Ogden is pretty epic. Photo: Heyden
In the office, there’s a running joke that I’m the Utah guy. That is, any time there’s an opportunity to explore the great state of Utah I jump on it. And no offense to the Golden State, but Utah’s got a lot to offer if you love to get up in the mountains to ski or snowboard, see some incredible national parks, hike, camp, fish, and the list goes on. Sure, Southern California is a region gifted with the two W’s (that is, weather and waves) but Utah is rich with nooks and crannies to discover.
Recently, my affinity for the state resulted in a trip to Ogden, a fairly urban city just north of Salt Lake that owns its long storied history as a railroad town. During the height of the United States’ locomotive era, passengers and freight traveling from one coast to another would switch trains in Ogden leading the city to coin the phrase, “You cannot go anywhere without coming to Ogden.”
With the boom, the town’s historic 25th Street developed a seedy reputation for being a place where travelers could buy anything from a meal to a companion for the night for “two bits.”
Ogdeners (Ogdenites?) are both proud of where their town comes from and where it’s headed. Historic 25th Street is now riddled with great restaurants, art galleries, and shops. And did I mention you’re never too far from any of the three incredible resorts within a half hour’s drive that are significantly cheaper than resorts in Salt Lake or Park City? There’s a reason Ogden’s been called Utah’s best-kept secret, and here’s a quick and dirty guide to getting in on it.
The author celebrating a snow day in front of Snowbasin’s iconic rock formation, Needles.
Getting there
Fly into Salt Lake City International and drive 35 minutes north.
Where to ski and ride
In short, there are three incredible ski resorts to suit a variety of skiers and riders.
Snowbasin is a great option for those who want the whole package – amazing snow, great food, and a rowdy après scene. It’s one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in the U.S. and the lodges definitely have that Euro charm. Multiple gondolas make rides to the top of the mountain extra plush. (Ticket price online $109/day)
Powder Mountain (PowMow) is designed specifically to preserve the pow. In so doing, only 2,800 of the resort’s more than 8,000 skiable acres are lift-accessed. The rest is unlocked by foot-power or paying per ride for a snowcat that circles the perimeter. This is a core rider/skier’s resort. No question. (Ticket price online $85)
Nordic Valley is great for beginners, families, or kids – especially if the adults are headed to one of the above resorts and want their young ones to continue practicing at a reasonable price. (Ticket price online $35)
Off the beaten “piste”
There’s perhaps nothing more manly than throwing an axe with all your might, watching it do a full rotation, and seeing it stick in a wooden bullseye. And there’s nothing more emasculating than when it doesn’t. Essentially like darts but with axes, Social Axe Throwing in Ogden is an incredibly fun way to bring out your inner mountain man or woman. The only thing you’ll need to bring from home is your plaid flannel and a great axe-pun team name to cover your own axe.
The Shooting Star Saloon is the country’s oldest continuously operated tavern.
Local watering hole:
Just outside of Ogden, the city of Huntsville boasts the oldest continuously operated tavern in the country, the Shooting Star Saloon. Built in 1879, the Star’s survived prohibition and to this day is cash only. The ceiling is littered with one dollar bills, they serve only beer, and hot tip if you bring in your own egg they’ll fry it up for a secret item called the “Porn Star” sandwich, which is a variation of the Star Burger (a cheeseburger with knockwurst) with a fried egg.
Sweet treat:
Hit Farr Better Ice Cream which hasn’t changed since the 50’s for a scoop or two post-shred.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
