Snowbasin Trivia
Photography: Courtesy of Snowbasin
• The paved brick plaza at Snowbasin’s base is heated in winter.
• Each gondola car on the Needles Express is painted with the name and country of an Olympic champion.
• The gondolas at Snowbasin go to bed at night. Modeled on an efficient European system, each car is tucked in, safe, warm and snow-free in a subterranean garage beneath the main plaza.
• With 591 guns, Snowbasin has one of the two largest snowmaking operations in North America. The other one is at Idaho’s Sun Valley Resort.
• The North Star Granite around the four-sided fireplace at John Paul Lodge came from the Triumph Mine in Idaho and was quarried by the First Light Mining Company operated by Stubby Street (Picabo Street’s dad,) brother Bubba and Ken Dickens.
• Snowbasin is home to three of the four lifts with the greatest vertical rise in Utah: Nearly 3,000 feet.
Side Trip to Historic 25th Street
Skied out? Take an easy side trip to nearby Ogden’s Historic 25th Street. In the past several years, this urban treasure has morphed into a sophisticated array of locally owned shops and restaurants, art galleries, vintage antique and consignment shops, a true biker bar and the legendary Ko Ko Mo Club, a local’s spot right out of the 1950s. And, look Ma — no parking meters! The following are just a few of the street’s highlights, so allow yourself plenty of time to explore. Most of the good stuff is contained within a few blocks, running west to a beautifully restored Union Pacific Train depot. Main Street also offers a sprinkling of nightlife — private clubs featuring live music and a comedy club. Pick up a copy of The Street, a local weekly for current schedules.
Shopping
Ruby & Begonia (204 Historic 25th Street) is a dazzling, ultra feminine shop with everything for the home — from the practical to the esoteric — exquisite children’s clothing, jewelry and more. The shop’s inventory changes monthly so there’s always a new surprise. The Needlepoint Joint (241 Historic 24th Street) is a sleek, chic shop for everything to do with needles, thread and yarn — full of luscious colors and textures, all artfully arranged. The Joint also sells handmade sweaters and other items, mostly for kids. The staff is knowledgeable and even if you’re not into knitting, this place is worth a peek. _mé (186 E. Historic 25th Street) celebrates trendy styles in clothing, purses and accessories. The shop is bright, fun, original — a pure delight. Pan Handlers (260 Historic 25th Street) is cooking equipment central; a fun little packed-to-the-rafters food boutique.
Dining
Try sleek, new Tona for sushi at 210 Historic 25th Street. More rock ‘n roll/funky in style is Shin Sei, another excellent sushi bar at 154 Historic 25th Street.
Also new on the block, The Shrimpboat is a kitschy, casual seafood place that welcomes kids. 266 Historic 25th Street. Rooster’s 25th St. Brewing Company has it all — burgers to fresh New American specials in a lively brewpub and family friendly setting. 253 Historic 25th Street. Across the street from Roosters, Bistro 258 serves good pasta, steaks and seafood in an upscale but comfortable setting. 258 Historic 25th Street. For good deli food (with mom’s homemade dessert) to go or to eat on the run, duck into Zenger’s Delicatessen in the heart of it all at 270 Historic 25th Street.
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