Car hire Ogden

Ogden is a wonderful place to drive. The city itself is compact and well-organised, with a grid system that makes finding your way about simplicity itself. Numbered streets run east to west – the numbers increase as you go south - intersecting with avenues running north to south. If you’ve arrived at the airport, it’s extremely close to the city, and you can be at your hotel or base in mere minutes.

The airport is also served by two of the interstates – America’s version of motorways – that lead to the city. Head south and then east on the I-84 and you’ll pass through the peaks on your way to Echo. Alternatively, you can hop on the I-15 and go south through Farmington to Salt Lake City or north into Idaho.

The other main route is Route 89, which again runs south to Salt Lake City, it cuts through the very heart of Ogden and then takes a very scenic route north and north-east to Bear Lake and beyond.

As you’re driving in the US, don’t forget that you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking on the left. The top speed limit in Utah is on the interstates, with 75mph on some sections, 80mph on others. Speeds drop in urban areas, and residential areas will have a top speed between 20 and 35mph.

There are numerous picturesque drives nearby, including the Ogden River Scenic Byway. Here on SR-39, east from the city, you’ll trace the Ogden Canyon, in the shadow of Sardine Peak, on your way to Pineview Reservoir. You can windsurf, fish and water-ski once you arrive.

Ogden isn’t just a place to sleep between descending and ascending the snowy slopes of Utah. It’s a fine place in its own right, with a brilliant historic district – 25^th Street – as well as superb restaurants, cafes and local art galleries. It’s a friendly, unpretentious place, in the midst of a surplus of natural splendour.

Around 25^th Street

The beating heart of historic Ogden is 25th street. Once a street known for debauchery in the 19^th century, it’s now full of boutique shops, art galleries, cool cafes and restaurants. It’s a lovely place to visit at day or night, with a number of museums – railroad, firearms, classic car and cowboy – centred around the old Union Station.

You’ll wander past street art, a playable, vividly-painted piano or two, while you can shop for locally made handicrafts. Stop for lunch at Warren’s Craft Burgers, in a building once used for bootlegging. The Prohibition Burger is the apt choice – served with blue cheese, truffle aioli and bacon maple jam. If you’ve parked up the car for the night, there are great craft beers at Roosters 25^th Street Brewing Company. Food is varied and generous – think flat iron steaks and pizza – and there’s also a dedicated gluten-free menu.

To the slopes

Come winter, Ogden is all about the snow-based sports and activities – it’s a veritable winter wonderland. There are a few different ski resorts here, each with something unique to offer the visitor.

If you’re with the family or a beginner, you’ll want to go to Nordic Valley. It’s fuss-free and has plenty of slopes for both first timers and intermediate levels. There’s a ski academy where children can take the first steps on their skiing or snowboarding adventure, and it’s probably the most affordable resort too. That said, there are plenty of advanced slopes here too – it was used for 2002 Winter Olympics training.

Powder Mountain, meanwhile, has more of an off-piste feel with backcountry skiing aplenty in its 7000-plus acres. Look out for the Lightning Ridge Snowcat Ride, and it’s best to book your lift ticket in advance, as only 1500 people can use it a day – a great way to guarantee there’s no overcrowding and virgin snow galore.

Daring drops and luxury living

The nearby Snowbasin Resort is also a gem, but it’s not for the faint hearted. With 11 lifts, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in a place that was used in competition for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Those seeking the most dramatic slopes should head here to really push themselves to the limit, although there are beginner facilities too, should you be in a mixed group. This area is also studded with luxury lodges and brilliant restaurants, should you want to venture beyond Ogden. Needles Lodge is perhaps the pick of the bunch, 9000 feet above sea level and with suitably majestic views, crackling fires and awesome views.  Expect to be waited on hand and foot.

When you hire a car in Ogden incredible vistas and sensational skiing awaits, reserve your vehicle online today.