You haven't really lived until you've run the Men's Downhill course at Snowbasin before breakfast. The 2002 Olympic committee chose Snowbasin to host the men's and women's downhill, Super G and Alpine combined races because of its very long runs within sight of the day lodge.

Three lifts, all high-speed quads, rise more than 2,300 vertical feet in one ride (installed for the 2002 Winter Games). All other lifts, except the one serving the beginner slope and the Tram, are triples that rise 1,100 vertical feet or more. That's a lot of skiing from one lift ride. The very top of the downhill course, Allen's Peak, is reached by the Olympic Tram, an 8-passenger gondola that loads just below the top of John Paul Express. Snowbasin is rimmed by jagged peaks. There is a gentle learning area, but the vast majority of the terrain is best suited for intermediate level and higher. Two terrain parks and a superpipe keep tricksters airborne. Three day lodges ranging in size from 14,000 square feet to 24,000 square feet were built on the mountain for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Snowbasin is owned by the same company that owns the Sun Valley resort in Idaho. While the Olympics brought attention to the resort, it's still uncrowded.

Lift tickets (2005/06 prices): Adults, $58; Children (7–12), $35; Senior (65+), $48; ages 6 and younger, free with paying adult.

Distance from Salt Lake City: About 40 miles from the airport north via I-15 to Farmington, north on US 89 to South Weber, east on I-84 to exit 92 and north on UT 167 to Trapper's Loop. The route is very well signed.

Lodging information: Most lodging is in Ogden City, about 17 miles west, or Ogden Valley, about nine miles west. (800) 554-2741.