How A Powderhound Does A Utah Ski Vacation

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Planning the perfect getaway

Settle in at the end of the day at any après ski watering hole at or nearby one of Utah's 15 mountain resorts, and before long, you'll hear it: the siren-song tales of sublimely deep and light snow; a snow so addictive that, year after year, hundreds of discarded college diplomas and temporary visits turned decades-long odysseys are left in its wake. The funny thing about these countless narratives of the fabled Greatest Snow on Earth®? Every word is true. Below you'll find the story behind Utah's snow, how to forecast it, where to stay and more to help you plan your trip to the white room.

 

Tele Tony

//Why Utah Snow? Learn why Utah's powder earned the title, The Greatest Snow on Earth®

Utah's lionized snow isn't a singular essence. What makes Utah snow the perfect three-dimensional medium for sliding is a balanced alchemy bringing the right amount of snow at the right time at perfect temperatures. This uniquely Utah occurrence is known as the Goldilocks Effect.

First and foremost, Utah storms are typically right-side up. What this means is that warmer, heavier snow falls first, which is followed by colder, lighter snow. Think of new snow like a layer cake with the lightest, least-dense layers on top, providing the perfect amount of flotation for a bottomless feel and endless face shots.

Second is the quantity of snow that Utah storms deliver. "Dust on crust" is a rare occurrence in Utah. Alta Ski Area, for example, averages 18 storms of more than 10 inches each season. Regular, ample snowfall delivers the best skiing and riding conditions as opposed to boom and bust storm cycles that leave you scraping bottom or wallowing up to your waist.

Finally, snow falls consistently and frequently enough in Utah you can almost set your clock to it. Little Cottonwood Canyon averages one foot of snow every five days during the peak winter season. Long periods of high pressure and hardpack are the exception, not the rule. To dive deeper into The Greatest Snow on Earth®, read Breaking Down The Greatest Snow on Earth®.

 

Evan Thayer | OpenSnow

// FORECASTING THE BIG STORM Tips from a local pro on how to forecast storms, where to get the best information and more.

We all know The Greatest Snow on Earth® is at its greatest when in its purest form – powder. Utah's combination of quantity, quality, and frequency of snowfall makes it an ideal place to ride powder. Combine that with unparalleled access to the mountains, and it is no surprise that so many powder hounds have made Utah their top destination. But not all powder days are created equal, because not all storms are created equal. If you've made the trip to Utah to ski or ride powder, you don't want to settle for "pretty good" powder days — you want the best. With that in mind, we have assembled some tips for how you can plan ahead to get the best possible powder

Tip #1: Know the forecast

Having a plan is key to skiing powder. Thanks to the frequency of snowfall here in Utah, chances are that if you're here on a weeklong ski vacation, you'll get at least one powder day. Knowing which days are most likely to feature fresh snow requires following a trusted forecast. Similarly, if you are hoping to book a last-minute trip to chase a storm, knowing the forecast is obviously a critical component. To best stay informed of upcoming chances for snow, we recommend reading the Utah Daily Snow forecast at OpenSnow.com. This will provide you with in-depth knowledge of upcoming weather patterns. You can also learn to make your own forecasts using the same global forecasting models that meteorologists use.

Tip #2: Follow the Storm

After you have identified the days most likely to be powder days, it is important to pay close attention as the storm pushes into Utah. Live-tracking storms allows you to know where and when the heaviest snow is falling. For this, accessing webcams is critical – and we have compiled a collection of webcams from each ski area across the state. The snow stake webcams are particularly valuable for estimating how much snow has fallen. Apart from webcams, radar imagery is also useful in determining where and when it is snowing. There are several radar apps such as MyRadar that will allow you to track storms as they push into Utah.

Tip #3: Check the snow report

Following the forecast and checking webcams are both great ways to plan your powder day, but it's not always perfect. Storms can do unpredictable things, even when we all do our best to predict their track.. Luckily, the Ski Utah Snow Report page allows you to check all 15 of Utah's ski areas every morning to see how much snow fell over the previous 24 hours. Most resorts will report new snowfall by 6 a.m., which gives you plenty of time to make last-minute adjustments to head to where the most snow fell. Being flexible and allowing yourself to change plans the morning after a storm is the best way to ensure you can ski the deepest powder. Download the Free Ski Utah app to get Powder Day alerts right on your phone.

By taking the above steps, you can significantly increase your chances of scoring a powder day you will never forget. Remember, an informed powder hound will have a leg up on the competition for first tracks!

