In the world of skiing, the term "earning your turns" has long been a badge of honor, especially among backcountry enthusiasts. This phrase, which originated from skiers seeking untouched powder, refers to the practice of ascending mountains using human power rather than relying on ski lifts or other mechanized means. The reward? The exhilarating rush of skiing down pristine slopes, knowing that every step upward was earned through hard work and determination.

The Evolution of Uphilling

Traditionally, "earning your turns" involved specialized equipment such as touring bindings, climbing skins (originally made from seal skins), and boots designed for uphill travel. These tools allowed skiers to climb slopes that would otherwise be inaccessible. However, in recent years, a less extreme version of this practice, known as "uphilling," has gained popularity within the boundaries of US ski resorts. This trend has attracted a broader audience of skiers seeking a challenging workout combined with the joy of fresh tracks and fresh air.

According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), a trade association representing over 300 alpine resorts in the United States, the number of ski areas allowing uphill access has increased by nearly a third over the past decade. During the 2023/24 season, 65% of NSAA resorts permitted some form of uphill access, compared to just 33% in 2013/14. This surge in popularity reflects a growing interest in fitness-oriented activities that also offer a unique connection to nature.

The Allure of Uphilling

Uphilling offers a unique blend of physical challenge and communal experience. For many, it is not just about the workout but also about the sense of camaraderie that develops on the climb. Cara Marrs, a 55-year-old dietitian and avid uphiller from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, notes the shift in recent years. "Back in the day, there were not that many people on the ski area skinning up; it was more for backcountry skiing. But now people are doing it for fitness," she says. Steamboat Ski Resort, for instance, allows uphill access before 9 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m. daily, with participants required to purchase a $39 armband after watching a safety video and signing a waiver.

Brody Leven, a 37-year-old professional adventure skier and ski mountaineer based in Salt Lake City, Utah, emphasizes the social aspect of uphilling. "In the winter, the majority of the way that I and many skiers catch up with our friends is on the skin track, as we call it, which is on the hike up. You have so much quality time to talk with someone," he says. Leven, who has embraced a "human-powered" lifestyle for over a decade, notes that uphilling in-bounds at resorts is more accessible and safer than backcountry skiing. "There’s a huge variety of equipment, a huge variety of people. It can be casual, inexpensive, and generally safe. I think people are looking to get outdoors," he adds.

Equipment and Techniques

To engage in uphilling, skiers typically use specialized equipment such as climbing skins, which provide traction on the ascent, and touring bindings that allow for free heel movement. These tools make the climb more manageable and efficient. Some resorts also permit the use of "splitboards," which can be split into two halves for uphill travel and then reassembled for the descent.

The descent, of course, is the ultimate reward. "The uphill is where you get the workout. But the whole purpose is to get the downhill," says Marrs. For those who venture out early on powder days, the experience can be particularly rewarding. "If you go up on the ski area and it’s a powder day, and you’re going at 5:30 or six in the morning, you’re going to get the most delicious … first run down," she explains.

The Fitness and Fun Factor

For many, uphilling is not just about the physical challenge but also about the fun and sense of adventure. Terrin Abell, program manager at the Breckenridge Recreation Center in Colorado, was introduced to uphilling through a full moon ski event with friends. "A group of friends wanted to do a full moon ski, and that was my first experience with it," she recalls. Abell, who initially carried her snowboard up the mountain due to a lack of proper skis, quickly became hooked on the activity. She later invested in alpine touring skis to make her uphill adventures easier and more enjoyable.

Abell and her friends also participate in the Imperial Challenge, an annual rite of spring in Breckenridge that involves biking or running to the base of Peak 7 before transitioning to ski gear and climbing to the top of Peak 8. "I will be in a tutu, I will be in a costume. I do these things because I’m in it for the fun," she says.

Policy Variations and Considerations

While uphilling is gaining popularity, not all resorts allow it, and policies vary widely among those that do. Some resorts, like Aspen Snowmass in Colorado, offer liberal uphill access, permitting it from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. across three of its mountains (Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands). However, Aspen Mountain restricts uphilling during operating hours (9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) but allows it before and after. Designated "safe routes" are marked to ensure uphillers do not interfere with downhill skiers.

In contrast, Alta Ski Area in Utah prohibits uphill skiing during its operating season due to heavy equipment operations and avalanche mitigation efforts. However, the resort opens its terrain to backcountry skiers before and after the official ski season, emphasizing the importance of proper equipment and a partner for safety.

Arizona's Snowbowl Ski Resort allows uphill access only on designated routes that change with snowmaking, grooming, and weather conditions. Uphill access is permitted outside normal lift-operating hours, with specific times varying by day of the week. Snowbowl's uphill access permit is free, available online after signing a waiver.

The Future of Uphilling

The growing interest in uphilling reflects a broader trend toward outdoor fitness and adventure. As more resorts recognize the demand for this activity, they are likely to expand their policies and infrastructure to support it. The inclusion of ski mountaineering racing (skimo) as an Olympic sport in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games further validates the legitimacy and appeal of this pursuit.

For those new to uphilling, it is essential to familiarize themselves with the rules and safety considerations. Uphillers should stay on designated routes, yield to downhill skiers, and be aware of potential hazards such as grooming equipment and snowcats. Wearing brightly colored gear can also enhance visibility on the mountain.

Despite its challenges, uphilling offers a unique and rewarding experience. As Abell notes, the initial exertion and discomfort are worth it once you reach the summit and enjoy the descent. "The first couple times I’m like, ‘why am I doing it?’ But then the sun comes up, and you get to the top. Then you transition and ski down, and you’re like, ‘Wow, that was the best thing ever,’” she says.

Uphilling as a Path to Adventure and Connection

The rise of uphilling within US ski resorts represents a new frontier in ski culture, blending fitness, adventure, and community. As more resorts embrace this trend, they are opening their slopes to a broader audience seeking a unique and challenging experience. Whether for the thrill of fresh tracks, the camaraderie of the climb, or the simple joy of connecting with nature, uphilling offers something for everyone.

For those ready to take on the challenge, the rewards are clear: a sense of accomplishment, a deeper connection to the mountains, and the unparalleled thrill of skiing down untouched slopes. As the popularity of uphilling continues to grow, it is poised to become an integral part of the modern ski experience, offering a fresh perspective on an age-old pursuit.