"This is the place."
Those prophetic words were spoken in 1847 by Brigham Young as he looked over the Great Salt Lake. It was the end of a long journey across the plains for him and the group of Mormon pioneers who followed.
Today, Salt Lake City glistens as the sun bounces off the light dusting of fresh powder snow. After a long plane ride from Alaska -- Delta flies nonstop from Anchorage -- many of us might say, "This is the place for a great winter vacation."
Just 30 minutes from the airport are great resorts like Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and Solitude. About an hour away, you can ski at Park City or Deer Valley. Lesser known are the resorts in Ogden Valley, about an hour's drive from Salt Lake airport: Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Wolf Mountain. Locals love these areas because they're less crowded than their more-famous neighbors.
If you can pick your way down the hill at Alyeska, you'll be a hero at these Utah ski resorts. That's especially true at Wolf Mountain, which is more of a family resort for kids.
Unlike Alyeska, though, these resorts are high up in the hills. Powder Mountain and Snowbasin are above 6,300 feet, and their highest elevation is more than 9,000 feet. So take it easy the first day and drink lots of water.
Snowbasin is a classy set-up. There are three distinct bowls in which to ski the groomed trails, served by enclosed trams. There also are off-piste powder runs that are especially popular with both snowboarders and skiers. Snowbasin also offers a few terrain parks, as well as groomed Nordic trails.
The lodge amenities are opulent. At the main lodge, there are a couple of floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, a buffet-style lunch area and a nice dining room. The real treat was having lunch at the Needles Restaurant at 9,000 feet. My instructor, Matthias Moos, recommended the German meatloaf with all the trimmings. It was just what I needed to steady my wobbly knees for the next run!
Another plus for the Ogden Valley area is the accommodations. Since it's not as well-known as Park City, the ski-season rental rates are more reasonable. We stayed at the Moose Hollow condos, which feature big two-bedroom condos that sleep six. The ski/ride package features overnight accommodations and two lift tickets. The prices start at $275 per night.
If you prefer hotel accommodations, the Red Moose Lodge offers a Snowbasin ski package for two nights. It includes accommodations, four lift tickets and a $75 gift card for meals or purchases at Snowbasin. Both the condos and the hotel are located between Snowbasin and Powder Mountain.
Powder Mountain is a much more casual setting. There are more than 5,000 skiable acres, including a huge bowl that is accessible by snowcat. There also are some big powder runs that you have to hike to.
Powder Mountain offers a free mountain tour each day at 10 a.m. Meet by the ticket window, and a volunteer will show you around the vast areas and give you tips on where you might like to ski depending on your ability.
Just east of Ogden Valley by Red Rock Ranch is a huge snowmachine area popular with locals. It's called Monte Christo and includes more than 200 miles of groomed snowmachine trails. You can rent a machine, snowsuits, gloves and helmets and arrange for a guide if you're not familiar with the area. In addition to the groomed trails, there are many powdery chutes and valleys for Alaska motorheads!
Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant. Contact him via his Web site, www.toursaver.com.
Scott's tips
Red Rock Ranch and Outfitters. In the winter they rent snowmachines. Go horseback riding in the summer. www.redrockranch-and-outfitters.com
SNOWBASIN SKI RESORT. I'm not as fast as the Olympians who skied here, but I still had a great time. www.snowbasin.com
POWDER MOUNTAIN. Laid back. Lots of powder. 100 percent natural snow. www.powdermountain.com
DESTINATION EDEN. These folks take care of the Red Moose Lodge and the Moose Hollow Condos. There are shuttles to the ski resorts. www.destinationeden.com
SCOTT MCMURREN
TRAVEL