 

Local Lexi

// CAUTION: ENTER THE WHITE ROOM Secrets on the best pow stashes across the state.

From north to south, Utah is dotted with ski areas that boast some of the highest average snow totals in the nation. Come sample a face shot of The Greatest Snow on Earth® and then you'll understand…

NORTHERN UTAH

Beaver Mountain
This family owned resort in the Bear River Range collects piles of white fluffy snow and offers playful terrain with a friendly off-the-beaten-track vibe. Turn your tweets off and settle into the nostalgia of this hometown hill. The lack of crowds at Beaver Mountain keep the fresh tracks coming—even days after a storm. This area of Utah is known for colder temperatures and as such, the powder in this zone remains pristine for longer periods of time. The gladed trees and the runs off the Harry's Dream Lift offer a lengthy pitch and plenty of pow. For even more privacy, head for Marge's Triple and work up an appetite for the infamous Triple Bypass Burger at the Beaver Mountain Grill.

Powder Mountain
If it's namesake doesn't spoil the surprise, head to Powder Mountain yourself to uncover a veritable winter playground. With a huge amount of acreage, you can easily spend a couple of days exploring the mountain's numerous nooks and crannies. Powder Mountain sells affordable tickets for single unguided Snowcat Rides—take one or several laps to access fresh turns off Lightning Ridge and Raintree. The resort also offers full-service cat skiing and backcountry guiding packages. Plan to spend some time running laps in Powder Country, where riders can milk fresh turns to Highway 158 where a Pow Mow shuttle bus will quickly whisk you back up to the Hidden Lake Lodge for more turns. From here check out numerous tree runs off the Hidden Lake Express or harvest mellow pow turns and delightful glades in privacy via Mary's chairlift.

Snowbasin
Having served as a venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics, it is not an exaggeration to dub the slopes of Snowbasin as world class. What to expect at Snowbasin: high alpine bowls, screamer steeps, wonderful views, speedy chairlifts and gondolas, and delectable cuisine. When the snow is dumping, and vis is low, head over to the thickly treed terrain off John Pau Express. If it's a classic Utah powder day with blazing sunshine and you're looking for extreme terrain, ride the Allen Peak Tram and scope techy lines and the wide-open powder bowl as you ascend. Peep the map and take your pick of one of the many alpine bowls that crown Snowbasin; the bowls above Strawberry Gondola come highly recommended!

WASATCH BACK

Deer Valley
Famous for meticulous groomers and perfect aspen glades, Deer Valley is a lovely place to enjoy pristine powder. If storms roll in during the early morning hours, the groomers may be dusted with a perfect serving of champagne powder. With six peaks, expansive acreage, and limited daily ticket sales, guests can binge on Deer Valley's delights. Bald Mountain is the place to explore powdery glades and expert skiers will savor the steeps off the Empire and Lady Morgan lifts.

Park City Mountain
Park City Mountain Resort is Utah's largest resort and as such boasts the greatest amount of snowy acreage. Days after a storm you'll find powder across the resort's 17 peaks, 13 bowls, and 7300 skiable acres. The storied history of Park City's silver mining boom is palpable as you encounter many historic structures and mining relics while exploring the sprawling terrain. Storm ride in comfort from the Canyons Village using the Orange Bubble Express. Fun turns in gladed forests can be found off the Tombstone Express. As a general rule, the best powder turns can be found on the highest peaks; the Ninety-Nine 90 lift is a local favorite. Powder lovers also appreciate the challenging terrain off McConkey's Express and the Jupiter lift.

Sundance
Tucked underneath massive Mount Timpanogos, it's hard to envision a more dramatic landscape than what Sundance Resort serves up on the daily. Less crowded than many Utah resorts, Sundance is the place to slow it down and connect with nature and your fellow shred and ski buddies. Pair your powder with an art class like we did, or simply enjoy the slopes bell-to-bell with a delicious midday meal to warm your soul. We recommend enjoying turns in Bishop's Bowl or the steep trees beneath the Flathead Lift.

COTTONWOOD CANYONS

Brighton
Utah's oldest ski area is a magnet for families, snowboarders, and those who appreciate the atmosphere of a local hill. Tradition runs as deep as the powder that coats Brighton's playful slopes. With the highest base elevation of any resort in the Cottonwood Canyons, powder storms often favor Brighton. Head for the natural playground of Mount Millicent, accessible via the Milly Express. The terrain here is replete with open bowls, giant cliffs, sweeping groomed terrain—good fun after an early morning dump — and groves of evergreens and aspens. Night skiing at Brighton during the peak pulse of a powder storm is one of the best ways to experience Utah snow!

