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Cottonwood Heights Journal

Ski & Snowboard News / Deer Valley's secret trails

Feb 08, 2018 05:49PM ● By Harriet Wallis

Beautiful views and a little known trail / photo: Harriet Wallis

Deer Valley draws skiers from around the world. It's known for it's extensive terrain -- more than 2,000 acres -- and its manicured slopes. It's again ranked as the #1 North American ski resort by SKI Magazine readers.

And it's right here in our backyard.

When I ski Deer Valley, I have my own favorite trails. And I've plotted my own favorite route to get all over the mountain. Most local skiers probably have their own special favorite trails. But on a recent day at Deer Valley, I decided to break with my usual routine and try some lesser known trails.

There are two trails on Little Baldy that get few skiers. By mid morning, the corduroy hadn't been touched on either trail.

The Keetley trail gets you back to the Mountaineer Express so you can make a loop off that lift. Ski toward the Jordanelle Reservoir, stop halfway and take a left, and you're back at the lift. Around and around.

When it's time for lunch, I wanted to head to the base lodge. I discovered that Gnat's Eye is an easy-going, connector that cuts a big corner off the busy trail to the base.

Gnat's Eye cuts off a corner / photo: Harriet Wallis

On the main part of the mountain, the Carpenter Express feeds an extensive series of gentle trails. But not all trails are for newbies. The trail named Little Kate gets little traffic because it doesn't attract learning skiers. Therefore, the snow can be fresh even later in the day.

Wrap up the day with Little Kate / photo: Laurie O'Connor

When you explore these trails or others, be courteous to those who don't ski as well as you do. Give them plenty of space. And Deer Valley is for skiers only, no snowboards.