5 unreal ski trails to add to your bucket list this winter

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

Last year's season was one for the books — literally. The 2022-2023 season was an excellent time to hit the slopes. And though it feels like last year's winter only just ended, the 2023-2024 ski season is less than 100 days away!

As the license plates say, Utah is home to the "greatest snow on earth," especially the trails at Snowbasin. This world-renowned resort was ranked by Ski Magazine as the 14th-best overall resort in the country. It's easily accessible, too, with short drives from Ogden, Bountiful, Salt Lake and even Park City and Logan.

With more than 3,000 skiable acres of powder and 3,000 vertical feet of shredding possibilities, Snowbasin is chock-full of all-time great runs. Here are five to add to your bucket list this winter at Snowbasin.

Did you know there are two Olympic runs right in your backyard? A featured men's run in the 2002 Winter Olympics, Grizzly Downhill is a technical masterpiece and is regarded as one of the most difficult downhills in North America, according to Courtney writing for Ski Utah. She says it's even steeper on average than classic trails Kitzbuehel adn Lauberhorn in Switzerland. It's one of the most difficult trails due to the nearly 3,000-foot descent in under two miles.

Wildflower Downhill was a featured women's course in the 2002 Winter Olympics. But don't let the name fool you, this run is no delicate flower. This run gets tough with a vertical drop of 2,625 feet and a pitch 35.1 degrees steep, just 1.5 degrees less than Grizzly. Both will test the Olympian inside you and are among the most thrilling runs in Utah.

This no name trail is one you won't soon forget, even if the name alludes you. If you're willing to take on the short hike from the top of the Allen Peak Tram, you'll be treated to untouched snow, steep terrain and a nearly 3,000-foot drop black diamond. The hike can deter some skiers, leaving this run wide open for serious riders.

If you're looking for gladed tree skiing, Dan's run is the best run on the mountain. Located off Needles Gondola, this local favorite intermediate trail features three steep pitches that drops and flattens out several times, giving it a roller coaster-like feel. On the third pitch is a pine tree with dozens of homemade birdhouses hiding underneath its canopy. It's a perfect hidden gem to make a pitstop and explore.

Towering above Snowbasin is the iconic Lone Tree run. More than just a symbol for Snowbasin, this thrilling double black diamond is also one of Utah's most famous trails. This run will drop you into tight chutes between beautiful, rugged granite rock walls until you crest a steep, rocky nose down into a bowl of perfect powder.

The Avant Ski made an expert itinerary for Snowbasin skiers, and Lone Tree is on the list. They say, "When you are ready for a traverse and a short boot pack, these chutes are thrilling…Soak in the views from the top and brace yourself for these tight chutes between rock walls. Stop at the bottom to admire what you have accomplished."

Elk Ridge is the longest trail at Snowbasin and one of the longest in all of Utah. Take your time carving down this two-mile-long, wide-open trail with valley views below that leave you feeling like you're in the Swiss Alps.

Along the way you'll enjoy some of the top-ranked grooming in the business. Khai Johannes writing for Ski Utah says this trail is his favorite for "fresh corduroy." Elk Ridge trail is accessible off of Strawberry Gondola.

Another unbelievable ski season is around the corner, so get your season passes now. The Snowbasin Premier Pass provides unlimited winter access to these incredible trails and more, along with summer gondola and Oktoberfest access until October 8 — plus five days at Snowbasin's sister resort, Sun Valley, in Idaho.

Prices increase after Labor Day on September 8, 2023, so head to snowbasin.com to save on an entire year of adventure.