Solitude
In terms of terrain, Solitude has it all: friendly beginner slopes, excellent trees, open bowls, gullies, techy steeps, and expansive groomers for cruising. When all of this is covered in powder, which is often the case in Big Cottonwood Canyon, it provides a veritable buffet of savory Utah flavors. Blonde cliffs soar above the drool-worthy powder terrain in Honeycomb Canyon. For steep tree lovers, hit the glades in Headwall Forest off the Summit Express. To locate a few playful powder pockets late in the day, check out the aptly named Roller Coaster run beneath the Sunrise lift.

Alta Ski Area
With a landscape carved by ancient glaciers and perched atop the soaring granite ramparts of Little Cottonwood, many view Alta Ski Area as powder skiing's Mecca. It was the stomping ground of Dick Durrance, who invented techniques like the Dipsy Doodle for navigating steep, powder filled chutes. It's where pioneers like Monty Atwater and Ed LaChapelle first developed avalanche mitigation control techniques in North America. To ski Alta powder is to experience a vibrant facet of skiing's history. Rewind the decades and snag a seat on the Wildcat Lift for powder pockets and tree skiing. For wide open bowls, watch for Alta Ski Patrol to drop the rope on Ballroom or Devil's Castle.

Snowbird
As the home of steep powder skiing, it's best to pack your snorkel for Snowbird's deepest days. As Alta's neighbor up Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowbird does not suffer for lack of snow. Bang out laps on the Aerial Tram or plunder the sunny back bowls in Mineral Basin until your legs crumple. Late in the day there may be mellow powder pockets lurking beneath the Baby Thunder lift. Savvy guests will keep their eyes peeled for the Mineral Basin and Road to Provo rope drops.

SOUTHERN UTAH

Eagle Point
Follow our forecasting friend Evan or grab the Ski Utah app to learn when storms split south. If you're witnessing a mid-week storm, it's time to head to Eagle Point on Thursday evening to experience a "Powder Friday". Because Eagle Point only operates a handful of days per week (excluding peak and holiday weeks), mid-week storms ensure a massive powder harvest for those who arrive on Friday mornings. The high elevation and north-facing slopes off the Lookout Chair keep conditions primo for powder lovers. If you're not opposed to a short hike, take any one of the gates along the Country Road cat track for bonus face shots.

Brian Head Ski Area
Brian Head boasts the highest base elevation of any resort in Utah and the sensation of ploughing through powder with a red rock vista on the horizon is indescribable. The arid desert climate manufacturers whisper-light snow. Exit left off the Alpenglow lift for great tree skiing or the aptly named Powder Run. Brian Head is seldom crowded, so expect to ski pow here all day during storm cycles, anything accessible from Giant Steps Express is game!

 

Melissa Fields

// SKI, EAT, SLEEP REPEAT Where to rest your weary eyes before heading out for another day.

Maybe it's the rarified, high-altitude air or the thrill of waking to the sound of the lifts starting up for the day. Or perhaps it's the idea that, after a night of snowfall, you get to be the first one in line to get the goods. Whatever lure slope-side lodging holds for you, we get it. Following are five at-the-slope retreats where you can rest your head with Utah's famed powder snow at your ski tips.

Alta Lodge, Alta Ski Area
If you're looking for a classic slope-side mountain lodge, with a focus squarely on skiing, the refreshingly unpretentious Alta Lodge is the place. For the single, powder skiing devotee, the Alta Lodge offers economical dorm-style accommodations. Indicative of the Alta Lodge's mountain-facing priorities, none are furnished with televisions. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea; and morning yoga are all included in every stay. And the on-site Sitzmark Club has repeatedly been called out as one of the best apres-ski bars in the U.S. Glide down to the Transfer Tow to board the lifts at Alta's Wildcat Base in the morning; use the Alta Lodge Tow to return to the lodge for lunch and après ski.

