Snowboarding
How to Freeride at Snowbird Like a Pro
Freeskier Sage Cattabriga-Alosa lives in Snowbird, Utah, and these are his top freeride tips.
Sage Cattabriga-Alosa in Snowbird
© www.freerideworldtour.com/J.Dash
Local rider Sage Cattabriga-Alosa competed at the Freeride World Tour, when the contest rolled into his home resort — check out his tips for freeriding in Snowbird.
What are your favorite runs in Snowbird?
My absolute favorites are the faces of Mount Baldy. After exiting the lift it's only a short hike to the three areas where you can freeride and the terrain offers a vast number of lines and variations. Starting out from the lift exit to Mount Baldy you first reach West Baldy. This terrain is exposed to lots of sun and wind, so you always have to check the snow conditions. The area is spacious and there are very few trees. This is perfect for turn with a lot of speed. On the way down there are also some cliffs and chutes.
The second option is North Baldy, which is probably the most popular freeriding spot in Snowbird. It's a varied terrain: small trees, cliffs and also beautiful chutes. The face is like an amphitheater and is also used for freeride contests.
Snowbird, Utah
© snowbird.com
North Baldy is also a contest face for the Freeride World Tour. What else can you tell us about this spot?
It's the perfect mountain for freeride contests. It forms a small caldera, has a long and even downward slope. At the bottom there is enough space for the spectators. It guarantees the best entertainment because you ride directly towards the people watching you. For me it's of course amazing to be riding a Freeride World Contest on my favorite face.
What tips can you give riders who want to ride the North Baldy?
Watch the contest! There's nothing better than watching pros ride the face and learning from them. If there are no contests and the snow conditions are safe, the North Baldy is declared good to go for freeriders by the avalanche committee.
North Baldy, Snowbird's contest face
© www.freerideworldtour.com/M.Epstein
Which runs can be reached directly from the lift without having to hike?
Right below Hidden Peak you can find the runs of Silver Fox. They are spacious and go to the north. There are some rocks and trees. I think they are some of the best faces in Snowbird, because even when it hasn't been snowing for some time the snow is still nice and fluffy.
What is your favorite place to eat on the mountain?
The General Grits in the Snowbird Center is my number one choice. Here you can get good sandwiches and also a great breakfast.
Powder heaven, Snowbird
© snowbirdphoto
And where is the best place to end the day?After a long day on the mountain I like to go to the Lone Star. It's a Mexican Taqueria in Salt Lake with briliant fish burritos. If you go by car it takes about 20 minutes. If you want to party afterwards, I'd say hit the Peruvian Lodge in Alta.
Sage Cattabriga-Alosa
© www.freerideworldtour.com/J.Dash
Which shop for good freeriding gear and good service?
The Deep Powder House in Alta is great. But the other shops in the area offer good freeride equipment, too.
Which guides can you recommend for riders who want to explore the backcountry?
The Wasatch Powder Birds offer heli rides as well as guided freeride tours in the whole area. They are good guys.
Here's a little taste of a powder day in Snowbird: