Given that Snowbasin hosted the downhill, super-G, and combined events during the 2002 Winter Olympics, it's not as if this place is a big secret. But you'd be forgiven for thinking that as you barrel down yet another deserted slope with bluebird skies up high, the sun shining down, and perfect conditions under-ski. Snowbasin is skiing at its finest, and it appears that's the way the regulars and locals want to keep it: "We don't want to spread the word," was the common refrain from fellow chairlift riders when they heard they were onboard with a big-mouth journalist.

It's certainly not bad press that's holding back the floodgates. In a state spoiled with 11 world-class resorts all within 60 miles of Salt Lake International Airport, Snowbasin rises to the top for terrain, scenery, and snow. No, the problem—if you can call it that—is that there's not a bed to be had within 15 minutes of the resort. As a result, Snowbasin is a popular day trip for those holing up in Park City (71 miles), Salt Lake City (33 miles), or even nearby Ogden (17 miles). But skiers fond of multi-day package trips with ski-in, ski-out convenience likely opt for other Salt Lake-area resorts.

However, things could be changing for the private resort on Utah's Wasatch-Cache National Forest holdings. Plans are being hatched to develop the base area in the next five years or so with lodging and grander resort amenities. Meaning what? Go now and get in on the locals' "little big secret" before the condos and that all-important destination-resort tag take hold.

Start your day by loosening up on the mostly blue cruisers on the eastern Strawberry Peak side of the

Given that Snowbasin hosted the downhill, super-G, and combined events during the 2002 Winter Olympics, it's not as if this place is a big secret. But you'd be forgiven for thinking that as you barrel down yet another deserted slope with bluebird skies up high, the sun shining down, and perfect conditions under-ski. Snowbasin is skiing at its finest, and it appears that's the way the regulars and locals want to keep it: "We don't want to spread the word," was the common refrain from fellow chairlift riders when they heard they were onboard with a big-mouth journalist.

It's certainly not bad press that's holding back the floodgates. In a state spoiled with 11 world-class resorts all within 60 miles of Salt Lake International Airport, Snowbasin rises to the top for terrain, scenery, and snow. No, the problem—if you can call it that—is that there's not a bed to be had within 15 minutes of the resort. As a result, Snowbasin is a popular day trip for those holing up in Park City (71 miles), Salt Lake City (33 miles), or even nearby Ogden (17 miles). But skiers fond of multi-day package trips with ski-in, ski-out convenience likely opt for other Salt Lake-area resorts.

However, things could be changing for the private resort on Utah's Wasatch-Cache National Forest holdings. Plans are being hatched to develop the base area in the next five years or so with lodging and grander resort amenities. Meaning what? Go now and get in on the locals' "little big secret" before the condos and that all-important destination-resort tag take hold.

Start your day by loosening up on the mostly blue cruisers on the eastern Strawberry Peak side of the mountain, where you'll also make the most of any morning sun. Here you'll gawk at the view, too, with Snowbasin's slopes rising dramatically from the relatively flat Ogden Valley floor. It lends a sense of space and altitude, while a cradle of steep, craggy cliffsides ring the resort's boundaries to add an edge of close-up mountain magnetism. Cutting smooth turns down long runs like Wolverine and Elk Ridge, chances are you won't see anybody until you catch sight of the liftees down at the luxe Strawberry Express gondola, which will quickly rev you back to the top to repeat the procedure until your legs become rubber.

The middle Needles section of the mountain holds more blue groomers, plus one or two steeper shots for those looking to step up a gear. Then go find yourself a tight little run called Wildcat Bowl that's dead center of Snowbasin. It's the resort's oldest trail, as well as one of its prettiest and least trafficked. It'll dump you out at the base and your pick of next adventures.

The architecturally impressive John Paul Lodge, in the shadow of 9,570-foot Mount Ogden, is the place for lunch. Sure, you might spend more than your average base fare when you're snarfing a burger at 8,900 feet, but the food up here is worth the extra green (try the soup!), the four-sided fireplace and marble-lined bathrooms are both masterpieces, and the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terrace are magnificent. And if you're lucky, you'll catch a daredevil huckster attempt the gnarly chutes that hover above your lunch table.

Of course, Snowbasin's blue-ribbon runs are the Grizzly and Wildflower trails down which the 2002 Olympic competitions blazed. A cozy tram will take you from the John Paul Lodge (be sure to digest before boarding) to Snowbasin's highest point on 9,465-foot Allen's Peak. More gorgeous views await, with a panorama of Ogden, the Great Salt Lake, and the Great Salt Lake Desert beyond. At this point, you'll also need to decide if you've got the cajones to keep going, or if you'd rather get back on the tram for the easier (if shameful) trip down.

The Grizzly Downhill falls away at a 70-degree pitch from the same tiny starter's hut where Austria's Fritz Strobl cast off for his Olympic gold. Nail the first hundred yards and you'll hit the widening field adjacent the John Paul Lodge with a similar golden glow. From there, it's another 9,000 feet down sharp turns, sudden lips, and just shy of 3,000 feet of vertical before you cross the finish line.

Alternatively, follow a twisty, nerve-wracking cat track past the first starter's hut on Mount Allen to reach the start of the Wildflower course. Like the Grizzly, the women's course was designed by famed designer Bernhard Russi and it throws out similarly tough technical features as well as some wider sections where you can build up some serious speed.

It's highly unlikely that one day will be enough to explore all 3,000 skiable acres and 113 runs of Snowbasin. But it's a sure bet that by the time the lifts close you'll be a willing acolyte ready to return for another day, sworn to secrecy about what makes this mountain great.