Snowpine Lodge, Alta Ski Area
As Little Cottonwood Canyon's first ski lodge, which opened in 1956, the Snowpine Lodge holds a venerable place in the town of Alta's evolution from mining to skiing. But thanks to a recent top-to-bottom rebuild, the Snowpine is now heralding in a new chapter in Alta's history as the canyon's first four-star, luxury hotel. Guest rooms range from family suites to dorm-style lodging, and most feature original artwork by area artists. Don't worry, however. The original Snowpine has not been completely erased. Many of the lodge's original elements have been incorporated into the Snowpine's new rustic-modern aesthetic. The lower level's original granite stonework has been exposed within the Stillwell Spa's ethereal hot tub room, called the Grotto. Other lodge amenities: a scenic slope-side pool and hot tub to soak sore muscles; on-site ski shop and game room; and the cozy Gulch Pub après ski bar and open-kitchen concept Swen's Restaurant. From the Snowpine, click in to your skis and schuss down to the Albion Base lifts or take the Transfer Tow to the Wildcat Base.

The Cliff Lodge, Snowbird
Back in the 1960s, as Ted Johnson was cobbling together mining claims that would eventually become the baselands for Snowbird, he envisioned a ski village eschewing the alpine, paws-and-claws aesthetic typical of many European and U.S. resorts at the time. So, he formed a design team with the mandate to create a series of compact, modern buildings constructed to withstand Little Cottonwood Canyon's prolific snowfall. The resulting village is centered around the soaring The Cliff Lodge, a study in contrast between concrete, warmly stained wood and glass. Every room at the Cliff features stunning mountain views, of either the resort's Peruvian Gulch frontside or the canyon's undeveloped north side. The hotel's modern and yet cozy guestrooms, common areas, the penthouse-level Cliff Spa and the ground-level SeventyOne restaurant were all remodeled in recent years. Ride your skis or board from the Cliff to the Tram Base to hop on the Peruvian Chair or board the Tram.

Horizon Cabins, Powder Mountain Resort, Eden
Award-winning architect Brian Mackay-Lyons designed the 30 cleaned-lined, geometrically simple Horizon cabins clustered at the summit of Powder Mountain. Guests enter via second floor walkways, cantilevered over the hillside's grade to account for Powder Mountain's prolific snowfall. Open floor plans and sweeping windows frame views of the sun setting over the Ogden Valley, the Great Salt Lake and the greater Wasatch Range. Privately owned, these cabins are centered around the Pioneer Cabin, a communal lodge featuring a gym, fire pit and ski lockers.

Creekside Condos, Solitude Mountain Resort
This intimate oasis is tucked into the heart of Solitude's cozy, Euro-inspired base area is an ideal basecamp for exploring both Solitude and nearby Brighton. Featuring one- and two-bedroom options, each unit within the Creekside Condos is tastefully decorated and accented with stone to enhance the natural beauty of the pristine slopes just steps away from the building's front door. After a day touring the mountain, relax in Creekside's rooftop hot tub, on your unit's private balcony or indoors in front of the wood-burning fireplace. For dinner, either cook in or try the locally-sourced, contemporary mountain cuisine at the Honeycomb Grill, located on the Creekside's ground level. Discover all of the mountain's nooks, crannies and dip into the sidecountry with Solitude's Hidden Tracks guided mountain tours.

 

Ski Utah Yeti

// Après Like A Local Shredding is over. Now we consume delicious Utah libations and tell tales of the day.

You're not looking for champagne flutes and faux fur upholstery. You're after an inexpensive tall can and a stool from which to exaggerate tales of exceedingly deep turns and mammoth airs. You want a place with character frequented by characters. Seasoned old timers, local shredders and off-duty ski patrollers adhering to a dress code that encourages well-loved outerwear mended with duct tape rather than the latest Gore-Tex fashionista collab. These are après bars for the powderhound. Belly up for a round at one of these after a day of trying to find the bottom The Greatest Snow on Earth®.

Peruvian Bar, Alta
Affectionately known as the P-Dog, the Peruvian is the classic archetype of an après bar. Just across the parking lot from Alta's famed Wildcat chairlift, the bar inside the eponymous lodge is home to a rowdy collection of rippers at the end of a powder day. With live music, free popcorn and some of the best skiers you've never heard of but will probably see in a ski movie soon, the Peruvian is a can't miss.

Tram Club, Snowbird
Tucked between the spinning bull wheels of Utah's most famous lift—Snowbird's Aerial Tram—the Tram Club's dimly-lit interior is the perfect place to kick back for a $7 shot and a beer after an epic day of shredding powder on Great Scott. Everybody knows the Bird is the word, and with great grub, friendly locals and plenty of televisions to catch the game on, theTram Club is too.

Molly Green's, Brighton
If the world were a more perfect place, every après bar would be in an a-frame, and more of them would be like Molly Green's. Molly's is right at the base of Brighton between the Majestic and Crest chairs so you can click out of your skis or unstrap from your snowboard and step right inside for a pint with some nachos and a hand-tossed pizza.

