A Skiers and Snowboarders Guide to The Canyons Resort Utah

When riding up the Cabriolet at The Canyons Resort, you get a view of the proverbial tip of the iceberg. The open air gondola ride from the parking lot to the main base area offers a unique experience for seeing the village that has developed at Utah’s largest skiing and snowboarding resort. You may only be able to see a few runs on the face, but behind it lies an enormous amount of terrain.

The day of skiing or riding doesn’t really begin until you arrive at the Red Pine Lodge off of the Flight of the Canyons Gondola. From here you can go any direction to find terrain for any level of skier. You can also stop by the on the mountain demo center to try out the latest skis or snowboards. If you are looking to warm up on rolling groomers, catch a ride on the Saddleback Express lift to check out Kokopelli and Snow Dancer. If green is your thing, jump on the High Meadow chair to check out Alley Cat and Meadow Way.
The Canyons Resort -- Snow Dancer Run
Once the legs are fired up and ready to go, cruise down to the Tombstone Express lift for access to Paradise bowl. Here you will find intermediate and advanced runs like Cloud 9 and Diamond Ridge. Excellent tree skiing exists right under the lift in the Paradise Chutes and on Thunder and Lightning.

The advanced skiers and riders favor the terrain off Ninety Nine 90. In RedPine Bowl you will discover the steeps, trees, cliffs and the deep powder that Utah is famous for. The tree runs of Mystic Pines and the Abyss below the Peak 5 chair are local favorites. On a fresh powder day, it is easy to spend the entire morning on these two lifts, but there is so much more to explore.
The Canyons Demo Center
The far sides of the resort are where you will find long runs and short lift lines. By hitting the Dreamcatcher and Dreamscape chairs on the south side of the inbounds area, you will encounter intermediate and advanced runs like McDonalds Meadow and the Boogeyman. Also check out the tree skiing in Phantasm woods. Heading to the far north side of the resort you will find the terrain park a terrain park of jumps and rails on Upper & Lower Respect. There are also fast groomers like Applande and Kestrel off the Super Condor Express. If your chasing the bumps, check out Devils Friend and Snow Draw. When there is plenty of snow, the double diamonds like Yard Sale, After Shock and Funnel Cloud will give you the feeling of floating on a cloud down the mountain.
Backcountry Access at the Canyons
The thing that draws many locals to the Canyons Resort is its access to the backcountry. The lifts will take you up to the entry points, but then it is up to the skier or rider to hike and choose their route. Caution Signs are a plenty at these points as Avalanche danger is high and hikers must be warned that they are entering at their own risk. Some of the slopes are a death trap; the untouched powder looks incredible, but slides can happen at any time, even if control work has already been done. Riders entering the backcountry should be aware of the risks involved and be prepared with and an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe, as well as a cell phone for emergencies. The Canyons Ski Patrol is equipped with the Recco Avalanche Rescue System.

By now your legs are hurting and its time to call it a day. Make your way back to the Red Pine Lodge where you can store your skis overnight and take the gondola back down to the base. If you have the energy and crave one more run, hit the Shortcut lift to find Doc’s Run, which will lead you right to the base. Veering off this run onto Hideout will take you directly to Smokies Bar and Grill, the place for après ski at the Canyons. Recap the day’s highlights over beers and their famous chili and nachos. Exploring all the terrain at the Canyons Resort will create an appetite for anyone.