Snowbasin Resort announces several improvements, including parking changes

HUNTSVILLE, Utah ( ABC4 ) — Snowbasin Resort announced it would be making several upgrades throughout the resort, including improvements to its lifts and gondolas, terrain, and traffic and parking.

The upgrades will be made over the next year and will be completed ahead of the 2025-26 season. However, guests will see some of these improvements starting this ski season.

Arguably one of the most anticipated improvements is to parking and traffic to and from the resort.

Snowbasin Resort said, starting this summer, it partnered with the Utah Department of Transportation to begin a new traffic pattern off Trapper’s Loop. The new pattern will allow cars from the south and northbound lanes to simultaneously turn onto Snowbasin Road. Officials said this change will improve traffic flow by the resort and allow for an estimated 25% increase in vehicle speed.

The Northern Utah ski resort will continue to offer free parking and a free shuttle service but Earl’s parking lots A through 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,” resort officials said in a release.

Snowbasin Resort will also be working to upgrade the Becker Chairlift, which officials anticipate will be completed before the 2025-26 winter season. The enhancements include transitioning from a “fixed-grip triple chair” to a “detachable quad,” which officials say will improve speed and ridership capacity per hour.

The changes to the Becker Chairlift will also bring improvements to the surrounding beginner terrain. The bottom terminal will be repositioned next to the Wildcat Chairlift, which the resort says will allow for easier access. Bear Hollow, Snowshoe, and Slow Road will also be widened to improve flow and safety in the Family Zone.

“Snowbasin is committed to being the most accessible mountain in Utah and these improvements will make a significant impact on our accessibility and efficiency,” said Snowbasin Resort General Manager Davy Ratchford. “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.”

Starting this year, the Needles Gondola will undergo a multi-year refurbishing project. Resort officials said guests will begin to see these improvements to the gondola’s cabins leading into the upcoming 2024-25 ski season.

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