With its expansive amount of terrain, historic Main Street, and what many consider the greatest snow on Earth, Park City has rightly earned its reputation as a major ski destination. Each winter, it attracts skiers and snowboarders of all levels, and is particularly accommodating of families and mixed-ability groups. If you’re a seasoned skier, however, you’ll want to experience the best Park City advanced ski runs—of which there are many to choose from. Here are the top 10.
1. East Face, Park City Base Area
For a big mountain, out-of-bounds experience with the safety of ski-patrol managed avalanche control, East Face is the run for you. It won’t come easy though as you’ll be required to earn your turns with a manageable hike to the top of 9,998′ Jupiter Peak. Make sure to choose your line carefully so that you don’t inadvertently send it off one of the many cliffs.
2. Red Pine Chutes, Park City Canyons Village
Take Ninety-Nine 90 Express up to 9,990′ and strap up for a real leg burner. Far skier’s left through Red Pine Bowl you’ll find the Red Pine Chutes. Get through this and in the gully below another double black and black await before getting to Red Pine Road which takes you right to Red Pine Lodge if you need a break.
3. Molly’s, Park City Base Area
Off of McConkey’s Express, head skier’s right along the ridge, past the open McConkey’s Bowl and you’ll find the gladed run called Molly’s. This evergreen-filled run will surely get the blood pumping with pitches so steep you’ll see old school skiers throwing down jump turns.
4. Grande, Park City Canyons Village
The Tombstone lift has a lot of fun terrain but through the inbound Deschutes gate awaits a favorite. Navigating left through the gate Grande will reveal a pocket field of powder hidden in the evergreens. Stashes can commonly be found late on powder days for those who don’t make it to first chair.
5. Indicator, Park City Base Area
While resorts are quick to brag about shiny new chairlifts, there’s something to be said for an old fixed two-person lift that reminds skiers of days past. Jupiter is an iconic lift that transports skiers to double black-only terrain. My suggestion to find the best snow is to go skier’s right, skate up along the ridge (some work required) until you get an Indicator to drop in above treeline to a fantastic forested run.
6. The Abyss, Park City Canyons Village
Hollywood it by ripping through the moguls under the Peak 5 lift, then dip skier’s left into The Abyss. The evergreen forest funnels skiers down into the black diamond Talus Garden run leading riders back to the lifts.
Locals Tip: With proper backcountry safety gear, there is an access gate for additional vertical feet of powder fields and glade skiing.
7. Murdock Bowl, Park City Canyons Village
You’ll find the best open bowl skiing on Park City off the Super Condor Express lift. A boot pack hike up the ridgeline will take you to higher than 9,600′ with views of the entire resort. Link some big, fast Super-G turns together for a big mountain approach or decorate the mountain with a best friend and some figure eights. Murdock Bowl is your canvas.
8. Fools Paradise, Park City Canyons Village
With blues on both sides of the Dreamcatcher lift, the move for advanced skiers is to stick close to the lift. Skier’s left you can ride down Specter which has open alleys between aspens that beg you to jump into them before reaching Fools Paradise. This run is a dream on a powder day with a steep but moderate pitch that stockpiles snow.
9. The Hoist, Park City Base Area
When the snow is falling, powder hounds will primarily flock to McConkey’s and Jupiter but locals know that Thaynes offers some of the best powder skiing on the mountain. Off of Thaynes, a fixed two-person chair, go skier’s right to The Hoist which has spaced out evergreens and holds powder for days due to the lack of traffic and traditional chairlifts.
10. The Aspens, Park City Canyon Village
On a powder day, The Aspens are a fantastic warm-up for an active and advanced skier. Up the bubble or gondola and you’re dropped off at the footsteps of The Aspens. Directly off the Saddleback lift is a grove of aspen trees that are spaced perfectly, creating moments of zen as you weave in and out of them.
Where to stay in Park City
Inspirato offers a number of world-class ski homes in Park City. Tycoon has space for 10, spectacular views, and classic mountain vibes near Main Street. White Pine is a more modern home with a private hot tub and fire pit. High West offers ski-in, ski-out access for up to eight guests, while Pendry Park City is ideal for those seeking resort amenities. Meanwhile, nothing beats the alpine glamour of Waldorf Astoria Park City steps from the Frostwood Gondola.
Book this year’s Park City ski trip with Inspirato, and make this an unforgettable winter on the slopes.
