A tram climbs from Little Cottonwood Canyon to the ridge in eight minutes, and what it serves is steep. Over half the marked terrain is black or double black, which makes this the most demanding major resort in the United States, and it does not pretend otherwise. Take a guide or a lesson if the terrain is new to you.

The snow is the lightest and most abundant in North America and the season runs into May.

The canyon road closes during avalanche control and guests are sometimes kept indoors while it happens, so plan around that rather than being surprised by it. Staying up in the canyon is how you get first tracks after a storm.

The base is a small cluster of concrete lodges with limited dining and no real village. Salt Lake City airport is forty minutes away when the canyon is open.