For skiers and riders who come to Mount Snow looking for steep pitches, tight trees, and terrain that demands full attention, the North Face is where the mountain shows its teeth. This side of the resort has a reputation for being challenging, unapologetic, and deeply rewarding when conditions line up.
Staying close to the mountain makes it much easier to time your North Face laps properly. From Valley View Villa, you’re only a few minutes away, which means you can catch it when it’s freshly groomed, recently opened after snowfall, or simply quieter than the main faces.
This guide is written for confident, advanced to expert-level skiers and riders who want to know what actually matters before dropping in.
What makes the North Face different
The North Face at Mount Snow sits apart from the rest of the mountain in both feel and function. Trails here are steeper, narrower, and often more technical than what you’ll find off the main faces. Snow tends to stay colder, wind exposure is different, and traffic is lighter, especially midweek or early in the morning.
This is not beginner or intermediate terrain, and it’s not meant to be. The North Face rewards strong edge control, quick decision-making, and comfort skiing sustained steeps.
The core expert trails
While trail openings depend heavily on snow and grooming, several runs consistently define the North Face experience.
• Ripcord
Often cited as one of the steepest groomed trails at Mount Snow, Ripcord delivers a short but intense pitch that feels even steeper from the top. When freshly groomed, it’s a technical carving challenge. When firm, it demands respect.
• Free Fall
A classic expert run with sustained steep sections and less margin for error. Free Fall is usually a bit more forgiving than Ripcord but still firmly in expert territory.
• Chute
Chute combines pitch with a narrower fall line, creating a trail that feels enclosed and fast. It’s a favorite for strong skiers looking for a clean, aggressive descent.
Conditions change quickly here, and what feels manageable at 9 am can feel very different by lunchtime.
Tree skiing on the North Face
On good snow years, the North Face woods are a major draw. Tree lines here tend to be tighter and steeper than those on the main faces of the mountain. When open, they reward advanced skiers with soft snow, natural features, and fewer crowds.
Tree terrain on the North Face is best approached early in the day after snowfall. Lines get tracked quickly, and late-day refreeze can make exits tricky.
If tree skiing is a priority, check the snow report and lift status before committing your day to this side of the mountain.
Lift access and strategy
North Face access is primarily via the North Face chair, and that alone shapes the experience. Fewer lifts mean fewer casual laps, which helps keep traffic down but also means bottlenecks when conditions are prime.
Local strategy usually looks like this:
• Hit the North Face early if it’s freshly groomed or newly opened
• Avoid peak mid-day weekends unless you’re comfortable with crowds
• Loop back later in the afternoon when traffic thins again
Being close to the mountain makes this much easier to manage, especially if you can be flexible with timing.
When the North Face shines
The North Face is at its best:
• After overnight grooming
• After a cold snowfall that opens woods
• On clear, cold mornings before crowds arrive
It’s less enjoyable during freeze-thaw cycles or heavy icing, when the steeps can become punishing rather than fun.
If conditions aren’t lining up, it’s often smarter to spend the day elsewhere on the mountain and save the North Face for another lap.
Après-ski recovery back at the house
One of the underrated benefits of skiing the North Face is knowing what’s waiting afterward. After a demanding day on expert terrain, heading back to Valley View Villa for a soak in the hot tub, a relaxed dinner, and space to stretch out makes a real difference.
Hard skiing pairs well with low-effort evenings. Being close enough to come home quickly means you don’t have to rush or push tired legs longer than needed.
Final local advice
• Warm up before heading over, North Face terrain punishes cold legs
• Check grooming and lift reports before committing your day
• Don’t underestimate how quickly conditions can change
The North Face is not for everyone, and that’s exactly why it’s special. When you catch it at the right moment, it delivers some of the most satisfying expert skiing Mount Snow has to offer.
If you’re planning multiple ski days, mixing North Face laps with other terrain across the mountain keeps things fresh and helps you ski stronger all week.
