Established in 1940, Snowbasin is one of the oldest continually operating ski areas in North America. Ski pioneer Alf Engen helped select the location and design its early runs, while Civilian Conservation Corps crews assisted with constructing the access road. The resort’s first ski race was held in December 1940, and its first ski school opened the following year. After closing during World War II, Snowbasin reopened in 1945 and continued developing into one of northern Utah’s most recognized mountain destinations.
The Holding family purchased Snowbasin in 1984 and began preparing the resort for major expansion. Snowbasin later hosted the downhill, Super-G, and combined alpine skiing events during the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games. New terrain, gondolas, lodges, and Olympic racecourses transformed the mountain while preserving its historic character. Summer operations began in 2004, helping Snowbasin grow from a traditional ski area into a year-round mountain resort.
