Snowbasin Resort Announces Capital Investments - High-Speed Chair Refurb' Gondola Cabins, Improved Beginner Terrain

As one of the oldest continuously-operated ski resorts in the nation, Snowbasin Resort announces a series of capital investments ahead of the two upcoming winter seasons. Strategic upgrades including a high-speed chairlift, refurbished gondola cabins, improved beginner terrain, and revised parking and entry for optimized traffic flow.

“Snowbasin is committed to being the most accessible mountain in Utah and these improvements will make a significant impact to our accessibility and efficiency,” said Davy Ratchford, General Manager of Snowbasin. “We look forward to welcoming guests to experience these new enhancements, which will further elevate the world-class amenities and top-notch service we strive to provide.”

Snowbasin was recently selected as the official Alpine Skiing venue for the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, following Salt Lake City’s successful bid to host the Winter Games for the second time. Since the 2002 Winter Games, Snowbasin has continued to invest in capital improvements and is poised to deliver an exceptional experience in 2034.

LIFT & GONDOLA UPGRADES

The highly anticipated upgrade to Becker Chairlift will unveil prior to the 2025-26 winter season. One of the resort’s oldest chairs initially installed in 1986, Becker will transition from a fixed-grip triple chair to a detachable quad, greatly enhancing capacity by transporting around 1,800 riders per hour. The high-speed lift will also cut skiers’ lift time in half, offering a swift six-minute ride to the top terminal. The Snowbasin team has spent the summer clearing the path for the new lift line, paving the way for an enhanced guest experience.

In addition, the resort has embarked on a multi-year project to refurbish Needles Gondola cabins. Guests will begin to see these enhancements leading into the upcoming 2024-25 ski season.

BEGINNER TERRAIN IMPROVEMENTS

The transformation of Snowbasin’s Becker Chairlift not only enhances the lift itself but also brings improvements to the surrounding beginner terrain. The bottom terminal is being repositioned adjacent to the Wildcat Chairlift, allowing for easier access. In conjunction with the lift installation, Bear Hollow, Snowshoe, and Slow Road will be widened to improve flow and safety in the Family Zone accessed by this lift.

TRAFFIC & PARKING IMPROVEMENTS

Snowbasin continues to offer free parking without reservations and free shuttle service from the lots to the slopes, and has seen success with recent initiatives to improve the resort’s arrival experience, including the expansion of parking lots and doubling bus service. This summer, Snowbasin partnered with the Utah Department of Transportation to implement a new traffic pattern off Trapper’s Loop that allows cars from south and northbound lanes to simultaneously turn onto Snowbasin Road, improving traffic flow and allowing for an estimated 25% increase in vehicle speed. 

To further incentivize carpooling and reduce the number of cars on the road, Earl’s parking lots A-E will be reserved for vehicles with three or more people every weekend until 11 a.m. This update will increase traffic flow for guests by separating traffic into two lanes and will offer express parking and priority access for carpoolers. 

RECENT UPGRADES

These improvements reinforce Snowbasin’s strong commitment to providing a world-class experience, recently ranked No. 2 in the west by SKI Magazine. With the announcement of Becker, it will be Snowbasin’s fourth lift addition in the past six seasons. Snowbasin recently added Wildcat Handle Tow (2020), Middle Bowl (2021) and DeMoisy Express (2023). Additionally, the resort has significantly expanded parking, enhanced dining options and increased snowmaking across the mountain over this period.

LEARN MORE & SEASON PASS SAVINGS

Early-bird savings on season passes end soon, with prices increasing after Labor Day weekend on September 6, 2024. Those who purchase a Premier Pass can enjoy immediate access to gondola and SnowWiesn events on weekends until October 6.