Overview
The Meadow Chutes is a general term for the east-facing slopes of lower Silver Fork Canyon. The proximity of this backcountry terrain to Solitude Mountain Resort places it among the more popular spots for ski tours, especially since the wide-open meadows are easy to salivate over from the Eagle Express and Honeycomb Return chairlifts.
While the terrain may seem benign from a distance, avalanches are common and some have been fatal. Even worse is all those nice, wide bowls funnel into nasty gullies and terrain traps. Steep rollovers mid-slope are where some of the deadliest avalanches have triggered. Needless to say, terrain management is of utmost importance here.
That being said, if you stick to the lower angle slopes and inside the aspen glades of the Meadow Chutes upper elevations, you’ll lessen your chances of getting caught in a slide.
The Route
Park at the Solitude Lower Lot and skin onto the road at the northwest corner. Take this road as it curves around into Silver Fork Canyon. From here, follow the summer trail up into the canyon. When you reach a large ridge covered in aspen trees on the west side of the canyon, skin up here. These trees are a more protected ascent route. Follow this to the top of the ridge where you can take your pick of descent lines.
Alternatively, if Solitude’s lot is packed and overflowing (usually the case these days) park at the Spruces Campground and ascend via Greens Basin. To do this, skin south into Days Fork, but then leave the main trail by skinning east to the top of a sub-ridge. Continue east until you reach Green’s Basin. Cross the meadow and resume climbing up the aspen-covered ridge (or the evergreen drainage) to the top.
Once at the top, you have some options. There are several east-facing runs that spill down to the bottom of Silver Fork Canyon. From the top of Point 9699 going south you’ve got Silver Spoon, Brad’s Line, Wheels Up, Football Field, and Doug’s Drop. I suggest skiing only until the lines get steep, then skinning back up for more laps. It is best to avoid the steep rollovers mid-slope.
To return, ski down the lower-angle aspens to the bottom of Silver Fork, or return via Green’s Basin back to the Spruces campground.
For a more detailed description with vital information, route-finding, and a map of the route, purchase Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes: Utah, published by Mountaineers Books.