Alta

With 35 percent of the mountain dedicated to black diamond trails, advanced and expert skiers have plenty to choose from at Alta. The Collins quad provides access to a wide variety of advanced terrain. Race Course, Sunspot, Yellow Trail, Greeley Bowl, Lone Pine and Alf’s High Rustler, to name just a few, are for the expert skier.

Advanced trails below Germania triple chair include Nina’s Curve, Schuss Gully and Collins Face. From the top of Wildcat, skiers can choose advanced trails down Peruvian Ridge, Punch Bowl, Rock Gully, Wildcat Face and the Westward Ho Area (which connects with Snowbird resort). The toughest skiing in terms of moguls is Alf’s High Rustler; the steepest slope is Gun Sight; and the best for powder are Greeley Bowl and Yellow Trail.

Telemarking and high-altitude ski-touring is available through the Alf Engen Ski School, and heli-skiing is available through Wasatch Powderbird Guides.

Grizzly Gulch backcountry skiing
New since 2003 is guided backcountry skiing (and boarding) in Grizzly Gulch, located adjacent to the ski area. It’s a unique skiing adventure of guided off-trail skiing. The day starts with check-in at the Albion base area, followed by an orientation and continental breakfast at the Albion Grill. Then enjoy a heated snowcat ride to the top of Grizzly Gulch at 10,500 feet (3,200 m).

The guided off-piste trails take skiers and boarders on pitches with an average of 1,500 feet (457 m) of vertical drop. The group may consist of any combination of up to 11 skiers and snowboarders and two guides. Snowcat skiing is only for advanced and expert skiers and riders with strong off-trail skiing skills and experience. Powder skis are recommended.