Why Uphill Skiing is Gaining Popularity at US Resorts

The Rise of Uphill Skiing: Why This Labor-Intensive Trend is Booming at US Resorts

In ski towns across the United States, a new trend is gaining traction — “earning your turns.” This laborious yet rewarding ski practice, which involves ascending mountains without the aid of ski lifts or gondolas, has been gaining popularity among skiers of all levels. What started as a backcountry pursuit is now becoming a mainstream fitness craze in ski resorts across the nation.

What is Uphilling?

“Earning your turns” refers to the act of climbing a mountain under your own power before skiing or snowboarding down. To do this, skiers use specialized gear, including bindings and boots that allow for uphill movement, paired with “skins” — synthetic fabric strips placed on the undersides of skis to provide traction. Some skiers may also hike up with their gear on their backs.

While backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering are the more extreme versions of uphill skiing, a fitness-focused version is now thriving in resort areas, attracting those looking for a good workout and a chance to enjoy fresh tracks before the lifts open for the day.

Uphill Skiing Grows in Popularity

Uphill access at ski resorts has grown significantly in recent years. According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), the number of resorts allowing uphill skiing has nearly tripled over the past decade. In the 2023/24 season, 65% of resorts permitted uphill access in some form, up from just 33% a decade ago.

At some resorts, uphill skiing is allowed only before or after regular operating hours, while others offer access throughout the day. Skiers will often see parallel tracks on the side of the mountain or zig-zagging paths in steeper terrain — all signs of a growing trend.

The Climb and Its Rewards

The concept of uphill skiing is not only about fitness but also about community and camaraderie. In towns like Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where uphill skiing has flourished, locals like Cara Marrs, a dedicated uphiller and dietitian, say it’s become a way to bond with friends.

“It’s huge, really, how much uphilling has grown,” says Marrs, who has lived in Steamboat for 27 years. The resort allows uphill access before 9 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m. daily, with a $39 armband that provides access after completing a safety video and waiver.

“Back in the day, it was more for backcountry skiing. But now people are doing it for fitness,” Marrs explains.

For professional adventure skier Brody Leven, uphilling has become a social activity as much as a fitness challenge. “In the winter, the majority of the way that I and many skiers catch up with our friends is on the skin track, as we call it, which is on the hike up,” says Leven, who is a self-described “entirely human-powered” skier.

Uphill for Fitness and Fun

Uphill skiing, particularly in resort areas, is largely driven by fitness and fun. Skiers like Terrin Abell, a program manager in Breckenridge, Colorado, discovered the joy of uphilling during a full moon ski with friends. “I was hooked from the first time,” Abell says, noting how the sport blends exercise with the thrill of skiing down an empty mountain. “If you go up on a powder day, you’re going to get the most delicious, perfectly groomed first run down.”

Abell now participates in events like the Imperial Challenge in Breckenridge, which involves skiing uphill as part of a spring tradition. “I’ll be in a tutu, I’ll be in a costume. I do these things because I’m in it for the fun,” she says.

Varied Uphill Policies Across Resorts

While many resorts embrace uphilling, policies vary. Some resorts require an additional fee on top of a regular ski pass, while others charge only for a dedicated uphill pass. In places like Aspen Snowmass in Colorado, uphill skiing is permitted at certain hours and with designated routes, offering a more flexible approach.

At Snowbowl in Arizona, uphill access is free but only allowed during specific hours and on designated routes that change with snowmaking, grooming, and weather conditions. In Utah, resorts like Powder Mountain and Alta offer uphill access under varying conditions, with Powder Mountain allowing access during operating hours on designated routes.

Safety and Rules

As with any outdoor activity, safety is paramount. Before heading uphill, skiers should familiarize themselves with resort rules, including designated routes and operational hours. Always yield to downhill skiers and be mindful of grooming and snowmaking equipment. Wearing bright-colored gear enhances visibility, particularly during early morning or evening hours.

While uphilling isn’t for everyone, it offers a unique and rewarding experience for those willing to put in the effort. “The first couple of times, you’re like, ‘Why am I doing this?’” says Abell. “But then the sun comes up, and you get to the top. Then you transition and ski down, and you’re like, ‘Wow, that was the best thing ever.’”

Conclusion

Uphill skiing at US resorts has rapidly evolved from a niche activity for backcountry enthusiasts to a popular fitness trend embraced by a wide range of skiers. Whether for fitness, fun, or a sense of accomplishment, this unique way of enjoying the mountain is here to stay, offering skiers an additional reward for their efforts — fresh tracks and the rush of skiing down before the crowds.

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