WITH THIS MUCH SNOW, NO TWO RUNS ARE EXACTLY ALIKE.

Byline: Marlene Greer Staff Writer

HUNTSVILLE, Utah - When, three days after a major storm dropped more than a foot of snow, skiers can still find untracked powder virtually all over the mountain, you know you are in an unknown and underused resort.

And when skiers come off the mountain talking about the beautiful bathrooms and dining areas with crystal chandeliers at the mountain's lodges, you know you are in a luxurious resort.

That's Snowbasin - a beautiful, uncrowded ski resort hiding in the shadow of Utah's many other better-known resorts. Its location, 33 miles northeast of Salt Lake City, is off the popular Park City/Deer Valley/Snowbird track, making it a fun, relaxing - and cheaper - place to ski.

At Snowbasin, you have the run of the place, making your own tracks and trails off the ridge and off almost any run on the mountain. Want a little powder? Just ski off the groomed area of the run. Snowbasin is so open, you can ski off the same mountainside all day and not take the same route twice.

Snowbasin is labeled 50 percent intermediate, 20 percent beginner and 30 percent advanced. But the ability to ski virtually your own path changes this mostly intermediate-level mountain into whatever you want. With 2,650 acres of skiable terrain and 2,950 feet of vertical rise, it offers wide-open groomed trails and so many powder-covered hills that you will have a hard time choosing where to start.

One choice is to ski the same runs as the racers did in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Snowbasin hosted the men's and women's downhill, Super G and combined events during the Olympics. The downhill course - featuring 2,900 vertical feet - was designed by 1972 Olympic gold medalist Bernard Russi. The Grizzly Downhill is accessed with the Mount Allen Tram, which takes skiers to the start at the top of the mountain.

If you don't want to ski down, you can take in the spectacular views of the Ogden Valley and the Great Salt Lake, then take the tram back down. On a recent trip in early February, the men's downhill was a popular spot.

Another popular spot was Needles Lodge, near the top of the mountain at 8,750 feet. Log construction, huge stone fireplaces, tapestries, chandeliers and high-back dining chairs give this place a rustic, yet elegant feel.

Earl's Lodge at the base of the mountain is even more stunning. The 45,000-square-foot lodge has beautiful wood carvings, six fireplaces, oak dining tables, cushy sofas and a glass-enclosed heated patio seating area. It's so luxurious, you just might want to stay here all day.

And no wonder: Snowbasin is owned by the group that owns Sun Valley Resort in Idaho, the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City and the Little America chain of hotels.

In addition to its ski runs, Snowbasin has 24 kilometers of cross-country trails suitable for all abilities. The trails begin at the base near Earl's Lodge. There is no charge.

And for snowboarders, a terrain park features rails, table tops, kickers and a 340-foot super pipe with 18-foot walls. Watching snowboarders hit this run brings to mind skateboarders jumping off stairs, railings and anything else they can find.

SNOWBASIN

Getting there: The resort, due east of Ogden, is a 33-mile drive from Salt Lake City. Delta and Southwest fly nonstop from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. There is no public transportation to the resort.

Lodging: No overnight lodging. Nearest accommodations are in Huntsville or Ogden, seven miles from the resort. For information, contact the Ogden Convention and Visitors Bureau at [phone] or www.ogdencvb.org.

Packages: Lodging and lift ticket packages are available at the Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City for $99 per person, per night (double occupancy); transportation can be arranged for $15 per person. www.littleamerica.com.

Lift tickets: $55 adults, $45 seniors (65 and up), $34 children ages 7 to 12, free for children 6 and younger.

Information: www.snowbasin.com; [phone]. Snow report: [phone].

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Wide-open spaces are only a part of Snowbasin's appeal; the Utah resort also offers luxury and affordability.

Randy Boverman/Special to Great Escapes