Alta and Snowbird are great resorts I agree, they have everthing a great mountian needs steep, lots of snow, and great vertical drop.
Alta need to upgrade it looking worn-out
Getting to snowbird and Alta is terrible it like dirving in rush hour traffic up those canyons.
Snowbasin facility are great and a easy drive from north Salt Lake and most likly from Salt Lake.
The mountain has great fall lines open trails and is as steep as any sane person would want to ski.