Top Three Runs at Utah Ski Resorts
With the Ikon Pass, you’ll never get tracked out
You know that person who asks you five times before September if you’ve bought your season pass to [insert ski resort here] yet? The single-minded type who Steve-Jobsed their wardrobe and eats the same thing every day for lunch (very likely egg salad sandwich on wheat)? Who wouldn’t dare set their alarm to an odd minute and still refuses to use hashtags on principle?
We love these people, and there’s something to be said for the efficiency of routine. But come on. Live a little. There’s more to ski in Utah than what you’ll get at a single resort.
The Ikon Pass gets you access to three Utah ski destinations: Deer Valley Resort, Alta Ski Area and Snowbird. And since we’re dealing in threes, here are our top three runs at each:
Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley
Novice: Nabob (Blue)
Top: 9,226 ft
Bottom: 7,927 ft
Vertical drop: 1,299 ft
Length: 0.88 mi
Always groomed with a nice variety of terrain. Experienced skiers use this as a warm-up run and novices find it a nice, manageable challenge. Tree islands create cool natural markers.
Intermediate: Jordanelle (Double Blue)
Top: 7,805 ft
Bottom: 6,611 ft
Vertical drop: 1,194 ft
Length: 1.11 mi
A favorite groomed run of the locals. Best skied in the morning when the sun is out to soften up the corduroy just enough. Awesome views if you’re comfortable enough to pick your head up.
Advanced: Ruins of Pompeii (Black)
Top: 9,114 ft
Bottom: 8,363 ft
Vertical drop: 751 ft
Length: 0.36 mi
Definitely not suited to beginners, but its variety of terrain and steep pitches make it ideal for regulars.
Alta Ski Area
Alta Ski Area
Novice: Crooked Mile (Green)
Top: 9,446 ft
Bottom: 8,652 ft
Vertical drop: 794 ft
Length: 1.18 mi
A gentle groomed run that’s the perfect introduction to Alta. Nice and wide in most places making it great for gauging speed (French fries!), stopping (pizza!) and turns.
Intermediate: Ballroom (Blue)
Top: 10,184 ft
Bottom: 10,033 ft
Vertical drop: 154 ft
Length: 451 ft
Way up high, where the true powderhounds congregate. An excellent run to familiarize yourself with the resort’s famous powder and prepare for black diamonds.
Advanced: Westward Ho (Black)
Top: 9,199 ft
Bottom: 8,711 ft
Vertical drop: 486 ft
Length: 0.2 mi
Many people say that this is the best tree skiing at Alta Ski Area. The pitch is steep (but not “this isn’t fun because I’m going to die” steep) and offers a variety of lines you can take to weave through the trees.
Snowbird
Snowbird
Novice: Chickadee (Blue)
Top: 8,235 ft
Bottom: 8,097 ft
Vertical drop: 138 ft
Length: 0.16 mi
Ideal for beginners. It’s located right next to the Cliff Lodge and even has its own run (super nice if you’re still struggling with your lift-dismount skills). The riding is mellow and the views are rad.
Intermediate: Chip’s Run (Blue)
Top: 10,919 ft
Bottom: 8,159 ft
Vertical drop: 2,759 ft
Length: 2.74 mi
The easiest way down from the top of the tram also happens to be a perfect blend of terrain without anything that might get non-experts in trouble.
Advanced: Great Scott (Double Black)
Top: 10,719 ft
Bottom: 9,797 ft
Vertical drop: 925 ft
Length: 0.37 mi
Steep, consistent and intimidating. Tough enough to keep testing Snowbird regulars, but long-time skiers and riders or first-time Snowbirders can navigate it too.
Keep life interesting.