(c) 2005 OGDEN HUB / Posted: January 10th, 2006

Snowbasin: Out of Bounds, Still In Sight

Part 1 - Kevin Day gives us a peak-by-peak look at some of tbe best “Out of Bounds - In Sight” skiing you can find in the state. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we’ll include photos of each of the areas, and a new review of conditions this year.

To me, Snowbasin is by far the best ski resort in Utah. It provides a wide variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders; it has fantastic facilities that include ski and snowboard shops, ski and snowboard rentals, locker rooms public and private, and some of the best and most scenic dining amenities you could ask for. Snowbasin also has miles of groomed Nordic terrain for those looking for a little better workout in their skiing experience and new this season, a tubing park for sledder in all of us. But this article will not focus on the dining or the private locker rooms that are available at Snowbasin. This article will focus on something a bit closer to my heart and liking and is something that should be taken very seriously.

Snowbasin has some of the best “Out of Bounds but still in Sight” terrain that will challenge even the most experienced skier.

Snowbasin has some of the best “Out of Bounds but still in Sight” terrain that will challenge even the most experienced skier. Some of the areas I will discuss are not actually out of the Snowbasin ski area boundary but are still areas where you must ski with the up most respect for the mountain and those around you. Some of the areas I feel like I’ve skied hundreds of times and regardless of how safe it may seem, I’ve still been involved in avalanches and other life testing events.

The key to staying safe is to think safe. Know your limits and abilities, Know your safety and exit points, know the snow conditions, and know that your rescue could cost you your life savings if you’re fortunate enough to pay it.

With that in mind I ask those of you who feel like you want to explore some great terrain to keep reading and hopefully get some ideas on a few new lines at Snowbasin.

Following the Snowbasin resort map from left to right, we’ll traverse the top of the mountain and I’ll explain to the best of my knowledge, some of the best places to ski. You’ll thank me later.

Click image for a larger version of the map

1 - The Seven Sisters

Accessed from the top of the Strawberry Express gondola head south and begin hiking a bit to the top of Strawberry peak. You now have a choice of some amazing lines that open up into the Sisters Bowl. Legend has it that any one who skis all seven chutes in one day will get lucky that night. This came about back when the resort didn’t have the gondolas, a high speed quad and tram, so for those of us who attempted to access Sisters soon found that it took a good two to three hours of hiking just to get to Strawberry peak. The best part about skiing the sisters is that you can have a good look at them as you ride the Strawberry Express gondola. Spot which one you’d like to ski and just to be safe, take a run in the Sisters Bowl, below the chutes to check the snow and get a closer look. This is an out of bounds area that is enforced by the ski patrol, and I wouldn’t test your luck trying to access it when it’s not open. After you rip the Sisters, hang close to the rocks and traverse around to Moonshine Bowl. You can really open it up on the wide-open, steep gullies before you have to catch the Last Chance road back to the Strawberry Express.

2 - De Moisey and Middle Bowl Cirque

Accessed from the Strawberry Express gondola you have three options. You can throw on the skis or board and find some nice lines just below the peak (skiers left of Strawberry Express). Take a 15 minuet hike to the top of De Moisey Peak where you’ll find some steeper and tighter chutes to ride, or hike about 50 feet above and right of the gondola, strap on your gear and traverse around the back side of the mountain to get to the Middle Bowl Cirque. Middle bowl Cirque has become quite popular because it such an easy area to get to that gives you a taste of some big mountain skiing. The best part about the Cirque is that you could make it as technical as you wanted. You still need to have some pretty good skill to get down from the top and you cant be afraid of a little wind or a steep entrance. It is within the Snowbasin ski area boundaries and is controlled by the ski patrol, so like all the other areas, do not enter unless the gate is open.

