Alta is a legend in the ski world, and for expert skiers it’s a playground unlike any other. Steep pitches, narrow chutes, and world-famous powder make it one of the top destinations for advanced skiing in North America.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Alta local, here are the Top 10 Expert Runs at Alta Ski Area — the lines that define steep skiing in Utah.
1. Alf’s High Rustler (The kids call it “High Boy”)
The most iconic run at Alta, Alf’s High Rustler is a towering frontside face that every expert skier dreams of conquering. Its steep, sustained pitch looms over the Collins base, drawing both admiration and nerves. Whether you drop in first chair after a storm or late in the day with legs burning, “High Boy” is a must-do rite of passage.
My High Boy challenge to you: ski the entire thing without stopping. Can your quads handle it?
2. Baldy Chutes
Few inbounds lines anywhere rival the drama of the Baldy Chutes. Accessed via a bootpack to the summit of Mount Baldy, these runs deliver true big-mountain skiing: steep, exposed, and exhilarating. From Main Chute to Little Chute to Perla’s, each line tests nerve and skill. Skiing the Baldy Chutes is a feather in the cap of any expert skier visiting Alta.
3. Gunsight
Arguably the most photogenic run at Alta, Gunsight offers a thrilling, narrow entry framed by rock walls before dropping into a steep, consistent fall line. The chute opens into wide slopes below, giving skiers a mix of adrenaline and flow. With its striking appearance and serious pitch, Gunsight earns its place among Alta’s crown jewels.
4. Eddie’s High Nowhere
Accessed via rope and boot-pack climbing off the High Traverse, Eddie’s is a classic locals’ line that starts with a cliffy, often corniced, intimidating entrance. Once committed, skiers are rewarded with a long, steep fall line that skis beautifully in fresh snow. It’s less obvious than Alta’s headline runs, but to those who know, Eddie’s is a gem.
5. Eagle’s Nest
Dropping from the High Traverse, Eagle’s Nest offers a commanding view over Collins Gulch. Its rocky, technical entry sets the tone before rolling into a pitch that demands precise skiing. When filled in, it’s one of the most rewarding lines on the mountain — a run that blends exposure, challenge, and incredible snow.
6. Baldy Shoulder
Baldy Shoulder is a choose-your-own-adventure zone that delivers variety and challenge in equal measure. It can be accessed either by sidestepping from Ballroom or by bootpacking from the top of Wildcat. Once there, experts find steep spines, gullies, and open pitches that ski differently depending on snow and line choice. On a powder day, Baldy Shoulder is an Alta classic.
7. Devil’s Castle
A massive alpine wall towering above Sugarloaf, Devil’s Castle is one of Alta’s most sought after features. When avalanche control and conditions allow, the Castle traverse leads to an enormous canvas of steep pitches, rock bands, and powder fields. Skiing the Castle feels more like a backcountry adventure than an inbounds run. “To The Wall or Not at All” can be heard while skiers are laboring the long right-sidestep hike. The reward for making it to the end is The Wall, and a huge open ski line that is unbeatable in powdery conditions.
8. Stone Crusher
Stone Crusher looms just above the Collins base, visible to everyone riding up the lift. It’s a steep, narrow chute dropping off West Rustler, with an entry that always gets attention. The top section can be tight and rocky, requiring precise turns before it funnels into a long, consistent fall line. Because it’s front and center, tracks stack up quickly, but that only adds to its lore — skiing Stone Crusher is as much about putting on a show for the base area as it is about conquering one of Alta’s most prominent expert lines.
9. Catherine’s Area
A short hike rewards skiers with a blend of steep chutes, hidden gullies, and powder-filled tree shots. Catherine’s feels tucked away from the main flow of the resort, and that solitude often means softer snow. For experts willing to explore, Catherine’s is a reliable stash that skis bigger than its footprint.
10. East Castle
East Castle is a legendary Alta line, but it must be skied under the right conditions. The traverse to get there is a long left-sidestep (skins recommended) and exposed, and the face is steep, committing, and often wind-affected. When it’s open and filled with soft snow, East Castle delivers unforgettable big turns across a massive alpine wall. When the conditions are wrong, however, it can serve up dreadfully thick snow or fields of avalanche debris chunks. Patience and timing make all the difference here.
Ski Alta Like a Local
If you’re planning a trip to Alta this winter, make the most of it with the Alta Ski Guide app — featuring interactive trail maps, run details, conditions, tracking, and insider tips for every line on this list.
👉 Download the Alta Ski Guide app here
With screenshots, QR codes, and direct links to the app stores, the landing page has everything you need to get started. Don’t just ski Alta — ski it like a local.
