Snowbasin Resort has rescheduled opening day for the 2020-21 winter season to Friday, November 27 at 9:00 a.m. The resort will open with top-to-bottom skiing from Needles Gondola, plus operation from Middle Bowl Triple and Littlecat Express.
Lift ticket sales for the opening weekend (Nov. 27-29) have been closed, with exclusive access to the resort primarily reserved for Snowbasin pass holders. Those that have already purchased tickets, lessons or rentals will still have access to the resort. Those who purchased for November 25 or 26 may receive a refund or exchange them for another opening weekend date or another date of their choosing.
“With our guests’ safety as our utmost concern, we’d like to open the resort with a wide selection of terrain and lift options to allow skiers ample room to spread out amongst the mountain. Due to recent warm temperatures, we need to wait for improved conditions to continue snowmaking and allow top-to-bottom skiing,” said Davy Ratchford, general manager of Snowbasin Resort. “We pride ourselves in offering the best skiing and riding possible and believe our opening package will provide the quality those come to expect from Snowbasin as we keep health and safety top of mind this season. If we can open earlier, we will, as we have shown in previous seasons. We look forward to providing exclusive opening weekend access to our valued pass holders as we promote a safe ski experience.”
Snowbasin Resort will open exactly 80 years from the date (November 27, 1940) that the Mayor of Ogden proclaimed “Ogden Snow Basin Winter Playground” officially open. This winter, the resort celebrates their destined legacy with an 80th Anniversary Pale Ale in partnership with Roosters Brewing, plus exclusive apparel available in the Grizzly Center.
Davy continues, “We are excited to celebrate our 80th anniversary with all our guests this season. We’ve created all new experiences this year to enhance the experience and to help keep our guests and staff safe during this time of need. Please remember that masks are mandatory while in the base area, in the lodges, on our lifts and when social distancing is not possible. While skiing it is not mandatory to wear a mask. We ask for all of your help in making this a non-controversial part of our collective ski experience.”
Open terrain will include Sweet Revenge, Porky Traverse, Middle Bowl Traverse, Bear Hollow, Snowshoe, Littlecat and a small terrain park. The Grizzly Center will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for tuning, shopping and rentals. The new Meadow Yurt will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for outdoor season pass printing and ticket pick-up. Dining will be available in Earl’s Lodge, Needles Lodge, the new Slopeside Dining outdoor restaurant outside Earl’s Lodge, The Cinnabar and The Overlook with reservations recommended.
The resort has announced several upgrades and operational adjustments to promote social distancing, and the health and safety of the guests visiting the resort this season. Those include an expanded learning area, new Wildcat Handle Tow, three Slopeside Dining outdoor restaurants, renovations to the Needles Lodge Servery and addition of The Overlook bar, warming areas and more. The resort is focused on mitigating bottleneck areas and providing safe outdoor recreation.
This Saturday and Sunday, Snowbasin encourages pass holders to visit the resort to print season passes to head directly to the lift on opening day. The new Meadow Yurt will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for season pass pick-up and the Grizzly Center will be open for shopping and equipment pickup during that same time.
If guests have not yet bought season passes, they are still available and include the new complimentary Pass Protection Program. This provides guests protection from season ending events, such as a personal injury, pregnancy, stay at home order or resort closure. To purchase passes or for more information on the 2020-21 winter season, visit www.snowbasin.com or call 801-620-1000.