O'Shucks, Park City/Deer Valley
This Main Street haunt is easily walkable even from the bottom of the town lift at Park City Mountain, even if you're wearing race-fit plug boots. You'll feel the crunch of discarded peanut shells underfoot as you navigate the narrow corridor in front of the bar packed with locals tipping back enormous schooners of beer. Sit down and order the burger special. Buy a round and someone might even tell you where to find a sneaky powder stash.

Corner Store, Park City
When your quads are burning and your outerwear is soggy after a day of digging trenches through powder, head on over to The Corner Store right near the bottom of Park City Mountain's Payday chairlift to refuel. The suds are affordable, the burgers are outstanding and the waffle fries are even better. In the spring, the Corner Store's patio is the ideal spot to soak up the sun and enjoy some live tunes.

Powder Keg, Powder Mountain
The Powder Keg is an après bar through and through, so much so that it shuts down at the traditional après closing of 6 p.m. From 3–6 p.m. though, the Powder Keg has ripping live music and keeps the drinks flowing for locals and visitors alike to spin yarns about their exploits on the hill. If you're not ready to shut it down when the Keg closes, have the designated driver take you over to the Saddlebag Saloon in Eden, where the drinks keep pouring and the live music keeps rocking until late into the evening.

 

Local Lexi

// WHEN I DIP, YOU DIP, WE DIP (recover) Slopeside hot tubs and pools to recharge your muscles.

If you're visiting Utah, chances are your poor legs aren't accustomed to skiing deep powder bell-to-bell. Luckily there are plenty of tranquil spots to relax and rest weary muscles. Whether you seek luxurious spa amenities, yoga in a stunning setting, or a legendary hot tub, the options abound.

Crystal Hot Springs Soaking

After a day of smashing pow at Beaver Mountain or Cherry Peak, head south for a tranquil soak at Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville, Utah. These springs contain some of the highest mineral content levels found in the USA! Over 8,000 gallons of hot water bubble to the surface in a 24-hour period. The Crystal Hot Springs facility includes three jetted hot tubs, a soaking pool, a lap pool, an Olympic-size pool, and—for an extra charge—two 360-foot waterslides. Temps in the pools range from 85 degrees to 115 degrees.

For those who are road tripping, Crystal Hot Springs is a serene stopover option as they do offer RV hook-ups and a full-service campground.

Little Cottonwood Canyon Chillaxing

The newly renovated Snowpine Lodge was built around the essence of a mountain modern atmosphere. Stop for a craft cocktail in The Gulch Pub before descending to the Stillwell Spa. Release your tension in the sauna or the steam room before indulging in some quiet time in the indoor grotto. The large outdoor pool and two hot tubs are situated for worshipping the views of Alta Ski Resort's Eagle's Nest area. If you need to catch your breath, an oxygen bar or yoga classes await.

Another luxurious experience in Little Cottonwood Canyon can be enjoyed at Alta's Rustler Lodge Spa. With treatments tailored for alpine pursuits, choose from a Nordic massage to stimulate circulation, a Sore Muscle Recovery option with soothing methol arnica gel or a massage with smooth mountain stones. All spa treatments include use of the stunning outdoor pool, jacuzzis, saua, and steam room. Reservations are recommended and know that the pool does tend to grow busy around the aprés hour.

Further down the canyon at Snowbird's Cliff Spa, daily yoga and meditation classes are on offer. The room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Peruvian Gulch. Class sizes are limited and access to the spa also includes use of the workout room, eucalyptus steam room, quiet solarium, the outdoor pool, and hot tubs.

Relax on the Backside

There are no shortage of spas and perfectly situated hot tubs and heated pools surrounding Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley.

For the premium experience, make your way to the heights of Deer Valley and the luxurious Spa at Montage Deer Valley. Nestled beneath Bald Mountain, this oasis in the high alpine incorporates treatments inspired by nature with the goal of rejuvenation and renewal. The 35,000 square-foot spa includes the finest amenities like redwood saunas, steam rooms, jetted whirlpools, deluge showers, a wellness center, and an indoor mosaic lap pool with stunning views. Chill out in the meditation room beside a cozy fire. With floral facials, reflexology, a divine massage therapy menu, anti-aging treatments, and traditional salon services, the Spa at Montage Deer Valley is the ultimate in indulgence. There are also fantastic spas and outdoor pools at the St. Regis Deer Valley and the Stein Eriksen Lodge.

