Week 6: Challenger is one of state's steepest groomed runs

Solitude Mountain Resort

Week 6 of series on Utah's signature ski runs.

Signature run — Challenger

The run is located at the lowest end of Eagle Ridge. Sitting atop the run, waiting for takeoff, skiers can see the Big Cottonwood Canyon highway a thousand feet blow their ski tips. The run was named for the fact that this is one of the steepest groomed runs in the state. It is also one of the most scenic. For skiers to test their mettle, they ski down the ridge from Eagle Express, linking turns past a large eagle perched atop trail signs. From there they veer to their left, always keeping an eye out for the single-diamond Challenger run. From this point the ridge quickly ends and leads to a steep plunge that makes the heart of even the best of skiers race. With towering pines on either side of the slope, plus a great view down the canyon, this is a run skiers will want to hit the steeps several times a day.

No. 1 run — Honeycomb Canyon/Woodlawn

Honeycomb Canyon is truly an unforgettable experience. This run in the canyon is easily one of the Wasatch Front's most scenic gems, as well as an expert powder skier's playground. Honeycomb can be accessed by intermediate skiers as well. Skiers and snowboarders can disembark from the Summit chair and peer down Honeycomb Canyon's endless rock walls and forested slopes and get ready for 3.1 miles of cruising below these amazing cirques. Woodlawn is a groomed run that winds its way down 2,000 feet to the chairlift neatly tucked away in the bottom of the canyon. It's easy for skiers and boarders to get completely lost in this experience because of the incredible run and spectacular scenery.

Top 10 runs