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Moonshot

Snowbasin

Long turns, fresh lines, and deep powder.

Freeride Skiing Moderate

Distance
503 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
230 m
Low Point
2.2 km
High Point
2.4 km
Gradient
34˚
Moonshot Map

Hit Moonshot at least once during any given day at Snowbasin. This run has consistently fresh lines even into the afternoon. The wind usually dumps snow into the area which means that even if there has not been a storm in a few days you can find thigh or waist deep powder. It has a long access and long exit traverse which deters a lot of the family and vacation skiers. Moonshot can only be accessed off of Strawberry Gondola. After exiting the gondola take Elk Ridge all the way down until you hit the intersection for Moonshine Bowl. Follow the path towards the ridge of Moonshine Bowl. You may have to side-step a bit if there has not been anyone there during the day. Stay on the ridge as you head down the first pitch of Moonshine Bowl. Eventually the ridge will trend to your right. Once it starts to trend right and descend in elevation you can begin to choose your line. The first few lines will have some sweet 5 foot cliff shots with great landings. Stay on the ridge and you can choose a more mellow line as you descend in elevation. As you take your line, you have two choices. You can either go all the way to the gully, which spills out on to Last Chance traverse. Or you can pause every 5 or 6 turns, and traverse so that you can stay high and extend your run on a steep pitch.

Description

Moonshot is a must-hit run from opening day to closing day. Once Strawberry Gondola is open you will be able to access Moonshot. During the early season and late season you may have to dodge some bushes or rocks. However during spring this is a perfect run for soft, deep, and slushy snow. If the temperatures are above 30 degrees and the sun is out then you definitely need to hit this run.

This run has little avalanche danger as ski patrol bombs the area daily.

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

between December and April

Features

  • Cliffs

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area