With 26 premiere mountain destinations, The Ikon Pass offers up some of the most challenging inbounds ski terrain in North America.
Related: Mapping the Ultimate Ikon Pass Road Trips
Jaw dropping chutes, powder-filled tree runs, and steep bowls are all in play this upcoming season and the only thing standing between you and endless iconic ski runs is an Ikon Pass.
Buy yours here: The Ikon Pass
10) The Outer Limits | Killington
Spring skiing in New England means two things– bumps and beers. Find both at Vermont’s Killington Resort, which runs later than most ski areas in the northeast. Skiers and riders can usually lap Bear Mountain’s Outer Limits well into May on a good snow year.
9) Shadows & Closets | Steamboat
When it comes to skiing and riding in the trees, it’s hard to beat the old growth Aspens and Pines of Steamboat. The Shadows and Closets area in particular offers the best routes down the mountain with a seemingly endless pitch of 25-35° pitch– punctuated by perfectly spaced trees, small pillow poppers, and wide-open meadows.
8) Ozone [Highlands Bowl] | Aspen Snowmass
The Highland Bowl sports hundreds of classic routes down but only two of them (the other being ‘The Curl’) go straight from the top with a puckering steepness that ranges between 45-50º. Even though the trees of G2 and G3 might hold better snow on a more consistent basis, Ozone is a must-ski for any expert skier or rider whose making their first trip to the top.
7) Kiwi Flats | Mammoth Mountain
Kiwi Flats is known throughout California as one of the most challenging runs in the Sierra. The run is a must ski for any expert looking for a seriously aesthetic line without having to venture beyond the boundary.
6) The Big Couloir | Big Sky Resort
The Big Couloir stares down every skier or rider who takes the Lone Peak Tram. It’s definitely the most prominent run on the mountain and tackling this long, exposed line requires making a few solid, steep turns. Perhaps the best part is the apron that spills into a huge cirque, just begging for big, GS style turns. The only catch? Those looking to dip their tips in ‘The Big’ must sign out with ski patrol first at the top of the tram.
5) Delirium Dive | Banff Sunshine, SkiBig3
Delirium Dive is a ridiculously steep face. ‘The Dive’ is likely one of the steepest inbounds in the world with pitches that measure a staggering 60° in spots. Make sure to bring your avalanche beacon as the gate to this area will only open for those properly equipped.
4) Separate Reality | Revelstoke Mountain Resort
True to its name, Revelstoke’s ‘Separate Reality’ is a mind-blower powder run– no pun intended. Starting in an alpine bowl, the zone ultimately dumps skiers and riders into an expanse of perfectly spaced trees. Watch out on a powder day though as the Separate Reality rope drop rivals even the best Chinese Downhills.
3) Chute 75 | Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
While it’s hard to pick just one, Chute 75 is classic Sierra steeps and likely one of the best inbounds runs at Squaw Valley. Skier’s left of the mogul mecca that is the “West Face,” Chute 75 is a straight fall line run along a tall wall of granite and the entrance is nothing short of breathtaking.
2) Great Scott | Snowbird
Located precariously and directly beneath the Snowbird Aerial Tram, Great Scott is classic Little Cottonwood steep and deep. The peanut gallery floating above in the tram-car simply ups the ante for anyone looking to light up this Wasatch classic.
1) Corbet’s Couloir | Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
No matter where one skis or rides in the world, if you mention Jackson Hole the reaction is almost always, “did you ski Corbet’s?” Avoid answering ‘no’ by making a turn into the reviled ‘goat path’ and once through– claim the win by making turns in boot deep, couloir cooled powder.