SNOWBASIN: MOST INNOVATIVE RESORT
The annual Xterra off-road triathlon comes back to the 'Basin August 16. It's a grueling race; starting with a 1.5K swim in Pineview Reservoir, cold enough to require a wetsuit; then a 30K mountain bike up the high winding single track of Wheeler Canyon to Snowbasin, then a 10K trail run. There's a $20,000 purse to be shared among the pro winners, and they will have earned it.
This year, there's also a "sport" category race, half the distances of the regular tri.
Cost of the full tri is $115 for individuals, $75 for college students, $170 for relay teams, less for the sport race. While a USA Triathlon license is required, a one-day license can be purchased for $10. Deadline for online or mail in registration is August 11. On site registration is Friday, August 15, noon to 8:00 pm at Amphitheater Park in Ogden, where the pre-race party goes on and racers can pick up their packets.
The resort is also hosting the "Grizzly Kinds Sport relay race," where the younger set compete in hopscotch, freestyle frisbee and other active games.
But the biggest news at the mountain is not the prestigious Xterra.
Snowbasin is presenting an innovative series of programs unmatched by any other Utah resort.
The biggest news for parents is the "Snowbasin Summer For Kids" program: professional baby sitting, $6 an hour from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., provided by licensed day care providers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Toddlers play supervised games on the grass outside the base lodge, do arts and crafts, and learn to identify local plants. Kids three to six are offered more extensive mountain activities, including a gondola ride and a hike around the top of the mountain (the gondola ride is free for kids 3-6, $10 extra for those aged 7-12).
"We have a lot of biking and hiking ladies who drop their kids off and get out there. While they are riding the mountain trails or hiking, their children are having their own mountain experience," says communication director Mary Rowland, adding, "It's wonderful for working parents."
Adult and family activities are another draw. The Great Basin Wildlife Rescue features rescued animals that can be viewed up close, even touched. They include a ferruginous hawk, a ringtailed cat, a raven, and more. This program is on Saturday, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Disc golf, a popular mountain activity, is different at Snowbasin. The first nine holes are on the grassy field just off the plaza. The second nine holes are on the varied terrain at the top of the gondola. There's no charge for those who provide their own discs, but discs can be rented near the plaza. A gondola lift ticket is required to play the top holes.
The most popular offering is the "Beyond Trails" Mountain Outdoor program, which is billed as "The coolest classroom in the world." Participants can take their choice of classes: orienteering, geocaching, cross country or free ride mountain biking, mountaineering, rock climbing and the most exciting; rapelling.
The only drawback is that there is no lodging offered at the resort, though there are motels in nearby small towns. Many vacationers spend their two week break at the 'Basin, taking advantage of the unusual range of activities. Mountain bikes can be rented; a full day with a gondola pass is $59; for children, it's $20. The trails are scenic and fairly easy. Wildflowers are at their best right now, so riders or hikers enjoy bursts of rainbow colors as they navigate down the mountain.
The climbing classes are a bit pricey, but it's a real adventure. It costs $120 for a seven hour class. There are classes for both adults and kids until October 1. But the guided learning excursions that teach plant and geological identification are free, though a gondola pass is required.
There are also gourmet dinners offered at the top of the mountain under the stars and star gazing parties; both very romantic experiences that have led to more than a few proposals.
Other Utah resorts also offer some of these activities, but none offer all of them. Snowbasin may not be as well known as Deer Valley or Alta, but when it comes the being in the U.S. outdoors today, the 'Basin has it all.