The Best Backcountry Skiing Routes in Park City and Deer Valley

Quincey's Knoll offers some of the freshest powder turns during or after a storm. It takes a while to get to which dissuades the average skier from making the journey. However, it isn't a big pitch....

Park City is pretty limiting on the uphill access allowed to skiers and splitboarders, but there is one route that's designated for skinning outside of operating hours. Therefore this one is a huge hit with the local athletic crowd....

Cascade used to be marked on the map, but often lacks good snow depth to be open. IF the ropes are open and the snow deep enough Cascade is a fantastic steeper run that descends under the Mountaineer Express lift, staying left toward the hotel....

Broad evergreen forests cover some of the slopes of Deer Valley. The area was almost completely clear cut when at the peak of mining operations. The forests have grown back. X-Files is one such area....

Guardsman Glade is an unmarked piece of terrain between Bandana and Hawkeye. Skiers who follow the Ruby Express lift line will find gentle black terrain, moguls and widely spaced trees. There is a small rock garden to be aware of as the terrain steepens shortly after entering....

At the point where Gemini splits to the left from Star Gazer, Ooompa Loompa Land begins. It is not marked but there are several entrances on the two blue runs that border this off piste area....