Top 5 Epic Ski Runs

Discovery is one of my favorite aspects of skiing. I’m no pioneer but I’ll hike a good amount to find the perfect powder stash, a chute I can navigate or a (two foot) “cliff” I can huck. Luckily for us, most of these spots were discovered long ago and creatively named. I did some polling of the Liftopia crew and got amazing responses for the Top 5 Epic Ski Runs. “Epic” means different things to different skiers and riders but here’s a list of names that should sound familiar. Go out and discover these trails…and bring your courage.

1. KT-22 at Squaw Valley– Okay, I know. This isn’t a trail, but picking from West Face Alternatives, Chute 75 or Jonny Moseley’s run (to name a few) is too hard. This terrain is definitely advanced. Watch for pros and sickos hitting the “Fingers” on a powder day.

2. East Castle at Alta – This requires a pretty hefty hike but that keeps some crowds out and you definitely earn your turns. Steep, great snow that can get some decent wind buff. It usually opens 1-2 days after a storm, so have some patience…it’s a virtue.

3. Bubblecuffer at Sugarloaf – I grew up fearing this trail and reached manhood when I finally conquered it. Start up in the Snow Fields for bigger turns before you’re required to keep it tight on this steep and hairy trail.

4. Corbets Couloir at Jackson Hole – Well, at least you won’t be surprised midway through the run. You literally have to “drop-in” at least 10 feet to start this gnarliest of gnarly runs. Actually, once you’ve entered (and checked your drawers), it’s not that tough and the couloir accumulates a ton of snow.

5. White Heat at Sunday River – The name is just as epic as the terrain. If you like moguls, this is what you’re looking for. The long, sustained pitch sets up perfectly for bumps. I promise your legs will be nice and worked after this run.