Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Sundays are made for decompression and self-care. Only a few hours separate you from a new hectic work week, so you need to make the most of them.
The first step to a relaxing Sunday is often to have brunch with friends and/or family. After all, what's better than great food and great company? The hardest part is often deciding where to go.
And even though Utah offers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to brunch spots, one place (figuratively and literally) rises above the rest by not just offering delectable food, but also a unique experience and incredible views.
A unique brunch experience
Snowbasin's mountain-top brunch buffet takes place at the Needles Lodge every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. until October 3. You might be asking yourself: "Wait, that Snowbasin? The world-class ski resort?" It's true. The hidden gem that boasts some of Utah's best powder is also one of the best brunch spots in the state.
The setting
To understand why the mountain-top brunch is spectacular, you first have to picture the setting. Imagine yourself taking a scenic 15-minute gondola ride through the high alpine slopes of Snowbasin, slowly taking in the breathtaking mountain views. Point your phone anywhere and take a photo for guaranteed Instagram likes. Oh, and that's just the journey.
The destination is a spectacular log lodge originally built for the 2002 Winter Olympics that sits 8,700 feet high in the fresh mountain air. Step inside and the scenic fun continues; the lodge features panoramic views of Snowbasin's rugged ridgeline and the expansive valley below featuring Pineview Reservoir.
The food
Pretty views are nice and all, but they don't mean much if the food is disappointing. Fortunately, that's not the case at Snowbasin, where the culinary team uses top local ingredients obtained through community-centered agriculture partnerships to craft its decadent buffet.
In fact, the buffet menu changes every week to ensure the freshest ingredients are used and the chef's creative inspirations are fulfilled. That means you could go every Sunday and get a unique experience each time.
Presentation is also key at the lodge — the dazzling dishes and desserts are showcased across a grand buffet in the center of the room, many being made right before your eyes by the resort's culinary experts. For breakfast-goers craving mimosas, a full bar with alcohol service is available starting at 10:30 a.m.
Because of the brunch's popularity, reservations are highly recommended and can be made here. Indoor lodge or outdoor patio seating is available.
But wait, there's more
Snowbasin's brunch might be incredible, but the resort's 3,000 acres and 3,000 vertical feet of diverse rugged terrain offers much more than that. Every Saturday and Sunday, the resort is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to a number of outdoor activities.
For the hikers, Snowbasin offers more than 26 miles of gondola-accessed trails that start near the Needles Lodge. Mountain bikers looking to put down some watts have access to equal miles of single-track trails that wind through aspen groves and glades of pine.
If you're looking for something less strenuous and more competitive, try the Wildflower Mini-Golf, a challenging 18-hole mini-golf course with a beautiful backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains.
Lastly, live-music aficionados will enjoy Snowbasin's popular concert series—Blues, Brews & BBQ and SnowWisen Oktoberfest—which starts later on August 1 and takes place every Sunday through October 3.
Reserve a table today
Ready to impress a date or your picky family? The brunch of your life awaits you at Snowbasin. Make a reservation today. Come hungry and don't forget to bring your camera.
