Learning to ski or snowboard is an exciting but sometimes intimidating experience, especially when you’re faced with a large number of excellent ski resorts in Utah. I felt that way when I first started skiing in Utah after growing up on a small ski hill that hardly broke 1,000 feet of vertical. The first time I rode Needles Gondola to the top of Snowbasin, I was amazed by the vastness of the resort as it spread out below my fellow riders and me.
It turned out Snowbasin wasn’t as intimidating as I anticipated and there is plenty of room to learn and grow there as a skier or rider. If you’re a newer skier or snowboarder wondering whether the expansive ski resorts to the north offer accessible beginner terrain, you’re in the right place. This beginner’s guide to Snowbasin and Powder Mountain will help you know where to go, even if it’s your first day stepping into skis or strapping onto your board at either resort.
Snowbasin Resort
Snowbasin Resort is a striking resort known for its wide range of Olympic-level terrain, breathtaking mountain views and stunning world-class facilities. It is home to the Super G and Downhill courses from the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics (and now the 2034 Olympic Games!) and still provides access to that nerve-wracking, speedy terrain. However, Snowbasin is also a fantastic place for beginners looking to start their snowsports journey.
Where to Learn
Snowbasin boasts a well-designed layout for first-time and beginner skiers. A dedicated beginner area at the base is enclosed by two accessible magic carpet lifts: Grizzly and Wildflower Carpets (named after their big brother and sister, Grizzly Downhill and Wildflower Downhill, the men’s and women’s Olympic runs). Skiers and snowboarders can ease into the feeling of sliding on snow in this short, easy area to learn.
Once you feel comfortable with the basics, Littlecat Express is your next stop. It offers access to gentle slopes, ideal for practicing your first turns and learning to link them together. The Littlecat run is wide and forgiving, providing plenty of space for new skiers and riders to master the basics and develop their confidence without feeling crowded or overwhelmed.
Moving Up
The next step is taking Becker or Wildcat Express up to the mid-mountain where you can still take all green runs to the base. Becker takes you up to the top of Slo Road while Wildcat Express brings you to Eas A Long. Both are mildly inclined cat tracks that connect you to the top of Bear Hollow, the next step in your learning journey.
Bear Hollow is still wide and gives you ample space to begin connecting turns as you work your way down the mountain. This run eventually moves you onto Snow Shoe, another gentle slope where you can progress at your preferred pace. Both Becker and Wildcat Express offer access to about 1,200 feet of vertical where you can stick to entirely green runs. This is a great way to have some extended time practicing without taking the lift too many times.
After you give yourself some time to learn, your transition from beginner to intermediate at Snowbasin exists at the top of the Needles Gondola. The 12-minute gondola ride brings you to one of the highest points in the resort where you have access to 2,500 feet of vertical from top to bottom. Make sure you feel comfortable before you step out of your skis and load into the gondola, though; there are only blue runs off of Needles until you find yourself back at the top of Bear Hollow.
Tips and Tricks
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Consider booking a lesson (or two). Snowbasin’s award-winning ski school makes progression easy and enjoyable in private and group settings. Booking a lesson is a great way to make sure your first time is a good time!
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Don’t push yourself too fast. Taking Needles Gondola your first time at Snowbasin as a beginner will only set you up for a nerve-wracking ride to the bottom. Take your time and progress on green runs before moving up to blues.
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Enjoy yourself! Remember to look up from the tip of your skis or snowboard and enjoy the views. Snowbasin has some stunning landscapes to take in as you learn to ride.
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Give yourself a break. Take advantage of the stunning base area and stop in at Snowbasin Earl's Lodge if you need to take a breather and drink some water or treat yourself to a hot chocolate.
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Visit at off-peak times. Weekends tend to get busy, as they can at any ski resort, so take advantage of the slower weekdays and give yourself some more space to learn.
Powder Mountain
Powder Mountain, affectionately known as “Pow Mow” to locals, offers a laid-back atmosphere. It also boasts some of the most expansive terrain in North America and prides itself on establishing an uncrowded environment. These elements make Pow Mow a hidden gem for beginners looking to learn in a relaxed environment.
