Snowbasin Resort is gearing up for its 85th season, and General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Davy Ratchford recently joined The Ogden Wire podcast to share what guests can expect this winter. From major infrastructure upgrades to the philosophy that drives the resort's success, here's your complete guide to making the most of Snowbasin this season.
Major Upgrades Transform the Guest Experience
The star of this season's improvements is the completely reimagined Becker Chairlift. The historic lift, which previously took approximately 13 minutes as a slow triple chair, has been replaced with a high-speed quad that reduces ride time to just 6 minutes. This upgrade provides quick access to the Strawberry side of the mountain and works in perfect harmony with the DeMoisy Express lift installed two years ago.
But the Becker replacement brought another game-changing improvement. The new tower placements allowed Snowbasin to completely redesign Bear Hollow, the central convergence point where skiers of all abilities meet. Ratchford describes the Bear Hollow expansion as something that "will blow your mind," dramatically improving safety and flow for both beginners learning the ropes and advanced skiers moving through the area.
RFID Technology Simplifies Your Day
This season introduces RFID scanning technology throughout the resort. Keep your pass in your jacket, and you'll glide through scanners without fumbling around for your pass or tickets. Ratchford recommends uploading your photo to the website in advance and swapping your media on weekends before opening day to avoid lines.
World-Class Snowmaking Gets Even Better
Snowbasin has invested heavily in its already impressive snowmaking system. While it may not be the flashiest upgrade, this behind-the-scenes work ensures the resort can open reliably and maintain exceptional conditions throughout the season, even when Mother Nature needs a little help.
What Makes Snowbasin Special
When asked what sets Snowbasin apart, Ratchford points to three things: service, amenities, and experience. The resort opens at 8:05 AM instead of 9:00 when conditions allow. Free parking without reservations remains a cornerstone of accessibility. The team culture focuses on creating "an experience of a lifetime" for every guest.
Ratchford emphasizes that the resort's rankings (including back-to-back years in the top spots from SKI Magazine readers) come down to one thing: people genuinely love the place. With legendary lodges built for the 2002 Olympics, award-winning dining at elevation, and some of the longest groomed runs in Utah, the attention to detail shows in every aspect of the operation.
Must-Do Experiences
For first-time visitors, Ratchford suggests riding the John Paul lift to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in skiing. At the top, you'll find the Olympic downhill runs from 2002, which remain active today. Snowbasin is one of only three resorts in America where you can ski actual Olympic downhill courses, and these runs will host athletes again in 2034.
Looking Ahead
A new 200-seat base area building is coming online this spring, providing additional seating, restrooms, and space for families while their kids are in ski school. As Snowbasin prepares for the 2034 Olympics, Ratchford notes something remarkable: the resort could host the games tomorrow if needed, thanks to the world-class infrastructure already in place.
After a day on the mountain, Ratchford recommends unwinding at Cinnabar with their potato skin nachos and new French onion soup, then heading down to Ogden's historic 25th Street for dinner and drinks. His personal favorite? Table 25's stroganoff.
Snowbasin is located just 45 minutes from Salt Lake International Airport and about 20 minutes from Ogden Airport (with direct Breeze Airlines flights from John Wayne Airport in Orange County). With the most parking of any ski resort in America, all completely free and without reservations, accessibility remains a core value.
As Ratchford puts it, "Our worst day is a guest's best day ever." That philosophy, combined with 85 years of mountain heritage and ongoing investment in infrastructure, makes Snowbasin a destination worth experiencing this winter.
