Snowbird

Snowbird is particularly famous for its expert skiing terrain, so it’s no surprise that many professional skiers make their turns here. There are black diamond and double black diamond trails on both sides of the mountain, as well as access to Alta, of course.  

From the aerial tram, experts can access the steep faces of Baldy and the Cirque, including Great Scott and Regulator Johnson, two of the steepest trails in the U.S. (Regulator Johnson is groomed). Great couloir skiing can be found in Gad Chutes, and there are steep moguls in Mineral Basin. For powder, Snowbird is one of the few places where 2–3 feet (60cm—1m) of light, unpacked snow is a common occurrence. Basically the whole mountain is good for powder, but the Cirque, Little Cloud Bowl, and Mineral Basin are outstanding.

Advanced or expert skiers have plenty of choice of trails all over the mountain. A good schedule would include starting at Hidden Peak to ski the Cirque Traverse and Gad Chutes on the front of the mountain, then Powder Paradise in Mineral Basin, and then linking to Alta for famous off-trail ski experiences there too. Snowbird has consistent, long steep pitches, often powder covered, and most of the upper mountain is bowl skiing where skiers find their own routes through the terrain.

Backcountry skiing at Snowbird
Apart from signed “Permanent Closures” all in-bounds areas are available throughout the season. When conditions dictate, additional temporary closures are necessary. All out of bounds areas are roped off, and backcountry skiing must be accessed through designated gates. Having said that, the backcountry opportunities are fabulous. From the Cirque Traverse at Hidden Peak skiers can go down either side of the mountain to discover chutes and gullies. Below Twin Peaks in Gad Valley there’s also good backcountry skiing.

Wasatch Powderbird Guides tailor their heli-skiing tours to the weather conditions and abilities of the group. The thrill of the chopper ride is nothing compared to the chance of making virgin tracks in some of Wasatch’s most remote backcountry powder bowls. Call 801-742-2800 or visit www.heliskiwasatch.com.