Where to Start
If you have never strapped into a board or stepped into skis, you want to start at the Sundown area of Powder Mountain. They recently unveiled Sun Tunnel, a magic carpet that takes new skiers and snowboarders to the top of a short, wide-open learning area where you can take a few runs to get accustomed to the sensation of skiing or riding.
When you feel confident enough to move over to a chairlift, Sundown brings you to Sundown Peak. Start on Confidence where, as its name implies, you can begin building the confidence to move into other areas. Confidence connects to Dead Horse, another simple slope that provides an accessible path to progress on your skis or snowboard. Spend as much time as you need in Sundown and get the basics down before moving on to the next area.
Moving Up
Once you feel confident and capable in the Sundown section of PowMow, transition to Hidden Lake, your new home base for learning. Hidden Lake is a great section with access to regularly groomed runs perfect for beginners. Start by taking Lodge Trail to the top of Amy’s 3 Mile. Amy’s is a long, mellow, meandering cat track that takes you on a tour through some of the best beginner terrain in the resort. Follow this run to the bottom of Hidden Lake Express and lap it as many times as you need to feel comfortable.
When you’re ready to move up, East 40 is another excellent green run that takes you top-to-bottom in the Hidden Lake section. If you prefer another option down, Lodge Trail to Amy’s 3 Mile to Burntwood is an alternative selection of green runs where you can learn to link turns on a gradual pitch. This way is a fun option to take your time as you watch other riders slashing through some of the resort’s many magnificent tree sections that funnel into Burntwood.
East 40 can also take you to Sunrise, a surface lift that brings you to more incredible beginner terrain. Surface lifts can feel intimidating and tricky at first, but if you’re feeling up for it you can expand your access to extra green runs such as Mushroom Valley, Picnic and Sunrise. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it; the Sunrise lifties are always willing to lend a hand so you can get comfortable on the lift.
Beginners can keep themselves entertained for hours in the Hidden Lake section of the mountain but when you feel ready to shift from green to blue runs, a few extensions on runs offer a way to ease yourself in. Start with the bottom of Sunrise when the run shifts from green to blue, or drop in at top of Burntwood where the run starts as blue before transitioning to green. There is no shortage of excellent terrain at Pow Mow for you to learn to turn!
Tips and Tricks
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Book lift tickets in advance. Powder Mountain limits the number of lift tickets sold each day as part of its commitment to limit crowding. Buy your lift tickets well ahead of time to ensure your spot on the slopes.
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Consider hiring an instructor. Taking lessons from a certified instructor ensures a smoother learning experience. Take a private or group lesson to give yourself the best chance at establishing a solid foundation for your skiing or snowboarding.
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Explore at your own pace. Pow Mow offers over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain with plenty of spots that can easily overwhelm a beginner. Stick to the learning areas that have numerous green runs to get yourself comfortable before branching out.
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Utilize the shuttle. Did you head over to Hidden Lake? Powder Mountain has a shuttle system that will take you to different areas in the resort so you can easily navigate the multiple beginner-friendly areas without driving yourself around.
Which Resort Is Right for You?
It’s difficult to compare Snowbasin and Powder Mountain; the resorts are like apples and oranges. While both pride themselves on being some of the most expansive resorts in the state, they each have a unique vibe. Snowbasin’s stunning base area and luxurious lodges are undeniably elegant. The wood trim, stone fireplaces, and gold fixtures show that the resort spared no expense when considering the guest experience.
On the other hand, Powder Mountain has a laid-back, accessible feel that reminds guests it’s all about skiing and riding. Spots like the Hidden Lake Lodge and Powder Keg give you a place to take a break and grab a bite before getting back out there and going after it.
Snowbasin Resort and Powder Mountain are just two of the 15 incredible ski resorts in Utah. No matter which resort you choose, all of them provide the tools and terrain to ensure a rewarding and enjoyable learning experience. Now snag some lift tickets, gear up, take a deep breath and get ready to enjoy some of the greatest terrain that Utah has to offer!
