Snowbasin Resort scored the top spot in USA Today’s 10 Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. and Canada for the second year in a row.
The northern Utah ski and snowboard area ranked No. 1 among resorts in North America, which were picked by a panel of experts and USA Today editors, based on the best snowfall, varied terrain, lift access and more, before being voted on by readers.
“Being recognized as the No. 1 ski resort for the second year in a row is brilliant and a true reflection of the community that has been fostered here,” Davy Ratchford, Snowbasin general manager, said in a press release. “For generations, our team and guests have shaped this mountain, and it’s their enthusiasm and support that make achievements like this possible. We’re honored and inspired to keep raising the bar.”
This is how a USA Today blurb described Snowbasin:
“Snowbasin Resort in Huntsville, Utah, is one of the oldest continually operated ski resorts in North America and home of the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games. Here in the pristine Wasatch Mountains, you’ll find 114 trails and over 3,000 acres of terrain ranging from steep trails, open bowls and beginner-friendly groomers. The area features three zones — Strawberry, Needles, and John Paul — and an advanced lift system including gondolas, a tram and express lifts."
Snowbasin will be an Olympic venue again when Utah hosts the 2034 Winter Games.
Another Utah resort made the top 10
Deer Valley Resort checked in at No. 6 on the USA Today list.
Here’s what USA Today wrote:
“Deer Valley Resort offers 5,726 acres of skiable terrain within the brilliant landscape of Park City, Utah. The resort is renowned for its excellent ski school, lessons and guided activities — you can sign up to ski with Olympic athletes or explore alongside mountain hosts to learn about the resort’s terrain, history and the best secret runs. Family packages include free kids’ lift tickets, plus 20% discounts on kids’ ski rentals and lodging."
The resort is slated to host freestyle skiing for the 2034 Winter Games, as it did in 2002.
World Ski Awards named Stein Eriksen Lodge, located mid-mountain at Deer Valley, as the best ski hotel in the world last week.
When will Snowbasin open?
The USA Today honor comes on the heels of Snowbasin’s recent recognition as the No. 3 best overall ski resort in Ski Magazine’s “Top 30 Resorts in the West” for 2026. It marks the resort’s third consecutive year landing in the guide’s top three.
In addition to its overall placement, Snowbasin earned top five rankings in lifts, grooming, guest service, dining and terrain variety, with strong scores across family friendliness, snow, authenticity, parking and powder.
Snowbasin is gearing up to enter its 85th anniversary season with enhancements, including the addition of the new Becker Lift, an expanded Bear Hollow family zone and the introduction of new radio frequency identification technology or RFID ticketing designed to improve mountain access.
The resort is scheduled to open Nov. 28.