46 replies to this topic

[skisolitude]

While I was there, I heard that Solitude has plans to replace the apex/powderhorn lifts with a continuous high speed quad with an angle station. (This should happen in the next few years.) Mr. DeSeelhorst has spent most of his effort and money on the village, so it will be nice to see him significantly upgrade the mountain for a change.

[defence2]

Skier, on May 21 2007, 12:35 AM, said:

Not that "extraordinary" if you ask me. There are areas with much higher percentages of high speed lifts.

You are very correct in this statement, but the way Snowbasin is set up means that you will only be taking the high speed quads and gondolas to all the worthwhile terrain.

[SkiBachelor]

However, it also has one of the best lift systems for the amount of skier visits it receives.

Most ski areas get a high-speed lift with 150,000 to 200,000 skier visits.

[JustJeepIt]

defence2, on May 21 2007, 03:48 PM, said:

You are very correct in this statement, but the way Snowbasin is set up means that you will only be taking the high speed quads and gondolas to all the worthwhile terrain.

True, but a trip up Becker (Tripple) then a quick ski down to Middle Bowl (Tripple) and hopping on her will take you up to some very very nice area as well

If most folks focus on the High Speed Quad and Gondolas, then that'll mean the old classic tripples (Beck, Wildcat, when running, Middlebowl, and Porky) will have shorter lines and I'll stay on those four.

As for the expierence, yes it is true that Snowbasin is 45 min away from SLC (thank goodness for Trappers Loop, otherwise it would be about an hour and 30 min) I have found the skiing conditions to be better at Snowbasin then most of the Canyon resorts.

[defence2]

JustJeepIt, on May 21 2007, 10:57 PM, said:

True, but a trip up Becker (Tripple) then a quick ski down to Middle Bowl (Tripple) and hopping on her will take you up to some very very nice area as well

If most folks focus on the High Speed Quad and Gondolas, then that'll mean the old classic tripples (Beck, Wildcat, when running, Middlebowl, and Porky) will have shorter lines and I'll stay on those four.

As for the expierence, yes it is true that Snowbasin is 45 min away from SLC (thank goodness for Trappers Loop, otherwise it would be about an hour and 30 min) I have found the skiing conditions to be better at Snowbasin then most of the Canyon resorts.

Yeah I only visited once so I am not away of the powder spots, but I had a fantastic time on the gondola accessed terrain. I'd say the snow is somewhere in between what park city gets and what alta gets. Maybe not quite as many epic dumps, but youll probably get some nice powder beacuse of the lack of crowds. For those who like fancy lodges and good food Snowbasin is also surely to impress. The other thing one cannot forget about is the fact that while Snowbasin takes longer to access, the drive is far less dangerous and harrowing as the rides through the canyon.

[boardski]

I have now been to Snowbasin twice and had a great time both times. The first time, it was recommended to us by a friend of my Mom's. I was reluctant to go because I had not heard of it before and was under the impression that it was a small resort without much expert terrain. I was completely wrong! I enjoyed skiing Strawberry bowl on the first visit and then over to John Paul Express for many laps in the afternoon. The second visit, it was snowing and blowing so bad I could not see the snowboard I was standing on in Strawberry bowl or my hand in front of my face either but the visibility was a little better over on John Paul. I also enjoyed the runs off Middle Bowl. I now make sure to visit this area each time I go to Utah (I live in Colorado).

[defence2]

There was a recent article about the real growth of Ogden as a ski town. At the moment it is a great, cheap place to stay and be close to the mountains. The article hailed it as the next big ski industry town. Next year, theres a chance that I will forgo the resorts of the cottonwood canyons, and just stay in ogden and enjoy both Snowbasin and Powder. Powder is certainly intruging, and I want to give it a try.