Overview
Big Cottonwood has a ton of great backcountry skiing options just outside of Salt Lake City. While it has more mellow terrain than neighboring LCC, you can still get yourself in trouble. In fact, some of the gnarliest lines in the Wasatch are actually in BCC (think Spindrift, Firing Squad, etc). The steeper/bigger terrain is lower in the canyon and features 5000 vertical foot runs such as Stairs Gulch. Higher up in the canyon the terrain opens up into casual areas like USA bowl, popular with beginners and those looking to avoid serious avalanche terrain. At the head of the canyon is Brighton and Solitude ski resorts, with the former offering uphill inbounds skiing in certain areas at certain times.
Skier access
Coming from the highway system, take the 6200 South exit off I-215. From the city, head towards Fort Union Blvd...the street that Skimo Co is on! At the top of Ft Union is the entrance to BCC, right by the busiest 7-11 in the country. There are a few trailheads for parking such as Spruces campground, and you can also park along the side of the road where there is enough room. It's possible to set up a shuttle and ski from Little Cottonwood over to Big, or vice versa.
