Ski Lift of the Week (2/13) - Collins at Alta

The Ski Lift of the Week (12/13) in the Salt Lake Tribune is Collins at Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Collins at Alta Ski Area

Type » High-speed Quad

Vertical rise » 1,970 feet

Number of runs » Dozens

Difficulty rating » Advanced and intermediate

Why try it » Accesses arguably the world’s best resort ski terrain

The ride » There was a time when you had to sidestep up a fairly steep hill from the Wildcat parking lot or the transfer tow to get in line for the short Collins lift to mid-mountain. But nowadays this lift, which first began operation in 1938, reaches up to Germania Ridge, an angle station making the turn next to Watson Shelter before climbing the mountain along a route blazed by the old Germania lift. It’s a quick shot to the top, with direct approaches to Ballroom, Sugarloaf’s more moderate country, the Back Side and, of course, the High Traverse.

Runs to try:

Mambo » Alta’s version of an intermediate run — mixing in a couple pitches of steepness not often found in blue runs at other resorts — it’s a classic cruiser ideal for warming your legs up for greater challenges.

Ballroom » A short but sometimes interesting traverse through trees leaves you in a bowl with any number of possible descent points, including the best powder shots off the Baldy Shoulder.

Jitterbug » An inspirational fall line near the end of West Rustler ridge. The trees that flank this run seem to collect extra powder for the long descent into Race Course Saddle.

Information in Salt Lake Tribune (12/13).