For me, this is the perfect "ski-with-my-parents" day, or a day with out-of-town guests still getting their ski legs under them.
Warming Up
Start the morning on Lift 10 — Sunshine Express. It's wide-open and mellow. See if you can spot Oprah's house from the lift. Ski Sundance down to the base, with soft rollers and big-arc turns to find your rhythm. From there, ride Lift 1 — Chondola back to the core of the mountain, then catch Lift 4 to Lift 5 — Polar Queen Express. Skip actually skiing on Lift 4 — too many crowds.
Morning Laps on Polar Queen
Dad's favorite run. At the top of Polar Queen, take a photo — you are looking at the La Sal Mountains in Utah. Then lap the groomers on Lift 5: Stormin' Norman, Ophir Loop, Henry's Run. These runs are fast and fun, and flatten out at the bottom. If you're ready to step it up, try the bumps on Gold Rush, or dip into off-piste terrain like Silvertip to the Lift Line (yes, we will be watching).
Lunch Options
Three very different vibes to choose from, all near the top of Lift 5:
- Giuseppe's (top of Lift 6): My choice. We used to ski just to eat their black bean sauté. Reopening for the 2025–26 season, and I can't wait to see the new menu and vibes. Casual, outdoor, with outrageous views.
- Alpino Vino (just off top of Lift 14): High-end wine. You probably need a reservation. I don't mix alcohol and skiing, but it's a bucket-list experience for many visitors.
- Bon Vivant (top of Lift 5): French-inspired, sunny, sometimes with a DJ. Pricey for what you get.
Prospect Bowl Afternoon
If you've lunched at Giuseppe's, drop into See Forever for a cruiser all the way down to Lift 1 — nearly the mountain's full vertical in one go. From there, ride Lift 10 to Lift 11 to Lift 12 — Prospect Express — into Prospect Bowl. The groomers wind through sparse trees and the top has amazing views of Mount Wilson and Sunshine Peak. Look to the left at the top and you'll see skiers hiking Palmyra Peak — the coolest in-bounds hike-to ski line in North America.
A Grand Finale
To close out the day, ride Lift 14 — Gold Hill Express — to the very top of the mountain. Another great picture spot. If you're ready to wrap it up, cruise down to Gorrono Ranch for an hour on the "beach." If you want to tell your friends you did a black diamond, dip into Revelation Bowl right off the top of Gold Hill for a lap or two (trust me, you can do it!). Or continue along See Forever until you find The Plunge — a famous and very steep groomer that drops you toward town.
Après Ski
If you take See Forever down and keep going toward the Lift 4 side, Gorrono Ranch has live music, Adirondack chairs, and a great outdoor deck. Perfect for a sunny day. If you ski Plunge or are heading into town, join the locals at Oak — barbecue, beer, sports — right at the base of the gondola.
And voilà — the perfect intermediate skiing day.