Though Utah is home to a collection of the most family-friendly ski resorts in America, there’s plenty of terrain that can send you whimpering back to the chairlift with your tail between your legs. We want to pull the wraps on some of the finest expert terrain in the state and give you a glimpse of just what run will kick your butt the next time you hit the slopes. Some of this terrain may require hiking, while some will just require plenty of gumption. Either way, here are some of the finest expert-only areas within some of the finest resorts in Utah.
Alta Ski Area: Catherines Area
Catherine’s Area lies just to the East of the top of the Supreme Chair and is home to some of the best powder and chutes imaginable. Within a short hike from the top of the lift, you could be dropping into bottomless powder and bombing through steep trees–but only if you’re faster than the locals!
Brighton Ski Resort: Mt. Millicent
Brighton Resort has long been the center of snowboarding along the Wasatch. But, there’s more to Brighton than terrain parks and teenagers with iPod’s… Mt. Millicent looms at the top of Millicent Chair with steeps and untracked powder galore. If you’re up to it, a hike to the top of Mt. Millicent will deliver the goods every time–steep chutes, rock bands and cliffs abound. Next time you’re at Brighton, venture on over to Millicent for a good scare.
Deer Valley Resort: Daly Chutes in Empire Canyon
When Deer Valley put a new lift in Empire Canyon, the faithful cheered because finally, Deer Valley would have some steep chutes and bowl skiing with the best of them. Now, the Daly Cutes off Empire Canyon lift stand in stark contrast to the groomed-to-perfection slopes at Deer Valley.
Park City Mountain Resort: Jupiter Bowl
Tucked away in the upper reaches of Park City is Jupiter Bowl. Long a local’s favorite, it’s defined by steep tree stashes with a wide sweeping bowl that stretches to the east, culminating in the summit of Jupiter Peak. It’s a place where tourists are few, locals are many and the pow stashes abundant.
Solitude Ski Resort: Honeycomb Canyon
Honeycomb Canyon features two traverses on either side that give up the goods no matter where you decide to drop in. The western ridge is oft-times plagued with death cookie avalanche debris, but can deliver solid turns if you’re willing to traverse. The East flank of Honeycomb is lined with tree shots that protect the powder for those who are willing to find it.
