HUNTSVILLE, Utah — As Snowbasin Resort, the No. 1 rated ski resort in North America, prepares to celebrate its 85th anniversary season, the resort shares updates on a new wave of significant enhancements designed to improve the guest experience, streamline mountain access, and preserve the resort’s legendary charm for generations to come. The ski resort also shares its estimated opening day for the 2025-26 ski season is Friday, November 28, 2025.
Snowbasin’s commitment to continual improvement has earned it accolades as one of North America’s top ski destinations. This year’s projects reflect that same passion for excellence, building on recent developments to enhance mountain accessibility through the revitalization of the Becker lift – one of the resort’s oldest chairlifts — the expansion of beginner terrain and Bear Hollow family zones, and the installation of cutting-edge RFID technology. These various mountain upgrades are set to be ready and available for guests to utilize and explore on Opening Day.
“It’s remarkable to see what Snowbasin has become over the past 85 years, from a modest local hill to an Olympic host and a bucket-list destination,” said Davy Ratchford, General Manager of Snowbasin Resort. “Through it all, we’ve never lost that family-owned warmth or our critical focus on guest experience and joy. These new improvements and ongoing enhancements help ensure Snowbasin stays the kind of place people return to, season after season, generation after generation.”
LIFT & TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS
The resort’s upgrades for the season include the unveiling of the new Becker lift, a full replacement and enhancement of one of the resort’s legendary chairs, originally installed in 1986. The now high-speed detachable quad will reduce ride time from 12 minutes to under seven and have the ability to transport around 1,800 riders every hour. The new placement will also increase uphill capacity and provide more efficient access to key spots around the mountain such as Middle Bowl and Strawberry.
As part of this project, the bottom terminal of Becker will be relocated closer to Wildcat Express, creating a more intuitive guest flow and seamless integration with the resort’s new RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) ticketing system. This relocation will also open up additional beginner-friendly space at the base, supporting a smoother learning experience for newer skiers and riders.
To further enhance beginner and family skiing and riding, Snowbasin will complete a major regrade of the Bear Hollow trail, one of the resort’s more utilized convergence zones. The result includes a widened trail base, improving visibility, expanding usable space, and promoting safer interactions between guests of varying skill levels. This work follows previous upgrades to Snowshoe and Slow Road, continuing Snowbasin’s commitment to creating a world-class learning environment.
STREAMLINED ACCESS
The 2025–26 season will mark the debut of RFID gate access across all base-area lifts at Snowbasin. This hands-free system – compatible with all Snowbasin season passes, day tickets, Mountain Collective, and Ikon passes – will streamline lift entry, reduce wait times by up to 25%, and minimize congestion at base zones.
But streamlined access starts well before the first lift ride. Snowbasin remains proud to offer free parking with no reservations required, a rare and valued amenity among top-tier resorts. With the most parking of any ski resort in Utah, guests can continue to enjoy hassle-free arrival with convenient shuttle service from all five lots to the base area.
To learn more about these exciting upgrades and Snowbasin’s 85th anniversary season, visit www.snowbasin.com. For real-time updates, event announcements, and exclusive content, follow @SnowbasinResort on social media.
About Snowbasin Resort:
Snowbasin is currently ranked the No. 1 ski resort in North America by USA TODAY, Outside, and SKI Magazine. Conveniently located just 45 minutes from Salt Lake International Airport and one hour from Park City, Snowbasin is one of the most accessible ski resorts in North America. It was selected as the host venue for the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics alpine events, including downhill, combined (downhill and slalom) and super-G. The resort is proud to be named an Olympic venue for the second time, selected as the official Alpine Skiing venue, at the upcoming 2034 Salt Lake Winter Olympics. Snowbasin is the only resort in Utah where guests can truly “ski like an Olympian”, with the men’s and women’s courses on Grizzly and Wildflower Downhill still in place for visitors to experience. Snowbasin Resort is regularly top rated by Ski Magazine in the categories of Accessibility, Service, Lifts, Grooming, and On-Mountain Food. With 3,000 skiable acres, an average snowfall of over 300 inches, and 3,000 vertical feet, it offers families and outdoor enthusiasts a variety of activities while featuring championship-level skiing and riding. As one of the oldest continuously operating ski resorts in North America, Snowbasin is widely known as one of the best family resorts in the nation. Snowbasin Resort is a member of the Grand America Hotels and Resorts family.