A recent post in the skiing-themed sub-Reddit involves user Sharkman3218 sharing an opinion related to the ‘most iconic ski runs in North America.’ Featuring 27 runs (and one ‘dishonorable mention’), the post has generated plenty of conversation, with more than 219 comments published on the post in less than 24 hours. As might be expected, several of the runs Sharkman3218 mentions are found in Colorado, with the Centennial State accounting for nine of the runs on the list – about a third of all mentions.

As a local skier, Sharkman’s list seems pretty sound. This writer can’t attest to many of those found outside of the Centennial State, but many would agree that the Colorado runs that get mentioned are indeed great picks.

As far as Colorado goes, here’s what Sharkman3218 included plus little bit of information about each run:

1. Rambo at Crested Butte: This run is often described as the “steepest tree-cut run” in North America, rated as a ‘double black expert’ run and found below ‘The Glades’, dropping down toward some easier terrain that generally ends up at the East River Express Lift. It’s indeed fast and steep and worthy of its rating. It was mentioned 2nd on Sharkman’s list.
2. Long Shot at Snowmass: This intermediate rated ‘blue’ run is indeed a ‘long shot,’ dropping down much of the mountain between the 11,395 foot summit of the Burnt Mountain Glades and the Two Creeks base at 8,110 feet, connecting with the East Branch run along the way. A bit of a hike from the Elk Camp lift, this run has been described as 5.3 miles long, though there’s some debate about that claim. This lengthy endeavor was mentioned 4th on Sharkman’s list.
3. Pali Face at Arapahoe Basin: An area of the mountain opposed to a single run, Arapahoe Basin is perhaps best known for the runs that are reached via the Pallavicini Lift. These runs are steep double-black trails that feature plenty of drops and trees. They’re not for the faint of heart. This was the 11th ‘iconic run’ mentioned by Sharkman.
4. Blue Sky Basin at Vail: Another pick that’s really a rather large area of the resort opposed to a single run, Blue Sky Basin tends to get a lot of talk in the skiing community. Featuring a wide variety of glades, along with plenty of established black diamond runs and even a few intermediate blues, this area is talked about for a reason. It’s possible to spend an entire day in the Blue Sky Basin area and have a blast. Sharkman mentioned this one 12th.
5. Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands: This double-black diamond mountain bowl is regularly referred to as some of the state’s finest terrain. Expert skiers need to embark on a decent hike to access the best of it, with the area topping out at about 12,392 feet above sea level. It ended up being mentioned 13th on Sharkman’s list.
6. The Peak at Crested Butte: As Sharkman’s second Crested Butte mention and 14th inclusion overall, accessing this terrain means hiking to an elevation of about 12,162 feet to reach double black expert terrain that travels down the destination’s picturesque butte. After descending this part of the mountain, skiers and snowboarders can connect with other popular runs like Banana, Peel, and Hot Rocks.
7. Senior’s at Telluride: This double black diamond expert run drops from the highest point on Telluride’s iconic Palmyra Peak, which reaches an elevation of 13,320 feet above sea level. Terrain on this part of the mountain features narrow chutes and terrain hazards, making it some of the most extreme in-bounds terrain in the state, if not the country. There are a lot of runs at Telluride that are well-known in the skiing community for good reason, but this run and those around it probably take the cake for being what gets the most hype – and it’s why many people plan a Telluride visit. Sharkman mentioned this one 16th among the 27 spots.
8. Wacky’s Chute at Breckenridge: Many people ski at Breckenridge Resort, but few end up hitting Wacky’s Chute. Reaching this spot requires a ride on the Imperial Superchair – which reaches an elevation of 12,840 feet as the highest chairlift in North America – followed by a hike to the Peak 8 summit at 13,005 feet. From that point, guests traverse into the Lake Chutes area where Wacky’s Chute is found. This is another one that’s among the most extreme terrain found on the mountain, rated double-black expert for good reason. Sharkman mentioned it 24th.
9. Shadows/Closets at Steamboat Resort: Perhaps the definition of ‘choose-your-own’ adventure terrain, the Shadows and the Closets of Steamboat Resort are tree glades that drop down from 10,384-foot Sunshine Peak. The best way to tell where this area ends is simply ‘where the trees stop.’ Rated black diamond, tree runs like this are what Steamboat Resort is known for. This area was mentioned 26th on Sharkman’s list.

Schoolmarm at Keystone was also noted by Sharkman as the lone ‘dishonorable mention,’ with numerous commenters happy about it being labeled as such. One of the longest green runs to be found in North America at about 3.5 miles in length, it’s a great place for newcomers to hone their skills before tackling more difficult trails. That said, given the number of beginners on the route, there can be a bit of hazard when it comes to skier versus skier collisions. It’s great for what it is and iconic because of that reason, but experts tend to stick to other parts of the mountain, like The Outback area.

While few commenters raised complaint with Sharkman’s list of iconic runs, some did chime in to share other spots for consideration.

User BlueINGreeeen proposed two more Colorado runs – Whale’s Tail in Breckenridge and the Stone Creek Chutes at Beaver Creek. Meanwhile, user WSPBUCK mentioned Riva Ridge and Prima at Vail, too, with user markrh3000 mentioning See Forever at Telluride – undoubtedly a classic.

The first ‘iconic run’ mentioned by Sharkman was Corbet’s Couloir at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It’s hard to argue with that one.

What do you think of Sharkman3218’s list of iconic North American runs? What’s another Colorado run you think should be included? Join the conversation here.

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