Hiking the Headwaters | Image: Big Sky Resort

For skiers and snowboarders who are willing to climb a little higher, some of the most rewarding inbounds terrain in North America lies just beyond the chairlift. These zones demand effort but give back with untouched powder, steep chutes, and the thrill of adventure, all while staying inside resort boundaries.

Here are five of the best hike-to spots for those ready to earn their turns.

5. Whistler Blackcomb, BC – Spanky’s Ladder

The gateway to legendary bowls at Whistler Blackcomb | Image: Whistler Blackcomb

A short but steep bootpack up Spanky’s Ladder unlocks some of the most famous inbounds lines in Canada. From the top, skiers can drop into Sapphire, Diamond, Garnet, and Ruby Bowls, each offering challenging descents with deep snow and stunning alpine views. This hike is brief but unforgettable, making it a must for advanced riders.

4. Telluride, CO – Palmyra Peak

Palmyra Peak | Image: Telluride Ski Resort

Climbing to 13,150 feet at Palmyra Peak is a workout, but the payoff is epic terrain and jaw-dropping views. From the summit, expert skiers can choose legendary lines like Temptation or Electric Shock, or explore Gold Hill and Dihedral along the way. Telluride’s hike-to terrain blends high-alpine exposure with steep, technical skiing that feels like true big mountain riding.

3. Jackson Hole, WY – The Headwall & Casper Bowl

Headwall hike | Image: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

The Headwall is Jackson Hole’s crown jewel for hike-to skiing. Accessed by a short climb from the Tram or Sublette Chair, it leads to steep bowls and technical chutes that often stay untracked long after a storm. Skiers can also traverse to Casper Bowl and the Crags for even more challenging lines. This is the place locals head when they want fresh turns days after a dump.

2. Aspen Highlands, CO – Highland Bowl

The famous Highland Bowl ridge hike | Image: Aspen Snowmass

Highland Bowl is legendary, and for good reason. The 45-minute hike to the 12,392-foot summit rewards skiers with over 2,400 vertical feet of steep, wide-open powder runs. The views of the Maroon Bells alone are worth the effort, but the descent is what makes this one of the most iconic hike-to zones in North America.

1. Big Sky, MT – The Headwaters & A-Z Chutes

Big Sky Resort | Image: Big Sky Journal

Big Sky’s Headwaters and A-Z Chutes deliver some of the steepest, most technical skiing anywhere inbounds. Access requires a demanding bootpack along an exposed ridge, and avalanche gear is strongly recommended. Once there, skiers are treated to narrow couloirs, big drops, and hidden powder pockets. These lines are serious, committing, and unforgettable, making Big Sky the ultimate destination for advanced hike-to skiing.

Closing Thoughts

Hike-to terrain offers the perfect balance between adventure and safety. It feels like backcountry skiing, but with the reassurance of being inside resort boundaries. Whether it is a quick climb at Whistler or a full ridge trek at Aspen, the reward is always worth the effort.

Bottom line: Shredder makes it easier to log these epic hikes, track your progress, and connect with other advanced riders. Use the app to find new partners and make your hike-to adventures safer and more memorable.