SKI mag names Snowbasin the number one resort in the West

Utah's Snowbasin Resort ranked first in the West for 2025 by SKI Magazine. Photo: Rachel Ayotte

Utah ski resorts pick up five of the top 15 rankings for western resorts spanning the United States and Canada

HUNTSVILLE, Utah – If you like steep, sustained lines, expansive terrain, and a laid-back ski atmosphere, complete with one of the best sunny patios this side of the Mississippi, then Snowbasin is probably worth checking out. Many Utah locals have known about the goods the Basin offers for years, and now those who haven’t been paying close attention just might start, thanks to SKI Magazine. SKI just named Snowbasin the top resort in the West for 2025.

Last year, Snowbasin ranked second in the west, according to SKI and readers of SKI; the publication is an authority in resort ranking and equipment guides for skiers. This year’s top ranking makes it a proud moment for Utah since skiing and winter tourism are significant contributors to the state economy. According to industry organizations like the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) and the Utah Office of Tourism, approximately five million skiers visit Utah annually, resulting in $220 million in state and local tax revenue and around 20,000 jobs statewide.

A good ranking in SKI can drive tourism dollars toward resorts and brands that rank highly in the magazine. NSAA industry trends indicate rankings and media exposure are critical in influencing skier decisions, indirectly affecting revenue for ski destinations and local businesses.

“The resort combines easy access, a fast lift network, and reliable snow coverage with great customer service that’s focused on the quality of the ski experience.” editors at SKI wrote.

Its noted weaknesses were nightlife and lodging, which are bound to change ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics. Snowbasin has been selected to host all Alpine Skiing events, expanding on the 2002 Games, when Snowbasin hosted men’s and women’s alpine skiing events for downhill, super-G, and combined races.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by SKI Magazine as the No. 1 ski resort in the West, our second year in a row in the top two,” Davy Ratchford, general manager of Snowbasin Resort, said. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team. I’m so proud of each of them. We constantly strive to create memorable experiences for every guest. It’s been extremely rewarding to see those efforts reflected in SKI Magazine’s results, and we hope skiers and riders around the world visit Snowbasin to see what all the accolades are about.”

Snowbasin has ranked among SKI’s top 15 Western resorts for four consecutive years. Also in the top 10 for 2025 are Alta at number five and Solitude at number eight. Snowbird picked up 12th place, while Deer Valley came in 14th. That means that Utah resorts took five of the top 15 rankings, which includes Western resorts across the United States and Canada.

Park City Mountain Resort fell from 15th place in 2024 to 29th place this season. Readers were frustrated with the lift network and the ensuing crowds at various choke points around the mountain. The new Sunrise Gondola, which will move visitors out of the Red Pine portion of the area more effectively, may address some of those pain points.