Beyond Black: The World's Classic Steeps

Nov. 27, 2006— -- The first Scandinavian hunter-gatherers who happened upon the ingenious idea of attaching wooden planks to their feet in times of wintery excess would no doubt be perplexed by today's multi-billion dollar industry. Why, they might wonder, didn't we think of that?

Post-Pleistocene era, the industry manages to draw millions to some of the most beautiful scenic spots on the planet. The allure of the winter slopes attracts its fair share of headcases, too, for whom the joy of a leisurely glide down slopes layered with soft powder just won't do.

No, these brave souls insist that steeper, icier, and downright scarier is better. The resorts, for their part, are only too happy to oblige: After all, didn't Adam Smith argue that supply will eventually meet demand? If you lift-serve it, they will come -- and throw themselves into the jaws of extreme exhilaration, again and again and again.

It is to these sick-steep marauders that we doff our caps, presenting ten of the world's most fearsome, resort-accessible runs. GORP teamed up with author Peter Oliver and champion skier Alison Gannett to compile this list of classic heart-in-your-mouth steeps.

Whistler/Blackcomb's reputation is big -- very big -- and understandably commands the attention of ski aficionados everywhere. Attracting clientele from all over the world, this Canadian great is the ski world's very own Tower of Babel.

With over 7,000 acres of skiable terrain spanning the two flanks of 7,160-foot Whistler mountain and 7,494-foot Blackcomb mountain, there's piste to satisfy every level of skier. Nearly 200 marked trails, a network of ultra-modern lifts, and legendary off-piste combine to cement Whistler/Blackcomb's standing.

One slight detraction may be the wetter weather of British Columbia. However, keep climbing and you'll likely encounter a differing climate to that in the valley below.

Those seeking that double-diamond headrush should make for Blackcomb's Ruby Bowl. Just getting there (or to neighboring Sapphire and Garnet Bowls) can be a throat-drying adrenaline rush. From the top of the Glacier Express lift, you'll need to sling your skis over your shoulder and start hiking.

This will take you along the knife-edge precipice of Spanky's Ladder, British Columbia's most sought-after double-black-diamond and the gateway to Ruby Bowl's 2,000 vertical feet of continuous steeps. A hike-only endeavor on the backside of Blackcomb mountain, here you'll tangle with a northern exposure that keeps the powder dry, firm, and fast.

Resort Facts

Web: www.whistler-blackcomb.com

Phone: 1-800-766-0449

Yes, Corbet's Couloir is thought by some to be an overrated trophy run. Yes, Corbet's isn't the steepest line that Jackson Hole has to offer. But, how can you ignore what is, quite possibly, the most-famed beyond-black run in America? This is a blood-curdling, muscle-ripping vertical plunge that starts out with a 20-foot leap of faith.

Needless to say, the key to riding Corbet's is the entry. If you don't stick that first turn after your hair-raising aerial entry into the couloir, well, don't plan on making a second. You'll be on a long, fast slide to the bottom.

Take the temporary chairlift (which replaces the aerial tram until the new one is ready in 2008) and you'll find yourself peering nervously over Rendezvous Mountain's celebrated drops. Remember, too, there are plenty of other trails at Jackson for those who like their skiing raw and vertical; don't simply assume that Corbet's is all there is because it's higher than the rest. Below the treeline, the Hobacks section of the mountain awaits the skier in search of extra bragging rights once Corbet's has been tamed.