Welcome Atc.Burt, Snowbasin is closer to HAFB but gets more people and the powder gets tracked out within a couple of hours. Season passes will be cheaper at Powder Mountain for non-military, about the same for military. The weather at Snowbasin gets more severe as a general rule, more wind and seems to ice up quicker in the spring. Powder Mountain has a lot of terrain and most people here ride the cat for powder or trek off a little. Powder is more layed back as Buell said and definately better for beginner/intermediate with sections of hills that are plenty steep to keep you working. Less people here to dodge than Snowbasin. Looking forward to seeing more carvers here, Kipp