In the heart of the Canyons Village at Park City Mountain lies the RockResorts Spa. An eclectic and comprehensive menu of treatments will sooth the sorest of muscles, including Thai massage, prenatal massage, REIKI, Myofascial Release, Swedish massage, and deep tissue massage. Indulge in a one-of-a-kind treatment like the Therapeutic Hydration Ritual, a Black Diamond Detox, Aromatherapy or a Hot Honey Foot Massage.

 

Tele Tony

// CATS, BIRDS AND GUIDES–OH MY! Explore outside resort boundaries and "locals only" powder stashes.

From the old-school churn of Wildcat, Alta's classic, center-pole double, to the frenetic buzz of Park City's futuristic detachable six-packs, to the distinctly European flavor of Snowbasin's 15-passenger Allen Peak Tram, there's no shortage of iconic lifts etching paths through the trees and dotting ridgelines at resorts in Utah. No slander to those venerable workhorses, which have delivered countless skiers and snowboarders to powder nirvana, but there are other elements of Utah's mountains beyond the rope lines that can't be reached from a chairlift. Couloir walls looming high overhead. Powder-filled bowls with seemingly no bottom. Jagged ridges climbing into the clouds. They're all there waiting for you.

Utah winters are full of opportunities to chase The Greatest Snow on Earth® and create ephemeral experiences, which aren't just about skiing and riding powder, but are most certainly about skiing and riding powder. Just don't forget your snorkel. It gets pretty deep out there.

Powderbird Heli Skiing and Riding
What could be better than having a helicopter whisk you to the top of iconic peaks right in the powder corridor of the central Wasatch? Not much. The sound of the thumping rotor blades will fade as the helicopter dives into the valley to pick you up for another run, leaving you in silence atop untouched powder fields in Mineral Fork or steep terrain off Cardiff Pass. From there it's just you and a line of deep turns on the way back to the bird. Powderbird has operations taking off from Snowbird and Park City Mountain, making it convenient to book individual or multiple single-day seats as well as semi-private or private tours no matter where you're staying.

Park City Powder Cats
43,000 acres of remote alpine terrain in the Uinta mountains feel lightyears away from the ordinary, but they're easily accessible (just 35 minutes) from Park City with Park City Powder Cats. You and the other Powder Cats guests will be the only ones skiing and snowboarding the pristine slopes at Thousand Peaks Ranch. Heated 5–10 minute cat rides keep your legs fresh for lap after lap of shredding. Book single seats or private tours. Avalanche safety gear is provided and powder skis and snowboards are available for rent. You're going to want them.

Powder Mountain Cat Skiing
À la carte cat skiing at Powder Mountain is the most accessible cat skiing you can find in the Beehive State. With a day ticket or season pass at the aptly named Powder Mountain, single unguided cat rides to the top of Lightning Ridge and Raintree are just $25 each. Steep, featured terrain and untouched snow deliver a big mountain backcountry experience but in a controlled, convenient package you can enjoy during a day of riding the lifts at Powder Mountain.

Snowbird Mountain Guides
Snowbird needs no introduction, and just beyond its boundaries is some of the most legendary terrain in the Wasatch. Snowbird Mountain Guides gives you unfettered access to fresh backcountry pow beyond the ropes. You can book a half or full day cat skiing and snowboarding tours in areas like Pagan Basin and Mary Ellen Gulch. Snowbird Mountain Guides also offers human powered backcountry skiing tours that access exceptional gladed terrain, and they even offer all mountain guided skiing within the resort boundaries to help you find the best snow on the hill. The 'Bird is the word, and Snowbird's Mountain Guides take your experience to the next level.

Solitude Hidden Tracks
Solitude's 1,200 acres of terrain is home to famous steeps and powder fields that are easily visible from the chairlift, but it also conceals secret stashes, clandestine couloirs and hidden gems all over the mountain. With Solitude Hidden Tracks guided tours, you'll find the best terrain and the best snow on the hill, regardless of when the last storm was. Solitude's trained instructors will show you every nook and cranny so you can get the goods with some runs truly worth bragging about. Half and full day tours are available and can be booked online.

Ski Utah Interconnect Tour
The Ski Utah Interconnect Tour gives an advanced to expert skier the opportunity to experience the magnificent beauty and incredible backcountry terrain of the Wasatch Mountain Range through a guided tour. A mix of resort and backcountry terrain will lead you through up to six resorts in one day–a truly unique experience and one you can only find in Utah.

 

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