WHERE TO DROP IN TO THE GNARLIEST GULLIES AT 10 IKON PASS DESTINATIONS
For those who don’t mind powder-seeking between a rock and a hard place, look no further. These Ikon Pass destinations offer some of the world’s most legendary chutes for expert skiers and riders who want to catch thrills in the steep and narrow.
Arapahoe Basin
Chute lovers from all over come to Colorado to experience Arapahoe Basin’s iconic in-bounds terrain that sits along the Continental Divide. Notably, the as-advertised, experts-only Steep Gullies terrain — formerly backcountry-only rocky chutes that, once conquered, include a 30-minute hike back to the base area. A-Basin’s East Wall chutes are more mustn’t-misses, accessible via lift ride.
Big Sky Resort
Ripping lines in North America doesn’t get much better than the long, sustained steeps at Big Sky Resort’s A-Z Chutes in Montana. Experts can access the Upper A-Z Chutes via Powder Seeker, while the lower A-Z Chutes are accessible via Challenger or Headwaters — either way, expect a ridge hike before dropping into the tight, rocky, 1,000-foot-plus descents in the heart of Big Sky Country.
Deer Valley Resort
If you’re searching for some serious steeps instead of the classic corduroy at Deer Valley Resort, try the Daly Chutes for a series of 10 double-black screamers. To find this expert-level terrain, summit the high-speed Empire Express and ski over to the chutes’ sustained 44-45 degree pitches. The Daly Chutes do have tricky entrances, but flatten out, rewarding skiers with subsequent untouched lines.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Widely known as one of the most difficult runs in North America, Corbet’s Couloir thrills even the experts with its legendary steeps, accessible exclusively via the iconic Aerial Tram. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming also offers the tree-heavy Alta Chutes — a challenging set of three runs underneath the Sublette chair — and the aptly named, ever-elusive Expert Chutes.
June Mountain
For a shot at skiing steeps in the Switzerland of California, June Mountain delivers with classics like Powder Chute and Davos Drop. The Face at June Mountain also offers up over a handful of runs that boast steep fall line bowls, technical gullies, cliff drops, and wide-open glades, not to mention, unobstructed views of the Sierra.
Mammoth Mountain
You’ll find some of the steepest and most challenging terrain off Chair 22 and Chair 25 at Mammoth Mountain in California — specifically, the Avalanche Chutes. Nicknamed Avi I, Avi II, and Avi III, this series of double black–diamond chutes are some of the mountain’s most beloved. For even more fun, take Chair 23 to Dropout Chutes and Wipeout Chutes or tackle Head Chutes on Dragon’s Back.
Mt Buller
Expert skiers and riders flock to the southern slopes off Mt Buller in Eastern Victoria to find some of the resort’s gnarliest chutes, accessible only by a short hike from the summit lookout. These technical lines are also where you’ll find Australia’s best skiers for the Buller X competition — an extreme event that honors the top Aussies who love freeskiing.
Snowbird
Summit the 11,000-foot Hidden Peak at Snowbird, grab a bite at the resort’s highest restaurant, and soak in the striking Cottonwood Canyon views before hitting the iconic double-black descent known as Great Scott. Named after the resort’s original financier, Great Scott is Snowbird’s steepest, longest, most prominent line that runs right under the Aerial Tram.
Tremblant
This isn’t just a run—it’s a rite of passage at Tremblant and one of the gnarliest in the province of Quebec. Tucked away on the lower North Side, Dynamite is a double-black diamond trail and the mountain’s steepest, demanding precision, power, and a fearless edge. With a relentless 22-41 degree pitch over 730 feet of vertical, it’s a true test for experts who crave the rush of raw, unfiltered mountain energy. Drop in from the top of the Expo lift, charge down Expo trail, and you’ll find the entrance on your left. After a fresh snowfall, Dynamite transforms into an untamed playground, delivering pure, uncompromising freeride terrain.
Winter Park Resort
There’s no shortage of sick chutes at Colorado’s longest continually operated ski resort, Winter Park Resort. Scoot over to Awe Chute and Jeff’s Chute for some wicked-steep runs that require no hike-to access. And when Winter Park’s famed, weather-dependent Cirque Territory is open, expert skiers and riders should make their way to Shenko’s Chute and the notorious Alphabet Chutes.
