Of all the ski towns in Utah, Ogden may be the best-kept secret. Located north of Salt Lake City, Ogden is a small, historic town with three fabulous ski resorts: Powder Mountain, Snowbasin and Nordic Valley. Situated about 20 minutes from Downtown Ogden, the resorts are within close proximity of each other. Skiers, like this Los Angeles TravelingMom, can enjoy uncrowded slopes on 12,000-plus acres of ski-able terrain. Another perk: there are many unique and fun things to do in Ogden, Utah beyond the ski slopes.
Where to Ski & Play in Ogden, Utah
From Los Angeles, it’s a 90-minute flight to Ogden, Utah. Downtown is just minutes away. For me, that means quick and easy access to three diverse ski resorts in Utah. I’ve skied most of Utah’s resorts and enjoy each for its special features. Ogden is lesser known than Park City, offering a more intimate experience. But that doesn’t mean sacrificing fabulous skiing. Plus, there are a lot of fun things to do in Ogden, Utah after a day on the slopes.
I was pleasantly surprised to find there are many fun things to do in Ogden after a day on the slopes. Not only that, but the resorts offer fun activities year-round. Hiking, biking, summer concerts, disc golf and more make Ogden a year-round destination.
Fun Things to do in Ogden on the Slopes
Powder Mountain, Snowbasin, and Nordic Valley have over 12,000 acres of amazing skiable terrain. Traveling with a small group of friends from L.A., we skied one day at each resort.
1. Find Your Ski Legs at Nordic Valley Ski Resort
2. Skiing & Festive Apres-Ski Scene at Snowbasin
3. Make Fresh Tracks at Powder Mountain
1. Find Your Ski Legs at Nordic Valley Ski Resort
Among the smallest ski resorts in Utah, Nordic Valley is ideal for your first day of skiing after traveling. Especially if it’s your first ski day of the season. It’s a quaint resort, with locals referring to it as the hometown ski hill. Three lifts serve terrain perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers. When conditions allow, there’s an expert trail. Lift tickets are Utah’s cheapest: $35 for adults, $30 for kids. Nordic Valley boasts the best slopes in Utah for night skiing, with 100 percent of the mountain under lights.
Since it was my first day skiing this year, Nordic Valley was a good place to get in some runs. We skied with Dave, a longtime mountain guide who calls Nordic Valley home. His wife works in the Nordic Valley Learning Center Yurt. The friendly staff and laid-back ambiance are what I enjoyed about this resort.
2. Skiing & Festive Apres-Ski Scene at Snowbasin
It snowed heavily the day we skied at Snowbasin. For me, the soft, fast-falling snowflakes enhanced the magical ambiance. We rode a gondola to the top and skied down wide open bowls and forested gullies. Phil Miller, our ski instructor, was hilarious and kept us on our toes – literally. He reminded us to push into turns with our toes. And to extend our arms like a cheetah and not a short-armed T-Rex. We skied a network of trails to best see the entire mountain.
At noon, we enjoyed a hot, freshly prepared lunch at the John Paul Lodge. At the center of the beautiful lodge is a fireplace to warm up cold toes and hands. Expansive windows afford panoramic views of Ogden.
3. Make Fresh Tracks at Powder Mountain
I’m told tickets are capped at 1,500 to ensure an enjoyable and uncrowded ski experience. It sure seemed that way. Powder Mountain, one of North America’s largest ski areas, has over 8,464 acres of lift-served, cat-served and back-country terrain. Yet, my ski partner Lisa and I saw just a handful skiers on various trails. We had empty slopes, fresh powder and tree skiing to ourselves. No wonder Powder Mountain is a local’s favorite.
Fun Things to do in Ogden, Utah Beyond the Slopes
1. Snowbasin’s apres-ski scene in Cinnabar
2. Historic 25th Street
3. Social Axe Throwing
4. Where to Eat After a Day on the Slopes
5. Where to Stay in Downtown Ogden
By late afternoon, we were ready for Snowbasin’s apres-ski scene in Cinnabar at the base. The cozy venue has live music, food, and drinks. We ordered appetizers and a shot ski, a ski tradition for those 21 and older. Shot glasses filled with whiskey are secured to a ski. On the count of three, four of us drank our shots simultaneously. Not so easy with varying heights!
Even if you don’t drink, Cinnabar is a nice place to grab a bite to eat and relax after skiing.
2. Historic 25th Street
Back in 1869, Ogden was a boomtown created by the first transcontinental railroad. During its time as a railroad town, 25th Street was home to brothels, political scandals, and other shenanigans. Today, Historic 25th Street offers family-friendly fun things do in Ogden after a day on the slopes. Enjoy a meal at one of the many great restaurants housed in historic buildings along the three-block historic neighborhood. Peruse shops, art galleries, farmers markets and car shows.
Within easy walking distance is The Junction, an entertainment and residential complex. There you’ll find the movie theaters, bowling, an arcade, climbing wall and iFly (indoor skydiving).
If your family includes train buffs, be sure to visit the nearby Utah State Railroad Museum housing locomotives and interactive exhibits. Your ticket is also valid for the John M. Browning Arms Museum, and the Browning-Kimball Classic Car Museum.
3. Social Axe Throwing
I never pictured myself throwing an axe. But that’s what we did one evening at Social Axe in Downtown Ogden. I was a little skeptical about standing next to people throwing axes. But after a short training session, we formed two teams – Smart Axes and Short Axes. The game is much like playing darts except with axes. There’s a technique, of course. We learned the proper stance, then how to hold and throw an axe at a target. It can take a while to get the hang of it, but it’s fun and good exercise. And, certainly, a unique thing to do after a day on the slopes.
4. Where to Eat After a Day on the Slopes
Dining at eateries unique to the area is among fun things to do in Ogden Utah after a day on the slopes. Ogden has many good restaurants and bars. Friends seem surprised that Utah has bars. Not only do they have bars, but breweries and distilleries (or maybe it’s the ski towns I visit).
One of my favorite places was the Shooting Star Saloon, Utah’s oldest continuously operating bar. The owners found ways to stay open even during prohibition. The rustic eatery (notice the ceiling slather with dollar bills) is known for burgers and local beer. The star burgers are made with beef patties topped with Polish knackwurst and melted cheese.
Another favorite spot is Zucca Ristorante on Historic 25th Street. You can eat in the street level restaurant or arrange dinner at The Underground, Zucca’s speakeasy-style venue. We had a reservation for this cozy basement restaurant. Adding to the mystique was entering the establishment via a door mark “maintenance.”
Located on Historic 25th Street, Roosters Brewing Company is a popular gathering place for all ages. From burgers and pizza to pasta and seafood platters, Roosters offers a diverse menu.
5. Where to Stay in Downtown Ogden, Utah
The ski resorts don’t offer on-site lodging. However, there are many hotels in nearby Downtown Ogden. We stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Ogden, Utah, which is walking distance to Historic 25th Street. In fact, we walked to many restaurants from the hotel. The Hampton has a perfect location for finding fun things to do in Ogden after a day on the slopes.
The hotel itself is very comfortable and has many amenities. These include free breakfast and standard WiFi. My eighth-floor suite was spacious and had a wonderful view of downtown. It also had a microwave, mini-fridge, and sitting area.
Not a skier? Utah has many outdoor activities and attractions to enjoy year-round.
Cassis in France, a Picture Perfect Fishing Village
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