Drop in on unique stories and rich histories that lay the foundation for some of the most iconic trails in North America. Across more than 50 destinations worldwide, these trails go beyond just extreme terrain or family cruisers; they are also home to legends that have shaped their communities and left a lasting impact on the local culture. From the adventures of world-renowned athletes to the deep-rooted traditions of indigenous tribes, these trails are named for the remarkable individuals and events that have defined their regions.
Whether you’re exploring Tremblant or diving into the challenging terrain of Winter Park, each trail invites you to become part of its storied past. Experience the legacy of Erik Guay’s alpine prowess or honor the Arapaho heritage at Winter Park. Each new run is a journey through history, offering not only exciting, challenging terrain or summit vistas, but also a connection to the legends that make these destinations so special.
SNOWBIRD, UTAH
Trail Name: Glen’s
Local Legend: Named in memory of Glen Doherty, a former Snowbird employee who became a decorated Navy SEAL and CIA Protective Service Officer. Glen was one of the four Americans killed in the 2012 Benghazi attack. He loved skiing this challenging run, and in 2013, Snowbird officially named the trail in his honor. The dedication ceremony included his family and friends, many of whom still worked at Snowbird.
Peak Interest: A black diamond run, located at the end of the Cirque Traverse by Tower 3. Short and fast, Glen’s has a vertical drop of 446 ft and a total length of 0.13 mi.
ASPEN SNOWMASS, COLORADO
Trail Name: Legal Tender
Local Legend: Legal Tender is named after a historic mining claim, reflecting Aspen’s rich silver mining boom. Before it was a ski hill, Aspen Mountain was a bustling mining town. The remnants of this past can still be seen today, shaping the unique terrain and trails. Legal Tender pays homage to this industrious history, as well as offering ‘money’ skiing back in the Hero’s area.
Peak Interest: A double-black diamond winter only trail under the Hero’s chair, newly opened in the 23/24 season. The East Rim hiking trail cuts through it in summer.
COPPER MOUNTAIN, COLORADO
Trail Name: Jackstraw Trees
Local Legend: Jackstraw Trees is named for the term ‘jackstraw,’ referring to a heap of fallen trees. Before becoming a trail, the area was filled with fallen timber, which was cleared to create this skiable glade. The trail’s name reflects both the natural history of the terrain and the efforts to transform it into a fun and challenging run.
Peak Interest: A blue glades trail in West Village, accessible from the Lumberjack lift. Jackstraw runs short and fun with a length of 1,500 feet and a vertical drop of 300 feet.
STRATTON, VERMONT
Trail Name: East Byrnes Side
Local Legend: East Byrnes Side is named after Tricia Byrnes, a pioneering snowboarder from Stratton. Tricia’s journey began with Stratton’s Allegro Winter Sports Program, which helped her develop into an Olympic competitor. Her career includes 15 victories in the Women’s FIS Halfpipe events. Byrnes’ dedication to the snowboard community and her impressive achievements earned her a place in Stratton’s history. The trail is also the site of the HOMESICK snowboard event, attracting top-tier riders annually.
Peak Interest: A winter-only terrain park run with a halfpipe, accessible via multiple lifts. Sitting at .23 miles long and with a vertical drop of 256ft, East Byrnes Side is a top spot for snowboard events.
ELDORA MOUNTAIN, COLORADO
Trail Name: Gabor’s
Local Legend: Named after Gabor Cseh, the visionary founder of Eldora. A 6-foot-7 Hungarian immigrant and former ski racing champion, Cseh dreamed of creating a ski area. After discovering the scenic spot where Eldora now stands, he turned his vision into reality in 1962. Gabor’s trail honors his pioneering spirit and dedication to establishing Eldora, making it a beloved local ski hill.
Peak Interest: With a vertical drop of 164 ft and a total length of 0.13 mi, Gabor’s is a winter-only terrain park trail with medium to large features. You can find this park located in the Little Hawk Mountain region and accessible via the Sundance Lift.
MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, CALIFORNIA
Trail Name: Gravy Chute
Local Legend: Gravy Chute is a beloved spot on powder days, conveniently located under Broadway Express (Chair 1). The name’s origin is unclear, but it’s believed to signify the joy of scoring first tracks, akin to the ease of gravy. The trail’s history dates back to the 1950s and early 60s, when the area was served by the original rope tows before Chair 1 was constructed. The iconic photo of Mammoth founder Dave McCoy at this location highlights its historical significance.
Peak Interest: With a total length of .12 miles and a vertical drop of 371 ft Gravy Chute is accessible via Chair 1 in winter. During the summer, drop in on Midtown & Gravy Train bike trails.
BLUE MOUNTAIN, ONTARIO
Trail Name: Dr. Doug
Local Legend: Dr. Douglas Firth, an osteopath from Toronto, played a crucial role in organizing rescue services for injured skiers in the late 1930s. He went on to found the Canadian Ski Patrol and served as its president for ten years. Dr. Doug’s trail at Blue Mountain honors his legacy and contributions to ski safety and the community.
Peak Interest: A medium-difficulty blue winter trail, accessible from Southern Comfort Express or Silver Bullet Express lifts. Dr. Doug has a vertical drop of 719 ft and a length of 0.77 mi.
LOON MOUNTAIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Trail Name: Walking Boss
Local Legend: Walking Boss is named in honor of the logging industry’s history in Lincoln, New Hampshire. The ‘walking boss’ was the supervisor overseeing the loggers, a role akin to Sherman Adams, Loon Mountain’s founder. The trail pays homage to the hard-working foremen who managed the logging crews. Today, the name also reflects the challenge it presents to skiers, akin to the demanding work of a logging boss.
Peak Interest: Upper and Lower Walking Boss together are 4,382 feet long with over 1,400 vertical feet. Offers challenging black diamond runs and stunning views of New Hampshire’s peaks.
WINTER PARK, COLORADO
Trail Name: Thunderbird
Local Legend: The name ‘Thunderbird’ honors the Arapaho heritage of the land where Winter Park Resort sits. In Arapaho mythology, the Thunderbird is a powerful creature responsible for creating lightning and thunder. To honor this heritage, Northern Arapaho Tribe elders consulted on the trail names before the Eagle Wind Lift opened in 2006. Thunderbird symbolizes power and strength, reminding skiers and bikers of the formidable natural forces and the area’s cultural significance.
Peak Interest: A black diamond trail, 1.03 miles long with a 1,175-foot vertical drop. Accessible via the Eagle Wind lift, it’s the longest trail in the Eagle Wind area.
TREMBLANT, QUEBEC
Trail Name: Erik Guay
Local Legend: Erik Guay, hailing from the Mont Tremblant region, is celebrated as one of Canada’s greatest skiers. With a career spanning over a decade, Guay became a world champion in alpine skiing and represented Canada in the Olympics. His impressive World Cup record includes 25 podiums and 5 victories, making him the most decorated alpine skier in Canadian history. The Erik Guay trail honors his legacy and connection to the mountain, replacing the Grand Prix trail during Tremblant’s 25th anniversary celebration. Guay’s influence continues through his children, who compete with the Mont Tremblant Ski Club.
Peak Interest: A black diamond winter trail, 1.3 km long with a 283-meter vertical drop. Accessible via several lifts, it offers great views year-round.
