The 11 Most Dangerous Ski Slopes in the United States

Source：AZ Animals Time：January 8, 2024

Skiing is one of the most popular winter activities and people from all over the world travel to the United States to experience a myriad of ski resorts. From bunny trails for beginners to black diamond slopes that will give you an adrenaline rush, there is something for everyone. Today we’re going to be looking at the most dangerous ski slopes in the United States and what makes them so perilous. Jagged outcrops to steep downgrades will have you holding your breath as we make our way through the 11 most terrifying ski slopes in the nation!

1. Big Couloir

The 11 Most Dangerous Ski Slopes in the United States — Roughly three million people visit this area each year to go skiing.
©CSNafzger/Shutterstock.com

The first slope we’ll be looking at is located in Big Sky, MT. If you’re looking for one of the most thrilling ski adventures in the country, look no further than Big Couloir. The narrowest section of the trail is about 14 feet wide with a decline of 50 degrees! This isn’t for the faint of heart, as there are numerous sharp rocks all around you as you make your way down toward the base.

2. S&S Chute

In the popular ski location of Jackson Hole, the S&S Couloir is yet another one of the most dangerous ski slopes in the United States. It is named after locals John Simms and Charlie Sands. They were the first two to ever brave the slope. It’s hard for skiers to find an edge and many can lose control on the icy and deep snow. There’s even a section where thrill seekers free fall for nearly 20 feet!

3. Silver Fox

Silver Fox is one of the most popular runs at Snowbird for experienced skiers, even though it poses a threat to those brave enough to drop in here. There is consistent fall line steepness, which many expert skiers appreciate. Getting to Silver Fox requires you to travel down rocky crags and a steep face.

4. Brain Damage

If the photos on social media of cracked helmets don’t scare you off, perhaps the hidden boulders will. Brain Damage is a slope on Crystal Mountain in Washington. It is roughly 800 vertical feet from the drop-in area of Brain Damage to the upper basin. The gradient here is about 43 degrees and the chute narrows quite a bit, causing skiers to work hard to stay upright.

5. Body Bag

With a name such as “Body Bag,” there’s no denying how this most dangerous ski slope in Crested Butte, CO made the cut! This is one of the most extreme places to ski in the entire state. Here will you find a steep slope that has rocks, cliffs, and a myriad of trees. Skiers have to make quick decisions while on Body Bag or you’ll quickly run into something that can cause disastrous injuries.

6. The Diving Board

Next on our list of the most dangerous ski slopes in the United States is the Diving Board. Located in Alta, UT, this region gets about 500 inches of snow annually. The mountains around here will put you to the test. There are sharp rocks that randomly poke out from the snow and cliffs that cause skiers to drop 30 feet vertically.

7. Two Smokes

Located in Silverton, CO, Two Smokes will have you white-knuckling your ski poles. There is a 53-degree rock funnel that some guides struggle to navigate. In fact, the slope requires every skier to have a guide on Two Smokes. The rocks here will give you a run for your money, along with the trees that randomly jut out from the snow.

8. The Palisades

Squaw Valley in California is home to The Palisades. This is a favorite ski location among those looking for a rush! The Palisades is one of the most steep fall lines in the country. There are 100-foot cliffs you can shoot off of. Some prefer to stick with the 50-degree drop as if that isn’t dangerous enough!

9. Paradise

With a tagline like “Ski it if you can,” Paradise is a challenge that taunts skiers in Vermont. The reason this area made it on our list of the most dangerous ski slopes in the United States is due to the rocks and ice fall. The trail is also incredibly narrow and steep.

10. Senior’s Run

With Palmyra Peak being 13,320 feet, Senior’s Run is begging to be one of the most dangerous ski slopes in the nation. The ridgelines here that lead to the beginning of the run are shockingly narrow. The rocky gully is 52 degrees, which can lead skiers to lose control rather easily.

11. Christmas Chute

At Alyeska Resort in Alaska, the Christmas Chute is just 1,000 feet long. It’s considered a double-black diamond and can challenge the most experienced skiers out there! There is a 50-degree inbound pitch that will give you a rush as you head toward the base!

Summary of the Most Dangerous Ski Slopes in the United States

Rank	Slope Name	Location
1	Big Couloir	Montana
2	S&S Chute	Wyoming
3	Silverfox	Utah
4	Brain Damage	Washington
5	Body Bag	Colorado
6	The Diving Board	Utah
7	Two Smokes	Colorado
8	The Palisades	California
9	Paradise	Vermont
10	Senior’s Run	Colorado
11	Christmas Chute	Alaska