Ski Lift of the Week: Wildcat at Alta Ski Area

Type • Fixed-grip double

Vertical rise • 1,218 feet

Number of runs • 10

Difficulty • Mostly advanced but some intermediate

Why try it • Plenty of steepness, sometimes powder aplenty

The ride • It's a quick trip to get to this lift, a classic Alta element with its older slower ride up to a ridge that exposes skiers to some of the Little Cottonwood Canyon resort's famous "steep and deep" snowfalls. Park in the resort's lower and aptly named Wildcat parking lot, then go slightly uphill past the high-speed quad Collins lift and bear right to Wildcat. Be ready: The chair comes in fast. But then it's a quick ride with great views.

Runs to try

Aggie's Alley • If you get on top and every route down looks too steep, this cat track will provide a comfortable way to intermediate runs down Collins Gulch.

Bear Paw • For those who like showing off for lift riders, this is the run to do it. Steep, narrow, with lots of bumps, especially at top, all right below the lift.

Westward Ho • A traverse to the end of the ridge — which can be a thrilling ride, in an of itself — is rewarded on powder days with incredible shots down through the trees.

The Salt Lake Tribune