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Show A s a retired ski bum, I get stoked on winter. Over the last three days of September, the Wasatch Front was socked in, and when the clouds finally broke, they unveiled snow-capped peaks. But that was just a preview to what's sure to be an epic winter. After the past two seasons, we're due for a good one, right? At a recent fundraiser for the Utah Avalanche Center, over 1,200 powder junkies gathered at the Black Diamond headquarters in Holladay to get pumped for the season. I surveyed ioo people at the event to see which nearby resort they were most excited to hit this winter. Keep in mind that these aren't your average leisuretime skiers. People who donate to the Utah Avalanche Center probably aren't spending much time enjoying the resorts' amenities. They don't care if there's world-class dining, fivestar hotels, heated lifts, or a good ski school. These are the purists. They don't spend any time on blues and greens. They'd rather dip into the trees and find powder stashes than carve up a groomer. They're more likely to drop a 20-foot cliff than drop a hundred on lunch. With that in mind, here are the most hardcore locals' top seven places to shred. If you're new to Utah, this might help you decide where to get your season pass. If you're not, then just see if you agree with these opinions. m 14 wasatchmagazine S ElIIE By Chad Mobley Little Cottonwood — 34 of 100 student season pass: $599 Snowbird is simply the best because it has it all. Massive expansive terrain, challenging runs, backcountry access, awesome Apres-ski, gorgeous views, and it accepts all kinds of people. From snowboarders to skiers, locals to tourists, beginners to experts and everything in between, Snowbird won this poll by a landslide, and I can't say I disagree with the results. PHOTO di:5016E3Y OF SNOWBIRD. Little Cottonwood — 21 of 100 student season pass: $599 There must've been a lot of skiers at the party. Alta is one of three resorts in the U.S. that still doesn't allow snowboarders. While that might be a draw for some, it's mostly the super steep terrain and the abundant snowfall that gets skiers' votes. |