3 - Needles

Also accessed by Strawberry Express gondola and the Middle Bowl Cirque traverse. As you enter the Cirque, stay on the top of the ridge and continue the traverse towards Needles peak. Eventually you’ll have to pull of the skis or board and hike. Depending on the line you’re planning on skiing will determine the length of your hike. Depending on your ability will also determine your hike. There are a lot of choices on the Middle Bowl side of Needles and the closer you stay to the Cirque the easyer. The second option would be to drop down on the Porky side of Needles. There you have a large, steep bowl with a few chutes and a heavy snowdrift at the top. These areas are out of the Snowbasin ski area boundaries so use extreme caution and never go alone.

4 - Mount Ogden and the Finger Chutes

If you’re looking for a real big mountain experience with some steep chutes and crazy lines, make your way to the Mt. Allen tram. Also known as the “beer can” (stupid name if you ask me) This is what transported some of the worlds greatest athletes to the top of the Men’s Downhill during the 2002 winter Olympics. To access Mt. Ogden chute or the Finger chutes, exit the tram, keep you skis or board in your hands and start hiking. You’ll pretty much traverse around Allen’s Peak and into the saddle at the top of the Finger Chutes. These are defiantly not for the faint of heart or second guesser. EXPERTS ONLY. I’ve seen really good skiers get into a lot of trouble here. Before you decide to ski any of the Fingers you should take a minute and from the deck of the John Paul lodge, pick your line. Try to find a defining marker near the top of the chute because from the top you can’t quite see the exit line. It’s always nice to have someone at the lodge or near the bottom with a good view, relay what chute you may be standing above over a two-way radio.

Mt. Ogden chute is the large gap in the rocks between the finger chutes and Mt. Ogden. It’s steep and like the Finger chutes and there should be a decent amount of snow coverage in order to ski it. It’s a bit wider than the Fingers and longer too. With a good amount of snow there’s plenty of room for a few set of tracks. From the tram the hike should only take 30-45 min. If the chute is skied out (which does actually happen) keep hiking to 9,570’ to the top of Mt. Ogden. From there you’ll get the best view of Ogden and the surrounding areas. As far as the skiing, head towards the Porky lift. It’s probably the least skied of all the areas and has the most vertical. There are a few chutes to choose form and the snow is usually firmer there because it bakes in the sun all day.

5 - Hells Canyon

Hells Canyon is accessed by the Mt. Allen Tram, a quick traverse and hike to the top of No Name peak, where you now have and endless amount of options for great powder skiing. The skiing in Hells Canyon is some of the best at Snowbasin. If you don’t mind hiking out back to the base of the resort it’s defiantly worth it. Be advised that this is also out of bounds and there have been numerous avalanches in this area. Last season I skied over an old fracture line that I could have parked my Subaru wagon inside and never known it was there. Also, the snow tends to get a bit heavier on sunny days so save some energy in the legs for the lower half of Hells.

There was an avalanche in Hells Canyon last year (Jan 1, 2005) that just about took the lives of 3 skiers and a snow-boarder who were skiing the area on a day that was rated as high avalanche danger. The 4 men were lucky to have survived, and one of them was seriously injured with a femur fracture, pelvis injuries, a broken arm and head injuries. The accident report can be found here.

For those of you who already know about and ski the places I’ve mentioned, good for you. For those who are just learning about these areas and planning on trying some of these places, please keep in mind the risk factor. You’re already a good decision maker by choosing to ski at Snowbasin so I trust that you’ll make even better decisions on the hill. Have fun, stay safe, and always be aware of the snow conditions. Be prepared and check with the Ski Patrol if you have any questions.

¹ Article & Map were provided by Kevin Day, a local skier and mountain biker.

NOTE: Snowbasin has many acres of potential avalanche terrain. Watch for the orange and black Avalanche Area signs and rope lines. Do not enter a Closed Avalanche Area. To access these areas when they are open, enter only through the open gates. Skiing in a closed avalanche area is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $1000 and or 180 days in Jail. Violators will be prosecuted.