WHERE TO CATCH THRILLS AT 17 IKON PASS DESTINATIONS
If you’ve conquered any of these experts-only runs, then you know the feeling — heart pumping from the thrill, legs shaky with anticipation, mind racing in the presence of the sheer gnarliness.
Don’t forget to pack your GoPro and Red Bull; you’ll need wings to ride these World Cup–status runs and legendary terrain, all exclusively available to you with an Ikon Pass.
Arai Mountain Resort
Drop in at Arai Mountain Resort’s most difficult course, Mamushi, for all the off-piste bowls, iconic ridges, steep cliffs, thick trees, and pure Japanese powder you could ever hope for. If you like all that, then you’ll also love Arai’s nearby Wase area — both accessible via the Kokenashi Lift, and both Freeride World Tour approved.
Arapahoe Basin
Hitch a ride up Black Mountain Express to Lenawee at Arapahoe Basin to begin your boot pack and conquer the 13,050-feet East Wall, home to some of A-Basin’s most extreme terrain. If you’re really committed, try your hand at skiing or riding Steep Gullies — the as-advertised, narrow, rocky chutes and former backcountry-only terrain, followed by a 30-minute hike to The Legend’s base area.
Copper Mountain
Get after it this season with any of Copper Mountain’s adrenaline-inducing runs, including the Triple Threat underneath the Alpine lift on the east side of the mountain. If you want even more, try any of the double-black-diamond runs down Spaulding Bowl, The Taco off Tucker Mountain, Sail Away Glade off the American Flyer lift, or Iron Mask back in the Copper Bowl.
Crystal Mountain
If you want a shot at Crystal Mountain’s iconic Chair 6 and its experts-only runs, take the Chinook Express up to the Forest Queen Express. Once you’ve reached Silver Queen’s summit at 7,002 feet, Washington’s best double-black-diamond runs are all yours for the taking — we’re talking Double 00’s, Powder Bowl, Campbell Basin, Hamburger, and more.
Deer Valley Resort
While at Deer Valley Resort in Utah, there’s no better run to get your blood pumping than Stein’s Way on Bald Mountain. Named after Deer Valley ski legend Stein Eriksen, this legendary black-diamond run is full of character and is one of the resort’s longer runs, offering twists, turns, steep pitches, and some of the best views of the resort.
Dolomiti Superski
Pack your A-game for some super-steep-grades at Dolomiti Superski in Italy. The first and, perhaps, most thrilling run in the Dolomites is Piculin at Kronplatz resort in South Tyrol. Second is Italy’s steepest run, Holzriese at 3 Zinnen, and its impressive 77% pitch. Finally, Volata at Alpe Lusia/San Pellegrino is a World Cup run — home to the alpine downhill and super-G races.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Expert skiers and riders who are in for the thrill of a lifetime will love Corbet’s Couloir, the legendarily steep double-black-diamond run that’s surrounded by rock walls at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming. This in-bounds run is so iconic, the resort even coined an annual competition in its namesake — Kings & Queens of Corbet’s.
Killington
Every bump lover needs to have a crack at Outer Limits on Killington’s Bear Mountain — the longest, steepest mogul run on the East Coast with its three distinct sections and sustained 29.2-degree pitch. Killington is also one stop on the Audi FIS Ski World Cup tour; see for yourself why the world’s fastest ski racers flock to the famed Superstar run at the Beast of the East.
Kitzbühel
With its maximum 85% grade and 2,822-foot vertical drop, The Streif, located on Kitzbühel’s Hahnenkamm Mountain, is privy only to the planet’s most extreme adventure seekers. This Austrian gem is also the mainstage for Audi’s annual FIS World Cup events. Ski or ride The Streif, and you’ll forever be known for dominating one of the most dangerous downhill racecourses in the world.
Palisades Tahoe
Head to California to lap some steeps off KT-22 — affectionately known as “The Mothership” — or tackle Headwall Face, one of Palisades Tahoe’s most visible and iconic runs. Palisades Tahoe is also one of only four U.S. ski resorts to host the World Cup circuit, with slalom and giant slalom events held on the uber-challenging black diamond Dog Leg and Red Dog Face runs.
Mammoth Mountain
Cornice Bowl is one of Mammoth Mountain’s most famous front-side runs for its fast lines, narrow chutes, and spectacular views. If you feel confident carving some tight turns, then jump on this black diamond groomer as early as possible — its high winds and popularity can make for icy, bumpy conditions by the end of the day.
SkiBig3
Dare to take the Dive, also known as Delirium Dive, at Banff Sunshine — but before you pass through the gate at this alpine playground, you must be equipped with avalanche gear and a partner. At Mt Norquay, take the “Big Chair” to Lone Pine, one of the mountain’s most notorious runs for its unrelenting pitch and unforgiving moguls. If you still want more, Lake Louise Ski Resort delivers with the steep shots, wind-loaded pickets, and iconic cliff drops found at Eagle Ridge.
Snowbird
Set your sights on Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon at Snowbird to experience some of the steepest in-bounds runs on the planet. Hop on the Cirque Traverse and take your pick from a plethora of legendary terrain, including The Cirque’s challenging chutes and wide-open faces. Aerial Tram passengers will love watching adventure seekers rip classic lines, like Elevator Shaft and Jaws.
Sugarbush
Stein’s is a local favorite at Sugarbush, one of New England’s largest ski areas, located in Vermont. This famous double-black-diamond bump run is aptly named after Olympic Gold Medalist Stein Erickson — who also happened to be the former director at Sugarbush Ski School.
Sugarloaf Mountain
As the Loaf’s steepest run, White Nitro sits at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain’s adrenaline junkie favorites list. The Backside Snowfields offer unparalleled East Coast alpine skiing above treeline, while Bracket Basin beckons thrillseekers with its backcountry-like bumps and cliff jumps, in-bounds. And when you’re really in it to win it, give Burnt Mountain Cat Skiing a go, offering skiers and riders unparalleled access to the deep pow and steep glades in Sugarloaf’s side-country terrain.
Sun Peaks Resort
Sun Peaks is home to one of the most intimidating speed skiing courses on the planet — Headwalls. To get there, take a trip up the Crystal or Burfield lifts. If you get cold feet, you can always opt for the advanced tree runs that flank Headwalls: Chute and Hat Trick. Challenger is another must-hit run, a steep-and-deep classic that’s been keeping skiers and riders on their toes for decades.
Winter Park Resort
If you’re a bump lover — or simply love a challenge — don’t miss Outhouse at Winter Park Resort. Located near the top of the Gondola, Outhouse is the resort’s longest and most infamous mogul run, an apropos welcome to the bump-heavy Mary Jane side of the resort. And if it’s open, don’t miss The Cirque Territory, home to Winter Park’s most extreme, double-black-diamond terrain.
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