Top 10 Runs At Alta

Alta Ski Area has a plethora of top notch runs that can compete with any ski resort in North America. Trying to break them down into the “Top 10 Runs at Alta” isn’t easy. I’ve definitely left many out but on any given pow day if you end up on one of the runs listed below you will be grinning from cheek to cheek.

#1 High Boy – Otherwise known as High Rustler, this shot is the crown jewel of runs on any given powder day. Dropping 2,000 vertical feet right in view of the Collins lift line, this run will not only give you the chance to show off your skills but will also treat you to one of Alta’s most iconic runs.

#2 Main Chute – Rarely opens but when Ski Patrol drops the gate at the EBT skiers everywhere on the mountain flock to this steep chute. A right of passage for any tourist looking for a run to brag about, this is the Corbet’s Couloir of Alta!

#3 Eddie’s High Nowhere – Hard to catch fresh but if you’re one of the first 10 people dropping in to this line you’ll be rewarded with the most back to back pow turns on the mountain. Skiers beware though, accessing this run requires some serious traversing skills.

#4 Patsy Marley – Technically not considered part of Alta’s inbounds terrain it still deserves a spot on the top 10 list. Accessed from the Supreme lift and less than an hour hike, skiers are treated to guaranteed untracked lines all day long.

#5 Eagle’s Nest – Easily one of the best areas on the mountain during a storm day. The perfectly spaced trees provide great viz when the rest of the mountain is socked in. Hidden chutes and cliffs are scattered all over the place but you’ll need a local to find them.

#6 Bad News – A great spot for huckers to tee off without having to travel out into Rocky Point to find soft landings. Filled with everything from double-stagers to 80 footers this is the zone to show off how ballsy you are.

#7 West Buffler – Actually called West Rustler this area consists of a number of tree chutes that on the right day can quickly keep a skier coming back run after run. Winds will sweep across refilling and buffing out everyone’s tracks before they are even out of their turn.

#8 Westward Ho – If you’re looking for a natural slopestyle course this is the place. Perfect lips, hits, and cliffs are scattered all over this area. Not only can you test your jibbing skills here but if the rest of the mountain is shredded you can still find untouched tracks even on last chair.

#9 Devil’s Castle – Normally remaining closed days after the last storm this area will give you a shot for redemption if you were stuck at work during the last dump. Wide open bowls drop away from Alta’s most picturesque rock walls providing some of the most stunning views of the resort.

#10 Supreme Bowl – Short but sweet, this area contains some of Alta’s most defined chutes. A quick hike from the Supreme Lift will take you to the goods where you’ll find a plethora of steep couloirs and fantastic snow conditions.

Bonus Run: Keyhole – Although technically part of Snowbird’s terrain, this area is more conveniently accessed through Alta’s gates. Positioned right off the Wildcat lift, when Patrol drops this gate you better be ready. You’ll find some of the deepest turns of your life in these shots and with Snowbird skiers having to work twice as hard to access it these lines will stay fresh well into the afternoon.