Image: The Gunbarrel at Heavenly | wikimedia

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10) Winter Park/Mary Jane: The Drunken Frenchman

“No Pain, No Jane” is the Mary Jane motto and the saying holds true as the resort is home to some of the burliest bump runs in the United States. Of these bump runs, The Drunken Frenchman stands out as the perennial classic. Volkswagen sized bumps and a consistent pitch make this leg burner stand out amongst a smorgasbord of iconic bump runs.

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9) Sun Valley: Exhibition

Many of the old-dog Sun Valley locals will say that Exhibition is their favorite run on the mountain. Basically, it’s the mogul mecca of Sun Valley. Looking for a challenge during one of the many high-pressure days that pervade Sun Valley, head to exhibition and get your wiggle on.

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8) Taos Ski Valley: Al’s Run

1,800 vertical feet of pure bump carnage is what Al’s Run offers skiers. However the fact that Al’s lies under the two main lifts (1 and 5) makes it a perfect candidate for an “I’M GOING TO RIP THE SHIT OUT OF THIS” ego claim. Not to mention it was the home for Lift Line Hero: Wayne Abbey

Image: West Face @ Squaw Valley | squawblog.com

7) Squaw Valley: West Face

There is a reason Squaw Valley officials renamed West Face after the Luke Skywalker of bump skiing. West Face (aka Moseley’s Run) is accessed via the KT-22 lift (also the best lift in the country). 

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6) Copper Mountain: Little Burn

Located directly under the Timberline Express, you can’t hide your lack of technique while skiing the Little Burn. The run itself is intermediate but if you’ve got skills, the line offers a variety of opportunities for twisters, cosacks, and daffy’s between bumps. What time is it? Showtime!

Image: Thonder Bumps @ Jackson Hole | jacksonholewy.com
Image: Thonder Bumps @ Jackson Hole | jacksonholewy.com

5) Jackson Hole: Thunder Bumps

Thunder Bumps is a local’s favorite as well as the gathering spot on April 1st aka Gaper Day. The pitch is long and consistent, leaving all the Jackson backcountry bro brahs looking like gapers on this technically demanding run. In the end… anybody can ski untracked backcountry powder on fully rockered skis but owning a demanding inbounds bump line under the lift? That ain’t so easy.

Image of High Rustler @ Alta | www.altahistory.org
Image of High Rustler @ Alta | altahistory.org

4) Alta: High Rustler

High Rustler, like any good bump run, is in plain view of the skiing public. From the porch of Goldminer’s you can watch as unaware gapers slide all the way to the bottom.

Grouse Mountain @ Beaver Creek | www.coloradoskiauthority.com
Grouse Mountain @ Beaver Creek | coloradoskiauthority.com

3) Beaver Creek: Bald Eagle

Looker’s right of the Grouse Mountain Express lies theninfamous Bald Eagle. Bald Eagle is one rad bump run that seems almost never ending. However, when you hit the flats after the fifth lap you’re suddenly a full grown man (or woman).

Image: Outer Limits @ Killington | wikimedia
Image: Outer Limits @ Killington | wikimedia

2) Killington: The Outer Limits

The Outer Limits is the venue for the annual Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge and is one of the longest lasting runs at the Vermont ski resort. Note: Keep an eye out for Radio Ron Skier.

Image: The Gunbarrel at Heavenly | wikimedia
Image: The Gunbarrel at Heavenly | wikimedia

1) Heavenly: The Gunbarrel

Just ask Glen Plake. The Gunbarrel at Heavenly ski resort is the holy grail of bump runs. It stretches the length of Gunbarrel Express Chair and plays host to The Gun Barrel 25, which is Plake’s comp of choice. The competition is savage and includes skiers challenging themselves to 25 laps on the legendary bump run without dying from exhaustion. I know where I’ll be on the last weekend of March. Boom.

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