If you’re a local and ride at any of the Cottonwood resorts, you’re in for a bit of a shock if you visit The Canyons. It almost feels as if you’re not in Utah anymore — at least until you cruise through the unmistakable powder.
The Canyons is definitely a resort that caters to the tourists. The bottom is like a miniature town, with many different restaurants, shops and hotels. It’s trendy, hip and expensive.
The majority of the runs fit to the standard tourist’s liking. They are mostly green or blue gently rolling groomers.
For the novice skiers and snowboarders, the abundance of greens and blues work perfectly. Try the High Meadow or Saddleback Express lifts for a tune-up. Upper and Lower Boa are good for warming up your legs, and the Tombstone Express and Peak 5 lifts both have some decent cruiser runs for the not-so-die-hard skiers and riders.
While The Canyons might be great for tourists and beginners, it is still a good place for the adventuring experts. It has a wide variety of terrain on its 3,700 acres — the most in Utah. There are plenty of steeps to choose from on either side of the resort. Super Condor Express can take you to black diamonds such as Yard Sale and Devil’s Friend. However, the best steeps are found off of the Ninety-nine 90 Express. This lift is the highest on the mountain — 9,990 feet to be exact. It has great backcountry access and would be amazing on a good powder day. Be warned that none of the runs off it are groomed, and the moguls are fat, icy and up to your knees.
If trees are more your thing, check out the new Dreamcatcher lift area. The trees are thinned just enough for some speed runs, and there’s lots of wide-open carving space.
Overall, The Canyons is a sick place to ride powder, but if you go there any other day, you might want to check out the terrain parks. It has two well-maintained parks in Painted Horse Progression and Respect. Progression is the beginner park with some ride-on, easier hits. Respect has the bigger features. Upper Respect has a huge selection of perfectly set up boxes and rails.
The Canyons also has six natural halfpipes. Canis Lupis is a long, smooth ride off Super Condor Express that’s great for wall hits and goofing around.
Be ready for flat spots all around the resort, and don’t venture into any unknown gullies or you’ll probably be hiking out.
You really can spend a whole day exploring The Canyons and still not hit every run, but you’ll definitely find a good variety.