at the base of Snowbasin is bound to give Deer Valley a run for its money. It features two restaurants, five fireplaces and beautiful views of the whole mountain. The room with the red chandelier is the bar but you must order food to order an alcoholic beverage.

Day 2 Since the snow at Snowbasin was not the greatest, we hit Alta since the local word was the best snow was at Alta. We picked up some discount tickets at a local ski shop and hit the slopes. The sun was shining and the snow was fresh. The connector to Snowbird was not open but upper and Lower Rustler was covered. It was a full day of leg burning skiing. We enjoyed a Happy Hour drink at the Goldminer's Daughter. A perfect day at this Utah legend.

Day 3 Return to Snowbasin. More terrain and lifts were available to ski but the snow conditions were icy and the wind was whipping the new snow off the runs. However, we did enjoy a half-day of skiing. Our main goal was to hit the night skiing at Powder Mountain.

Because of the low December snowfall, Powder Mountain was only open for night skiing. We arrived at 4:15pm for first tracks in the 8 inches of powder that fell overnight. Only the Sundown Lift was open.

Using the light from the beautiful sunset to guide us down the blanket of fresh white powder, we hit every run that was open. Basically, Powder Mountain is a local's heaven. Wooohooo! We skied until our East Coast ski legs couldn't take it anymore. Powder lived up to its name. We will return someday to enjoy all

of this friendly, old time ski mountain. I pray the developers don't ruin this gem. Utah's best kept secret. Don't tell.

EATING AND NIGHTLIFE

Odgen offers several good restaurants on Historic 25th street. Here are a few for you're dining pleasure. Athenian Restaurant is an authentic Greek restaurant which is so good especially the pastries. We had meals for under $10 a piece and couldn't eat another bite. If you want entertainment with you're your meal go Thursday nights for the belly dancing show. La Ferrovia Ristorante is a wonderful family run Italian restaurant. The cooking is southern Italian. Large portions, reasonable prices and friendly atmosphere. Try one of the daily specials.

Roosters 25^th Street Brewing Co is a microbrewery located on historic 25^th. It has an eclectic décor of wrought iron and razor wire, which contrasts with the stainless steel brewing, vats. It's famous for the Junction City Chocolate Brew(made with 6 varieties of malt) and Polygamy Pale Ale(you can't drink just one). If you don't believe me buy the T-shirt. The food was very good. They offer seafood, steak, pizzas and salads.

The Prairie Schooner Restaurant is a must see for anyone staying in Ogden. You dine in covered wagons, surrounding an outdoor prairie setting under the stars, while enjoying western music. They have a full service bar. They specialize in steaks but have a very good seafood menu. The steaks were excellent and everyone enjoyed the salmon and the King crab. Reservations are recommended. Even with the reservation you will have to wait, so enjoy a plate of the deep fried mushroom appetizer. One plate serves four people. Portions are large, so be sure to ask for a coyote bag for the leftovers.

There are several bars on historic 25^th street. Sadly, they were not very happening because early December is the slow season. However did manage to find one bar with a crowd and good music.

For live jazz and blues try Club Esquire in the former Ben Lomond Hotel or the premier jazz and blues club Beatniks. For live rock music check out Brewskis. If you are a Beatles fan check out the wall to wall paraphernalia at the City Club. All these are private clubs but you can purchase a membership for $5. They offer a bar menu for a bite to eat while enjoying live music.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

If you are tired of skiing or riding or looking for another adventure check these activities. Snowmobling-Red Rock outfitters offers snowmobling at Monte Cristo. They will scout out the best areas for the best snow. Curling-spend sometime learning Canada's favorite sport. You can set up a tournament for your group or learn with others at The Ice Sheet skating rink. Also, You can check on open ice skating times or catch a Weber State hockey game.

Utah is a great ski destination early season .

HOME EVENTS SKI TIPS WANT ADS GREAT SKIER LINKS SKI CLUBS RACING ADVERTISING EMPLOYMENT