Photo Credit: Visit Ogden
While visiting Utah last winter for the first time I instantly fell in love with all Snowbasin Resort and its proximity to the town of Ogden. Similarly, I have good friends from my hometown here in NJ who make an annual pilgrimage out to Snowbasin's neighbor down the road, Powder Mountain. They absolutely love it there!
Photo Credit: Snowbasin Resort
Why such an affinity for these two resorts and, for that matter their other neighbor, Nordic Valley? Simple...they all provide their guests with the ultimate ski day. With ample amounts of snow, terrain for all levels, limited lift lines and a comparatively low cost, it is easy for the Ogden area resorts to captivate the imaginations of many. Now these three resorts are even more affordable to out-of-state visitors. When you stay at one of Visit Ogden’s preferred lodging properties you can ski at Ogden’s three resorts, Nordic Valley, Powder Mountain, and Snowbasin Resort for $157.
Photo Credit: Powder Mountain
“The three Ogden area resorts are less than an hour away from Salt Lake International Airport” stated Sydnie Furton, Visit Ogden Marketing and Public Relations Manager. “The resorts range from old-school learning hills of the past to the most opulent resorts around. Even more impressive is the fact that these diverse resorts have retained their independence while coming together to offer travelers an opportunity to experience their unique offerings at one low-cost.”
Photo Credit: Nordic Valley
Combined, Nordic Valley, Powder Mountain, and Snowbasin Resort offer over 12,000 skiable acres and 3,000 vertical feet to explore. Guests will discover long runs, a balanced mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain. With an average of 400 inches of snow a year you can find anything from soft groomers to champagne powder. When your day on the slopes is over, guests can rest easy knowing that they have just discovered Utah’s best-kept secret. For more details on this amazing deal be sure to visit Ski Ogden and since you will be staying in Ogden, your Ski 3 experience should, of course, mandate a visit to their vibrant après ski scene in downtown.
Après Ski in Ogden
Historically, Ogden is an old railroad town that everyone, no matter where you were going, had to pass through. However, just like many of these other old western towns, when the trains stopped coming around, so did the people. Consequently, Junction City (as it was commonly referred to) fell on some seriously hard times in the 80's. You definitely did not want to find yourself lost in Ogden at that time. This is in no way the case now, though. With a little bit a love and some prime real estate near the three aforementioned ski resorts, Ogden is back, better than ever and boasting a pretty sweet après ski scene.
Photo Credit: Visit Ogden
Après-ski is becoming a staple in this mid-size mountain town. With so many cool options, it should come as no surprise that Ogden has totally become a place to keep the stoke going after a day on the mountain. A variety of bars, breweries/distilleries and restaurants have popped up over the last decade all with a fun and rustically reborn atmosphere. So, sure you can hang at the mountain for some après but if you are looking for an alternative, downtown Ogden is definitely worth the trip.
Man Up at The Social Axe
If manly is what you are looking for, or even if you are just into tossing around sharp metal objects while tossing back a few beers then you need to hit up Ogden’s newest attraction the Social Axe. Yep that's right, schuss all day then throw axes and hatchets at wood targets all night at this exhilarating new spot. There's even coaches on site to help you with your technique. Gotta make sure you hit the target and not someone else, know what I mean.
Enjoy the Spirit(s) of Après
Maybe you want something a little less active? Say, a walking tour or two. Then you should check out either New World Distillery or Talisman Brewing Company. New World Distillery, located in the Ogden Valley, is Utah’s newest craft distillery, producing naturalistic and gmo-free agave spirits, gin and vodka. They offer tours and tastings and sales of their spirits Tuesday through Saturday. Similarly, Talisman Brewing also runs tours Tuesday-Saturday where you can taste their beers and learn even more about the process of brewing them.
Photo Credit: Jeremiah Watt
Enjoy Ogden's History Along With Dinner and Drinks
Looking for more than just drinks to quench your post mountain thirst? I don't blame you skiing and riding can really work up an appetite. Ogden has you covered on that front too with an exciting new restaurant, Underground 225. Hearkening back to the prohibition era, Underground 225 is a "speakeasy" located beneath Zucca restaurant on Ogden's Historic 25th Street. If you can find the entrance (it's a speakeasy, it's supposed to tough to find) you'll be treated to old time ambiance, some delightful cocktails and a charcuterie board the you just can't miss.
Photo Credit: The Shooting Star Saloon
Not to be outdone by the new guy, is an staple in the Ogden community and their oldest continually operating saloon (since 1879), The Shooting Star Saloon. This is a local favorite because they stick to the classics: burgers, chips and beer. If that's not the ideal après ski food for you then maybe their legendary Star Burger will get you to loosen up your boots and the belt on your pants, it's made from two ground-beef patties, two slices of cheese with a grilled knackwurst Polish sausage in the middle. Now that's All About Apres approved.
Photo Credit: The Shooting Star Saloon
