Never heard of the Tushar Mountains?  Neither have many other people, but that’s a good thing.  Located just 18 miles outside of Beaver, Utah and just 3 and ½ hours south of Salt Lake City, the Tushars are the third tallest mountain range in Utah and are home to peaks rising over 12,000 feet.  They are also home to Eagle Point Ski Resort.  The lack of publicity surrounding the Tushars explains the shocking lack of crowds at Eagle Point, which is a great thing.  Imagine five people getting first tracks down the same run at noon on bluebird powder day at any resort in the Wasatch Mountains or Utah or anywhere else.  Not a chance.  But it happens at Eagle Point all the time.

Driving towards Beaver, UT the desert surroundings may make you fee like you are not heading towards a ski destination, but as soon as you turn up UT Highway-153 that all changes.  Heading up the steep canyon road to Eagle Point, you will be stunned by the immediate change of scenery as sheer rock walls surround the road.  An alpine environment emerges full of spruce trees and increasingly impressive snow pack (the region averages between 400 and 500 inches of snow annually) as you gain elevation.

Upon reaching the base of the resort you will immediately realize that you are not at your typical ski resort.  The nearly empty parking lots are the first clue that this place is different.  There are no massive hotels or endless, sprawling condo complexes.  Head over to the Lookout chair and get some untracked lines on one of the many steep, open runs through the trees.  If you are looking for something a little mellower, the monarch and skyline chairs offer up a nice array of intermediate terrain.  When you feel inclined to get your jib on, Eagle point even has a terrain park and an 18-foot half pipe to play in.

The resort with its base elevation of 9,100 feet and a 1,400-foot vertical rise is impressive, but dwarfed by Lake Peak and the 12,001-foot Mt. Holly, which the resort backs up to.  Make sure you bring your touring gear because Eagle Point has backcountry access gates that allow you get the real goods that the Tushars have to offer.  Whether you head up Mt. Holly or Lake Peak, you will have the chance to get as steep and deep as you want.  There is also a backcountry yurt system, run by Tushar Mountain Tours’ Alec Hornstein, with yurts located as high as 10,400 feet in elevation, and over 100 square miles of guided backcountry terrain if you want to really get amongst it. skitushar.com

The modest base area is newly renovated with a great place to grab a burger and a beer at the Outpost Grill.  The bar frequently has live music playing and is a great spot to swap stories about how much powder you just skied without waiting in a single lift line.  This place has to be seen to be believed. With endless backcountry at your disposal, Eagle Point is the place to check out to get away from it all. 

-Tony Gill

More Info:

skieaglepoint.com